Editorial Consolidation (December) 2023

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Editorial Consolidation
01st December to 30th December 2023

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Content
z Strengthening the Industry-Academia Collaborations�� 3
z Unveiling Taboos: Sexual Education Perspectives in India�� 5
z A Blueprint for a More Agile Indian State�� 8
z Empowering Persons with Disabilities�� 10
z Uncovering The Hidden Costs of Agrifood Systems�� 12
z Assessing the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act�� 15
z Multidimensional Poverty Index: Flaws and Solutions�� 18
z India’s Challenges in South Asia�� 20
z India’s Green Future through BioCNG�� 23
z India’s Growth Strategy Amidst Shifting Dynamics�� 25
z Article 370: Decoding the Supreme Court Verdict�� 27
z Consultancy in Government: Navigating Pros and Cons�� 30
z COP 28: Charting the Roadmap for Climate Action�� 32
z Unraveling the Tapestry: Reservations and Caste Dynamics�� 36
z Decoding FRA 2006: Justice, Conservation, and Challenges�� 39
z Unmasking Left Wing Extremism in India�� 42
z India’s Anti-Defection Law: Challenges and Solutions�� 45
z India’s Ethanol Revolution: Progress & Challenges�� 47
z Transforming Indian Education: Towards Long-Term Vision�� 51
z Agricultural Capital Decline: Unveiling Causes and Cures�� 54
z Solving India’s Job Crisis�� 56
z India’s Cybersecurity Challenge: Threats and Strategies�� 58
z Assessing Make in India: Achievements and Challenges�� 61
z Plough to Plate: Natural Farming Unleashed�� 63
z Redefining Viksit Bharat�� 66
z India-Russia Ties: The Art of Diplomacy�� 68
Drishti Mains Questions�� 71-72
w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om EDITORIAL CONSOLIDATION DECEMBER 2023 3
Strengthening the Industry- Collaborative efforts often lead to innovative
solutions, best practice sharing, and exploration
Academia Collaborations of new avenues for industry-university
collaboration.
This editorial is based on “How universities and industry
¾ Culture of Excellence:
can collaborate” which was published in The Hindu on
Beyond knowledge exchange, industry-university
30/11/2023. It talks about the benefits and hurdles of
collaboration fosters talent development. This
industry-academia collaboration and suggests a holistic
interaction establishes a talent pipeline, fostering
approach for proficiently addressing these aspects. a culture of excellence and preparing the next
generation of professionals for industry challenges.
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Government Policies & Interventions, Issues ¾ Global Competitiveness:
Relating to Development, Human Resource Skill Development,
GS Paper - 3, Employment, Inclusive Growth, Industrial Policy, Countries with strong industry-academia
Industrial Growth, Industrial Policy, Industrial Growth. collaborations are often more competitive globally
“The correlation and collaboration between society due to a robust innovation ecosystem.
z India retains 40th rank out of 132 economies
and education are so complex that simplified explanations
cannot possibly give an adequate account of them. This in the Global Innovation Index 2023 rankings
published by the World Intellectual Property
remark is valid for the tasks which education assigns to
Organization (WIPO).
society and society to education reciprocally.”
-The UNESCO Report,1997on ‘ Learning to Be’
While collaborations between industry and academia
are recognized for mutual benefits, many Indian higher
education institutions (HEIs) neglect industry partnerships
and the potential of intellectual property (IP) and
technology transfers, missing opportunities for gains from
patents, licensing, and start-ups despite actively
conducting basic research.
Effectively overcoming challenges in industry-
academia collaborations requires a thorough and
multifaceted approach.
What are the Impediments
Why is to Industry-Academia Collaboration?
Industry-Academia Collaboration Important? ¾ Cross-Purpose Conflict:
Academics typically prioritize fundamental
¾ Practical Expertise and Academic Rigor:
research for establishing new concepts, while
Industry-Academia collaboration provides
industries focus on applied research for process
organizations with a blend of practical expertise improvement and short-term profits, creating a
and academic rigor. significant cross-purpose conflict.
Industry professionals contribute first-hand ¾ Cultural Differences:
knowledge of contract administration challenges, HEIs researchers, while examining company-
while universities offer research-based actionable provided data, may identify a need for increased
insights and cutting-edge theories. academic rigor and theoretical depth. In contrast,
¾ Research Commercialization: the company, prioritizing practical outcomes,
Collaboration provides opportunities for often lacks the time or expertise for extensive
universities to commercialize their research theoretical discussions, focusing instead on real-
world solutions, process improvements, or
through patents, licensing agreements, and the
product innovation.
establishment of start-up companies.
¾ Conflict of Intellectual Properties:
¾ Economic Growth:
The most significant concern is the conflict
Collaborations contribute to economic growth by between a university’s emphasis on protecting
fostering innovation, job creation, and the the right to publish and the industry’s need to
development of advanced technologies. safeguard patents and proprietary information.
4 EDITORIAL CONSOLIDATION DECEMBER 2023 www.d rish t i I A S. c o m
¾ Skill Gap: ¾ India Innovation Growth Programme (IIGP): It is

India’s education system faced criticism for its aimed at enhancing the Indian innovation
perceived lack of alignment with industry ecosystem by enabling innovators and
requirements, resulting in a disparity between the entrepreneurs through the stages of ideation,
skills graduates possessed and those demanded innovation, and acceleration, to develop
by the job market. technology-based solutions for tomorrow. This
¾ Unstructured Collaboration Frameworks: programme aims to build an innovation pipeline in
The lack of clearly defined and structured India through a high-impact programme focused
collaboration frameworks results in confusion, on the social and industrial innovation ecosystem.
lack of clarity, and challenges in establishing ¾ UGC Draft Guidelines: The recent UGC draft
mutually beneficial partnerships. guidelines on ‘Sustainable and Vibrant University-
¾ Resource Disparities: Industry Linkage System for Indian Universities’
Unlike developed countries, where industries have suggested the creation of an Industry Relation
often make substantial investments in research Cell (IRC) at the universities and a University
and development (R&D) at universities, Indian Relation Cell (URC) at companies for collaborations.
industries typically allocate a smaller portion of
their budgets to R&D partnerships with academia.
z In India, the government is responsible for
nearly 60% of R&D expenditures.
What are the Major Government Schemes

for Industry-Academia Collaboration in India?
How can Universities
¾ Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research
and Industries Collaborate in India?
Collaboration (SPARC)
¾ Impacting Research Innovation & Technology
¾ Short-term Collaborations:
(IMPRINT) Colleges or universities with minimal research
facilities can focus on short-term collaborations
¾ Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY)
with local manufacturing companies facing
¾ Research Park.
technical problems in their production line that
¾ NCCT (National Council for Cooperative Training): need a quick resolution.
Industry-academia linkages for the cooperative ¾ Long-term Research Collaborations:
societies are ensured through the continuous
Colleges or universities with good research
engagement of the sector experts and practitioners facilities and faculty expertise can partner with
in the various training, awareness, and other the industry for long-term research collaborations
academic programs run by NCCT, an autonomous that aim to develop cutting-edge technologies as
society under the Ministry of Cooperation. targeted under the initiatives like IMPRINT.
The additional benefit of such long-term
This requires boosting gross expenditure on R&D
collaborations is that students can work as interns from 0.7% of GDP currently, to at least the average
on research projects. They will then learn to level of Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research
handle deadlines, navigate failures, and collaborate and Development (GERD) in other top ten
with colleagues in the industry. economies of over 2%.
¾ Developing a Symbiotic Relationship: ¾ Private Sector Innovation:
HEIs and Industries should work on developing a Private companies should actively support and
symbiotic relationship. invest in startup ecosystems, fostering innovation
Industries in specific domains should collaborate by providing funding, mentorship, and resources
with research groups across different Universities to emerging entrepreneurs in India.
in the same domain to keep themselves abreast
of new research developments. Conclusion:
¾ Building Trust Through Open Dialogue: India has the opportunity to elevate the industry-
Engage in open dialogue to address potential
academia relationship as a central driver of economic
conflicts and foster flexibility in approaches, capabilities by transforming conflicts of interest into a
accommodating both academic and industry convergence of interests. The emerging generation of
priorities. confident research scholars and faculty, along with
dynamic startups, is crucial for positioning India as a
Establish trust through clear communication,
global innovation hub, with the young academia playing
mutual agreements on intellectual property, and
a key role in fostering the country’s growth.
non-disclosure agreements to protect sensitive
information. nnn
¾ Creating an Enabling Environment:
There should be clear agreements outlining the
scope of IPR rights, responsibilities, and outcomes
Unveiling Taboos: Sexual
of collaborations, along with a roadmap for the Education Perspectives in
research.
There should also be critical annual reviews by a
India
team of experts appointed by the funding agency This editorial is based on “Social justice, sexual
to examine the deliverables promised by the education, the need of our times” which was published
stakeholders. in The Hindu on 30/11/2023. It argues that India needs
a comprehensive and inclusive sexual education
curriculum that addresses issues such as gender,
sexuality, consent, violence, and diversity.
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Issues related to women

In Indian sexual education, caste and gender
significantly influence the experiences of young
individuals. The media often highlights conflicts arising
from caste differences among young people, and legal
issues related to relationships crossing caste boundaries.
It’s crucial to understand the connection between social
change and sexuality, emphasizing the need for relevant
education. Empowering youth with critical thinking and
a commitment to social justice can help address these
challenges, fostering a more cohesive and inclusive
society.
What is the Significance of Sexual Education?

¾ Increase Spending on R&D and Innovation: ¾ Social Justice: Sexual education is an integral part of
There should be adequate government funding social justice education. It goes beyond the
for suitable research grants. biological aspects of reproduction and includes
teachings about respecting gender identities and Caste can affect sexual education by creating
fostering healthy interpersonal relationships. barriers to access, quality, and content of sexual
By imparting knowledge about consent, personal education for different groups, especially those
boundaries, and ways to prevent sexual abuse, who are marginalized and oppressed by the
sexual education contributes to creating a more dominant castes.
equitable and just society. z For example, some studies have found that
¾ Legal Recognition and Right to Education: Recent lower caste students face discrimination,
judgments, such as the one from the Calcutta High harassment, and violence in schools, which
Court, affirm that children have a right to access can limit their opportunities to learn about
sexual education and sexual and reproductive sexuality and reproductive health.
health services. Caste can also shape the norms and values that
When education is considered a fundamental influence sexual behaviour, attitudes, and choices
right, sexual education naturally becomes an of different groups.
essential component of it, ensuring that young z For example, some castes may have more
people are equipped with the knowledge conservative or patriarchal views on sexuality,
necessary for their well-being. gender roles, and marriage, while others may
¾ Positive Impact on Behavior: Research indicates that have more liberal or egalitarian views.
it has been shown to delay the onset of the first ¾ Gender: Gender is a social construct that defines the
sexual intercourse, reduce its frequency, and roles, expectations, and behaviors of men and
mitigate risky sexual behavior. women in a given society.
By providing comprehensive information, sexual
Gender can impact sexual education by creating
education can empower individuals to make
gender inequalities and stereotypes that affect
informed choices regarding their sexual health.
the needs, experiences, and outcomes of sexual
¾ Understanding Gender Constructs: Sexual education education for different genders.
helps students understand the those within the
z For example, some studies have found that girls
LGBTQA+ spectrum, it contributes to a more inclusive
in India face more barriers than boys to access
and accepting society. This understanding can lead
sexual education, such as lack of privacy,
to improved relationships and interactions among
safety, and mobility, as well as social stigma,
individuals of different genders.
shame, and fear.
¾ Transformation of Gender Relationships:
Gender can also influence the content and
Implementing sexual education in schools has the
delivery of sexual education, which may be
potential to transform gender relationships both at
home and in society. By promoting respect, biased or incomplete, and fail to address the
understanding, and open communication, it can diversity and complexity of gender identities and
contribute to breaking down stereotypes and expressions, such as those of transgender and
fostering healthier attitudes toward gender roles. non-binary people.
¾ Health and Well-being: India also has the third- What Additional Obstacles
highest number of people living with HIV in the
Does Sexual Education Encounter in India?
world. By learning about the dangers of unprotected
sex and the ways to avoid sexually transmitted ¾ Resistance from States: Some state governments and
infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS, individuals can protect sections believe it violates “Societal values”. They
themselves and their partners from these diseases. may oppose discussing sex and sexuality openly, as
¾ The NFHS-5 report found that 22% of women and they consider it immoral and inappropriate. This can
31% of men in the 15-49 age group have lead to silence, misinformation, and myths about
comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. sexual health.
The states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya
How Caste and Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have banned or refused
Gender Impact Sexual Education in India? to implement sex education in schools to preserve
¾ Caste: Caste is a system of social stratification that culture.
divides people into hierarchical groups based on their ¾ Conservative Attitude: Sexual education in India
birth, and ritual purity. faces several barriers, such as conservative attitudes,
limited availability, and lack of engagement. Many Initiatives like the Adolescent Reproductive and
people view sexual education as promoting Sexual Health Strategy (ARSH) and the National
promiscuity and immorality, which can make it Adolescent Health Programme (RKSK) should be
difficult to implement comprehensive sexual expanded to reach a wider audience, including
education programs. pre-adolescents.
¾ Limited Curriculum: Many schools in India do not ¾ Legal Literacy in Sexual Relationships: As courts
provide adequate or quality sex education, and debate the criminalization of consensual sexual
teachers may lack the necessary training and relationships among adolescents, the education
sector should provide clarity on the legal aspects of
materials to deliver it effectively. Some schools only
such relationships.
focus on the biological aspects of sex, while others
This involves educating students about their
ignore the topic altogether or conduct workshops on
rights, responsibilities, and the legal framework
health and hygiene instead.
surrounding sexual interactions.
¾ Language Barrier: Absence of vocabulary in regional
¾ Teacher Training: To effectively implement sexual
languages for discussing concepts like consent. India education, there should be a focus on training
has a diverse linguistic landscape, and many terms teachers. Workshops, seminars, and training
related to sexual health may not have equivalents in programs can equip educators with the necessary
local languages. This can make it difficult to knowledge, skills, and sensitivity to address diverse
communicate effectively and sensitively about sexual issues related to sexual education in the classroom.
health issues. ¾ Utilizing Existing Resources: Various international
¾ Lack of Political Will: Political parties and leaders and national bodies have developed curricula,
often exhibit reluctance to promote sexual education, teaching aids, and materials for sexual education such
aiming to appease conservative groups and align with as the IPPF Framework for Comprehensive Sexuality
their ideologies. For instance, practices such as Education (CSE). Leveraging these existing resources
female genital mutilation are still prevalent in various can streamline the development of educational
materials and ensure a standardized approach to
parts of the world, and India is no exception to this
sexual education across schools.
trend.
¾ Community Engagement and Support: In order to
What Should be the Way Forward? create a supportive environment, community
engagement is crucial. Involving parents, guardians,
¾ Government Commitment and Implementation: The and community leaders in discussions about the
government should play a pivotal role in championing importance of sexual education can help dispel myths
sexual education as a crucial component of the school and foster a more open and accepting atmosphere.
curriculum. Adequate funding, policy support, and ¾ Regular Updates and Evaluation: The landscape of
sustainable initiatives are essential to ensure the sexual education is dynamic, and curricula should be
effective implementation of sexual education regularly updated to reflect evolving societal norms,
programs. scientific understanding, and legal changes.
The government must bring all the states on board Continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of
and encourage them to promote sexual education. sexual education programs will ensure their
¾ Integration into School Curriculum: Sexual education relevance and impact.
should be seamlessly integrated into the general
Conclusion:
school curriculum, emphasizing its importance in
fostering a perceptive understanding of gender A holistic approach that combines government
commitment, educational integration, legal literacy,
relationships, challenging stereotypes, and promoting
teacher training, resource utilization, community
respectful and healthy sexual behaviours.
engagement, and continuous evaluation is essential for
This integration can be achieved through the way forward in sexual education in India. By
collaboration with educational experts, addressing these aspects collectively, India can progress
psychologists, and sociologists. towards fostering a generation that is well-informed,
¾ Early and Age-Appropriate Education: Recognizing respectful, and equipped to navigate healthy sexual
the natural curiosity of children, sexual education relationships.
should commence at an early age. nnn
A Blueprint for metrics, such as the tax-GDP ratio and public

expenditure-GDP ratio. Be it public goods provisions,
a More Agile Indian State welfare payments, or the justice system, it is a story
of scarcity rather than surplus.
This editorial is based on “Improving the capability of
the Indian state” which was published in The Hindu on Due to an inadequate state capability, governments
02/12/2023. This article discusses the paradox of the at the Centre and States end up outsourcing
Indian state being too big and yet too small, and the services that are better provided by the public
challenges of enhancing its capability to deliver public sector, such as primary health.
goods and services. ¾ Perverse Incentives and Skill Gap: One of the main
problems is the perverse incentives created by public
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Issues Relating to Development, Executive institutions and the skill gap among officials. These
The Indian state is a paradox of too big and yet too factors have eroded the ability of the political
small. Try setting up a business or building a house in an executive and civil services to make and implement
urban area, and one will quickly realize how the thicket sound policies.
of the licenses, permits, clearances, and permissions can ¾ Extreme Concentration of Powers: There is an
make life impossible. Even as an ordinary citizen, one can extreme concentration of policy making and
never be sure to be on the right side of the law and the implementation powers in India.
circuitous regulations.
Moreover, restrictions on the frontline personnel
What is the Position of the to decide on implementation-related issues

Indian State Compared to Other States? foster a culture of mistrust and lack of
accountability for poor implementation.
¾ The Weberian state in India is too small. In the G-20
group, the country has the smallest number of civil ¾ Technocratic Gap: The top policymakers exhibit a lack
servants per capita. of technocratic skills to govern an increasingly
complex economy. In the absence of adequate
¾ The public sector share in total employment in India
(at 5.77%) is half the corresponding figures for capability to deal with economic, financial, contract
Indonesia and China, and just about a third of that and other technical matters, the Centre and the
in the United Kingdom. States hire consultancy firms.
¾ With approximately 1,600 per million, the number According to media reports, the central
of central government personnel in India pales in government paid over ₹500 crore in the last five
comparison to 7,500 in the United States. years to outsource crucial tasks to the big five
¾ Similarly, the per capita number of doctors, teachers, consultancy firms, i.e., PricewaterhouseCoopers,
town planners, police, judges, firefighters, inspectors Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG and McKinsey.
for food and drugs, and regulators is the lowest even ¾ Lack of Strength of Staff with Market Watchdogs:
among countries at a similar stage of development. There is a lack of strength of professional staff with
market watchdogs - the Securities and Exchange
What is a Weberian State?
Board of India (SEBI), and the Reserve Bank of India
¾ A Weberian State is a concept developed by
(RBI).
German sociologist Max Weber. He says: A modern
SEBI has just about 800 professionals, whereas
state is a system of administration and law which
is modified by state and law and which guides the its counterpart in the U.S., the U.S. Securities and
collective actions of the executive staff; the Exchange Commission, has more than 4,500
executive is regulated by statute likewise, and experts to govern the corporates.
claims authority over members of the association Similarly, the professional staff strength of the
(those who necessarily belong to the association RBI, less than 7,000, is tiny when compared to
by birth) but within a broader scope over all actively the US Federal Reserve which is assisted by 22,000
taking place in the territory over which it exercises odd professionals.
domination. ¾ Weak Oversight and Audit Practices: Another
problem is the narrowly scoped audits by the
What are the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. It
Challenges before the Indian State? encourages the finance and administrative divisions
¾ Outsourcing Services due to Inadequate State in government to focus on compliance with rules
Capability: The Indian state is relatively small on the rather than policy objectives.
The tendency of the other oversight agencies, i.e., state capability feed each other can be broken by
the Central Vigilance Commission, the Central delegating financial and administrative powers to
Bureau of Investigation and courts to use the frontline functionaries or street-level bureaucrats,
hindsight information without appreciating the with clearly defined processes for using them.
context has made the bureaucrats averse to ¾ Normalize the Lateral Entr y Culture: An
exercising discretion in policy matters. institutionalised and regular lateral entry at the mid
Officials prefer to cancel big contracts even when and senior levels can help fill the civil services’ size
granting extensions would be better. and technocratic gap.
z The net outcome is delayed procurement of Qualified officers in non-IAS services (such as the
goods and services and unnecessary Indian Revenue, Economic and Statistical Services)
contractual disputes. should get a fair shot at high-level positions if
¾ Problematic Appointment of Retired Officers: The they have the talent and the expertise required.
appointment of retired officers to regulatory bodies Also, Civil servants at different levels can be
and tribunals is also a problem. The beneficiaries of
provided subject-specific training under Mission
such appointments enjoy hefty salaries without
Karmayogi (National Programme for Civil Services
compromising the pensionary benefits from past
Capacity Building).
services.
¾ Sensitizing the Regulatory Agencies: Appealing
This makes civil servants susceptible to political
against arbitration and court awards have become
manipulation and influences their in-service
decisions. the default mode by officials, making the government
the biggest litigator.
¾ Reduced Efficacy of the Public Sector: The political
economy of the public sector also undermines its To fix this, the oversight agencies must be
efficacy. The performance-linked pay and incentive sensitised to appreciate the context of policy
schemes such as bonuses, which work well in the decisions. They should factor in the costs
private sector, are not very effective in the public associated with the actual decisions as well as
sector. their alternatives.
In India, the salary in the public sector is much ¾ Increase the retirement Age: The appointment of
higher (not proportionate to the nature of the retired officers to regulatory bodies often makes civil
job), specially due to the substantial salary hikes servants susceptible to political manipulation.
by the 6th Pay and the 7th Pay Commissions. The problem can be fixed by increasing the
Except at the top, for most of the skill spectrum, retirement age to say 65 for all government jobs,
public sector salaries are much higher than and making an absolute upper limit for all
private wages. It breeds corruption in appointments.
appointments as it makes government jobs very
¾ Reform Public Sector Employment: The public sector
lucrative for all, socially driven or not.
must attract intrinsically motivated individuals to
What Should be the Way Ahead? contribute to the social good.
Because of job security and better working
¾ Separate Policymaking and Implementation:
conditions, the risk and skill-adjusted pay in the
Experiences of countries such as Australia, Malaysia
and the United Kingdom show that separating public sector should be lower than what it is in
policymaking and implementation responsibilities the private sector.
expedites execution and encourages innovations, z One possible solution could be the moderate
making the programmes better suited to local pay raises by the future Pay Commission and
contexts. a reduction in the upper age limit for
The National Highways Authority of India, which government jobs.
is tasked with executing national highway projects, ¾ Create Jobs in the Private Sector: High economic
while policy decisions are made at the ministry growth that throws up many lucrative jobs in the
level. This arrangement has drastically reduced private sector will make government jobs less
delays and cost overruns. appealing for those who are money minded. It can
¾ Delegate Financial and Administrative Powers: The reduce corruption and increase the chances of
vicious cycle wherein poor delegation and a deficient socially-driven individuals joining the government.
Conclusion: What is the Status of Disability in India?

India’s governance paradox requires comprehensive According to the World Bank, 5–8% of India’s
reforms like separating policymaking from execution, population have disabilities. The NSSO estimates that
empowering frontline workers, and adjusting retirement 2.2% of the population is disabled. The NFHS-5 survey
age. These changes aim to enhance administrative (2019–21) found that 4.52% of the population has a
efficiency and attract those committed to social good. By disability.
revitalizing its state machinery, India can emerge as a
global model of effective governance. What Challenges
nnn Do People with Disabilities Face in India?
¾ Limited Awareness: The first hurdle is the lack of
awareness about the government schemes and
Empowering benefits available for people with disabilities.
Persons with Disabilities This issue is more pronounced in rural areas where
information dissemination is challenging.
This editorial is based on “India, disability inclusion and ¾ Lack of Accessibility and Infrastructure: Many public
the power of ‘by’” which was published in The Hindu places, such as schools, hospitals, transport systems,
on 04/12/2023. The article highlights the challenges and government offices, are not designed to
faced by persons with disabilities in India, such as accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.
poverty, discrimination, lack of access to education, This limits their mobility, education, health care,
health, social protection, and employment opportunities. and participation in social and civic activities.
It also cites some positive examples of disability
According to UNICEF, children with disabilities are
inclusion initiatives.
often excluded from such spaces and therefore
miss out on the critical initiatives that aim to
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Issues Related to Disability, Government improve their health and well-being.
Policies & Interventions
¾ Limited Access to Education and Employment:
Disability as an identity and entity exists at the Persons with disabilities in rural areas often face
intersection of multiple vulnerabilities — social, economic restricted access to education and employment
and gender — with each facet requiring careful opportunities.
consideration when conceptualising action for equity.
The lack of inclusive educational institutions and
Globally, 1.3 billion people live with some form of
vocational training centers can hinder their ability
disability. Of them, 80% live in developing countries;
to acquire necessary skills and participate in the
further, 70% of them live in rural areas.
workforce.
Current systems are designed for persons without
¾ Exclusion from Developmental Schemes: Some
disabilities and end up being exclusionary to people with
developmental schemes may inadvertently exclude
disabilities, resulting in them experiencing higher
persons with disabilities, leading to their exclusion
instances of poverty, lack of access to education and
from critical initiatives.
opportunities, informality and other forms of social and
One example is vaccination campaigns that do not
economic discrimination.
take into account the accessibility and
What is the Definition of Disability in India? communication needs of persons with disabilities,
such as ramps, sign language interpreters, or
¾ According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
braille materials.
Act, 2016, a person with a disability is someone who
has a long-term impairment that affects their ¾ Perception and Stigma: Persons with disabilities are
physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory abilities. sometimes viewed as objects of charity rather than
as autonomous beings capable of making meaningful
This impairment prevents them from participating
contributions to society.
fully and effectively in society.
This perception can lead to social stigma,
¾ The four main categories of disability are:
discrimination, and exclusion from decision-
Behavioural or emotional
making processes, further exacerbating their
Sensory impaired disorders challenges.
Physical ¾ Agricultural Dependence and Climate Change Risks:
Developmental Rural areas in India often have a high dependence
on agriculture, and persons with disabilities in these What Measures Should be Taken to Improve
areas are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of Conditions of Persons with Disabilities?
climate change.
¾ Enhancing Employment Opportunities: There is a
Reduced access to clean water and food,
need to create more job opportunities for persons
hurricanes, heatwaves, and floods pose
with disabilities, and to provide them with adequate
heightened risks to their livelihoods, health, and
training, skill development, and support.
overall well-being.
The government and the private sector should
¾ Lack of Legal and Policy Support: India has ratified
implement the provisions of the RPWD Act 2016,
the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
which mandate 4% reservation for persons with
Disabilities (CRPD) in 2007, and enacted the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) in 2016, disabilities in government jobs, and incentives
which provides a legal framework for the protection for employers who employ persons with
and empowerment of people with disabilities. disabilities.
However, there are gaps and challenges in the
CSR initiatives can also play a role in promoting
implementation and enforcement of these laws inclusive and accessible workplaces for persons
and policies, and many people with disabilities are with disabilities.
still unaware of their entitlements and remedies. ¾ Improving Accessibility and Infrastructure: There is
a need to make public places, such as schools,
What are the Initiatives for
hospitals, transport systems, and government offices,
he Empowerment of Disabled People?
more accessible and user-friendly for persons with
¾ The Spark Project: The ILO and the International
disabilities.
Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in
collaboration with the Women’s Development This can be done by adopting universal design
Corporation in Maharashtra, are implementing the principles, providing ramps, lifts, signages, tactile
Sparking Disability Inclusive Rural Transformation paths, assistive devices, and other facilities that
(SPARK) project. cater to the diverse needs of persons with
Through this project, persons with disabilities
disabilities.
were put in the lead, being identified from the The government should also ensure the
villages, and trained as Disability Inclusion implementation and monitoring of the Accessible
Facilitators (DIFs). India Campaign, which aims to make public
z The DIFs engage with the community, buildings and transport systems accessible for
persons with disabilities, caregivers of persons with disabilities.
persons with disabilities, women from self- ¾ Raising Awareness and Sensitivity: There is a need
help groups and other stakeholders to raise to raise awareness and sensitise people about the
awareness about disability inclusion and rights and abilities of persons with disabilities, and
barriers to inclusion. to combat the myths and misconceptions that
z The DIFs identify women with disabilities and surround them.
mainstream them in existing self-help groups
This can be done by conducting campaigns,
for social and economic development, where
workshops, seminars, and cultural events that
these women have been able to access funds
showcase the talents and achievements of
to start an enterprise.
persons with disabilities, and by involving them
The SPARK project has been able to bring an
in decision-making and leadership roles.
attitudinal shift towards persons with disabilities,
right from the societal to administrative levels. The media and the education system can also play
a role in creating a positive and respectful image
¾ Unique Disability Identification Portal
of persons with disabilities, and in promoting a
¾ Accessible India Campaign
culture of inclusion and diversity.
¾ DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme
¾ Strengthening Legal and Policy Support: There is a
¾ Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/
need to strengthen the legal and policy framework
fitting of Aids and Appliances
for the protection and empowerment of persons with
¾ National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities
disabilities, and to ensure its effective implementation
¾ Unique ID for persons with disabilities (UDID) card and enforcement.
The government should allocate adequate What is the Hidden

resources and funds for the welfare schemes and Cost of Food and Agriculture?
programs for persons with disabilities, and
¾ Hidden Costs of agrifood systems include
monitor their outcomes and impact. environmental costs from greenhouse gas and
The government should also ensure the nitrogen emissions, water use, land-use change,
participation and consultation of persons with health hidden costs from losses in productivity due
disabilities and their organisations in the to unhealthy dietary patterns, and social hidden costs
formulation and review of laws and policies that from poverty and productivity losses associated with
affect them. undernourishment.
The government should also raise awareness and ¾ The State of Food and Agriculture 2023 is the FAO’s
the capacity of the judiciary, the police, and the first attempt to assess the hidden costs of agrifood
administration to deal with the issues and systems at a national level across 154 countries.
grievances of persons with disabilities.
What are the Key
¾ Capacity-Building at Grassroots Level: To bridge the
Highlights of the Report In Global Context?
gap between government policies and the people
they are meant for, there is a need for capacity- ¾ The global quantified hidden costs of agrifood
systems were approximately 12.7 trillion dollars at
building at the grassroots level.
purchasing power parity (PPP) in 2020, equivalent
Community leaders play a crucial role in to almost 10 % of world GDP in PPP terms.
advocating for the rights and benefits of persons
¾ Globally, 73% of the quantified hidden costs in 2020
with disabilities, and their training is essential to
were associated with dietary patterns that led to
ensure the effective implementation of these obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs),
initiatives. causing labor productivity losses.
nnn ¾ The quantified environmental hidden costs from
agriculture, accounting for more than 20% of
quantified hidden costs, are equivalent to almost
Uncovering The Hidden one-third of agricultural value added.
On the social side, it is estimated that the incomes
Costs of Agrifood Systems ¾
of the moderately poor working in agrifood systems
This editorial is based on “The need to transform agri- need to increase by 57 % in low-income countries
food systems ” which was published in The Hindu on and 27 % in lower-middle-income countries, to
ensure they are above the moderate poverty line.
05/12/2023. It talks about the hidden costs of agri-food
systems and explores their impact on health, ¾ It highlights the urgent need to factor these costs
environment, and society. into decision-making to transform agrifood systems.
What did the

Tag: GS Paper - 3, Cropping Patterns, Modes of Irrigation, Direct
Report say in the Context of India?
& Indirect Farm Subsidies Employment, Inclusive Growth,
Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Industrial Policy. ¾ India’s total hidden costs of agrifood systems were
The agriculture sector, responsible for growing, approximately USD 1.1 trillion, the third largest in
processing, and distributing food, sustains jobs and the world after China and the United States (US).
livelihoods for over a billion people. ¾ India’s share was 8.8%, out of the global quantified
USD 12.7 trillion hidden costs associated with
We are currently at a crucial point as we confront
agrifood systems, while China contributed 20% and
increasing global challenges, including issues of
US contributed 12.3%, as per the FAO’s report.
insufficient food availability, limited access to food, and
¾ In India, the burden of disease (productivity losses
affordability concerns. At the same time, hidden
from dietary patterns) had the largest share (60%)
environmental, social, and health costs arise due to the
among hidden costs, followed by the social cost of
negative impacts of food production and farming. poverty among agrifood workers (14%) and then the
In its report, The State of Food and Agriculture 2023, environmental cost of nitrogen emissions (13%).
the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization ¾ It emphasizes the importance of repurposing support
(FAO) unpacks these ‘hidden costs’ of our agrifood to transform agri-food systems to deliver healthy
systems and explores their impact. and environmentally sustainable diets to all.
How are Intensive Agricultural monthly household income of a farming household

Practices Impacting the Hidden Costs in India? sits at ₹10,816 only.
¾ Impact on Ecology:
¾ Impact on Society:
Decline in Soil Fertility: Practices like monoculture
Collapse of Indigenous System: The introduction of
and intensive farming without proper crop rotation
seeds bought from multinational corporations and
can deplete specific nutrients from the soil.
the use of fertilizers have eroded seed sovereignty,
Excessive Extraction of Groundwater: Agriculture
disrupted Indigenous knowledge systems, and led
in India heavily relies on irrigation to ensure
to a transition from a variety of crops like pulses
consistent and sufficient water supply for crops. This
and millets to single-crop plantations.
trend resulted in excessive extraction of groundwater
¾ On the other hand, the traditional farming approach which has adverse ecological consequences.
in India boasts a broader range of crops, offering ¾ Impact on Health: The expansion of rice and
stability and aligning more with nature. In the Garhwal sugarcane cultivation affects biodiversity, increases
Himalayan region of India, Barahnaja is a crop the pressure on groundwater resources, and
diversification system for cultivating 12 crops in a year. contributes to air and water pollution.
Increased Debtness: This privatization and
deregulation of agricultural inputs also increased What is the Way Forward to Minimize the
indebtedness among agrarian households. In Hidden Costs of Agrifood Systems in India?
2013, the debt-to-asset ratio of a farmer’s ¾ Crop Diversification: Promote crop diversification
household in India was 630% higher than in 1992. and rotation to enhance soil fertility, reduce the risk
Low Agrarian Income: Agriculture in India has of pests and diseases, and improve overall resilience
increasingly become unviable, the average in agriculture
.
¾ Cultivating Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties: z Drip and Sprinkler irrigation is used to maximize
Combine traditional agricultural knowledge with water use efficiency and reduce environmental
modern scientific methods to identify and utilize crop negative impacts.
varieties that have historically demonstrated ¾ Variable Rate Fertilization: It is an agricultural
resilience to local climate conditions. practice that involves adjusting the application of
fertilizers across a field based on variations in soil
z For instance, drought-tolerant maize varieties
nutrient levels, crop requirements, and other
have been developed and disseminated in sub-
relevant factors
Saharan Africa, benefiting millions of
z Variable rate fertilization can be achieved by
smallholder farmers.
using soil testing, remote sensing, and precision
¾ Precision Irrigation: It aims to maximize water use agriculture technologies to tailor fertilizer
efficiency, ensuring that each drop of water application to the specific needs of each crop
contributes effectively to plant growth. and field.
¾ Government Policy Changes: same generation with fair compensation strategies
Government policy changes can mitigate hidden for farmers.
agrifood costs through taxation, subsidies, and Interspecies Justice: Reject human exceptionalism
legislation. and properly account for, protect, and regenerate
By sharing risks and responsibilities, both public the value of biodiversity and ecosystems.
and private entities can work together to manage ¾ FAO’s True Cost Accounting Approach:
and mitigate challenges in the agricultural sector. The FAO’s true cost accounting approach – which
¾ Building Justice into the Agrifood Business: values the industry’s environmental, social,
Intergenerational Justice: Take responsibility for health, and economic costs and benefits – can be
and address the negative historical impacts of used to tackle the hidden costs of agrifood
agrifood business. companies.
Intragenerational Justice: It focuses on ensuring It will include regulating the way businesses
equitable distribution of resources within the produce, process, and promote their products.
Conclusion:
As we stand at the precipice of an environmental crisis, it is evident that our current trajectory is pushing the
Earth’s system beyond safe and just boundaries. We possess the potential not only to avert further damage but to
instigate a just and transformative shift that can recalibrate our relationship with the planet. The first crucial step lies
in drawing attention to the pressing need for a profound and equitable transformation of our food system.
Assessing the Unlawful Tag: GS Paper - 3, Various Security Forces & Agencies & Their
Mandate, Terrorism in Hinterland & Border Areas
Activities Prevention Act The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) is
This editorial is based on “The case of delayed bail and India’s toughest terror law with some alleged draconian
trial” which was published in The Hindustan times on provisions. A lot of leeway is given to its form and
05/12/2023. The article talks about the Unlawful operation because this country has been bruised by acts
Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and challenges of terrorism multiple times. Yet, a comparison of the data
associated with it. from the National Crime Records Bureau’s ‘Crime in
India’ (for 2022) on the time taken to file charge sheets enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to
under different laws makes for a disturbing reading. combat terrorism effectively. It allows for the
Charge sheets in close to 50% of UAPA cases have been designation of individuals and organizations as
filed at least a year after the FIR was registered — 15% terrorists, making it easier to investigate, prosecute,
of these charge sheets took more than two years. and prevent terror-related activities.
For example, the government designated several
What is Unlawful individuals and organizations as terrorists under
Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)? the UAPA, such as Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed,
Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, Dawood Ibrahim, Lashkar-
¾ It was first enacted in 1967 to deal with secessionist
e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and others. This
movements and anti-national activities.
enabled the government to freeze their assets,
¾ It was amended several times, most recently in 2019, ban their travel, and impose sanctions on them.
to include provisions related to terrorist financing,
¾ Preventive Detention: The UAPA allows for preventive
cyber-terrorism, individual designation, and seizure
detention of individuals suspected of being involved
of property.
in unlawful activities. Proponents argue that this
¾ It empowers the National Investigati on A ge nc y provision is essential for preventing potential threats
(NIA) to investigate and prosecute cases under UAPA before they materialize, especially in cases where
across the country. there may not be enough evidence for a formal trial.
¾ It provides for the death penalty and life For example, Safoora Zargar, a student activist
imprisonment as the highest punishments for who was arrested and detained under the UAPA
terrorist acts. for allegedly being part of a conspiracy to incite
¾ It allows for the detention of suspects without communal riots in Delhi in 2020. The government
charge or trial for up to 180 days, and for the denial alleged that she was associated with a banned
of bail to the accused unless the court is satisfied that extremist group and was involved in organizing
they are not guilty. anti-CAA protests.
¾ It defines unlawful activity as any action that ¾ Global Commitments: Supporters contend that the
supports or incites the cession or secession of any UAPA is in line with India’s international commitments
part of India, or that questions or disrespects its to combat terrorism. The legislation aligns with
sovereignty and territorial integrity. global efforts to address transnational terrorism and
¾ It defines terrorism as any act that causes or intends provides a legal framework for cooperation with
to cause death or injury to any person, or damage other nations in the fight against terrorism.
or destruction to any property, or that threatens the For example, the government ratified the United
unity, security or economic stability of India or any Nations Convention for the Suppression of the
other country. Financing of Terrorism in 2019 and amended the
UAPA to incorporate its provisions. The
What are the Arguments amendment enabled the government to
in favor and Arguments against UAPA? criminalize the financing of terrorism and impose
obligations on financial institutions to report
Arguments in Favor:
suspicious transactions.
¾ National Security: Advocates argue that the UAPA is
¾ Effective Prosecution: UAPA is perceived as a robust
crucial for safeguarding national security. The law legal tool that facilitates the prosecution of
empowers the government to take preventive individuals involved in unlawful activities. The law
measures against individuals and organizations that allows for the use of intercepted communications,
are involved in or support terrorism and other electronic evidence, and other modern investigative
activities that threaten the security of the nation. techniques, making it easier to build a case against
For example, Stan Swamy, a Jesuit priest, and those engaged in terrorist activities.
activist, who was booked under the UAPA for For example, the government used the UAPA to
inciting violence during a Dalit meeting in January prosecute and convict Ajmal Kasab, the lone
2018. The government alleged that he was linked surviving terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai terror
to a banned Maoist group and was part of a attacks. The government relied on the CCTV
conspiracy to overthrow the state. footage, phone records, confessions, and forensic
¾ Counterterrorism Measures: UAPA is seen as a evidence to prove his involvement in the attacks.
comprehensive legislation that provides law He was sentenced to death and executed in 2012.
¾ Deterrence: The UAPA is seen as a deterrent against What is the Judiciary’s View?
individuals and organizations that might be inclined
¾ In Arup Bhuyan vs State Of Assam (2011) the Supreme
to engage in activities detrimental to the security
Court ruled that mere membership of a banned
of the nation. The severe penalties and legal
organisation will not incriminate a person. It can be
consequences prescribed by the law are intended to
done if a person resorts to violence or incites people
discourage individuals from participating in or
to violence or does an act intended to create disorder.
supporting unlawful activities.
¾ In The People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of
For example, in the case of the 2001 Parliament
India (2004), the Court had decreed that if human
attack, which killed 14 people and injured 22. The
rights are violated in combating terrorism, it will be
government used the UAPA to impose severe
self-defeating.
penalties on those who were found guilty of
conspiring and executing the attack. Among them, ¾ In Union of India v. K A Najeeb (2021), the Supreme
Afzal Guru was hanged in 2013. Court said that notwithstanding restrictions on bail
under the UAPA, constitutional courts can still allow
Arguments Against:
bail if they perceive that the accused’s fundamental
¾ Violative to Fundamental Rights: The law violates
rights have been violated.
the fundamental rights of freedom of expression,
¾ In the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of
assembly, and association guaranteed by the
Constitution. It criminalizes dissent and protest, and India (2018), the Court said that uprisings against
can be used to target activists, journalists, students, governmental and parliamentary actions are
and minorities who raise their voice against the legitimate. Though such protests and assemblies are
government. supposed to be peaceful and non-violent.
¾ Lacks Safeguard Mechanism: The law lacks adequate What Measures should be taken to Reform the UAPA?
safeguards and accountability mechanisms to
¾ Amend the Law: Narrow down the definition of
prevent misuse and abuse of power by the authorities.
“unlawful activity” and “terrorist act” to exclude
It gives the central government the sole discretion
constitutionally protected activities such as peaceful
to designate individuals as terrorists, without any
protests, dissenting opinions, and ideological
judicial review or opportunity for appeal. It also
shifts the burden of proof to the accused, making it expressions. The current definitions are vague,
difficult to obtain bail or fair trial. broad, and subjective, and can be used to criminalize
any act that the government deems undesirable or
Furthermore, the Supreme Court in NIA v. Zahoor
threatening.
Ahmad Shah Watali (2020) ruled that it is not
Dissent is an indispensable feature of the right to
permissible for courts to even engage in a detailed
analysis of prosecution case while considering bail free speech under Article 19(1)(a) as rendered in
under UAPA and to weigh whether evidence Maqbool Fida Hussain v. Rajkumar Pandey (2008).
adduced (cited as evidence) by prosecution is even ¾ Shift the Burden of Proof: Ensure that the burden of
sufficient or not. proof lies on the prosecution and not on the
z Later in the case of Thwaha Fasal vs Union of
accused. The UAPA law reverses the normal principle
India (2021) the court made it easier to get bail of criminal law by requiring the accused to prove
for accused charged under sections of UAPA. their innocence rather than the prosecution to prove
their guilt. This makes it extremely difficult for the
¾ Against the Federal Structure: The law is against the
accused to get bail or a fair trial.
federal structure of the country, as it encroaches
upon the powers of the state governments to ¾ Establish a Review Mechanism: Establish an
maintain law and order and investigate crimes. It independent and impartial review mechanism to
also undermines the autonomy and independence monitor and challenge the government’s decisions
of the NIA, which is supposed to be a central agency to ban or designate certain associations or
for counter-terrorism. individuals as unlawful or terrorist. The current
¾ Low Conviction Rate: The law has a low conviction rate, mechanism is inadequate and ineffective, as the
indicating that it is ineffective and arbitrary in achieving government does not have to provide any reasons
its objectives. According to the Union Home Ministry, or evidence for its actions, and the review tribunal is
only 2.2% of the cases registered under the UAPA often biased or influenced by the government.
between 2016 and 2019 ended in conviction by courts. ¾ Use the Law as the Last Resort: Ensure that the UAPA
This shows that the law is used to harass and intimidate law is used only as a last resort and not as a first
innocent people, rather than to curb terrorism. response to deal with security threats or social unrest.
The UAPA law should not be used to suppress ¾ According to Sen, the capability approach has two
legitimate dissent, criticism, or opposition, or to main components: functionings and capabilities.
harass, intimidate, or silence civil society actors, Functionings are the valuable states of being and
journalists, academics, or human rights defenders. doing that a person can achieve, such as being
The government should respect and protect the healthy, educated, or socially active.
fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens, and
Capabilities are the set of alternative functionings
use dialogue, negotiation, and reconciliation as the
that a person can choose from, given their
preferred means to resolve conflicts and grievances.
personal and social circumstances.
Conclusion: z For example, a person may have the capability
The UAPA is a potent tool in India’s anti-terrorism to be either well-nourished or undernourished,

efforts, but concerns persist about its impact on individual depending on their access to food and their
liberties. Supporters highlight national security and dietary choices.
counterterrorism, while critics point to potential rights ¾ Sen argues that the capability approach is a better
violations and a low conviction rate. Striking a balance way of assessing human welfare than other
between security and civil liberties requires thoughtful approaches, such as utilitarianism and resourcism.
amendments, a commitment to due process, and He claims that these approaches are either too
judicious use of the UAPA for a more effective narrow or too insensitive to the diversity and
counterterrorism strategy in India. complexity of human lives.
nnn
z Utilitarianism is about making choices that
lead to the greatest happiness or satisfaction
Multidimensional Poverty of desires.
z While resourcism is about how resources like
Index: Flaws and Solutions income, wealth, or goods are distributed in
This editorial is based on “Multidimensional Poverty society.
Index reduction under the NDA is flawed” which was For Sen, the ultimate goal of development is to
published in The Hindu on 07/12/2023. The article points expand people’s capabilities, not just their
out several methodological and conceptual problems incomes or utilities.
with the MPI and the data sources used to compute it. ¾ Sen’s capability approach has inspired the creation
of the Human Development Index.
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Poverty, Issues Relating to Poverty & Hunger,
GS Paper - 3, Growth & Development What is Human Development Index (HDI)?
“Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it ¾ HDI is a composite index that combines three
certainly destroys liberty, and it makes some virtues
dimensions of human development: health,
impracticable, and others extremely difficult.” - Samuel
education and standard of living.
Johnson
In sharp contrast, conventional measures of poverty
in terms of income are limited and narrowly focused on
scarcity of resources to eke out a bare subsistence. But
there is much more to poverty than a bare subsistence.
Nobel Laurate Amartya Sen pioneered a rich,
innovative and broader perspective on well-being,
focusing on capabilities and functionings popularly
knowns as capability approach.
¾ It ranges from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating
What is Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach? higher human development.
¾ Amartya Sen’s capability approach is a normative ¾ HDI is calculated by the United Nations Development
framework for evaluating individual well-being and Programme (UNDP) and published annually in the
social arrangements. Human Development Report.
It focuses on the real opportunities or freedoms ¾ HDI alone could not capture the multiple dimensions
that people have to achieve the kind of lives they and complexities of poverty, so to complement HDI,
value, rather than on their happiness, preferences, concept of Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
or resources. was introduced.
What is MPI and how is it different from HDI? Acknowledge this as well:
¾ The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): ¾ The MPI can identify who is poor and how they
The MPI is a measure of poverty that captures are poor, by showing the number and percentage
the multiple deprivations that people face across of people who are multidimensionally poor, and
different dimensions such as health, education, the average number of deprivations they face.
and living standards. ¾ The MPI can also be disaggregated by regions,
The MPI was developed by the Oxford Poverty ethnic groups, or other categories, to reveal
and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and inequalities and patterns of poverty within
the United Nations Development Programme countries.
(UNDP) and is published in the Human
Development Reports. Who calculates the MPI in India?
The MPI is calculated by multiplying the percentage
¾ The MPI in India is calculated by the NITI Aayog in
of people who are multidimensionally poor (the collaboration with the Oxford Poverty and Human
incidence or headcount ratio) by the average
Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations
number of dimensions in which they are deprived
Development Programme (UNDP).
(the intensity).
z The MPI ranges from 0 to 1, with higher values
¾ The NITI Aayog is the nodal agency for the National
indicating higher levels of multidimensional MPI, ranking States and UTs based on their
poverty. performance.
¾ The primary data source to arrive at these figures
was National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5).
Why is MPI 2023 data being Questioned?
¾ Rapid Reduction in MPI Values: The validity of the
reported decrease in India’s national MPI 2023
value from 24.85% to 14.96% between 2015-16
and 2019-21 is being questioned for its validity. The
reduction of 9.89% suggests a substantial
improvement in poverty levels, indicating that
¾ MPI vs HDI: about 135.5 million people have exited poverty
during this period. However, these estimates are
MPI HDI
considered misleading and ill-informed.
Measures the Measures the
¾ Ignoring the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: The
deprivations of achievements of
drastic reduction in MPI values does not account
individuals in three countries in three
for the economic and social disruptions caused by
dimensions: health, dimensions: life
the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21.
education, and standard expectancy, education,
of living and income per capita The economic shock and the subsequent
struggles of the Indian economy are not
Uses 10 indicators to Uses three indicators to
adequately considered in the MPI estimates,
capture the intensity and capture the average level
raising questions about the accuracy of the
incidence of poverty of human development
reported improvements in poverty levels.
Ranges from 0 to 1, Ranges from 0 to 1,
where 0 means no where 0 means low What are the Issues
poverty and 1 means human development and
extreme poverty 1 means very high related to Calculation of MPI in India?
human development ¾ Aggregation with Uniform Weighting: The
Published annually by the Published annually by the methodology used in the MPI, similar to the UNDP
United Nations United Nations Human Development Index, involves aggregation
Development Development with uniform weighting. This means that all
Programme (UNDP) and Programme (UNDP) dimensions are given equal importance in calculating
the Oxford Poverty and the overall index. This approach can oversimplify the
Human Development complexities of poverty by not accounting for the
Initiative (OPHI) varying significance of different deprivations.
The national MPI uses the same weights and cut- mechanism to account for income fluctuations. This
offs for all the indicators across the states and could involve smoothing techniques or incorporating
districts, which may not reflect the diversity and a lagged income variable to capture the economic
heterogeneity of the country. effects over time.
z For example, the deprivation cut-off for ¾ D y n a m i c U r b a n - R u ra l M i g rat i o n I m p a c t :
electricity is having access to electricity for at Acknowledge the impact of dynamic factors on urban
least four hours a day, which may not be locations, especially considering the reverse
adequate for some regions or sectors. migration during the Covid-19 pandemic. Develop a
¾ Data Source Issues: The MPI relies on data from the model that reflects the changing patterns of rural-
National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) 4 and 5. The urban migration and its effects on living conditions
critics argue that these surveys are not detailed and MPI.
enough for accurate estimation, and there are ¾ Emphasize Expenditure on Education: Both health
concerns about the reliability of NFHS 5 due to its care and education expenditure are associated with
alleged contradiction with official claims regarding lower MPI — the elasticity of the education is higher
open defecation. Despite these issues, the MPI uses (in absolute value), implying that a 1% increase in
the NFHS data without addressing the limitations the education reduces MPI more than the same
adequately. increase in the health care. As State-level estimates
NFHS is conducted every five years which means suggest a decline in educational expenditure, a rise
that the MPI may not capture the latest changes in MPI is likely.
in the poverty situation in the country. ¾ Criminal MPs Impact Mitigation: Given the
¾ Omission of Relevant Data Sources: The MPI does correlation between the share of MPs with criminal
not incorporate data from the 75th Round of the cases and higher MPI, explore strategies to mitigate
National Sample Survey (NSS) on household this impact. This could involve policy initiatives to
consumption expenditure. curb corruption, enhance transparency, and address
Combining NFHS data with NSS data could provide
the challenges posed by criminal elements within
a more comprehensive and accurate picture of legislative bodies.
multidimensional poverty. However, this relevant As per a study, if the share of Members of
data source is excluded from the estimation Parliament with criminal cases in total State MPs
process. exceeded 20%, the higher was the MPI.
¾ Missing Dimensions: The national MPI does not ¾ Sensitivity Analysis: Conduct sensitivity analyses to
include some important dimensions of poverty, such test the robustness of the MPI model. This involves
as social exclusion, discrimination, violence, varying key parameters to understand how changes
insecurity, and environmental degradation, which in inputs impact the results, providing insights into
may affect the quality of life of the poor. the stability and reliability of the MPI calculations.
Moreover, some of the indicators, such as ¾ Policy Recommendations: Use the findings to inform
nutrition and education, may not capture the policy recommendations aimed at addressing the
multidimensional aspects of these dimensions, identified drivers of poverty. This could involve
such as the quality of food and learning outcomes. advocating for policies that promote income
¾ Intra-household Differences: The national MPI may stability, targeted investments in education and
not be able to capture the intra-household healthcare, and measures to combat corruption and
differences in poverty, especially the gender and age criminality in legislative bodies.
disparities, as it uses the household as the unit of nnn
analysis.
This may mask the variations in the deprivations
faced by different members of the household, India’s
such as women, children, elderly, and persons
with disabilities.
Challenges in South Asia
This editorial is based on “India’s growing neighbourhood
What Measures dilemmas” which was published in The Hindu on
should be taken to Improve MPI? 08/12/2023. The article discusses the challenges and
¾ Adjustment for Income Fluctuations: Given the opportunities that India faces in its neighbourhood,
drastic decrease in State per capita income leading especially in the context of the changing regional and
to a spike in MPI, consider implementing a global dynamics.
Tag: GS Paper - 2, India and its Neighbourhood, Effect of Policies economic and political player in the region, it
and Politics of Countries on India's interest attracts nations seeking material benefits.
Indian foreign policy faces a major challenge in its ¾ The structural shift makes it difficult for India to
own neighborhood. While India aims to play a significant compete effectively in meeting the material needs
role globally, especially in leading the global South and of its neighbors, leading them to tilt towards China.
becoming a key player in world politics, its efforts are Normative Dilemma:
hindered by difficulties in its immediate surroundings. z Changing Regional Dynamics: Historically,
The South Asian region, where India is situated, is not
India has approached the region with a
enthusiastic about aligning with India’s ambitions. In
normative and political stance. However,
fact, it seems to be holding India back, partly due to the
China’s emergence as a non-normative
emergence of a powerful neighbor in the region,
alternative challenges India’s traditional
presenting a unique and challenging situation for India,
calculus.
unlike anything it has experienced before.
¾ China’s approach of being a ‘norms-free-zone’
¾ John Mearsheimer’s Theory of Offensive Realism: disrupts the dynamics of South Asian diplomacy, as
John Mearsheimer is a prominent international states in the region may find it attractive to align with
relations theorist known for his theory of offensive a power that doesn’t impose normative conditions.
realism.
z Limited Choices: The absence of viable
Offensive realism posits that the international
alternatives for South Asian states creates a
system is inherently anarchic and that states
dilemma. With China offering a non-normative
should prioritize their own security and survival
alternative, India faces the challenge of
by seeking to maximize their power relative to
adapting its approach to accommodate the
other states.
changing dynamics in the region. This shift
Mearsheimer argues that states are driven by
challenges India’s historical dominance in
the pursuit of dominance and that this pursuit
setting norms and political expectations in its
leads to competition, insecurity, and ultimately
neighborhood.
conflict.
How does China stand out from India?
What are the Dilemmas
before India in Current Geopolitics? ¾ Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Economic
Influence: China’s active engagement in the Belt and
¾ India faces several dilemmas in its neighborhood,
Road Initiative (BRI) and other projects has resulted
each presenting unique challenges. These dilemmas
in a growing entanglement of smaller states in the
can be categorized into three main types:
region.
Political Dilemma:
The BRI is a massive infrastructure and economic
z Anti-India Regimes: One of the key dilemmas
development project that involves investments in
is the rise of politically anti-India regimes in
various countries, enhancing connectivity and
South Asia. For instance, in the Maldives, the
trade.
new government has taken an anti-India
stance, explicitly asking Indian troops to leave. China’s financial capabilities and commitment to
z Potential Ideological Shifts: The upcoming
these initiatives give it a significant advantage
elections in Bangladesh, with the possibility of over India.
a Khaleda Zia-led government, add another While India also engages in regional economic
layer to India’s political dilemma. projects, China’s deeper pockets enable a more
¾ The fear is that such a government could be substantial impact and influence in the region.
ideologically anti-India, complicating diplomatic ¾ Outreach to South Asian States: China has
relations and regional stability. demonstrated a proactive approach in reaching out
Structural Dilemma: to South Asian states, even when other international
z Chinese Influence: India faces a structural players might avoid or abandon them for normative
dilemma due to the increasing influence of or other reasons.
China in South Asia. China’s growing presence Notable instances include China’s engagement
poses a challenge to India’s regional dominance with Taliban-led Afghanistan, military-ruled
and influence. As China becomes a significant Myanmar, and crisis-hit Sri Lanka.
India also engages in diplomatic outreach, but the This dynamic poses a challenge for India’s efforts
scale and financial backing of China’s efforts to engage with its neighbors and maintain
contribute to a more significant overall impact in influence in the region.
the region.
¾ Border Dispute Resolution Strategy: China’s What could be
approach to settling border disputes with its the Result of this Geopolitical Shift?
neighbors, excluding India, is a distinct strategy The net result, or one that could potentially develop
aimed at winning over the region. By resolving overtime, is somewhat alarming. If India does not take
issues, such as the case of Bhutan, China seeks to innovative measures, there is a good chance that it will
establish itself as a reliable and cooperative partner. be geopolitically locked in within an unfriendly South
India, too, has engaged in efforts to resolve border Asia.
disputes, but the specific focus and strategy
employed by China contribute to its unique What should India do?
standing in the region. ¾ Engage Friendly External Actors: India should
continue to strengthen its bilateral and multilateral
Why does India face these Dilemmas? ties with its neighbours, based on mutual respect,
¾ Diminishing Presence of the United States: The first trust, and cooperation.
cause is the changing regional geopolitical India should emphasize its historical, cultural,
architecture, marked by the diminishing presence of and economic links with the region, and offer its
the United States in South Asia. assistance and partnership in areas such as trade,
Historically, the U.S. was a geopolitical constant
connectivity, development, security, and disaster
in the region. Although its presence was not management.
always advantageous for India, its departure is India should aim to be a reliable and constructive
considered disadvantageous. partner for its neighbours, and not a domineering

or hegemonic power.
The absence of the United States has created a
power vacuum, allowing other players, notably ¾ Flexible Diplomacy: Indian diplomacy should be
China, to fill the void. adaptable to involve various stakeholders in
neighboring countries. The essence of diplomacy lies
¾ Rise of China as a Geopolitical Buffer: The second
in reducing the hostility of anti-India elements, rather
cause is the aggressive and substantial rise of China.
than harboring hatred towards them.
China’s emergence as a major geopolitical player in
It is wise to engage with the current leaders, but
the region has served as a “geopolitical buffer” for
smaller states. limiting engagement solely to those in power is
unwise.
These states have increasingly utilized the “China
¾ Expand Diplomatic Personnel: India should invest
card” in their foreign policy, aligning themselves
more resources and personnel in its diplomatic
strategically with China.
pursuits, as suggested by the information you
This shift is seen as a response to the power
provided. India should increase the number and
vacuum left by the United States and reflects a quality of its diplomats, who can effectively
dynamic where neighboring states are more represent and advance India’s interests and values
inclined to assert their autonomy vis-à-vis India in the region and beyond.
but show a different inclination when it comes
India should also enhance its public diplomacy
to China.
and cultural outreach, by showcasing its
¾ Neighbours’ Strategic Autonomy and China’s achievements, diversity, and soft power, and by
Appeal: The third cause relates to the strategic facilitating people-to-people exchanges and
choices made by neighboring states. While these interactions.
states may desire strategic autonomy in their
relationships, there is limited enthusiasm for Conclusion:
asserting this autonomy in dealings with China. India’s foreign policy in South Asia faces crucial
The rise of China as a powerful player in the region challenges amid China’s rise and shifting dynamics. To
has made smaller states more adept at leveraging navigate this, India should prioritize economic
their relationships with both India and China to connectivity, boost regional security cooperation, and
pursue their interests. use soft power for positive relationships. Strategic
communication, active participation in regional platforms, These pollutants are harmful to human health and
and a patient, long-term vision are vital for India to be a the environment, as they cause respiratory
stabilizing force in the evolving South Asian landscape. problems, acid rain, smog, and climate change.
nnn No Residue or Smoke: BioCNG does not produce
any residue or smoke, which makes it a non-
polluting fuel. It does not leave behind any ash,
India’s Green Future through tar, or carbon deposits, which can damage the
engine and reduce its performance.
BioCNG z BioCNG is therefore a safer and cleaner fuel
than other conventional fuels.
This editorial is based on “Biogas can fuel a green
¾ Economical: BioCNG is economical, as it can be
economy” which was published in The Hindu Business
Line on 10/12/2023. The article discusses about biogas produced locally from waste materials.
and its potential to fuel a green economy. This can help in saving transportation and storage
costs, as well as creating local jobs and income
opportunities.
Tag: GS Paper - 3, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, GS
Paper - 2, Government Policies & Interventions BioCNG can also reduce the energy import bill, as
India imports about 85% of its crude oil
Few years back, the Kaira District Co-operative Milk
requirement.
Producers Union Limited popularly known as Amul Dairy
BioCNG can also be used as a cooking fuel in
became the first in India’s food industry to start a fully
automated bio-CNG generation and bottling plant to residential and commercial kitchens, as it is
cheaper and cleaner than LPG.
utilize energy from its plant’s waste.
¾ Bio-Fertilizers: BioCNG can also generate bio-
After tasting success with its BioCNG pilot project in
fertilizers, which can improve soil quality and crop
Banas Dairy, Gujarat, Amul is now looking at four more such
yield. Bio-fertilizers are organic fertilizers that contain
new plants in Banaskantha with an investment of ₹230
beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi,
crore. The implementation of bioCNG projects by Amul will
and algae, that enhance the nutrient availability and
establish a paradigm shift towards a circular economy.
uptake by plants.
Bio-fertilizers can be produced from the slurry or
What is BioCNG?
digestate that is left behind after the production
¾ BioCNG, also known as biomethane, is a renewable of BioCNG.
and clean-burning transportation fuel produced by
upgrading biogas to natural gas quality. It’s What is the Government’s Vision for BioCNG?
essentially purified biogas, made from organic waste
¾ CBG Blending Obligation (CBO): The government
materials like: announced a phased mandatory blending of
Agricultural waste: Crop residues, straw, manure Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) in Compressed Natural Gas
Food waste: Spoiled food, leftover scraps (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) segments of the
Sewage sludge: Solid waste from wastewater City Gas Distribution (CGD) sector in October 2023.
treatment plants CBG Blending Obligation (CBO) will promote
production and consumption of Compressed Bio-
What are the Benefits of BioCNG? Gas in the country.
¾ High Calorific Value: BioCNG has a high calorific value, z Five per cent blending of biogas with natural
which means it can produce more energy per unit gas will reduce LNG import USD 1.17 billion.
volume than other fuels. This makes it more efficient The CBO will be voluntary till FY25 and mandatory
and economical for various applications, such as blending obligation would start from FY26.
vehicle fuel, power generation, heating, and cooking. z CBO shall be kept as 1%, 3% and 4% of total
BioCNG can also replace liquefied petroleum gas CNG/PNG consumption for FY26, 2026- 27 and
(LPG), which has a lower calorific value and is 2027-28 respectively.
more expensive. z From 2028-29 onwards CBO will be 5%.
¾ Clean Fuel: BioCNG is a clean fuel, as it helps in ¾ Implementation:

controlling air pollution. It emits less carbon The National Biofuels Coordination Committee
monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (NBCC) is responsible for overseeing the
than gasoline or diesel. implementation of the mandate.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas ¾ Awareness and Acceptance of CBG as a viable
(MoPNG) will provide financial assistance and Alternative: The government has launched various
other support to CGD companies campaigns and initiatives to educate and encourage
CGD companies will be responsible for blending the public and the industry to adopt CBG, such as the
CBG in their CNG and PNG networks Go Green campaign, the CBG logo, etc., but there
¾ Objectives: The key objectives of the CBO are to may be issues of perception and preference among
stimulate demand for CBG in CGD sector, reducing the consumers, such as lack of trust, inertia,
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports, saving in forex, resistance to change, etc.
promoting circular economy and to assist in achieving
the target of net zero emission among others. Measures taken by the Government:
¾ Central financial assistance for setting up of plants
What are the Challenges for generation of Biogas/Bio-CNG from urban,
before CBG Blending Obligation? industrial and agricultural waste
¾ Availability of Feedstock: This challenge involves ¾ Concession on custom duty for import of machinery
ensuring a steady and sufficient supply of raw and components required for initial setting up of
materials for CBG production, which may vary projects for generation of Power and Bio-CNG
depending on the season, region, and market
¾ Additional Central Assistance for Municipal Solid
conditions. The cost of feedstock may also affect the
profitability and viability of CBG projects. Wastes (MSW) based CBG plants under Swachh
The government has announced various incentives
Bharat Mission Urban 2.0
and subsidies for feedstock procurement under ¾ Remunerative CBG procurement price and indexing
the SATAT scheme, but there are issues of the same with CBG Retail Selling Price
implementation and monitoring at the ground ¾ Policy guidelines for co-mingling of CBG with
level. Natural Gas in CGD network for improving offtake
¾ Lack of Adequate Infrastructure and Technology:
Developing and deploying the necessary equipment What should be done for Effective Implementation
and facilities for CBG production, such as biogas of CBG Blending Obligation (CBO)?
digesters, compressors, purifiers, etc poses a
significant challenge. ¾ Policy and Regulatory Framework:
Creating and maintaining the infrastructure for Clearly defined targets and timelines: Ensure
CBG storage, transportation and distribution, such clarity on the annual blending percentages for
as pipelines, cylinders, dispensers, etc is also a CNG and PNG, with incremental increases to
challenge. stimulate CBG production and demand.
The government has invited bids from Streamlined Regulations: Simplify and expedite
entrepreneurs and investors to set up CBG plants regulatory processes for setting up CBG plants and
under the SATAT scheme, but there are barriers obtaining clearances.
of entry and exit, such as high capital costs,
regulatory hurdles, technical glitches, etc. Financial Incentives: Implement attractive
subsidies, tax breaks, and feed-in tariffs to
¾ Coordination and Cooperation among Various
Stakeholders: Fostering a conducive and collaborative incentivize CBG production and infrastructure
environment among the various actors involved in development.
the CBG value chain, such as farmers, entrepreneurs, ¾ Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development:
investors, regulators, consumers, etc creates hurdle. Technical Assistance: Provide technical support
It also involves ensuring transparency and and training to potential CBG producers on
accountability among the stakeholders, such as technology selection, plant operation, and quality
compliance with quality standards, pricing control.
mechanisms, contractual obligations, etc.
Financial Assistance: Offer low-interest loans and
The government has established a Central
grants to encourage investment in CBG plants and
Repository Body (CRB) to monitor and implement
infrastructure.
the blending mandate, but there may be issues
of coordination and communication among the Grid Integration: Develop infrastructure for
stakeholders, such as conflicts of interest, injecting CBG into the existing gas grid, including
information asymmetry, etc. compression and transportation facilities.
Quality Standards: Implement stringent quality
What are the Changing Global Conditions?
standards for CBG to ensure its safe and efficient
¾ Deglobalization Trend: There is a discernible global
use in CNG and PNG networks.
trend towards deglobalization because of ongoing
¾ Awareness and Market Development: geopolitical conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
about the benefits of CBG for environmental ¾ Imposition of Sanctions: Geopolitical conflicts have
sustainability and energy security. led to the imposition of sanctions on certain
Industry Engagement: Collaborate with countries. These sanctions have resulted in breaks
stakeholders, including CGD companies, vehicle in supply chains and disruptions in international
manufacturers, and consumers, to promote CBG settlements. Restricted access to critical systems like
adoption. SWIFT for sanctioned countries has exacerbated
Technology Demonstration: Showcase successful these challenges.
CBG projects and promote best practices to build ¾ Declining World real GDP: The decline in world real
confidence among potential investors. GDP growth has resulted in a decrease in the demand
¾ Additional Considerations: for global exports. This trend is a reflection of the
Focus on Rural Development: Promote CBG overall slowdown in the global economy, which has
production in rural areas to create income been characterized by a range of factors such as
opportunities and improve energy access. political instability, trade tensions, and changes in
Promote Feedstock Diversification: Encourage consumer behavior.
the use of diverse feedstocks, such as agricultural This decline has translated into reduced demand
waste, food waste, and municipal solid waste, to for global exports, indicating a broader economic
ensure sustainable CBG production. slowdown.
Address Environmental Concerns: Implement ¾ Uncertainty and Price Volatality: Due to supply
measures to mitigate the environmental impact uncertainties and price volatility, many countries
of CBG production, such as reducing methane including India want to reduce their dependence on
emissions and managing digestate sustainably. imported petroleum, which has further reduced the
nnn global demand.
¾ Declining Export led Growth strategy: Export-led
growth strategy is an economic development
India’s Growth Strategy approach that relies on exporting goods and services
to foreign markets. This strategy has faced several
Amidst Shifting Dynamics challenges and limitations in recent years, especially
This editorial is based on “Calibrating a strategy for after the global financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the
India’s future growth” which was published in The Hindu Covid-19 pandemic of 2020-2021.
on 11/12/2023. The article discusses the challenges and For example, In India’s case, exports experienced
opportunities for India’s economic development in the a sharp acceleration in the share of GDP during
context of the global and domestic environment. 2003-04 to 2008-09. This peaked at 25% in 2013-
14. In 2022-23, it was 22.8%, having fallen to a
Tag: GS Paper - 3, Growth & Development trough of 18.7% in 2019-20 and 2020-21.
India’s growth in 2023-24 is currently projected by What are the Reasons
the Reserve Bank of India at 7% while the International
behind Declining Export-led Growth Strategy?
Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have pegged
it at 6.3%. Amidst all these projections which represent ¾ Slowdown in Global Demand: The crisis and the
a rosy picture of the economy, the declining trend of pandemic have reduced the effective demand for
India’s exports could be a cause for concern. According exports from many developed and developing
to Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) countries, especially in sectors such as tourism,
report, India’s share in global exports in labour-intensive manufacturing, and commodities.
sectors has been declining in the last 5 years. India’s This has adversely affected the export revenues
future growth strategy needs to be calibrated in view of and growth prospects of many export-oriented
the changing global conditions. economies.
¾ Rise of Protectionism: The crisis and the pandemic into productive investments. Develop incentives
have also triggered a wave of protectionist measures for investments in financial assets to ensure a
and trade tensions among major trading partners, stable source of funding for the government and
such as the US-China trade war, the Brexit, and the corporate sector.
regionalization of supply chains. ¾ Optimize Investment Efficiency: Assess the
These have created uncertainties and barriers for Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR) regularly
exporters, and undermined the multilateral and work towards reducing it to enhance the
trading system. efficiency of investments. If the ICOR is lower, it could
¾ Limits of Wage Compression: Many export-led lead to higher achievable growth, so efforts should
growth strategies have relied on suppressing the be made to improve efficiency in resource utilization.
wages and incomes of workers to maintain ¾ Address Employment Challenges: Recognize the
competitiveness and profitability. However, this has unique demographic advantage and the potential
resulted in rising inequality, social discontent, and challenge of job creation amidst labor-saving
domestic demand constraints. innovations. Allocate resources for training and
Moreover, it has become increasingly difficult to skilling programs to prepare the workforce for non-
compete with low-wage countries, or with agricultural and technology-intensive sectors.
advanced technologies such as automation and ¾ Promote Non-agricultural Growth: Focus on
artificial intelligence. fostering non-agricultural growth to absorb labor
released from agriculture. Implement policies that
What is the Impact of facilitate the adoption of productivity-enhancing
Declining Export-led Growth Strategy on India? technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
¾ The impact of declining export-led growth strategy Generative AI, to contribute to overall economic
on India is negative, as it affects the country’s growth.
economic performance, employment generation, ¾ Climate-friendly Growth: Align economic growth
and global integration. with environmental sustainability by emphasizing the
¾ India’s exports have slowed down in recent years service sector, which is relatively climate-friendly.
due to various factors, such as weak global demand, Continue and enhance initiatives like the Green Grids
rising protectionism, and low competitiveness. Initiative (GGI) and One Sun One World One Grid
This has reduced India’s GDP growth, as exports (OSOWOG) to promote clean energy and reduce
account for about 19% of the country’s GDP. carbon emissions.
¾ It has also limited the creation of jobs, especially in ¾ Fiscal Responsibility: Adhere to fiscal responsibility
the labour-intensive sectors such as garments, gems targets to sustain economic growth. Prioritize policies
and jewellery, and pharmaceuticals. that bring down the combined fiscal deficit and debt
to GDP ratios to 6% and 60%, respectively. This will
What Measures should India take? help manage interest payments, reduce government
¾ Boost Domestic Savings: Address the decline in dissavings, and augment the overall savings rate of
household sector savings, particularly in financial the economy.
assets, by implementing policies that encourage
savings and investments. Also, Analyze the factors Conclusion:
contributing to this decline and develop targeted India faces a shifting global landscape, marked by
interventions. deglobalization and economic uncertainties. The need
Monitor Post-COVID Trends: Continuously for recalibration is evident in the challenges to the export-
monitor and analyze post-Covid-19 trends in led growth model. To thrive, India must focus on domestic
household savings to distinguish between resilience, innovation, and sustainable practices.
temporary responses and potentially persistent Diversifying trade, investing in education, and fiscal
changes. If the decline continues, implement responsibility are crucial. By embracing adaptability and
measures to reverse the trend. strategic reforms, India can not only navigate current
Encourage Household Sector Investments: challenges but emerge as a resilient and innovative force
Promote financial literacy and awareness to in the global economy.
encourage households to channel their savings nnn
Article 370: Decoding It was drafted by N Gopalaswami Ayyangar, a
member of the Constituent Assembly of India,
the Supreme Court Verdict and was added to the constitution as a ‘temporary
provision’ in 1949.
This editorial is based on “Today, a clean canvas for every
¾ It allowed the state to have its own constitution, flag
child in J&K” which was published in The Indian Express
and autonomy over most matters except defence,
on 12/12/2023. The article argues that the verdict is a foreign affairs and communications.
historic and landmark judgment that upholds the
¾ It was based on the terms of the Instrument of
sovereignty and integrity of India and the will of the Accession, which was signed by the ruler of Jammu
people of Jammu and Kashmir. and Kashmir, Hari Singh, in 1947 to join India after
an invasion by Pakistan.
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Indian Constitution, Federalism, Parliament
On 11th December 2023, the Hon’ble Supreme Court How did the Government Repeal Article 370?
of India delivered a historic judgment on the abrogation ¾ Presidential Order: In the 2019 Presidential orders,
of Articles 370 and 35A. Through its judgment, the Court Parliament brought a provision giving new meaning
has upheld the sovereignty and integrity of India, to “constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir”, to
something that every Indian cherishes. The Supreme mean “Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir”,
and then assumed the powers of the Legislative
Court observed that the decision taken on 5th August 2019
Assembly through the President’s rule to revoke
to abrogate Article 370 which ended the special status
Article 370.
of the erstwhile state of J&K, was done to enhance
¾ Resolutions in Parliament: Concurrent resolutions
constitutional integration and not disintegration. The
were passed by both houses of the Parliament, the
Court has also recognised the fact that Article 370 was Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, on 5th and 6th August
not permanent in nature. 2019, respectively. These resolutions revoked the
remaining provisions of Article 370 and replaced
them with new provisions.
¾ Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act: The Jammu
and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, was passed
by Parliament on 5th August 2019. This act bifurcated
the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union
Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
What did the Court Say?

¾ Art 370 was a Temporary Provision: The court held
What was Article 370 About? that Article 370 was a temporary provision and that
¾ Article 370 in the Indian constitution gave special the State of J&K had no internal sovereignty.
status to Jammu and Kashmir, a region disputed by The court held that Article 370 was meant to be
India, Pakistan and China. a ‘temporary provision’ for two primary reasons.
z It served a transitional purpose which was to exercise of powers under Article 370 (3) of the
make an interim arrangement to establish a Constitution can unilaterally notify that Article 370
Constituent Assembly of J&K which would draft ceases to exist.
the State Constitution. It further said that there was no requirement for
z It was meant to ease the integration of J&K the President to secure the concurrence of the
into the Union of India in the light of the State government in this regard as mandated by
prevailing war-like situation in the State back the provisos to Article 370(1)(d).
in 1947. ¾ Upheld the 2019 Law: The court upheld the Jammu
¾ Governor can Assume “all or any” Roles of the State and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 to the extent
Legislature: The court upheld the proclamations by it carved out the Union Territory of Ladakh out of
referring to the landmark 1994 ruling in ‘SR Bommai the State of J&K.
v Union of India, 1994’ which dealt with the powers The court also observed that the views of the
and limitations of the Governor under President’s State legislature regarding the proposed
rule. reorganisation are recommendatory in nature
The CJI said that the governor (President in J&K’s and not binding on the Parliament.
case) can assume “all or any” roles of the state ¾ Parliament is Not a mere Law Making Body During
legislature and such action must be tested President’s Rule: The Chief Justice held that the
judicially only in extraordinary cases. power of the Parliament in a State under the
¾ Concurrence of the State Government isn’t President’s rule was not restricted to mere
Required: The court ruled that the President in the lawmaking. It also extended to executive action.
The Court also held that when a Proclamation
What has been
under Article 356 is in force, there are innumerable the Impact of Article 370 Abrogation?
decisions which are taken by the Union
Government on behalf of the State Government ¾ Decline in violence: There has been a significant
for the purpose of day-to-day administration. decline in violence in Jammu and Kashmir since the
Every decision and action taken by the Union
abrogation of Article 370.
Executive on behalf of the State is not subject to According to official data, the number of terrorist
challenge. incidents has decreased by over 50% and security

z Opening up challenge to every decision would forces have killed over 300 militants in the last
lead to chaos and uncertainty. four years.
¾ Conduct Elections & Restore Statehood: The court This can be attributed to a combination of factors,
stated that J&K’s statehood should be restored as including increased security measures, better
soon as possible, it ordered that elections to the intelligence gathering, and a decline in public
legislative assembly of J&K should be held by 30th support for militancy.
September 2024.
¾ Establishment of ‘ Truth and Reconciliation
Commission’: Justice Kaul in his concurring opinion
mooted the constitution of a Truth-and-Reconciliation
Commission along the lines of the one set up in
South Africa after apartheid to address human rights
violations both by state and non-state actors in
Jammu and Kashmir since the 1980s.
Why was the Article 370 Abrogated?

¾ Integration and Development: Article 370 hindered ¾ Improved Economic Development: The government
the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir has implemented several initiatives to boost
into the Indian Union, creating a sense of separatism economic development in Jammu and Kashmir, such
and impeding its development. as the Prime Minister’s Development Package
It was believed that full integration would allow (PMDP) and the Industrial Development Scheme
for better access to resources, infrastructure, and (IDS).
opportunities for the people of J&K. These initiatives have led to increased investment,
¾ National Security: Article 370 was exploited by job creation, and economic growth in the region.
Pakistan to support terrorism and separatism in the The UT witnessed tax revenue growth of 31%.
region. The abrogation would strengthen national During 2022-23, the GSDP of J&K grew at 8% at
security by allowing the Indian government to have constant prices, as against 7% at the national level.
more control over the region and crack down on
terrorist activities.
¾ Ending Discrimination: Article 370 discriminated
against women, Dalits, and other marginalized
groups in Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation would
bring them under the umbrella of Indian laws and
provide them with equal rights and opportunities.
¾ Transparency and Accountability: Article 370 created
a lack of transparency and accountability in the ¾ Enhanced Infrastructure: The government has also
governance of Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation
invested heavily in infrastructure development in
would bring the state under the purview of the
Jammu and Kashmir. This includes projects such as
Central Vigilance Commission and the Right to
the construction of new roads, bridges, tunnels, and
Information Act, leading to better governance and
accountability. power lines.
These improvements have made it easier for
¾ Economic Prosperity: Article 370 hindered economic
development in Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation people to travel and do business within the region.
would allow for greater investment, tourism, and job ¾ Increased Tourism: The number of tourists visiting
creation in the region. Jammu and Kashmir has increased significantly since
the abrogation of Article 370. This is due to a ¾ Consultancy firms have experts in different fields,
combination of factors, including improved security, such as management, engineering, finance,
better marketing, and the launch of new tourism healthcare, etc.
initiatives. They charge a fee for their services and usually
According to a report, the region of Jammu and work on specific projects or goals.
Kashmir has seen 1.62 crore tourists in 2022, the ¾ Some examples of consultancy firms in India are Tata
highest in India’s 75 years of independence. Consultancy Services, McKinsey & Company, Deloitte,
etc.
Conclusion:
The recent judgment by the Supreme Court has not What are the Benefits
only upheld the principles of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha of Consultancy Firms in Public Policy Making?
Bharat’, but it has also served as a powerful reminder of ¾ Specialized Expertise: Consultants bring domain-
the importance of unity and a collective dedication to specific knowledge and expertise that may be lacking
good governance. This decision showcases the court’s within government agencies. This is crucial for
commitment to strengthening the fabric of our nation effective program formulation and service delivery
and reinforcing the values that define us as a society. in sectors such as agriculture, transport, energy, and
nnn financial services.
¾ Flexibility and On-Demand Skills: The dynamic
nature of public policy challenges, especially in the
Consultancy in Government: context of digitization, requires specialized technical
skills that consultants can provide on a flexible, on-
Navigating Pros and Cons call basis. This ensures that the government can
access the necessary expertise when needed.
This editorial is based on “Work of consultancy firms
¾ Diversity of Perspectives: Consultants offer external
with government must be regulated” which was
perspectives and diverse skill sets, contributing to a
published in The Indian Express on 14/12/2023. The
more comprehensive and innovative approach to
article argues that consultancy firms have gained too
problem-solving. This diversity can be particularly
much influence and power over the government’s
valuable in addressing complex issues that may not
decision-making. It suggests that there is a need for
have clear-cut solutions.
more transparency and accountability.
¾ Efficiency with Project-Specific Engagements:
Consultant engagements are often project-specific
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Transparency & Accountability
and have predetermined end dates. This allows the
Government projects today heavily rely on consulting government to address specific challenges without
support for initiatives like cleaning the river Ganga, permanently increasing its institutional load, making
Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission, corporatizing the it a cost-effective and efficient solution.
Ordnance Factory Board, and aiding Uttar Pradesh in its
goal to grow the state’s economy to USD1 trillion. The What are the Challenges
Centre has engaged a global consulting firm to develop posed by the Consultancy Firms?
a Vision 2047 document to identify the country’s strategic ¾ Hollowing out of Government Capabilities: Relying
priorities, reflecting a global trend. extensively on consulting firms may lead to a
Recent news reports have highlighted that the depletion of in-house government capabilities. Over
ministries of the Union government have paid around Rs time, civil servants may lose essential skills and
5,000 million in fees to global consulting firms in the last knowledge, making the government overly dependent
five years and that the finance ministry has sought details on external expertise.
of all such consulting engagements. For example, In some rural areas of China, the
local governments have outsourced many public
What are Consultancy Firms? services to private or non-governmental
¾ A consultancy firm is a business that provides organizations, such as education, health care, and
professional advice and solutions to other environmental protection. This has led to a loss
organizations that face problems they cannot solve of public accountability, quality control, and social
by themselves. equity.
¾ Excessive Dependence and Mission Creep: There’s opportunities for corruption. Cases of corruption
a risk that government officials may become too scandals related to consultancy services have raised
reliant on consulting teams, even for routine tasks. concerns globally, emphasizing the need for
This dependency can lead to mission creep, where transparency and ethical practices.
the scope of consulting engagements expands Few years back, the CBI report revealed a
beyond their original intent, potentially blurring lines corruption scandal involving a consulting firm
between the roles of consultants and government and a state-owned enterprise in India. The report
officials. accused the firm of colluding with enterprise
The 2018 CAG report revealed that the consultants officials to manipulate tenders, inflate project
hired by the Ministry of Railways were found to costs, and divert funds.
be involved in activities beyond their scope of
work, raising questions about their accountability What should be the Way Forward?
and efficiency. ¾ Regulatory Safeguards: The engagements with
¾ Lobbying for Repeat Work and Policy Influence: consultancy groups need to be regulated
Consulting firms, having established relationships comprehensively. This includes ensuring fairness and
with government officials, may exploit these transparency in the onboarding process and curbing
connections to secure repeat work. There’s also a rent-seeking behaviours.
concern that consultants might overstep their
¾ Disclosure of Value Added: To address concerns
boundaries by attempting to influence policy
related to transparency, there should be mechanisms
decisions and directions, sometimes for their benefit.
in place for consultants to disclose the value they
In 2019, the Centre for Policy Research (CPR)
add to public policy initiatives. This transparency is
conducted a case study on McKinsey & Company’s essential for accountability and public trust.
role in shaping India’s health policy. The study
Independent and impartial oversight bodies, such
revealed that McKinsey had close ties with
as ombudsmen, auditors, and watchdogs can be
government officials and stakeholders, using its
created to monitor and evaluate the performance,
influence to secure contracts and shape policy in
outcomes, and impacts of government projects
its favour.
and initiatives.
¾ Distortion of Public Policy Objectives: The
¾ Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building: Clear
involvement of consultants in policy formulation can
potentially skew public policy objectives. The protocols for knowledge transfer from consultants
priorities and recommendations of consultants might to government officials should be established.
not always align with the long-term interests of the Additionally, there should be a focus on internal
public, leading to a distortion of the intended policy capacity building to ensure that the expertise gained
outcomes. through consultancy engagements contributes to the
long-term development of government capabilities.
In 2017, a research paper by the Indian Institute
of Management (IIM) examined the influence of ¾ Stakeholders Involvement: Engaging and consulting
consulting firms on India’s education policy. It with citizens and stakeholders, through surveys,
concluded that these firms had a significant forums, and participatory budgeting, to ensure that
impact, advocating for reforms favouring government policies and programs are responsive,
marketization, privatization, and standardization, inclusive, and accountable to the public.
which undermined public policy objectives of
equity, quality, and diversity in education. Conclusion:
¾ Consultocracy and Diminishing Role of Public Consulting firms will continue to assist in public
Servants: The term “consultocracy” reflects the policy, as expecting government officials to constantly
growing influence of consultants within government update their skills for modern governance and digital
structures. This phenomenon may result in a service delivery may be unrealistic. Carefully calibrated
diminished role for traditional public servants, onboarding of expertise from the private sector would
impacting the historical functions and capabilities of add to the quality and effectiveness of public service
government institutions. delivery, provided they are ring-fenced within a
¾ Risk of Corruption: The intersection of consulting transparent regulatory framework.
firms with government activities can create nnn
COP 28: Charting the It calls for tripling renewable energy capacity
globally and doubling the global average annual
Roadmap for Climate Action rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
This editorial is based on “COP28: What were the most It calls for substantially reducing non-CO2
important decisions” which was published in The Indian emissions, including, in particular, methane
Express on 14/12/2023. It talks about the outcomes and emissions globally by 2030.
concerns of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP-28) and ¾ Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels :
the urgency of addressing these issues to fulfill COP28 calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels
commitments and combat climate change effectively.
in energy systems, in a just, orderly, and equitable
manner, accelerating action in this critical decade,
Tag: GS Paper - 3, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, to achieve net zero by 2050.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), GS Paper - 2, Groupings
& Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests ¾ Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA):
Recently, the 28th Conference of Parties (COP-28) Global adaptation goal focuses on enhancing
took place in Dubai, UAE, with representatives from 197 adaptive capabilities, and minimizing vulnerability
countries presenting their initiatives to curb global for sustainable development.
warming and engaging in discussions on future climate At COP28, this text calls for a doubling in
actions. adaptation finance and plans for assessments and
The conference yielded a mix of positive outcomes monitoring of adaptation needs in the coming
and disappointments, marking a substantial step forward years.
since the Paris Agreement. While some hail it as the Positively, an explicit 2030 date has been
conclusion of the fossil fuel era, there are apprehensions integrated into the text for targets on water
about deficiencies in adaptation efforts and troubling
security, ecosystem restoration, and health.
gaps in mitigation strategies.
¾ Climate Finance:
What are COPs? The United Nations Conference on Trade and
¾ COPs are gatherings held within the framework of Development (UNCTAD) estimates that wealthy
the United Nations Framework Convention on nations owe developing countries USD 500 billion
Climate Change (UNFCCC), a multinational treaty in 2025 under the New Collective Quantified Goal
established in 1992. (NCQG) for climate finance.
¾ These meetings, denoted by the acronym COP, serve The goal is to set a new collective quantified goal
as the official sessions of the Conference of the before 2025. The goal will start from a floor of
Parties. USD 100 billion per year.
¾ During these sessions, participating countries This includes USD 250 billion for mitigation, USD
(Parties) evaluate global endeavors aligned with the 100 billion for adaptation, and USD 150 billion for
primary goal of the Paris Agreement, aiming to loss and damage.
restrict global warming to approximately 1.5 °C above ¾ Loss and Damage Fund :
pre-industrial levels.
Member countries reached an agreement to
¾ The COPs are the main decision-making body of the
operationalize the Loss and Damage (L&D) fund
UNFCCC.
aimed at compensating countries grappling with
They adopt decisions and resolutions on various
climate change impacts.
aspects of climate action, such as mitigation,
adaptation, finance, technology, and transparency. A specific percentage is earmarked for Least
Developed Countries and Small Island Developing
What are the Key Outcomes of COP 28 (2023)? States.
¾ Global Stocktake Text: The World Bank will oversee the loss and damage
The Global Stocktake (GST) is a periodic review
fund in the beginning.
mechanism established under the Paris Agreement ¾ Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge:
in 2015. The Pledge stipulates that signatories commit to
The text proposes eight steps to keep the global work together to triple the world’s installed
temperature rise within the ambit of 1.5 degrees renewable energy generation capacity to at least
Celsius. 11,000 GW by 2030.
It also calls for collectively double the global

¾ Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA):
average annual rate of energy efficiency It was launched at COP 28, led by the National
improvements from around 2% to over 4% every Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the
year until 2030. Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
¾ The Global Cooling Pledge for COP 28: GRCA highlights India’s role in sustainable river-
It includes 66 national government signatories centric development and climate resilience.

committed to working together to reduce cooling- This platform will facilitate knowledge exchange,
related emissions across all sectors by at least river-city twinning, and dissemination of best
68% globally relative to 2022 levels by 2050. practices.
¾ Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy: ¾ Quad Climate Working Group (QCWG) on Localised
The declaration launched at COP28 aims to triple
Climate Action :
global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. The event focused on recognizing and amplifying
the role of local communities, and regional
What are the Major governments in supporting sustainable lifestyles.
Engagements of India in COP 28?
What are the Key Concerns?
¾ Green Credit Initiative:
¾ No Specific Timelines for Fossil Fuel Phase-out:
T h e G re e n C re d i t I n i t i at i ve h a s b e e n
The agreement lacked a clear and urgent plan for
conceptualized as a mechanism to incentivize
fossil fuel phase-out, using vague language such
voluntary pro-planet actions, as an effective
as “transitioning away” without specific timelines
response to the challenge of climate change.
or targets.
It envisions the issue of Green Credits for
¾ No Specified Targets on Tripling of Global Renewable
plantations on waste/degraded lands and river Energy:
catchment areas, to rejuvenate and revive natural
The COP28 agreement calls upon countries to
ecosystems.
contribute to tripling of global installed capacity
¾ Phase II of the Leadership Group for Industry of renewable energy and doubling of annual
Transition (LeadIT 2.0): improvements in energy efficiency.
It will focus on inclusive & just industry transition, Tripling is a global target, and it is not incumbent
co-development and transfer of low-carbon on every country to individually triple its current
technology, and financial support to emerging installed capacity. It is thus not clear how this
economies for industry transition. tripling would be ensured.
¾ No Clear Mechanisms for Achieving Adaptation ¾ Enhanced National Action Plans (NDCs):
Goals: Countries should revise and strengthen their
Developing countries made it clear that the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to
adaptation draft fell well below their expectations reflect more ambitious and concrete climate
there is no mention of how these objectives are action targets.
to be realized or the mechanisms that will fund NDCs should cover a wide range of sectors,
these efforts. including energy, transportation, agriculture, and

industry.
¾ Lack of Accountability on Financial Commitments:
There is currently no established mechanism to
hold governments and institutions accountable
for fulfilling their climate financing commitments.
¾ Varying Interpretations on Climate Finance:
Data on climate finance flows are compiled using
various methodologies and have varying
interpretations.
Double counting of climate finance can occur
when the same funds are reported by multiple
parties, leading to an overestimation of the actual
financial flows.
¾ Resistance over Phase-down of Coal:
There was a move to stipulate that no new coal-
¾ Legislation and Policy Support:
fired power plants could be opened without an
Enact and strengthen domestic legislation and
in-built carbon capture and storage facility, but
this was strongly resisted by India, China, South policies that support the implementation of
climate targets.
Africa, and other countries.
Integrate climate considerations into existing
¾ Concerns over Methane Emission Cuts:
laws and regulations across various sectors.
The agreement talks about “accelerating and ¾ Capacity Building:
substantially reducing non-carbon-dioxide
Invest in capacity building at local, national, and
emissions globally, including in particular methane international levels to enhance the ability to
emissions by 2030. implement climate actions effectively.
Cutting methane emissions could involve Provide training and resources to support
tweaking agricultural patterns which could be technological, financial, and institutional capacity.
extremely sensitive in a country like India. ¾ International Cooperation:
Facilitate the transfer of climate-friendly
What Should be the Way Forward?
technologies, especially from developed to
¾ Commit to Climate Finance Targets : developing countries.
All bilateral donors must live up to their climate Share experiences, lessons learned, and best
finance commitments and set more ambitious practices among countries to accelerate the
targets. adoption of environmentally friendly solutions
The need for integrating climate finance into across industries.
national development plans and policies is even Conclusion:
greater than before.
COPs are crucial in the battle against climate change
¾ Clear Roadmaps and Timelines:
but the road ahead is both challenging and promising.
Develop clear and detailed roadmaps with Its success requires collective determination, unwavering
specific timelines for achieving key milestones commitment, and a recognition that the stakes are high.
and targets. By embracing determined contributions and forging
Establish interim goals that contribute to the genuine partnerships, the global community can build a
overall long-term objectives, fostering a sense of sustainable and resilient future.
accountability. nnn
Unraveling the Tapestry: The award made provision for separate electorates

for Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-
Reservations and Caste Indians, Europeans and the Dalits.
Dynamics After long negotiations, Gandhi and Ambedkar
signed the ‘Poona Pact’, where it was decided
This editorial is based on “What Tavleen Singh doesn’t that there would be a single Hindu electorate with
get: Reservation is the oxygen for my uphill journey” certain reservations in it.
which was published in The Indian Express on ¾ Post-Independence:
15/12/2023. The article argues that reservation is a After independence, initially reservations were
necessary corrective measure to address historical provided only for SCs and STs.
injustices and discrimination faced by certain OBCs were included in the ambit of reservation
communities. These injustices may have denied these in 1991 on the recommendations of the Mandal
groups equal opportunities in the past. Commission.
The concept of ‘creamy layer’ also gained
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Social Empowerment, Issues Related to SCs currency through this judgment and provision that
& STs, Government Policies & Interventions.
reservation for backward classes should be
Many political experts and people are of the opinion confined to initial appointments only and not
that reservations in India should be eliminated. At the extend to promotions.
same time, many argue that categorizing affirmative Recently, the Constitutional (103rd Amendment)
action discussions as controversy undermines the Act of 2019 has provided 10% reservation in
struggles and resilience of communities benefiting from government jobs and educational institutions for
reservations. The supporters highlight the profound the “economically weaker sections” in the
impact of reservations, emphasizing that they are not unreserved category.
undeserved advantages but a means to address chronic z The Act amends Articles 15 and 16 of the
societal disadvantages as recognized by the Indian Constitution by adding clauses empowering
Constitution. the government to provide reservation on the
basis of economic backwardness.
What is Reservation System in India?
z This 10% economic reservation is over and
¾ About: above the 50% reservation cap.
The age-old caste system of India is responsible
for the origination of the reservation system in
the country.
z In simple terms, it is about facilitating access
to seats in government jobs, educational
institutions, and even legislatures to certain
sections of the population.
These sections have faced historical injustice due
to their caste identity.
As a quota based affirmative action, the
reservation can also be seen as positive
discrimination.
z In India, it is governed by government policies
backed by the Indian Constitution.
¾ Historical Background: How did the Reservation System Evolve in India?
William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in 1882 ¾ Constitutional Provisions and Amendments:
originally conceived the idea of caste-based Part XVI deals with reservation of SC and ST in
reservation system. Central and State legislatures.
The reservation system that exists today, in its true Article 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution
sense, was introduced in 1933 when British Prime- enabled the State and Central Governments to
Minister Ramsay Macdonald presented the reserve seats in government services for the
‘Communal Award’. members of the SC and ST.
The Constitution was amended by the Constitution
promotions in Public Services if the
(77th Amendment) Act, 1995 and a new clause communities are not adequately represented
(4A) was inserted in Article 16 to enable the in public employment.
government to provide reservation in promotion. The Supreme Court in M. Nagaraj v. Union Of
z Later, clause (4A) was modified by the India 2006 case while upholding the constitutional
Constitution (85th Amendment) Act, 2001 to validity of Art 16(4A) held that any such
provide consequential seniority to SC and ST reservation policy in order to be constitutionally
candidates promoted by giving reservation. valid shall satisfy the following three constitutional
requirements:
Constitutional 81 st Amendment Act, 2000
z The SC and ST community should be socially
inserted Article 16 (4B) which enables the state
to fill the unfilled vacancies of a year which are and educationally backward.
reserved for SCs/STs in the succeeding year, z The SC and ST communities are not adequately
thereby nullifying the ceiling of fifty percent represented in Public employment.

reservation on total number of vacancies of that z Such reservation policy shall not affect the
year. overall efficiency in the administration.

Article 330 and 332 provides for specific In Jarnail Singh vs Lachhmi Narain Gupta case of
representation through reservation of seats for 2018, Supreme Court holds that reservation in
SCs and STs in the Parliament and in the State promotions does not require the state to collect
Legislative Assemblies respectively. quantifiable data on the backwardness of the
Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
z Article 243D provides reservation of seats for
z The Court held that creamy layer exclusion
SCs and STs in every Panchayat.
extends to SC/STs and, hence the State cannot
z Article 233T provides reservation of seats for
grant reservations in promotion to SC/ST
SCs and STs in every Municipality. individuals who belong to the creamy layer of
¾ Judicial Pronouncements: their community.
The State of Madras v. Smt.Champakam In 2019, the Supreme Court upheld the Karnataka
Dorairajan (1951) case was the first major verdict law that allows reservations in promotions for SCs
of the Supreme Court on the issue of Reservation. and STs with consequential seniority.
The case led to the First amendment in the
constitution. What is the Need for Reservation In India?
z The Supreme Court in the case pointed out that ¾ Historical Discrimination: India has a history of caste-
while in the case of employment under the based discrimination, and certain communities have
State, Article 16(4) provides for reservations in been historically marginalized. Reservation aims to
favour of the backward class of citizens, no such rectify this historical injustice and provide
provision was made in Article 15. opportunities for those who have been socially and
economically disadvantaged.
z Pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order in the
case the Parliament amended Article 15 by ¾ Lack of Human Development Indicators: Data and
inserting Clause (4). reports consistently show significant disparities in
education, employment, and access to resources
In Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) case
among different caste groups.
the court examined the scope and extent of Article
Reservation policies are designed to bridge these
16(4).
gaps by ensuring representation and access to
z The Court has said that the creamy layer of
opportunities for marginalized communities.
OBCs should be excluded from the list of
¾ Promoting Social Justice: The Indian Constitution,
beneficiaries of reservation, there should not
under Articles 15(4) and 16(4), allows for the
be reservation in promotions; and total provision of reservation for socially and educationally
reserved quota should not exceed 50%. backward classes. This constitutional mandate
The Parliament responded by enacting 77 th reflects the commitment to promoting social justice
Constitutional Amendment Act which introduced and equality.
Article 16(4A). Reservation in educational institutions ensures
z The article confers power on the state to that students from marginalized communities
reserve seats in favour of SC and ST in have access to quality education.
z This, in turn, helps break the cycle of poverty ¾ Ghost Beneficiaries: Reservation policies often rely
and uplifts the overall socio-economic status on broad categories, which may not accurately target
of these communities. the most disadvantaged individuals within those
¾ Prevalence of Backwardness: The Mandal categories. Some individuals from reserved
Commission, in 1980, recommended reservations categories may not be as disadvantaged as others
for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government and may still benefit.
jobs and educational institutions. The implementation ¾ Stigma and Stereotyping: Reservation can sometimes
of these recommendations has aimed at addressing lead to the stigmatization and stereotyping of
the backwardness of certain social groups. individuals from reserved categories, which can
¾ Socioeconomic Census Data: Socio Economic caste impact their self-esteem and overall development.
census data often reveals the disproportionate ¾ Economic Development vs. Social Development:
concentration of poverty and lack of development in Reservation policies tend to focus on social
specific communities. Reservation policies seek to development, but they may not directly address
uplift these communities by providing them with economic disparities. Economic development is also
opportunities in education and employment. crucial for addressing inequality and promoting
¾ Government Reports and Policies: Various overall development.
government reports, such as the Sachar Committee ¾ Political Exploitation: Reservation policies are
Report, highlight the socio-economic backwardness sometimes used for political gain, which can lead to
of certain minority communities and National a focus on short-term political objectives rather than
Sample Survey Organisation reports highlight the long-term development goals.
deplorable conditions of lower castes.
¾ Equitable Representation in Public Employment: What Should be the Solution to Reservation?
Re s e r vat i o n i n gove r n m e nt j o bs e n s u re s ¾ Reboot Infrastructure of Opportunity: Rebooting
representation from all sections of society in public our infrastructure of opportunity requires accelerating
services, promoting diversity and inclusivity. This is reforms to our 3Es of education, employability, and
supported by data reflecting under-representation
employment.
of certain groups in government employment as per
In education, state governments must fix
Periodic Labour Force Survey Reports.
government schools without wasting more
What are the Issues energy on small class sizes, teacher qualifications
with Reservation System in India? or teacher salaries but focusing on the binding
constraints of performance management,
¾ Quality of Education and Employment: Reservation governance , and soft skills.
policies primarily target access to education and
In employability, we must attract massive new
government jobs. However, there is a concern that
financing for skills from employers by redesigning
these policies may compromise the quality of
the system around the five design principles of
education and workforce in the long run, as
learning by doing, learning while earning, learning
candidates may be selected based on quotas rather
than merit. with qualification modularity, learning with
multimodal delivery, and learning with signaling
¾ Brain Drain: Some argue that reservation policies can
value.
lead to a “brain drain” where talented individuals
In employment, massive non-farm, high-wage,
from unreserved categories may choose to study or
work abroad to escape the reservation system, formal job creation requires cutting the regulatory
potentially causing a loss of talent within the country. cholesterol for employers that breeds litigation,
compliance, filings and criminalisation by passing
¾ Resentment and Division: Reservation can sometimes
new labor codes.
create social and economic divisions within society.
This division can lead to resentment among those ¾ Equal Treatment: Ensuring that all individuals are
who do not benefit from the policies, potentially treated fairly and without discrimination is a
hindering social cohesion and development. fundamental aspect of promoting equality. This
¾ Inefficiencies and Corruption: Reservation policies
means that people should not face disadvantages
have sometimes been marred by inefficiencies, or privileges based on their background, such as
corruption, and the manipulation of caste their parents’ status.
certificates. These issues can undermine the ¾ Unbiased Competition: Encouraging competition on
effectiveness of the system and hinder development. a level playing field, where individuals have equal
opportunities to succeed based on their skills, Tag: GS Paper - 2, Issues Related to SCs & STs, Government
abilities, and efforts, is crucial. This promotes Policies & Interventions
excellence by motivating individuals to strive for their On December 18, 2006, the Rajya Sabha endorsed
best. the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest
¾ Impartially Judged Outcomes: Outcomes should be Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, enacted by
determined through a fair and impartial evaluation the Lok Sabha. This Act, commonly known as the Forest
of an individual’s performance, skills, and Rights Act, or FRA, marks a watershed in India’s socio-
contributions. This ensures that merit and environmental legislation, as it attempts to put an end
achievement are the primary factors in determining to the long-drawn conflict over supposed ‘forest
success. encroachments’. Simultaneously, it seeks to create a
¾ Judging Based on Effort and Courage: Emphasizing much more democratic, bottom-up forest governance.
the importance of hard work, determination, and Hence, 17 years after it was enacted, the FRA has
the courage to pursue one’s goals helps foster a barely begun to deliver on its promise of freeing forest-
culture of personal responsibility and individual dwellers from historic injustices and democratising forest
effort. governance.
¾ Use the Resources Judiciously: A modern state is a
What is
welfare state and being a good ancestor requires a
government that uses society’s resources to subsidize Forest Rights Act, 2006 and its Provisions?
and deliver quality food, education, healthcare and ¾ The Act recognizes and vests the forest rights and
housing to those who need it. occupation in Forest land in Forest Dwelling
But this Safety Net should not become a Scheduled Tribes (FDST) and Other Traditional Forest
Hammock: Unemployed workers cannot get the Dwellers (OTFD) who have been residing in such
same income as those working because people forests for generations.
get much more from work than income. And rich ¾ Forest rights can also be claimed by any member or
people should not get cheap food, gas or diesel. community who has for at least three generations
(75 years) prior to the 13th day of December, 2005
Policy must accelerate the Aadhaar-enabled
primarily resided in forest land for bona fide
Direct Benefit Transfer revolution for subsidies.
livelihood needs.
Conclusion: ¾ It strengthens the conservation regime of the forests
while ensuring livelihood and food security of the
Gandhiji believed that Sarvodaya (development of
FDST and OTFD.
all) would be accomplished through Antyodaya (welfare
of the weak). Philosophers have built on his thinking and ¾ The Gram Sabha is the authority to initiate the
process for determining the nature and extent of
concluded that if you were designing the world without
Individual Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest
knowing your place in it, you would ensure fairness for
Rights (CFR) or both that may be given to FDST and
all. Reservation is a valuable tool for social justice but
OTFD.
after years of Poorna Swaraj, it’s time to discard
something often subject to political manipulation for ¾ The Act identifies four types of rights:
something more universal over the next few decades. Title rights: It gives FDST and OTFD the right to
ownership to land farmed by tribals or forest
nnn
dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares.
Ownership is only for land that is actually being
cultivated by the concerned family and no new
Decoding FRA 2006: Justice, lands will be granted.
Conservation, and Challenges Use rights: The rights of the dwellers extend to
extracting Minor Forest Produce, grazing areas
This editorial is based on “An uphill struggle to grow the etc.
Forest Rights Act” which was published in The Hindu on
Relief and development rights: To rehabilitate in
18/12/2023. The article talks about the challenges and
case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and
gaps in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act in to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest
India. protection.
Forest management rights: It includes the right z‘Forest Villages’ were created to ensure labour
to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any for forestry operations , wherein forest land
community forest resource which they have been was leased for agriculture to households
traditionally protecting and conserving for (mostly Adivasis) in return for compulsory
sustainable use. labour (virtually bonded).
z Since forests were now state property, all
What was the Rationale access to forest produce was limited, temporary
behind the Implementation of FRA, 2006? and chargeable, and always at the mercy of the
¾ The FRA, 2006 was implemented to recognize and forest bureaucracy that was armed with police
vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land powers.
in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other ¾ Any concessions to local livelihood needs were
traditional forest dwellers who have been residing termed ‘privileges’ that could be modified or
in such forests for generations but whose rights could withdrawn any time.
not be recorded. z Even where access was permitted, the local
¾ The Act also aimed to undo the historical injustice community had no right to manage the forest,
occurred to the forest dwelling communities due to as the state logged valuable forests and made
the forest management policies of colonial and heavily used forest de facto open-access.
post-colonial India, which did not acknowledge their ¾ Post Independence Era:
symbiotic relationship with the forests. After Independence, things didn’t change much.
¾ The Act further intended to empower the forest When the government hurriedly brought princely
dwellers to access and use the forest resources in a States and zamindari estates into the Union, they
sustainable manner, to conserve the biodiversity and declared their forest areas as state property
ecological balance, and to protect them from without checking who was living there.
unlawful evictions and displacement. z People who had been living there for
generations suddenly became ‘encroachers.’
What were the Injustices The government then leased out forest lands
faced by the Forest Dweller Communities? under various campaigns such as ‘Grow More
Food’ to meet the needs of a growing population,
¾ Pre Colonial Era: Before colonialism, local
but they were never properly regulated.
communities had traditional rights over forests in
People displaced by dams were not given
their area or even a wider region. Even if kings or
chieftains claimed hunting rights in specific forests, alternative lands and ended up ‘encroaching’ on
local communities still had access to all other benefits forest land elsewhere.
from the forests. The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and the Forest
(Conservation) Act 1980 (FCA), again conceived
¾ Colonial Era: The colonial government introduced
within the framework of eminent domain.
Indian Forest Act, 1878 which was based on the idea
z Many communities were moved forcefully to
of ‘eminent domain’ (that the ruler always owns all
property),. establish sanctuaries and national parks.
When using forests for development, the opinions
The Imperial Forest Department was established
to harvest and transform the forest to maximise of local people weren’t considered, and despite
charging significant fees, they weren’t adequately
timber and revenue.
compensated for the impact on their lives.
z It was also tasked with protecting ‘state’
property against local communities, now How Forest Rights Act, 2006
deemed trespassers. helps Address these Historical Injustices?
The injustices imposed by this colonial forest
¾ The FRA is remarkable because it first of all
policy took multiple forms. Viz:
acknowledges these historical (colonial) injustices
z Now that forests were seen as primarily a
and their continuation post-Independence. Redress
timber resource, shifting cultivation was then takes three broad forms.
banned. ¾ The issue of so-called ‘encroachments’ is addressed
z The so-called survey and settlement of through recognising individual forest rights (IFRs) to
agricultural lands was incomplete and biased continue habitation and cultivation or other activities
in favour of the state. that existed before December 2005.
¾ Forest villages are to be converted into revenue community rights to access and manage forests
villages after full rights recognition. (CFRs) is a significant lacuna in FRA implementation.
¾ The issue of access and control is addressed by The forest bureaucracy is resistant to these rights,
recognising the rights of village communities to potentially impeding the empowerment of local
access and use forests and to own and sell minor communities in managing their forests.
forest produce, and, most importantly, to manage ¾ Limited Recognition of CFRs in Most States: While
forests within their customary boundaries, including Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh have made
in sanctuaries and national parks. some progress in recognizing CFRs, this has not been
¾ It ensures decentralised forest governance, linking the case in most states. Maharashtra’s activation of
management authority and responsibility to CFRs through de-nationalizing minor forest produce
community rights. is a positive example, but challenges persist,
The Act lays down a democratic procedure for
especially in potential mining areas.
identifying whether and where wildlife ¾ Convenient for Conservationists and Development
conser vation may require curtailing or Lobby: Non-recognition of community rights serves
extinguishing community rights. the interests of hardline conservationists and the
When a community has rights to a forest, it means
development lobby. Communities in protected areas
they automatically get a say in any changes to the become vulnerable to ‘voluntary rehabilitation,’ and
forest and can even stop them. They also have forests may be exploited for mining or dams without
the right to be compensated if any changes do obtaining community consent.
happen. ¾ Forest Villages Not Addressed: The issue of ‘forest
This right was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court villages’ has not been adequately addressed in most
in the Niyamgiri case, and states, indicating a lack of comprehensive
implementation.
¾ Although the Forest Conservation Rules 2022 and
FCA Amendment 2023 seek to bypass this right,
What should be the Way Forward?
States can still put in place such consent mechanisms.
¾ Empowerment of Gram Sabha: Ensure that the Gram
What are the Issues in Sabha, the local self-government in villages, is actively
Implementation of the Forest Rights Act? involved in decision-making processes related to
forest management.
¾ Individual Rights vs. Community Rights: Politicians
in some states have predominantly focused on ¾ Inclusive Decision Making: Encourage the inclusion
individual rights, turning the Act into an of rights holders in the decision-making processes to
‘encroachment regularization’ scheme. This ensure that their perspectives and needs are
approach neglects the recognition and protection of considered.
community rights, which are essential for sustainable ¾ Education and Training: Conduct awareness
forest management. programs and training sessions for forest dwellers to
¾ Poor Recognition of Individual Forest Rights (IFRs):
inform them about their rights under the FRA.
The recognition of Individual Forest Rights has been ¾ Capacity Building: Strengthen the capacity of civil
done poorly, often compromised by resistance from society organizations to support and advocate for the
the Forest Department, apathy from other rights of forest dwellers.
departments, and misuse of technology. Claimants ¾ Monitoring Mechanisms: Establish monitoring
face hardship during the filing process, encountering systems to ensure that the Forest Department and
faulty and non-transparent rejections and arbitrary other relevant authorities adhere to the provisions
partial recognitions. and objectives of the FRA.
¾ Digital Processes in Areas with Poor Connectivity: ¾ Accountability Measures: Implement accountability
Implementation of digital processes, such as the measures for any violations or non-compliance with
VanMitra software in Madhya Pradesh, has posed the FRA, ensuring that responsible authorities are
challenges in areas with poor connectivity and low held accountable.
literacy rates. This exacerbates existing injustices and ¾ Integrated Planning: Develop integrated plans that
hinders the effective filing and processing of claims. consider both the development and conservation
¾ Incomplete Recognition of Community Forest Rights needs of forests while respecting the rights and
(CFRs): The slow and incomplete recognition of interests of forest dwellers.
¾ Consultative Processes: Engage in consultative LWE groups may target government institutions,
processes that involve all stakeholders to find a balance law enforcement agencies, or private property to
between development and conservation goals. further their agenda.
The LWE movement in India originated in a 1967
Conclusion:
uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal.
Certain states aim to promptly acknowledge rights, ¾ Presence of LWE in India: According to the Ministry
but in areas like Chhattisgarh, swift implementation often
of Home Affairs, 90 districts in 10 states are affected
advantages the Forest Department, distorting rights and
by LWE, although in varying degrees.
granting excessive control to bureaucrats. To address
The states are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh,
this issue, it’s crucial for political leaders, bureaucrats,
and environmentalists to comprehend and endorse the Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
essence of the FRA. Otherwise, past injustices will endure, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal.
forest governance will lack democracy, and the z The most affected states are Chhattisgarh,
opportunity for community-led conservation and Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar, where the LWE
sustainable livelihoods will remain unrealized. groups have a strong presence and carry out
nnn frequent attacks on security forces and
civilians.
Unmasking Left Wing

Extremism in India
This editorial is based on “Grass-root democracy as a
bulwark against Maoists” which was published in The
Hindu on 19/12/2023. The article argues that PESA, if
implemented properly, can enable the tribal people to
participate in the planning and implementation of
development schemes and social justice, and also
protect their rights and resources.
Tag: GS Paper - 3, Left Wing Extremism

Chhattisgarh’s Assembly elections recently ended,
with a key focus on tribal votes. Political parties
strategically factored in the significant tribal population,
comprising 34% of the state’s total votes, as winning their What are the
support often determines the government formation in Reasons behind Left Wing Extremism?
the region. ¾ Inequitable Development: Many of the LWE-affected
The tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, particularly in areas are among the least developed regions of the
Bastar, are currently grappling with Maoist insurgency, country, with high levels of poverty, unemployment,
with tribals serving as the primary base for the movement. illiteracy, malnutrition, and social exclusion.
Elections in these Maoist strongholds, classified as
The LWE groups exploit the grievances of the
Schedule Five areas, have consistently been marred by
marginalized sections of the society, especially the
violence, often exacerbated by boycott calls from the
tribals, who have been deprived of their land,
Maoists. This year’s elections followed a similar pattern,
reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by the Maoist forest, and mineral rights by the state and private
insurgency in these regions. actors.
¾ Governance Deficit: The LWE-affected areas suffer
What is Left Wing Extremism? from a lack of effective governance, administration,
¾ About: and service delivery. The state institutions are often
Left-wing extremism, also known as left-wing
weak, corrupt, or absent, leaving a vacuum that is
terrorism or radical left-wing movements, refers filled by the LWE groups.
to political ideologies and groups that advocate The LWE groups also use violence and intimidation
for significant societal and political change to disrupt the democratic processes, such as
through revolutionary means. elections, panchayats, and development schemes.
¾ Ideological Appeal: The LWE groups claim to Promotion of sustainable livelihoods: Schemes
represent the interests of the oppressed and like Van Dhan Vikas Kendras and MGNREGA aim
exploited classes, and propagate a radical ideology to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for
that rejects parliamentary democracy and advocates tribal communities through forest-based activities
armed revolution. and rural employment programs.
They draw inspiration from the teachings of Mao ¾ Ensuring Rights and Entitlements:
Zedong, the Chinese communist leader, and the Land rights: The government is taking steps to
Naxalbari uprising of 1967, which was led by the address the issue of land alienation faced by tribal
Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist). communities, which is a major cause of Naxalite
Some of the LWE groups also have links with other grievances.
extremist and separatist movements in India and
Forest rights: The Forest Rights Act, 2006,
abroad.
recognizes the traditional rights of tribal
¾ Globalization and Cultural Displacement: The communities over forest resources and aims to
impacts of globalization, including cultural changes empower them through community forest
and displacement, can contribute to a sense of management.
dislocation and alienation.
Grievance redressal mechanisms: The government
Left-wing extremist movements may offer a sense
has established grievance redressal mechanisms
of identity and purpose to individuals who feel
to address the concerns of local communities and
marginalized by these global forces.
ensure that their rights are protected.
What Steps ¾ Other Measures:
have been taken by the Government? Civic Action Program (CAP): Financial grants are
allocated to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
¾ Security Measures:
to undertake various Civic Action Programs in LWE
Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces
affected areas.
(CAPFs): The government has deployed CAPFs like
CRPF, BSF, and ITBP in LWE-affected areas to S u r r e n d e r a n d Re h a b i l i t a t i o n Po l i c y :
conduct counter-insurgency operations and Rehabilitation package includes an immediate
strengthen police presence. grant of Rs. 2.5 lakh for higher ranked LWE cadres
and Rs. 1.5 lakh for middle/lower rank LWE cadres
Strengthening State Police: The government
provides financial and logistical support to states to be kept in their names as Fixed deposit which
for modernizing their police forces, improving may be withdrawn after completion of 3 years
intelligence gathering, and training personnel in subject to good behaviour.
counter-insurgency tactics. z They are also imparted training in a trade /
Establishment of specialized units: Specialized
vocation of their liking and paid a monthly
units like Cobra Commandos and Greyhounds stipend of Rs. 4000 for three years.
have been created to carry out targeted operations SAMADHAN Doctrine: The solution to the LWE
against Naxalite leaders and camps. problem is not possible with any silver bullet. For
¾ Development Initiatives: this short term, medium term and long-term
Integrated Development Projects: The
policies need to be formulated at different levels.
government has launched various schemes like Thus ‘SAMADHAN’ stands for:
the Integrated Tribal Development Programme z S – Smart Leadership
(ITDP) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana z A – Aggressive Strategy
(PMGSY) to improve infrastructure, provide z M – Motivation and Training
livelihood opportunities, and address basic needs
z A – Actionable Intelligence
like education and healthcare in LWE-affected
areas. z D – Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance
Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result Areas)
Skill development programs: The government
provides skill development training to youth in z H – Harnessing Technology
LWE-affected areas to make them employable and z A – Action plan for each Theatre
reduce their vulnerability to Naxalite recruitment. z N – No access to Financing
SMART Police: SMART Police is an acronym for ¾ Development Programs:

Strategic Management & Alternative Response Implement targeted development programs that
Tactics, which refers to the application of data- address the socio-economic issues faced by tribal
driven approaches by police authorities. communities. This could include infrastructure
z SMART Police aims to improve the quality and development, healthcare, education, and
efficiency of policing by using various sources employment opportunities.
of data, such as crime statistics, citizen Ensure that development initiatives are
feedback, social media, etc., to inform decision participatory, involving local communities in
making and resource allocation. decision-making processes.
z SMART Police also includes alternatives to
¾ Counter Maoist Propaganda:
police dispatch, such as online reports,
Launch communication strategies to counter
telephone reporting units, and false alarm
Maoist propaganda and expose the gap between
reduction.
their rhetoric and actual actions. Highlight
What has been instances where the Maoists’ agenda does not
the Impact of these Measures so far? align with the welfare of the local population.
Collaborate with local media, community leaders,
¾ The last eight years have seen a significant decline in
and influencers to spread accurate information
left-wing extremism violence as well as the
and counter misinformation.
geographical spread of LWE.
¾ Negotiation and Conflict Resolution:
¾ There has been a reduction in incidents in 2022 as
Explore avenues for peaceful negotiation with
compared to 2013. The number of incidents of
violence perpetrated by left-wing extremists was 413 moderate factions within the Maoist groups.
in 2022-23. Identify and address the root causes of their
¾ There has been a 75% reduction (397 to 98) in left-
discontent to find lasting solutions.
wing extremism-related deaths in 2022 as compared Involve neutral mediators, civil society
to 2013. organizations, and respected community leaders

¾ In 2022 the resultant deaths and casualties to in peacebuilding efforts.
security forces reduced by 33% and by 68%, ¾ Human Rights Protection:
respectively in comparison to 2021. Ensure the protection of human rights, particularly
in conflict zones. Any security measures taken
What more should the Government do? should be in accordance with the rule of law, and
¾ Effective Implementation of PESA Act: efforts should be made to minimize collateral
Ensure the proper and complete implementation damage and civilian casualties.
of the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to ¾ Long-term Strategic Planning:
Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA). This includes Develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy
issuing clear policy directives to empower gram that focuses on sustainable development, social
sabhas as intended by the Act. justice, and inclusive governance. Such an
Address the gaps in implementation that have approach aims to address the underlying issues
allowed Maoists to exploit the situation and work that contribute to the insurgency.
towards aligning the Act with the historical and
traditional tribal way of life. Conclusion:
¾ Tribal Empowerment and Representation: The government is actively implementing strategies
Actively nurture tribal leadership by providing to eliminate Left-wing Extremism. According to the Union
platforms for their voices to be heard. This can be Home Ministry, Left-wing extremism in India is in its final
achieved through increased representation in stage and is expected to be eradicated entirely within
local governance structures and political the next two years. Key government priorities involve
processes. deploying central forces to counter Maoists, streamlining
Acknowledge and address the aspirations of development efforts, and establishing security camps in
tribal communities, ensuring that policies and regions where administrative penetration has been
initiatives are designed to accommodate their challenging.
unique needs and perspectives. nnn
India’s Anti-Defection Law: the act of giving a letter requesting the
governor to call on the leader of the other side
Challenges and Solutions to form a government would amount to an act
of voluntarily giving up membership of the
This editorial is based on “The hollowing out of the anti-
previous party.
defection law” which was published in The Hindu on
19/12/2023. The article discusses the problems and If he or she votes or abstains from voting in the
consequences of the anti-defection law in India, which House, contrary to any direction issued by his or
was enacted in 1985 to prevent legislators from her political party or anyone authorized to do so,
switching parties or voting against their party’s without obtaining prior permission.
direction. If any member who is independently elected joins
any political party.
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Indian Constitution, Constitutional z In Balchandra L. Jarkiholi Vs. B.S. Yeddyurappa
Amendments (2010), the Supreme Court made it clear that
After long years of legislative meanderings, independent MLAs joining the Ministry in a
Parliament enacted the anti-defection law (10th Schedule) coalition govt., without joining the ruling
to curb political defection. The volume, intensity, party, will not sacrifice their independent
recklessness and uncontrolled venality seen in defections identity. Hence joining Council of Ministers
in the 1960s and thereafter almost came to a stop after doesn’t amount to disqualification.
this. Defections not only caused the frequent fall of ¾ Exceptions to the anti-defection law:
governments but also caused great instability in political A member will not be disqualified if:
parties with power-seeking politicians wreaking havoc z His or her original political party merges with
on political parties. another party, and he or she and at least two-
thirds of the members of the original party
What is Anti Defection Law?
agree to the merger.
¾ The Law: ¾ Under the 91st Amendment to the Constitution in
The anti-defection law (found under the Tenth 2003, the exemption from disqualification if one-third
Schedule of the Constitution) was enacted to curb of the members form a separate group (the rule prior
frequent floor-crossing by legislators. to the amendment) was removed.
z It was added to the Constitution through 52nd z He or she or any other member of his or her
Amendment Act in 1985. party has not accepted the merger and opts to
It provides for the disqualification of elected function as a separate group.
legislators from the legislature in instances where z He or she makes a split from his or her original
they voluntarily switch parties or vote against the party, but does not join any other party.
party’s direction.
¾ Ground for Disqualification: What are the
If he or she voluntarily gives up his or her issues with the Anti Defection Law?
membership of a political party. ¾ Undermines the Idea of Democracy: It undermines
z in Ravi S. Naik versus Union of India (1994), the representative and parliamentary democracy by
the Supreme Court clarified that an MP/MLA restricting the legislators’ freedom of speech and
need not formally resign from their party to expression, and making them accountable to their
attract disqualification under the anti- party leaders rather than the people who elected
defection law. them.
¾ The SC had said: “The expression ‘voluntarily given ¾ Doesn’t set any time frame: It does not provide a
up his membership’ is not synonymous with clear and timely mechanism for deciding the cases
‘resignation’… Even in the absence of a formal of defection, and leaves the power to disqualify the
resignation from membership an inference can be members to the discretion of the presiding officers
drawn from the conduct of a member that he has of the houses, who may be biased or influenced by
voluntarily given up his membership of the political political pressures.
party to which he belongs.” However, the Supreme Court in Keisham
z In Rajendra Singh Rana vs. Swami Prasad Meghachandra Singh vs The Hon’ble Speaker
Maurya and Others (2007), the SC held that Manipur Legislative Assembly & Ors (2020) ruled
that Speakers of assemblies and the Parliament Anti-Poaching Measures: Prohibiting or penalizing
must decide disqualification pleas within a period attempts to induce defections through offers of
of three months except in extraordinary positions or benefits could discourage such
circumstances. practices.
¾ Still Allows Defection: It allows a group of members ¾ Balancing Stability and Accountability:
to defect to another party without penalty, if they Exempting Mergers: Exempting defections due to
constitute at least two-thirds of their original party. bona fide mergers of parties could encourage
This creates a loophole for opportunistic and political restructuring without undermining
unethical mergers and splits of parties, and
stability.
undermines the stability and integrity of the political
system. Public Interest Considerations: Introducing a
mechanism to assess the public interest in cases
This way it encourages the practice of “horse-
of defection, allowing for disqualification only
trading” or buying and selling of legislators.
when it demonstrably harms public good, could
¾ Doesn,t address the Root Cause: It does not address
strike a balance between stability and
the root causes of defection, such as lack of intra-
accountability.
party democracy, corruption, and electoral
malpractices. It also does not prevent the parties Right to Dissent: Recognizing the right of
from enticing or accepting the defectors, and thus legislators to dissent on specific issues without
fails to deter the phenomenon of defection. triggering disqualification could promote healthy
debate and independent thought within
What steps should be taken legislatures.
to Strengthen the Anti Defection Law?
How are
¾ Addressing Procedural Issues:
Other Countries dealing with Defections?
Shifting Adjudication Power: The current practice
of Speakers of the House deciding on defection ¾ UK: Political defections in the UK are not explicitly
cases raises concerns about bias and political prohibited by law, but defectors may face
influence. Shifting adjudication power to an repercussions from their party and constituents.
independent body like the Election Commission Consequences may include losing party privileges,
could enhance impartiality. facing disciplinary action, and risking legal challenges
z The 2nd ARC recommended that the issue of
such as recall petitions or by-elections.
disqualification of members on the grounds of ¾ USA: Similarly, the USA lacks a specific law against
defection should be decided by the President/ political defections. While rare, defections may occur
Governor on the advice of the Election for ideological or strategic reasons. Backlash from
Commission. the former party, constituents, and media is possible,
Time-bound Decisions: Setting a strict timeframe but defectors may also gain new support. Running
for adjudicating defection cases would prevent for re-election under the new party label presents
prolonged uncertainty and political manipulation. both challenges and opportunities, depending on the
Judicial Recourse: Allowing direct appeals to the political climate.
Supreme Court or High Courts in certain cases
could provide additional safeguards against Conclusion:
arbitrary decisions. The Anti-Defection Law in the Indian Constitution
¾ Strengthening Party Accountability: aims for democratic stability by curbing political
Internal Democracy: Introducing regulations to defections. Despite its importance, challenges such as
enforce internal party democracy and transparency restricting legislators’ freedom and procedural issues
could reduce disillusionment among legislators, underscore the necessity for reforms. Inspired by
potentially curbing defection motivated by international experiences, proposed steps aim to balance
discontent within parties. stability and accountability. Recognizing exemptions for
Party Funding Reforms: Making party funding party mergers and public interest, the law must evolve
more transparent and accountable could diminish to remain relevant in India’s dynamic political landscape,
the influence of money power in politics, which ensuring a robust democracy.
can incentivize defections. nnn
India’s Ethanol Revolution: blending target. While Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP)
increased from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.8% in 2022-23, the
Progress & Challenges 20% target by 2025 has run into trouble with low sugar
stocks in 2022-23 and the impending shortfall in sugarcane
This editorial is based on “India’s ethanol conundrum”
production this year. As evident from Minister of Consumer
which was published in The Hindu on 20/12/2023. The
Affairs, the government is looking at a major transition
article discusses the challenges and opportunities of
towards grain-based ethanol for meeting the target.
India’s ethanol blending programme, which aims to
reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and The recent authorisation of the National Agricultural
promote renewable energy sources. Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and
the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of
Tag: GS Paper - 3, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, India (NCCF) to procure maize (corn) for supplying
Renewable Energy ethanol distilleries indicates emphasis on this transition
As more than 100 countries at COP28 in Dubai pledged and will boost an organised maize-feed supply chain for
the tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030, ethanol. This, however, risks creating more challenges
India faces a tightrope walk with regard to its ethanol for the economy.
What is Ethanol? z Fuel: It is used as a biofuel and is often mixed

¾ Ethanol: Ethanol is an organic compound which is a with gasoline to produce ethanol-blended
clear, colorless liquid that is flammable and has a fuels.
characteristic odour. z Industrial Solvent: Due to its ability to dissolve
Production: It can be produced through the a wide range of substances, ethanol is used as
fermentation of sugars by yeast, a process that a s o l v e n t i n t h e m a n u fa c t u r i n g o f
is used in the production of alcoholic beverages. pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and other
It can also be synthesized through chemical products.
processes, such as hydration of ethylene. z Medical and Laboratory Uses: Ethanol is used
Uses: as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and a preservative
z Beverages: Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in medical and laboratory settings.
in alcoholic beverages. It is consumed socially z Chemical Feedstock: It serves as a feedstock
in various forms, such as beer, wine, and spirits. for the production of various chemicals.
What is Ethanol Blending Program (EBP)? these crops, which can boost the income and
livelihood of farmers and rural communities.
¾ The EBP is an initiative by the Government of India
to promote the use of ethanol, a renewable and ¾ Enhancing Energy Security: Ethanol is a domestic
environment-friendly fuel, in petrol. and diverse source of energy, which can reduce
¾ The program aims to reduce the import of fuels from India’s dependence on a single and foreign source of
other countries, conserve foreign exchange, and energy. By using ethanol, India can increase its energy
increase value addition in the sugar industry. security and resilience.
¾ Generating Economic Benefits: Ethanol blending can
¾ The target of 10% ethanol blending set in the
‘Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25’ for stimulate the growth of the ethanol industry, which
Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2021-22 has already been can create new jobs, investments, and innovations.
achieved and Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies It can also help India develop a more sustainable and
(OMCs) have started selling E20 (20% ethanol modern energy system.
blended) petrol across the country. Ethanol blending can save the country USD 4
Further, the National Policy on Biofuels – 2018

billion per annum, i.e., Rs. 30,000 cr.
targets 20% blending of ethanol in petrol by ESY ¾ Enhanced Vehicular Performance: Ethanol has a
2025-26. higher octane rating than gasoline, which means
¾ Ethanol is mainly produced from a by-product of the that it can improve the engine performance and
sugar industry, namely molasses, but other raw reduce the knocking tendency.
materials like sugarcane juice, sugar, sugar syrup, and
damaged food grains can also be used.
What are the Limitations of Ethanol Blending?
The Government has taken various steps to ¾ Feedstock Availability and Cost: Ethanol production
facilitate the procurement and supply of ethanol requires a large amount of biomass, such as
under the EBP, such as fixing remunerative prices, sugarcane, corn, or lignocellulosic materials, which
simplifying the procedure, waiving excise duty, may compete with food, feed, or other uses. The
and extending financial assistance. availability and cost of these feedstocks may vary
¾ Due to effective Government policies, the supply of depending on the season, weather, market, and
ethanol to OMCs has increased by more than 13 policy conditions.
times in ESY 2022-23 from ESY 2013-14. ¾ Conflict with Food Security: The use of corn for
The blending percentage has also increased from

ethanol production come directly in conflict with food
1.53% in ESY 2013-14 to targeted 12% in ESY 2022- security.
23. In the case of sugarcane, ethanol is produced by
processing the molasses (C-heavy/B-heavy) and
What is the constitutes minimal trade-off with the sugar
Significance of Ethanol Blending in Fuels? output.
The B-heavy molasses path produces less sugar
¾ Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence: India imports
most of its oil, which makes it vulnerable to compared to the C-heavy one, but both produce
fluctuations in global markets and geopolitical risks. sugar and ethanol simultaneously from sugarcane.
By using ethanol, India can reduce its oil imports and But using corn for producing ethanol directly
increase its energy self-reliance. reduces its use as food or livestock feed.
¾ Protecting the Environment: Ethanol burns cleaner z It not only diverts grain to fuel use, but also
than gasoline, which means it produces less harmful links food prices directly with crude oil prices
emissions that cause air pollution and climate through the demand side.
change. By using ethanol, India can improve its air ¾ Conversion Efficiency and Yield: Ethanol production
quality and meet its climate goals. involves several steps, such as pretreatment,
According to a study by the Indian Institute of hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation, which may
Science, Bangalore, blending ethanol with petrol have different efficiencies and yields depending on
can reduce the carbon monoxide emissions by the type and quality of the feedstock, the process
30-50% and hydrocarbon emissions by 20%. technology, and the operating conditions.
¾ Supporting Farmers: Ethanol production requires For example, lignocellulosic biomass, which is
agricultural inputs, such as sugarcane or corn. By more abundant and diverse than sugarcane or
using ethanol, India can create a new demand for corn, requires more intensive and complex
pretreatment and hydrolysis to break down the up new distilleries (molasses based, grain-based
cellulose and hemicellulose into fermentable and dual-feed based) or expansion of existing
sugars. distilleries (molasses based, grain-based and dual-
The conversion efficiency and yield of ethanol also feed based) throughout the country.
affect the economic viability and environmental z Interest subvention @ 6% per annum or 50%
impact of the production process. of rate of interest charged by banks/financial
¾ Infrastructure and Distribution: Ethanol production institutions, whichever is lower, on the loans
requires adequate infrastructure and distribution to be extended by banks/financial institutions
systems to transport, store, and deliver the feedstock is being borne by the Central Government for
and the fuel to the end-users. This may involve high five years including one-year moratorium.
capital and operating costs, as well as logistical and ¾ Tax relief: Lower taxes are levied on E10 and E20
regulatory challenges. blends compared to unblended petrol, making them
For example, ethanol is corrosive and hygroscopic, more cost-competitive for consumers.
which means that it can damage or contaminate Lower excise duty and GST rates for ethanol
the existing pipelines, tanks, and pumps that are compared to petrol.
designed for gasoline or diesel. ¾ Incentives for E20-compatible vehicles: Tax benefits
¾ Vehicle Compatibility and Performance: Ethanol and other incentives are being considered for
production requires compatible and efficient vehicles manufacturers and buyers of vehicles compatible
that can run on ethanol-blended fuels or pure with higher ethanol blends.
ethanol. This may require modifications or
adaptations in the engine, fuel system, and emission What Steps can be Taken Further to Boost
control devices of the vehicles, as well as changes in Ethanol Program?
the driving behavior and maintenance practices of
¾ Production Boost:
the drivers.
Diversify Feedstock: Encourage production from
For example, Ethanol has a lower energy density
non-food sources like cellulosic biomass, waste
than gasoline, which means that more volume
paper, and agricultural residues. This reduces
of ethanol is needed to provide the same amount
competition with food security and utilizes waste.
of energy, resulting in higher transportation and
storage costs. Support 2G and 3G Biofuels: Invest in research
and development for second and third-generation
What are the Steps taken ethanol production technologies, which use non-
by the Government to Boost Ethanol Blending? edible resources.
Expand Production Capacity: Incentivize setting
¾ Differential Ethanol Pricing: The government has
fixed different prices for ethanol derived from C heavy up new ethanol distilleries and modernize existing
molasses, B heavy molasses, sugarcane juice/sugar/ ones through financial assistance and streamlined
sugar syrup, and damaged food grains or rice. bureaucratic processes.
Promote Regional Production: Focus on
The prices are revised annually by the Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) based on establishing distilleries closer to fuel depots to
various factors such as cost of production, minimize transportation costs and optimize
availability, and demand. logistics.
The differential pricing policy has resulted in
¾ Policy and Market Mechanisms:
increased supply of ethanol for the Ethanol Raise Blending Mandate: Gradually increase the
Blended Petrol (EBP) programme and helped mandatory ethanol blending percentage beyond
achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. the current target of 20% by 2025. This creates a
¾ Interest Subvention Scheme: With a view to enhance guaranteed market for ethanol producers.
the ethanol production capacity in the country to Long-term Contracts: Offer fixed-price contracts
achieve the blending targets set under EBP with oil marketing companies to encourage stable
Programme, the Government has notified various investment in ethanol production.
ethanol interest subvention schemes from July 2018 Support Research and Development: Invest in
to April 2022. research on optimizing blending ratios, addressing
Under these ethanol interest subvention schemes, engine compatibility issues, and developing
Government is facilitating entrepreneurs to set efficient conversion technologies.
¾ Technological Advancement: challenges like lack of adequate infrastructure, low
Upgrade Infrastructure: Invest in storage and government expenditure on education (less than 3.5%
transportation infrastructure for ethanol to ensure of the GDP) and as per the Unified District Information
efficient supply chain management. System For Education (UDISE) the pupil-to-teacher ratio
Vehicle Compatibility: Work with automobile
at the national level for elementary schools is 24:1. So
manufacturers to develop engines and vehicles it’s high time to tune the Indian Education System with
compatible with higher ethanol blends. global standards and adopt modern learning approaches
that are responsive and relevant. Also, vitalise National
Quality Control: Implement stringent quality
Education Policy 2020 to see the light of day.
standards for ethanol production and blending to
ensure fuel performance and vehicle safety. What is the
¾ Public Awareness and Education:
Status of Education System in India?
Create Awareness Campaigns: Educate consumers
¾ History:
about the benefits of ethanol blending, dispel
myths about its impact on vehicles, and encourage The ‘Gurukul’ was a type of education system in
its adoption. ancient India with shishya (students) living with

Transparency and Labeling: Ensure clear labeling
the guru in the same house. Nalanda has the
of ethanol blended fuels at petrol stations to oldest university system of education in the
inform consumers about their choice. world. Students from across the world were
attracted to Indian knowledge systems.
Conclusion: British Government brought various reforms in
India has made significant progress in its Ethanol the education system through Macaulay
Blending Program. This achievement in the course of last Committee recommendations, Woods’ Despatch,
8-10 years has not only augmented India’s energy Hunter Commission Report, University Education
security but also translated into a forex impact of over Act, 2004 which had profound impact on society.
Rs.41,500 crores, reduced Green House Gas (GHG) ¾ Current Status of Education in India:
emissions of 27 lakh Metric Tonne (MT) and also led to ¾ The gender gap in literacy in India began narrowing
the expeditious payment of over Rs.40,600 crores to in 1991, with an accelerated pace of improvement.
farmers. However, the current female literacy rate in India still
nnn significantly lags behind the global average of 87%,
as reported by UNESCO in 2015.
¾ Furthermore, India’s overall literacy rate of 74.04%
Transforming Indian is below the world average of 86.3%. A significant
Education: Towards Long- number of states in India fall within the average
range, just slightly above the national literacy level.
Term Vision
This editorial is based on “A broken education system:
Apps and coaching classes are the wrong solution”
which was published in Indian Express on 21/12/2023.
The article discusses the education sector being in a
state of crisis partly due to reckless commercialisation
and politicisation which must be rebuilt with a step-by-
step strategy and a national consensus that commits to
insulate it from narrow political considerations.
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Education, Issues Arising Out of Design &

Implementation of Policies, Issues Relating to Development ¾ Different Legal and Constitutional Provisions:
By 2030, India will have the largest number of young Legal Provisions:
population in the globe, a population size that will be a z The government has implemented the Sarva
boon only if these young people are skilled enough to Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) as part of the Right to
join the workforce. Quality education will play a major Education (RTE) Act for primary level (6-14
role in it. But the current state of Education faces major years).
z Moving to the secondary level (age group 14- Byju’s, failed to deliver on promises, emphasising
18), the government has extended the SSA to the need for good teachers over technological
secondary education through the Rashtriya solutions.
Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. ¾ Impact of Tuition Industry:
z Higher education, encompassing undergraduate The tuition industry, valued at over Rs 58 billion,
(UG), postgraduate (PG), and MPhil/PhD levels, is rapidly expanding. Government policies
is addressed by the government through the devaluing high school examinations and the
Rashtriya Uchhattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) focus on national exams as gateways to
to meet the requirements of higher education. professional careers contribute to the growth of
this parallel education system.
¾ All these schemes have been subsumed under the
¾ Preference for Tuition Centers:
umbrella scheme of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Parents increasingly prefer tuition centres to
Constitutional Provisions:
regular schools, leading to stress-induced suicides
z Article 45 of the Directive Principles of State and mental health problems among students. The
Policy (DPSP) initially stipulated that the divide between well-educated and less-educated
government should ensure free and compulsory students is widening.
education for all children up to the age of 14 ¾ Quality Variance in Schools:
within 10 years of the Constitution’s India’s public and private schools vary in quality,
commencement. with poorly trained and paid teachers contributing
¾ Additionally, Article 45 was amended to extend its to the rise of tuition centers. The government’s
scope to encompass early childhood care and focus on running its own schools neglects
education for children below six years of age. monitoring and quality improvement.
z Since this objective wasn’t realized, the 86th ¾ Widening Educational Divide:
Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 The educational divide between the rich and
introduced Article 21A, transforming poor is widening, with the second category of
elementary education into a fundamental right students struggling within a failed system. The
government’s approach to teaching materials
instead of a directive principle.
lacks innovation and fails to address the growing
What are the Issues challenges.
¾ Lack of Societal Involvement:
in the School Education System in India?
Education should become a societal concern
¾ Election-Driven Focus of the Government: rather than solely a government responsibility,
During elections, the poor gain bargaining power, which is missing in Indian context.
leading to a focus on immediate needs like z Solutions involve widening social participation,
freebies and guarantees. While people aspire for engaging civil society, and encouraging
income security and better basic entitlements, volunteerism, while also making teachers
they are sceptical about the government’s accountable for results.
commitment, be it education, health, living ¾ Insufficient Education Spending:
conditions etc. India’s education spending is insufficient,
¾ Education Sector Crisis: stagnating at 2.61% of GDP, far below the

The education sector is in crisis due to reckless recommended 6% by the Education 2030
Framework for Action. Adequate attention and
commercialization and politicisation. It lacks a
increased budget allocation are missing for real
step-by-step strategy and a national consensus
growth and development.
and focuses on easy solutions like technology as
¾ Political Leadership and Fiscal Imagination:
a substitute for solid investments in quality
Real growth and development hinge on political
education.
leadership commitment and fiscal imagination.
¾ Limits of Edutech: With India’s spending on education remaining low,
The book “The Learning Trap” highlights the a fundamental shift is lacking that can meet the
limitations of technology in fixing the broken challenges and achieve global leadership in
education system. Edutech start-ups, such as education.
¾ Inadequate Infrastructure in Schools: mentorship at school (especially in government
According to the UDISE for 2019-20, only 12% of schools) to ensure that students are guided in the
schools have internet facilities and 30% have right direction from the start and are aware of
computers. career opportunities.
z About 42% of these schools lacked furniture, Students in rural regions have great potential and
23% lacked electricity, 22% lacked ramps for are motivated to study but lack the right
the physically disabled, and 15% lacked WASH mentoring. This is required not just for the
facilities (which include drinking water, toilets, children but also for their parents that will in a
and hand wash basins). way also reduce the gender gap in education.
¾ High Dropout Rate: ¾ Reducing the Language Barrier:
While keeping English as a means of education
The dropout rate is very high in primary and
secondary levels. Most of the students in the 6-14 for international understanding (EIU), it is
age groups leave the school before completing important to give other Indian languages equal
their education. It leads to a waste of financial importance.
and human resources. Special publication agencies can be established
z According to the National Family Health

to translate resources into a variety of languages
Survey-5, not being interested in studies was so that all Indian students have the same
the reason given by 21.4% of girls and 35.7% opportunity regardless of their linguistic
background.
of boys aged between 6 to 17 years for
dropping out of school before the 2019-20 ¾ Taking a Note From Past to Future:
school year. It is important to look to the future while keeping
our long-established roots in mind.
What are the Long-Term There is much to learn from the ‘Gurukul’ system
Solutions to the Education System in India? of ancient India, which focussed on holistic
¾ Towards Experiential Learning Approach: development beyond academics, centuries before
the topic became a buzzword in modern education.
There is a need for inclusion of problem-solving
Ethics and value education remained at the core
and decision-making related subjects in the
school curriculum to offer hands-on learning of learning in the ancient Indian education system.
experience to students and prepare them to face Values such as self-reliance, empathy, creativity,
and integrity remain a major area in ancient India
the outside world when they enter into the
that have relevance even today.
workforce.
The ancient evaluation of education was not
z Experiential Learning can reap maximum
restricted to grading thematic knowledge.
benefit from its ability to extract active
Students were assessed on the skills they learned
participation from every student, which in turn
and how well they can apply practical knowledge
triggers their emotional intelligence and sets
to real-life situations.
them on a path to self-learning.
z The modern education system can also devise
z Linking Artificial Intelligence with the
similar systems of assessment.
Educational Sector will also facilitate
experiential learning. What are the Government
¾ Implementation of National Education Policy: Initiatives Related to Educational Reforms?
The implementation of the NEP can help shake
¾ National Programme on Technology Enhanced
the education system from its slumber. Learning
Moving away from the current 10+2 system to a
¾ Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
5+3+3+4 system will bring the pre-school age
¾ PRAGYATA
group formally into the education set-up, which
is not being implemented uniformly across all ¾ Mid Day Meal Scheme
the states. ¾ Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
¾ Education-Employment Corridor: ¾ PM SHRI Schools
India’s educational setup needs to be enhanced National Education Policy, 2020 l Editorial Analysis
by integrating vocational learning with (English) July 31, 2020
mainstream education and providing right nnn
Agricultural Capital Decline: ¾ Exclusions from Agriculture Sector: Important

expenditures on rural electrification, power supply,
Unveiling Causes and Cures rural roads, storage, agricultural research, fertilizer
and pesticide industries are not categorized under
This editorial is based on “Agri capex, a black box” which agriculture or allied sectors.
was published in The Hindu Business Line on 21/12/2023.
This exclusion might lead to a gap in recognizing
The article discusses the issue of declining Gross capital
the overall contributions of these sectors to
formation in agriculture. agricultural growth.
¾ Reduction in Private Investment: More than 80%t
Tag: GS paper - 3, Agricultural Resources, Irrigation of the investment in agriculture is by the private
The state of capital formation in agriculture has been sector . Terms of trade in agriculture (vis-à-vis non-
a subject of debate. Gross capital formation in agriculture agriculture, ToT) is an important determinant of
(GCFA) has been decelerating since 2013-14. The GCFA, private investment in agriculture.
as a percentage of GDP of agriculture and allied sectors, ToT reflect the prices received by farmers and the
has come down from 17.5% in the three years ending ToT has decelerated substantially in the recent
2013-14, to 15.7% in the three years ending 2020-21. period.
This deceleration in ToT may have also dampened
Why is there a Reduction the private investment in agriculture.
in Gross Capital Formation in Agriculture? ¾ Private sector investments, which contribute
¾ There is an overall trend of deceleration in capital significantly to agriculture, are influenced by terms
formation in the economy as a whole, but the rate of trade (ToT).
of deceleration in agriculture is steeper. The deceleration in ToT, reflecting prices received
The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of

by farmers, may have adversely affected private
investment in agriculture.
both GCF and GCFA was 9% during the period
2004-05 to 2013-14. ¾ Shift in Agricultural Practices: A shift in agricultural
practices towards more modern and efficient
But the CAGR of the GCFA has dropped sharply
methods, such as micro irrigation, might have
to 3%in the period from 2013-14 to 2020-21 while influenced the type and scale of capital investments.
that of GCF has recorded a slightly higher rate of
¾ Economic and Policy Factors: Broader economic
5%.
factors, including changes in government policies and
¾ The GCFA has crucial implications for future growth agricultural practices, could contribute to the
of agriculture and, therefore, it is imperative to deceleration.
understand the possible reasons for this deceleration. For instance, changes in policies related to
subsidies, credit availability, or market access
What are the could impact investment decisions.
Reasons behind this Deceleration? ¾ Global and Climate Factors: Global economic
¾ Compositional Shift in Public Investment: There is a conditions, climate change, and other external
suggestion that the deceleration in public investment factors can also impact agriculture and capital
could be due to a shift away from major and medium formation. For instance, changing weather patterns
irrigation projects to micro irrigation. may affect the viability of certain agricultural
investments because climate change impacts
Over 90% of public investment in agriculture is
agriculture with reduced profitability and higher crop
related to irrigation, and a change in focus may
failure risks due to temperature changes, pests, and
have led to a slowdown in overall capital
diseases..
formation.
¾ Changes in the RKVY Program: The Rashtriya Krishi What could be
Vikas Yojana (RKVY) played a crucial role in spurring the Impact of this Reduction in GCAF?
state investments in agriculture.
¾ Slower Agricultural Growth: When capital formation
Since 2014, as the States were meeting 40% of declines, the agricultural sector may grow slower.
the expenditure of RKVY, this requirement has This is because less capital means less investment
been relaxed. This has diluted the incentive in infrastructure, technology, and modern farming
structure for States to keep investing in agriculture practices, which are important for improving
year after year. productivity.
For example, a study in India found that a 10% To reduce the dependence on monsoons, capital
increase in public capital formation in agriculture investment is needed for developing irrigation
led to a 1.6% increase in agricultural output. systems, weather forecasting, and crop insurance.
¾ Income Inequality: According to the World Bank, the
average income of the poorest 40% of the population What are the
in low-income countries was $1.25 per day in 2018, Government Initiatives to Boost GCAF?
while the average income of the richest 10% was ¾ Enhanced institutional credit to farmers through
$9.61 per day. A slow-growing agricultural sector may schemes like Kisan Credit Card, Interest Subvention
exacerbate this inequality. Scheme, etc.
¾ Job Creation Challenges: Agriculture is a major ¾ Promotion of scientific warehousing infrastructure
employer. If the sector grows slower, it may create for increasing shelf life of agricultural produce
fewer jobs in farming and related industries. This may through schemes like Gramin Bhandaran Yojana,
increase the unemployment or underemployment Warehousing Development and Regulatory
rate in rural areas. Authority, etc.
¾ Impact on Food Security: According to the FAO, the ¾ Setting up of Agri-tech Infrastructure Fund for making
world will need to produce 50% more food by 2050 farming competitive and profitable through schemes
to feed 9.7 billion people. A slow-growing agricultural like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, Agri-
sector may hinder this goal and increase the risk of Market Infrastructure Fund, etc.
hunger and malnutrition. ¾ Developing commercial organic farming through
¾ Reduced Competitiveness: India’s agricultural sector schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana,
may become less competitive globally if it lacks Mission Organic Value Chain Development, etc.
capital investment.
¾ Creating a start-up ecosystem in agriculture and allied
Other countries that invest more in their agriculture sectors through schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
may have an edge in terms of efficiency, technology Yojana, Agri Udaan, etc.
adoption, and export capabilities.
¾ Environmental Consequences: A study by the World What More Should
Resources Institute (WRI) estimated that agriculture be Done to Increase GCF in Agriculture?
was responsible for 24% of the global greenhouse
¾ Increasing public expenditure on irrigation, research
gas emissions in 2010, and that this share could
and development, extension services, market
increase to 30% by 2050 if current trends continue.
infrastructure, etc.
One of the ways to reduce the environmental
These can help improve the productivity and
footprint of agriculture is to invest in low-carbon
profitability of agriculture and create a conducive
and climate-smart technologies and practices in
environment for private investment.
agriculture.
¾ Promoting private sector participation in agriculture
¾ Dependence on Monsoons: A study by the Indian
through policy reforms, such as the Model Agriculture
Council for Research on International Economic
Produce and Livestock Marketing Act, the Model
Relations (ICRIER) found that a 1% deviation from
Agriculture Produce and Livestock Contract Farming
normal rainfall reduced agricultural growth by 0.7%
Act, the exemption of Farmer Producer Companies
in India.
from income tax, etc.
Significance of Agriculture in India These can help create alternative marketing
¾ It provides employment opportunities to about channels, facilitate contract farming, and
54.6% of the total population. encourage collective action by farmers.
¾ It contributes about 17% to the total GDP. ¾ Leveraging the potential of climate finance to
¾ It supplies food for the large and growing population support the transformation towards climate resilient
of India. and low emission agriculture. This can be achieved
through three interlinked pathways: promoting
¾ It provides raw materials for various agro-based
resilient agriculture, facilitating climate informed
and food processing industries.
advisory and risk management services, and
¾ It influences the internal and external trade and
reconfiguring food systems.
commerce of the country.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is one of the
¾ It helps in capital formation and government
sources of climate finance that can support
revenue generation. developing countries in achieving these goals.
Conclusion: ¾ The second is self-employment where labour supply

and labour demand are identical, i.e., the worker
India faces challenges in agricultural sustainability
due to the slowdown in Gross Capital Formation in employs him/herself. It can be further divided into:
Agriculture (GCFA). Shifts in public investment and Entrepreneurship: Many individuals in India are
changes in agricultural practices complicate the issue, engaged in entrepreneurial activities, running
affecting income distribution, job creation, and global small businesses or enterprises.
competitiveness. Collaborative and strategic measures z This could include small shops, local services,
are necessary for a resilient, competitive, and sustainable or manufacturing units.
future for India’s crucial agricultural sector. Farmers: Agriculture is a significant source of self-
nnn employment in India. Many individuals own and
operate their farms, either independently or as
part of a family-run enterprise.
Solving India’s Job Crisis Freelancing and Informal Work: With the rise of
the gig economy, freelancing and informal work
This editorial is based on “India’s jobs crisis, the arrangements have become more common.
macroeconomic reasons” which was published in The
z This includes individuals working as freelancers,
Hindu on 25/12/2023. The article discusses that India’s
consultants, or in part-time roles.
jobs crisis is not only due to the pandemic, but also due
to the macroeconomic policies of the government. What are the
Reasons behind Unemployment in India?
Tag: GS Paper 3, Employment, Growth & Development,
Education, Skill Development, Human Resource ¾ Stagnant Employment Growth Rate: Over the last
India’s jobs crisis is a serious and persistent problem four decades, there has been a more or less stagnant
that affects millions of young and educated people who employment growth rate of salaried workers in the
are unable to find suitable employment in the formal non-agricultural sector.
economy. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian This indicates a lack of significant expansion in
Economy (CMIE), an independent think tank, India’s formal employment opportunities.

unemployment rate was more than 7% for most of 2021 ¾ Disguised Unemployment: The Indian economy has
and 2022, and reached 7.9% in December 2022. This is had open unemployment (job-seekers without work)
much higher than the global average and most of the and high levels of informal employment, including
emerging economies. self-employed and casual wage workers.
The latter is known as “disguised unemployment”
What are the because it resembles open unemployment and
Types of Employment that Prevail in India? reflects a shortage of suitable job opportunities
There are two types of employment that prevail in in the formal sector.
an economy such as India: ¾ Labour Demand Determinants: The demand for
¾ The first is wage employment which is a result of labour in the formal non-agricultural sector depends
labour demanded by employers in their pursuit of on two key factors.
profits. It can be further classified as: Firstly, it is influenced by the amount of output
Regular Wage Jobs: These are formal, structured that firms are able to sell. If demand for output is
positions where employees receive a fixed salary low, firms are less likely to hire additional
or wages on a regular basis. workers.
z This includes jobs in government organisations, Secondly, the level of technology plays a role, as
private companies, and multinational the introduction of labour-saving technologies
corporations. allows firms to produce the same amount of
Casual or Daily Wage Labor: Many workers in output with fewer workers.
India are engaged in daily wage labour, especially z While this increases efficiency, it can lead to a
in sectors like construction, agriculture, and decrease in the number of jobs available in
unorganised labour markets. the formal sector.
z These jobs often lack job security and come ¾ Policy Focus on Output Growth: Economic policies
with variable income. in India have traditionally been framed in terms of
output growth (GDP or value-added), which may not z Here, the positive effect of output growth rate
necessarily address the employment generation on employment fails to counteract the adverse
challenge. effect of labour-saving technologies.
Policies solely focused on output growth may z Employment growth rate in such countries
not result in a corresponding increase in cannot be increased simply by increasing GDP
employment opportunities, especially if labour growth rate.
productivity growth rate rises. Kaldor-Verdoorn Coefficient: The Kaldor-Verdoorn
¾ Lack of Responsiveness of Employment Growth coefficient measures the extent to which labour
Rate: In India, the employment growth rate of the productivity growth responds to output growth.
formal and non-agricultural sector remained z A higher coefficient indicates a stronger
unresponsive despite a significant rise in the GDP relationship between the two.
growth rate and the value added growth rate during z The assertion that India’s non-agricultural
the 2000s as compared to the decade of the 1980s sector has a higher Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient
and 1990s. compared to other developing countries
The lack of responsiveness of employment implies that the country experiences a more
growth rate to changes in output growth rate pronounced form of jobless growth.
reflects a phenomenon of jobless growth. It
indicates a strong connection between labour Macroeconomic Policy Frameworks:
productivity growth rate and output growth rate. ¾ The Keynesian Theory: The central contribution of
the Keynesian revolution in macroeconomics was
What is the Jobless Growth in India’s Case? to highlight the role of aggregate demand as the
¾ As an economy grows, it is generally seen that it also binding constraint on employment.
becomes more productive. That is, in the process of Fiscal policy was perceived to increase labour
producing a greater amount of total output, firms demand by stimulating output. The developing
become capable of producing more output per countries that inherited a dual economy
worker. This happens because of what economists structure during their independence, confronted
call “economies of scale”. additional constraints on output.
As firms produce more output, they find it easier ¾ The Mahalanobis Strategy: This identified the
to adopt labour-saving technologies. But the availability of capital goods as the binding constraint
extent to which labour-saving technologies are on output and employment, putting forward the
introduced depends on the bargaining power of policy for heavy industrialisation.
labour. ¾ Structuralist Theories: The structuralist theories
¾ There are two types of jobless growth regimes based based on the experiences of developing countries
on the tightness of the connection between output highlighted the possibility of agrarian constraint
growth and labour productivity growth. and the balance of payment constraints.
Weak Responsiveness of Employment to GDP Both these constraints led to key policy debates
Growth: The possibility of jobless growth in this in India, particularly during the decade of the
case emerges exclusively on account of automation 1970s and early 1990s.
and the introduction of labour-saving technology. ¾ Nonetheless, what remained common to all these
z But employment growth rate in such countries different frameworks was the presumption that
would necessarily increase if output growth increasing the output growth rate in the non-
rate happens to increase. agricultural sector would be a sufficient condition
z Under weak responsiveness of labour for increasing the employment growth rate in the
productivity, the positive effect of GDP growth formal sector.
rate on employment would dominate over the But the employment challenge can no longer
adverse effect of labour-saving technologies. be met only through more rapid GDP growth.
z Here, the solution to the jobs crisis is just more
rapid economic growth. What should be
High Responsiveness of Employment to GDP Done to Address Unemployment in India?
Growth: In India’s case, the responsiveness of ¾ Implement a National Employment Policy (NEP):
labour productivity growth rate to output growth The evidence suggests that the employment
rate is high. challenge can no longer be met only through more
rapid GDP growth. Rather, a separate policy focus is Reforming the education system and providing
needed on employment in addition to the focus on vocational and technical training will enhance the
GDP growth. skills and employability of the workforce.
Such employment policies will need both demand z Vocational and technical training can help the
side and supply side components. students acquire the skills and knowledge
For example, to the extent firms in India find it required for specific occupations and industries.
easier to automate due to a lack of public z This can reduce the mismatch between the
provisioning of education and health of adequate demand and supply of skilled labour and
skilled labour, increasing the quality of the
improve the productivity and competitiveness
workforce through better care, as well as bridging
of the economy.
the skills gap, are important.
¾ Developing the Rural Areas and Decentralising
On the demand side, direct public job creation
will be needed. Development: It can reduce the migration pressure
on urban areas and create more balanced growth.
¾ Introducing an Urban Version of MGNREGA: It can
provide a safety net and a source of income for the Development of the rural areas can help mitigate
urban poor. The scheme can be implemented for the the migration of the rural people to the urban
urban poor who are often engaged in informal and areas thus decreasing the pressure on the urban
precarious jobs. This can provide them with a area jobs.
minimum level of income security and also create Decentralised development can also ensure that
public assets and services in the urban areas. the benefits of growth are shared more equitably
Rajasthan has recently introduced an urban among different regions and sectors.
variant of the MGNREGA. This can also foster local participation and
¾ Increase Industrialization and Investment in empowerment of the people.
Agriculture: It can create more jobs and boost
nnn
productivity. One of the most sure-shot remedies of
the unemployment situation in India is rapid
industrialization.
Increased number of industries translates
India’s Cybersecurity
effectively into an increased number of Challenge: Threats and
employment opportunities.
Moreover, investment or capital formation in Strategies
agriculture can also generate employment directly
This editorial is based on “We want a Digital India. Just
and indirectly through multiplier effects.
not the one we are living in” which was published in The
¾ Diversifying Agriculture and Promoting Agro-
Indian Express on 26/12/2023. The article discusses the
Processing Industries: It can enhance rural income
challenges and opportunities for India in the domain of
and employment opportunities. There is an urgent
cyber security, and argues that India needs a new
need for a relative shift from growing of crops to
horticulture, vegetable production, floriculture, approach that is based on self-reliance, innovation, and
animal husbandry, fisheries etc. which are more collaboration.
labour absorbing and higher income-yielding.
In addition to this, promotion of agro-processing Tag: GS Paper - 2, Government Policies & Interventions, GS Paper
industries for export purposes has a large - 3, Cyber Security, Cyber Warfare, Challenges to Internal
Security Through Communication Networks
employment potential.
These industries can also reduce the wastage of
As the world is advancing in the realm of digitalisation,
agricultural produce and increase the value the threat of cyber attacks has also grown and India is no
addition. exception to it. In October, 2023, Resecurity, a US
¾ Expanding Education and Health Care: It can improve company, informed the world about the availability of
human capital and generate employment in the social Indians’ personal data on the dark web. It would have
sector. The expansion of education and health care been easy to ignore this amid the deluge of bad news
not only promotes accumulation of human capital filling our news feeds but for the size and sensitivity of
and thereby contributes to growth of output, it will data. The seller of the data set was providing verifiable,
also generate a good deal of employment sensitive information of 55% of the Indian population
opportunities. — roughly around 815 million ( 81.5 crore) citizens.
This included personally identifiable information like For example, in May 2021, the personally
name, phone number, Aadhaar number, passport number identifiable information (PII) and test results of
and address. All for a paltry sum of USD80,000. On 190,000 candidates for the 2020 Common
December 18, Delhi police had arrested four individuals Admission Test (CAT), used to select applicants to
in this matter. the IIMs, were leaked and put up for sale on a
cybercrime forum.
How Vulnerable is India to Cyber Attacks?
¾ Cyber Espionage: Cyber espionage is the use of cyber
¾ India has a large and growing population of internet attacks to spy on or sabotage the interests of other
users, with more than 52% of the population or 759 countries or entities. India, like other countries, is a
million people accessing the internet at least once a target for cyber espionage activities that aim to steal
month in 2022 confidential information and gain a strategic edge.
India is the second largest online market in the Cyber espionage can affect India’s national security,
world, behind China. foreign policy, and economic development.
By 2025, the number is expected to grow to 900 For example, in 2020, a cyber espionage campaign
million. called Operation SideCopy (a Pakistani threat
¾ India has a rapidly expanding digital economy, with actor) was uncovered, which targeted Indian
sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, retail, military and diplomatic personnel with malware
and agriculture relying on online platforms and and phishing emails.
services. ¾ Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): APTs are
However, India’s outdated or inadequate cyber complex and prolonged cyber attacks, usually carried
security infrastructure, policies, and awareness, out by well-resourced and skilled groups. These
making it easy for hackers to exploit the gaps and attacks are designed to infiltrate and remain hidden
weaknesses in the system that’s why India faces in the target’s network for a long time, allowing them
sophisticated and persistent cyber threats from to steal or manipulate data, or cause damage.
state-sponsored and non-state actors, who target
APTs are difficult to detect and counter, as they
India’s strategic, economic, and national interests.
use advanced techniques and tools to evade
What are the security measures.
Challenges Posed by Cyber Attacks on India? For example, in February 2021, a cyber security
firm called RedEcho revealed that a China-linked
¾ Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability: India’s critical
APT group had targeted 10 entities in India’s
infrastructure, such as power grids, transportation
power sector, with malware that could potentially
systems, and communication networks, is vulnerable
cause power outages.
to cyber attacks that can disrupt essential services
and endanger public safety and national security. ¾ Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Supply chain
vulnerabilities refer to the weaknesses in the software
For example, in October 2019, there was an
attempted cyber-attack on the Kudankulam or hardware components that are used by government
Nuclear power plant. and businesses for their operations. Cyber attackers
can exploit these vulnerabilities to compromise the
¾ Financial Sector Threats: The financial sector in India
systems and services that depend on these
faces a high risk of cyberattacks from cybercriminals
components, and cause widespread damage.
who seek to profit from stealing or extorting money.
Attacks on banks, financial institutions, and online For example, in December 2020, a global
payment systems can cause financial losses, identity cyberattack on SolarWinds, a US-based software
theft, and a loss of trust in the financial system. company that provides network management
For instance, in March 2020, a malware attack on
tools, affected several Indian organisations,
the City Union Bank’s SWIFT system led to including the National Informatics Centre (NIC),
unauthorised transactions worth USD 2 million. the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY), and Bharat Heavy Electricals
¾ Data Breaches and Privacy Concerns: As India moves
towards a digital economy, the amount of personal Limited (BHEL).
and government data stored online increases. This
What are the
also increases the risk of data breaches, where
hackers access and leak sensitive information. Data Initiatives Regarding Cyber Security?
breaches can have serious consequences for the ¾ National Cyber Security Policy: This policy aims to
privacy and security of individuals and organisations. build a secure and resilient cyberspace for citizens,
businesses, and the government. It outlines various What Should India

objectives and strategies to protect cyberspace Do Further to Save Itself from Cyber attacks?
information and infrastructure, build capabilities to
¾ Strengthening Existing legal Framework: India’s
prevent and respond to cyber attacks, and minimise
primary legislation governing cyber crimes is the
damages through coordinated efforts of institutional
Information Technology (IT) Act of 2000, which has
structures, people, processes, and technology.
been amended several times to address new
¾ Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative: This initiative was
challenges and threats.
launched to raise awareness about cyber crimes and
However, the IT Act still has some gaps and
create safety measures for Chief Information Security
limitations, such as the lack of clear definitions,
Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT staff across all
procedures, and penalties for various cyber
government departments.
offences, and the low conviction rate of cyber
¾ Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): This criminals.
centre was established to provide a framework and
India needs to enact comprehensive and updated
eco-system for law enforcement agencies to deal
laws that cover all aspects of cyber security, such
with cyber crimes in a comprehensive and coordinated
as cyber terrorism, cyber warfare, cyber espionage,
manner. It has seven components, namely: and cyber fraud.
National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit
¾ Enhancing Cyber Security Capabilities: India has
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal several initiatives and policies to improve its cyber
National Cyber Crime Training Centre security, such as the National Cyber Security Policy,
Cyber Crime Ecosystem Management Unit the Cyber Cells and Cybercrime Investigation Units,
National Cyber Crime Research and Innovation
the Cyber Crime Reporting Platforms, and the
Centre National Cyber Crime Forensic Laboratory Capacity Building and Training programs.
Ecosystem However, these efforts are still inadequate and
fragmented, as India faces a shortage of technical
Platform for Joint Cyber Crime Investigation Team.
staff, cyber forensics facilities, cyber security
¾ Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and
standards, and coordination among various
Malware Analysis Centre): This centre was launched stakeholders.
in 2017 to create a secure cyberspace by detecting
India needs to invest more in developing its
botnet infections in India and notifying, enabling
human and technological resources, establishing
cleaning and securing systems of end users to prevent
cyber security centers of excellence, adopting best
further infections.
practices and standards, and fostering
¾ Computer Emergency Response Team - India (CERT- collaboration and information sharing among
In): It is an organisation of the MeitY which collects, different agencies and sectors.
analyses and disseminates information on cyber
¾ Establish a Cyber Security Board: India must
incidents, and also issues alerts on cybersecurity establish a cyber security board with government
incidents. and private sector participants that has the authority
¾ Critical information infrastructure (CII): It is defined to convene, following a significant cyber incident, to
as a computer resource, the destruction of which, analyse what happened and make concrete
shall have debilitating impact on national security, recommendations for improving cybersecurity.
economy, public health or safety. Adopt a zero-trust architecture, and mandate a
The government has established the National standardised playbook for responding to
Critical Information Infrastructure Protection cybersecurity vulnerabilities and incidents.
Centre (NCIIPC) to protect the CII of various Urgently execute a plan for defending and
sectors, such as power, banking, telecom, modernising state networks and updating its
transport, government, and strategic enterprises. incident response policy.
¾ Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA): The DCyA is a tri- ¾ Expanding International Cooperation: India is not
service command of the Indian Armed Forces that is alone in facing the challenges of cyber security, as
responsible for handling cyber security threats. It has cyber attacks transcend national boundaries and
the capability to conduct cyber operations, such as affect the global community.
hacking, surveillance, data recovery, encryption, and India needs to engage more with other countries
countermeasures, against various cyber threat actors. and international organisations, such as the
United Nations, the International Create 100 million additional manufacturing jobs
Telecommunication Union, the Interpol, and the by 2022 (revised to 2025).
Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, to exchange Increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution
best practices, share threat intelligence, harmonise to GDP to 25% by 2025.
cyber laws and norms, and cooperate in cyber ¾ Strategies:
investigations and prosecutions.
Streamlining Business Processes: Reducing
India also needs to participate more actively in bureaucratic hurdles and simplifying regulations
regional and bilateral dialogues and initiatives, to make it easier for companies to do business in
such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, the BRICS, India.
and bilateral forums it has like Indo-US Cyber Developing Infrastructure: Upgrading ports,
Security Forum, to build trust and confidence, and roads, railways, and power generation to provide
to address common cyber security issues and reliable and efficient infrastructure for industries.
interests. Skilling the Workforce: Investing in skill
nnn development programs to create a pool of skilled
labour for the manufacturing sector.
Incentivizing Investments: Offering tax breaks,
Assessing Make in India: subsidies, and other incentives to attract foreign
and domestic investment in manufacturing.
Achievements and Challenges Focusing on Key Sectors: Targeting specific sectors
This editorial is based on “There is no substitute for an for development, such as automobiles, aerospace,
industrial policy” which was published in The Indian defence, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
Express on 27/12/2023. The article discusses the Make ¾ Derivatives: MII has at least two other derivatives:
in India policy and its drawbacks. It also discusses that Made in India and Make for India.
there is a need of Industrial Policy to create jobs which Made in India refers to a product that is assembled
is an unachieved goal of MII. or produced in India, even if the parts were
manufactured abroad.
Tag: GS Paper - 3, Industrial Growth, Industrial Policy z It is basically a branding strategy to promote
The Make in India initiative, launched in 2014, manufacturers born out of Indian factors of
represents a departure from India’s previous policy of p ro d u c t i o n — l a n d , l a b o u r, ca p i ta l ,
self-sufficiency in the 1970s. Unlike the old approach, entrepreneurship, technology, etc.
Make in India does not evoke memories of the licence Make for India involves production for
raj, self-sufficiency, or import-substituting industrialization. consumption in India itself and focuses on

It is significantly different, although concerns have been manufacturing for the domestic market.
raised about the implementation of Make in India in
What was the
certain sectors.
Rationale behind the Introduction of MII?
What is the Make in India Policy? ¾ MII was launched in 2014 as a sequel to earlier
¾ The Policy: initiatives designed to create a robust and competitive
manufacturing sector such as (NIP 2011, Liberalisation
The Make in India initiative is a flagship program
of Economy etc.).
launched by the Indian government in 2014 to
¾ The Indian manufacturing sector’s growth was
boost domestic manufacturing and transform
constrained by factors such as inadequate physical
India into a global manufacturing hub.
infrastructure, a complex and (corrupt) regulatory
The campaign was launched to facilitate environment, and inadequate availability of skilled
investment, foster innovation, enhance skill manpower.
development, protect intellectual property & ¾ MII was launched to raise the contribution of
build best in class manufacturing infrastructure. manufacturing in GDP from the stagnant 15% since
¾ Objectives: the beginning of the 1980s to at least 25% and to
Increase the growth rate of the manufacturing create 100 million additional jobs.
sector to 12-14% per annum. That it did not succeed is to state the obvious.
¾ In addition to the dynamic objectives of National ¾ Over 99% of India’s 63 million micro, small and
Manufacturing Policy (NMP) 2011, it was aimed “to medium enterprises (MSMEs) are in the unorganised
transform India into a global design and manufacturing sector with very little flexibility for productive job
export hub”. In other words, MII for the world. creation.
Their hand-to-mouth existence is not a recipe for
What are the Success and Failures of MII?
jobs or scale.
¾ Successes:
India improved its ranking in the World Bank’s So, What needs to be done for Job Creation?
Ease of Doing Business Index, from 142nd in 2014 ¾ A well articulated National Industrial Policy over and
to 63rd in 2020.
above PLI is needed for sectors such as toys,
India opened up various sectors to private and
readymade garments and footwear, etc.
foreign investment, such as defence, railways, civil
PLI is good for high-end manufacturing, but
aviation, etc.
industrial policy is the best bet for mass job
India witnessed growth in some sectors, such as
creation.
automobiles, electronics, renewable energy,
textiles, etc. ¾ Industrial policy in a labour abundant country with
average educational achievements and skills is
India became a leader in mobile phone
manufacturing, with over 200 units producing necessary to shape productive job creation for the
more than 225 million handsets in 2017-18. abundant factor.
¾ Failures:
How can National
India failed to create an international niche market
Industrial Policy help in Job Creation?
for its products and services.
India did not achieve its targets of increasing the
¾ Providing incentives and support for the existing and
manufacturing sector’s share in GDP to 25% by new industries to expand their production, exports,
2025, creating 100 million additional jobs, and and innovation. This can increase the demand for
boosting manufacturing growth to 12-14% per labour and skills in the industrial sector and generate
annum. more employment opportunities.
India faced challenges such as policy paralysis, ¾ Developing infrastructure and connectivity, such as
lack of competitive advantage, investment crunch, roads, ports, power, and digital networks, that can
trade protectionism, infrastructure bottlenecks, facilitate the movement of goods, services, and
labour issues, etc. people. This can improve the efficiency and
competitiveness of the industries and create more
Why did MII Fail to Achieve its Objectives? jobs in the construction and maintenance sectors.
¾ As a part of MII, the production-linked incentive (PLI) ¾ Enhancing the skills and capabilities of the workforce,
scheme was introduced with a purpose to attract through education, training, and lifelong learning
investments in key sectors and cutting-edge technology; programs, that can match the needs and demands
ensure efficiency and bring economies of size and scale of the industries. This can improve the productivity
in the manufacturing sector and make Indian
and quality of the labour force and create more jobs
companies and manufacturers globally competitive.
in the knowledge-based and high-value sectors.
The additional goals are like the icing on the cake,
¾ Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation,
but the primary goal of creating jobs for our
abundant workforce, particularly women, has not through policies and programs that encourage the
been accomplished. creation and growth of startups, small and medium
enterprises, and social enterprises. This can foster a
z This can only be achieved through labour-
intensive manufacturing. China’s example culture of innovation and creativity and create more
suggests the influence of scale in manufacturing jobs in the emerging and dynamic sectors.
for more and more jobs. ¾ Aligning the industrial policy with the social and
environmental goals, such as poverty reduction,
Can the MSMEs solve the Jobs Conundrum? gender equality, and climate change mitigation. This
¾ India’s labour market research points towards the can ensure that industrial development is inclusive,
presence of low-paying, subdued productivity, and sustainable, and responsible and creates more jobs
mostly informal jobs in the unorganised sector. in the green and social sectors.
Conclusion: Tag: GS Paper - 1, Agricultural Resources, GS Paper - 2,
Government Policies & Interventions, GS Paper - 3, Cropping
A National Industrial Policy is necessary to facilitate
Patterns
the creation of productive employment opportunities for
India’s abundant labour force. However, the government We are self-sufficient in agriculture produce, thanks
has put the new industrial policy (NIP ’23), which has to the Green Revolution. But the negative environmental
been in the making for over two years, on hold. impacts in green revolution regions are all too visible
— soil degradation, biodiversity loss, natural resources
nnn
depletion, among others. One of the sustainable
agriculture practice that is now gaining momentum is
natural farming (NF) which is ‘agriculture as per local
Plough to Plate: Natural ecology and hence also called as agroecology’.
Farming Unleashed
What is Natural Farming?
This editorial is based on “Natural farming needs better ¾ The Concept: Natural farming is a chemical-free
prices, markets” which was published in The Hindu farming method that uses locally available resources
business line on 27/12/2023. The article discusses the and traditional practices. It’s based on agroecology
challenges faced by Natural farming and the need of and integrates crops, trees, and livestock.
exploring alternative markets to promote natural
N a t u ra l fa r m i n g a l s o u s e s b e n e f i c i a l
farming.
microorganisms to improve soil quality and health.
Natural Farming vs Organic Farming Climate Change Mitigation: Natural farming

practices generally have a lower carbon footprint
Organic Farming: Organic farming is a farming
compared to conventional agriculture.
system that uses traditional methods to grow crops
Additionally, healthy soil acts as a carbon sink,
and raise animals without synthetic inputs. This
capturing greenhouse gases and contributing to
includes avoiding synthetic fertilisers, pesticides,
climate change mitigation.
antibiotics, genetically modified organisms, and growth
hormones. ¾ Farmer Benefits:
Reduced Costs: Natural farming relies on locally
How is it different from Natural Farming?
available resources and on-farm inputs, like
¾ Natural farming emphasises minimal human compost and bio-pesticides, leading to lower
intervention and ecosystem mimicry, while organic dependence on expensive external inputs like
farming focuses on using organic inputs and chemical fertilisers and pesticides. This reduces
adheres to specific standards. the overall cost of production and improves
¾ Natural farming prohibits the use of any imported farmer profitability.
fertilisers or soil amendments, while organic Improved Farm Resilience: Natural farming
farming allows the use of compost, mineral rocks, techniques make farms more resilient to extreme
and fertilisers from plant or animal sources. weather events like droughts and floods by
¾ Natural farming relies on ecological principles to promoting soil health and biodiversity. This leads
promote biodiversity, preserve soil health, support to greater stability and reduces risks for farmers.
plant and animal health, and improve crop yields, Enhanced Farmer Health: By eliminating exposure
while organic farming uses organic materials and to harmful chemicals, natural farming protects
techniques to optimise the productivity and farmers’ health and well-being.
ecological vitality of agricultural ecosystems.
¾ Consumer Benefits:
¾ Natural farming discourages the use of any
Safer Food: Natural farming produces food free
chemicals, while organic farming has a list of
from harmful chemical residues, leading to safer
approved chemicals considered safe for humans
and healthier consumption for consumers.
and the environment.
Improved Food Quality: Studies suggest that
¾ Natural farming is based on a philosophical
naturally grown food can have higher levels of
approach that reflects the wisdom of nature itself,
antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients,
while organic farming is a holistic agricultural
potentially leading to improved health outcomes
system that is meticulously designed and regulated.
for consumers.
What are the Benefits of Natural Farming? Support for Sustainable Agriculture: Consumers
who choose natural food products indirectly
¾ Environmental Benefits:
support a more sustainable and ethical
Healthy Soil: Natural farming techniques like
agricultural system that benefits the environment
composting and mulching enhance soil fertility
and farmers.
by promoting beneficial microorganisms and
organic matter. This leads to improved water What are the
retention, increased nutrient availability, and
Challenges Related to Natural Farming?
better crop yields.
Water Conservation: Natural methods like
¾ Limited market: Farmers who have been practising
mulching and drip irrigation help retain moisture NF do not get premium prices for their products, as
in the soil, reducing the need for excessive water differentiated markets, standards and protocols don’t
usage. This is crucial for sustainable water exist sufficiently. Many farmers confess that NF
management and combating drought conditions. products are largely for home consumption.
Reduced Pollution: By substituting chemical Moreover, there is a lack of certification and
fertilisers and pesticides with natural alternatives, standardisation for natural farming, which makes
natural farming significantly reduces the pollution it hard to distinguish from organic or conventional
of soil, water bodies, and the atmosphere. This farming.
protects ecosystems and human health from ¾ Lower Initial Yields: Natural farming relies on building
harmful chemicals. healthy soil ecosystems, which takes time. This often
translates to lower yields in the initial years Mid-day Meal Programme:
compared to conventional methods that rely on z The mid-day meal program can become a new
chemical inputs for quick boosts. market by shifting from importing food to using
In Andhra Pradesh, a study by the Centre for local decentralised systems. This involves local
Sustainable Agriculture found that paddy yields production, procurement, storage, and
in natural farms were 20% lower than conventional distribution using produce from nearby areas,
farms in the first year, gradually improving to with the participation of FPOs.
match conventional yields within three years. ¾ Local crops for local requirements must be the
¾ Lack of Awareness and Training: Many farmers lack mantra.
knowledge and practical skills in natural farming
Dedicated Haats:
techniques, making them hesitant to switch. Limited
access to training programs and extension services z There are about 43,000 village haats (markets),
further exacerbates the problem. a chain of farmers’ markets in Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
In Himachal Pradesh, despite government
initiatives to promote natural farming, many z A few of them, can be dedicated to certified
farmers remain unaware of the specific practices NF produce and backward integration
and benefits, hindering wider adoption. developed.
¾ Availability and Affordability of Organic Inputs: The Establish Consumer Cooperatives:
high cost of organic cotton seeds discourages farmers z Consumer Cooperatives can also be established
from adopting natural cotton cultivation, despite the in urban/peri-urban areas of major cities where
long-term benefits for soil health and market farmland is within 100 km radius.
demand. z Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in 2022,
¾ Pest and Disease Management: Natural farming made arrangements with 5,000 Self-Help
relies on ecological methods for pest and disease Groups to source the pesticide-free produce
control, which can be less effective than chemical for making offerings to the deities (laddu
pesticides in the short term. This requires farmers to prasadam and anna prasadam).
be more vigilant and adopt preventative measures.
¾ Effective implementation of Certification: To
For Example, Apple growers in Jammu and
establish a common understanding among
Kashmir face challenges in managing codling moth
stakeholders the government introduced the
infestations using natural methods, leading to
Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) and
some reverting to chemical pesticides.
Himachal Pradesh developed a self-certification tool
What Measures (CETARA-NF) for natural farming to ensure quality
Should be Taken to Promote Natural Farming? without third-party certification. The Bureau of
Indian Standards drafted requirements for natural
¾ Developing Alternative and Differentiated Markets:
farming (NF) and labelling NF produce, distinguishing
The government should explore alternate markets,
it from organic farming.
if we have to transit to NF. Here are some ideas on
expanding alternative markets for the NF: Incentives and recognition for adhering to
standards, stakeholder collaboration, and policy
Public Distribution System (PDS):
support are essential for effective implementation
z Integrating NF produce into the PDS can not
at the field and market levels.
only provide a stable market for farmers but
also ensure the availability of healthy and ¾ Develop Awareness: Developing awareness amongst
chemical-free food to a wider population. farmers and consumers is required. Both these are
not easy tasks, as food/agriculture is a powerful habit,
Utilise the Existing Mechanisms:
if not a culture.
z The existing networks of Primary Agricultural
Cooperative Societies and Marketing Some estimates indicate that this niche market is
Federations may also be included. growing at about 20-25%, despite consumers not
being sure how genuine the label/product is!
z Collaborating with Farmer Producer
Organizations (FPOs) can enhance the z If we could bring in reliability, our food systems
efficiency of production, procurement, and can gradually change for the better.
distribution. nnn
Redefining Viksit Bharat agriculture) to high-productivity sectors (such as

manufacturing and services). This can boost
This editorial is based on “The quest for ‘happiness’ in economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
the Viksit Bharat odyssey” which was published in The ¾ Organising labour markets: This involves improving
Hindu on 28/12/2023. The article discusses the concept the quality and quantity of labour supply, enhancing
of happiness induced model of growth and argues that the skills and employability of workers, and ensuring
mere achieving economic development is not a true fair and efficient labour regulations. This can increase
meaning of development. labour productivity, reduce informality, and promote
social protection.
Tag: GS Paper - 3, Growth & Development, GS Paper - 2, ¾ Increasing competitiveness: This entails enhancing
Government Policies & Interventions
the efficiency and innovation of firms, improving the
The formal launch of Viksit Bharat marks a significant quality and diversity of products and services, and
milestone. The prospect of elevating India to the status expanding the domestic and international markets.
of a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of its This can foster economic dynamism, increase
Independence, is truly captivating. Given the rapid exports, and attract investments.
progress of the country, this ambitious goal seems within ¾ Improving financial and social inclusion: This implies
reach. This moment also provides an opportunity to expanding the access and affordability of financial
evaluate the concept of intended development. The services and social welfare schemes for the poor and
selection of development priorities and focus is both marginalised groups. This can improve their income,
intricate and critical. savings, and consumption, as well as their health,
In Viksit Bharat, there is an excessive emphasis on education, and empowerment.
economic development. However, post-developmentalists ¾ Governance reforms: This involves strengthening the
argue that this approach reflects a Euro-centric view of institutions and processes of governance, such as the
development. rule of law, accountability, transparency, and
Euro-centric View of Development: participation. This can improve the delivery of public
¾ The term “Euro-centric view of development” goods and services, reduce corruption, and enhance
refers to an approach to understanding and trust and legitimacy.
measuring development that is centred around ¾ Seizing opportunities in the Green Revolution: This
European or Western perspectives. This perspective refers to adopting and promoting green technologies
has historically dominated the discourse on and practices, such as renewable energy, energy
economic, social, and political development, often efficiency, and climate resilience. This can reduce
framing the experiences and achievements of greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate environmental
European societies as the standard or ideal for degradation, and create new opportunities for
progress. growth and development.
¾ It is criticised because it uses traditional economic
indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
What are the Key Considerations for India’s
and industrialisation as primary measures of Development Beyond Economic Growth?
development. ¾ Seeking to become the world’s largest economy
won’t satisfy all of India’s aspirations. While material
What is Vision India@2047? development is important, it’s just one of many goals
¾ Vision India@2047 is a project initiated by the NITI for India by 2047.
Aayog, the apex policy think tank of India, to create ¾ Critics question traditional economic growth models,
a blueprint for India’s development in the next 25 challenging ideas about progress and modernity.
years. ¾ It’s time to rethink the concept of “Viksit Bharat” and
¾ The project aims to make India a global leader in consider other important aspects of development
innovation and technology, a model of human for India.
development and social welfare, and a champion of
environmental sustainability. What are the Other Aspects to be Considered?
¾ Happiness ought to be the central pursuit in this
What are the Aspects of Viksit Bharat? journey. Without achieving happiness, development
¾ Structural transformation: This refers to the shift of has no meaning. Ironically, the nations have
resources from low-productivity sectors (such as developed, but people are not happy.
Instead of ‘Viksit Bharat’, the theme ought to be
(HDI), which includes life expectancy, educational
‘Happy India-Developed India’ (Khushhal Bharat- attainment, and income level. This provides a more
Viksit Bharat). comprehensive measure of well-being beyond
¾ Rich nations are not essentially happy nations. traditional economic indicators.
Wealthy nations have only performed on GDP and ¾ Inclusion of Social Development Index (SDI):
per capita income but have failed miserably in the Incorporate the UN Research Institute for Social
context of social and psychological well-being Development’s Social Development Index, which
indicators. comprises 16 core indicators. This can offer insights
This development scheme conveniently overlooks into various social aspects, contributing to a holistic
mental health and wellness. understanding of development.
¾ The World Happiness Report 2023 shows many ¾ Adoption of Green Index: Utilise the World Bank’s
developed nations have poor happiness markers. Green Index, which evaluates a nation’s wealth based
Some nations have attained both in a balanced on produced assets, natural resources, and human
way. resources. This aligns with sustainable development
Countries such as Finland, Denmark, Iceland and goals, reflecting a balance between economic
the Netherlands are the happiest countries. They progress and environmental responsibility.
achieved development not at the cost of social ¾ Consideration of International Human Suffering
disruption. Index: Integrate the International Human Suffering
z Instead, they have built up social connections Index to gauge a country’s well-being based on
and support systems. parameters related to human suffering. This provides
¾ India’s case is also crucial because it is ranked 126 a nuanced perspective on the overall quality of life.
out of 137 countries despite being the fifth-largest ¾ Incorporate Diverse Indices: Include a variety of
economy. indices such as the Global Innovation Index, Rule of
Development and the Viksit Bharat agenda will Law Index, Poverty Index, Corruption Perceptions
remain a dream if we fail to imagine how to rise Index, Gender Equality Index, and World Press
in the happiness index. Freedom Index. Each of these indices addresses
specific aspects of development and happiness,
What is the Significance of Happiness- contributing to a more comprehensive evaluation.
Induced Development Model for India? ¾ Focus on Happiness and Well-being: Establish a
¾ A happiness-induced development model for India dedicated index or set of indicators that specifically
is highly pertinent as we are significantly governed measure happiness and well-being. This could include
by social relationships and cultural mandates. factors like mental health, social connections, and
¾ On the contrary, the current model of mere overall life satisfaction, aligning with the vision of a
economic development is highly disruptive to our Happy India.
social order. ¾ Regular Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a
This form of development leads to disorders and robust system for monitoring and evaluating the
crime. All aspects of life in this development cycle chosen indices regularly. This ensures that policies
do not change simultaneously, creating and interventions are aligned with the goal of
imbalances and contradictions. fostering happiness and well-being in the long term.
Such things are visible in our society, where ¾ Policy Alignment with Happiness Goals: Align
industrial and economic developments are national policies and development strategies with
changing alarmingly, but quality aspects of life the identified indices and goals related to happiness.
continue to lag. This ensures that government initiatives contribute
¾ Happiness measures have already become the goals directly to the well-being of citizens.
of public policy in many countries. Happiness is no ¾ Educational and Awareness Programs: Implement
longer a subjective matter. educational programs and awareness campaigns to
promote a cultural shift towards prioritising happiness
How to Incorporate Happiness and well-being. This can include initiatives to reduce
Induced Model of Development with Growth? stigma around mental health, promote work-life
¾ Integration of Human Development Index (HDI): balance, and emphasise the importance of social
Assign weightage to the Human Development Index connections.
Conclusion: z India is actively engaged in importing

By adopting a holistic approach that values happiness hydrocarbons from the Russian Far East.
and well-being alongside economic growth, India can Russia is an important partner for India in the area
aspire to achieve a more sustainable and fulfilling of peaceful use of nuclear energy.
development trajectory. z The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP)
nnn is being built in Tamil Nadu with the technical
assistance of Russia.
Economic Convergence:
India-Russia Ties: ¾
Russia is India’s seventh-biggest trading partner.
The Art of Diplomacy

The bilateral trade has reached USD 45 billion

This editorial is based on “ Net Zero Sum” which was already surpassing the target of bilateral trade of
published in The Indian Express on 29/12/2023. The USD 30 billion by 2025.
article discusses the visit of India’s foreign minister, The two countries intend to increase bilateral
Jaishankar, to Moscow which holds significant investment to USD 50 billion by 2025.
importance in strengthening India-Russia relations.
¾ Balancing Geopolitics :
Counterbalancing Chinese Aggression: The
Tag: GS Paper - 2, Bilateral Groupings & Agreements, Groupings
& Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests, Chinese aggression in the border areas of eastern
Effect of Policies and Politics of Countries on India's interest, Ladakh, brought India-China relations to an
International Treaties & Agreements. inflection point but also demonstrated that Russia
The recent Moscow visit by India’s Foreign Minister can contribute to defusing tensions with China.
is of considerable significance in the framework of India- Champions of multipolarism: Both Russia and
Russia relations, extending beyond the established India support the concept of a multi-polar world.
special and privileged partnership. In the evolving global It suits a rising Russia which aspires to recover the
geopolitical landscape a high level of political engagement ‘great power status’ and a rising India which
on international issues and bilateral matters is expected.
aspires to a permanent seat at the UNSC and
Why the Relationship Between enhanced status in the global arena.
India and Russia is Strategically Significant? z Moscow has long supported India’s desire to
expand the circle of permanent members of
¾ Time-Tested Partners :
the Security Council and to enter into the
Collaboration since Cold War: During the Cold
Nuclear Suppliers Group - which Beijing is
War, the Soviet Union, as a superpower, held a
blocking.
key position in the partnership, while India, part
of the “developing” nations and a leader in the ¾ Enduring Defence Ties :
Non-Aligned Movement, collaborated closely. It is guided by the Agreement on the Programme
The Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty of 1971: In the for Military Technical Cooperation signed
wake of the Indo-Pak war (1971) Russia supported between the two countries. Russia currently
India while the US and China supported Pakistan commands around 47 percent of total arms
Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic imports by India.
Partnership: In October 2000, India-Russia ties z However, historically it accounted for 65% of
acquired a qualitatively new character with arms imported by India.
enhanced levels of cooperation in almost all areas
The overwhelming majority of India’s armored
of the bilateral relationship
force consists of Russian tanks—the T-72 and
Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership:
T-90S—and so does its fleet of ground-attack
During the visit of the Russian President to India
aircraft—variants of MiG-21, Su-30, and MiG-29.
in December 2010, the Strategic Partnership was
elevated to the level of a “Special and Privileged The BrahMos missile of India has been developed
Strategic Partnership”. jointly with Russia.
¾ Energy Security : In October 2018, India signed a 5.43 billion USD
Russia possesses one of the globe’s largest reserves deal with Russia for the S-400 Triumf missile.
of natural gas. And, India has initiated a transition Over half of India’s conventional submarines are
towards increased reliance on natural gas. of Soviet design.
Russian invasion of Ukraine and for its
continued expansion of energy and economic
cooperation with Moscow.
¾ Declining Economic Engagement :
Declining Defense Imports: There has been a
gradual decline in the orders of India from Russia
because of its desire to diversify its defense
imports and therefore a heightened competition
for Russia with other suppliers.
Poor Post-Sale Services: Dissatisfaction in India
with post-sales services and maintenance being
offered by Russia.
What are the Key

Issues in India-Russia Relationship?
¾ Strategic Crossroads for Russia:
Russia’s Closer Ties with China :
z For Russia, with its long border with China and

adversarial relations with the West, avoiding a
two-front confrontation is a key imperative.
z As Russia and China enhance their military
cooperation, engage in joint economic
initiatives, and align on various diplomatic
What Should the Way Forward?
fronts, it introduces a geopolitical dynamic that
may impact India’s traditional strategic ¾ Balancing the Defense Dynamics :
considerations. Enhance Defense Collaboration: Continue the
Increasing Proximity with Pakistan : strategic defense partnership, with a focus on
z In recent years, Russia has tried to improve its modernizing and diversifying the defense
relationship with Pakistan. It might be a collaboration.
response to the US-India relationship. Joint Military Production: The two countries have
¾ Diplomatic Dilemma for India : been discussing how they can cooperate in using
Security Engagement with the United States: India as a production base for exporting to third
z India has now signed all four foundational countries Russian-origin equipment and services.
agreements with the USA. India has bought z For instance, India and Russia have formed a
USD 20 billion worth of arms over the last two joint venture for the production of Brahmos
decades missiles.
z India’s great power calculations create the
¾ Facilitating Economic Engagement :
dilemma to choose between “comprehensive
global strategic partnership” with the US on Diversification of Economic Ties: Both countries
one hand, and its “special and privileged should focus on diversifying and expanding their
partnership” with Russia on the other . economic relations. This includes exploring new
Ukraine Crisis : sectors for collaboration, increasing trade
z The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has resulted
volumes, and encouraging investments.
in a global imposition of sanctions as Russia’s Trade Facilitation: Both countries should work
actions are widely perceived as a violation of towards reducing trade barriers and simplifying
the territorial integrity of a sovereign nation trade processes. Enhance economic collaboration
and a breach of international law. by creating a conducive environment for
z However, India faced significant criticism in businesses from both countries to operate
the West for refraining from condemning the smoothly.
Rupee-Ruble Mechanism: Both sides need to ventures in oil and gas exploration, renewable
resort to the Rupee-Ruble mechanism to energy projects, and the development of energy
safeguard bilateral trade from the impact of infrastructure. Addressing energy security
Western sanctions. concerns can be mutually beneficial.
¾ Balancing the Global Dynamics : ¾ Promoting Cultural Connectivity :
Multilateral Engagement: Coordinate closely in Yoga and Cultural Diplomacy: Leverage the
multilateral forums such as BRICS and the SCO. popularity of Yoga in Russia to enhance cultural
Collaborate on global issues, advocate for shared diplomacy. Promote cultural events, language
values and principles, and work together to address education, and exchanges to deepen the
common challenges on the international stage. understanding of each other’s cultures.
Institutional Mechanisms: Strengthen institutional Public Diplomacy: Engage in public diplomacy
mechanisms for regular dialogue and collaboration. efforts to create awareness and understanding of
This includes enhancing the effectiveness of the bilateral relationship among the citizens of
existing agreements and creating new platforms both countries. Utilize media, social platforms,
for engagement at various levels, from government and cultural events to promote positive narratives
officials to business leaders.
¾ Forging Technological Cooperation: Conclusion:
Innovation and Technology Cooperation: Foster India-Russia relationship stands resilient amid global
collaboration in emerging technologies, including shifts, grounded in trust and common interests. Amidst
artificial intelligence, space exploration, these dynamics, fostering resilience, open communication,
cybersecurity, and renewable energy. Joint research and a shared commitment to global peace will determine
and development initiatives can lead to technological the success of India-Russia relations in the years ahead.
advancements beneficial to both countries. The Indian Foreign Minister rightly held that “Geopolitics
Energy Security: Explore opportunities for and strategic convergence will always keep India-Russia
cooperation in the energy sector, including joint ties on a positive trajectory.
nnn
Drishti Mains Questions
1. Examine the necessity for industry-academia collaboration in India. Discuss the challenges involved
and propose solutions for the successful implementation of industry-academia collaboration in the
country.
2. Examine the multifaceted challenges and significance of sexual education in India, with a focus on
the intersectionality of caste and gender. Propose policy measures for the effective integration of
sexual education into the Indian education system.
3. Discuss the challenges faced by the Indian state in its current bureaucratic framework. What reforms
are needed to address those challenges?
4. Discuss the social and economic vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities in India. How do
these vulnerabilities intersect with factors such as gender and rural living?
5. Define the concept of hidden costs within the agrifood system. What would you suggest to make the
agrifood system sustainable in the country?
6. Discuss the significance of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in India’s counterterrorism
strategy. Suggest measures for achieving a more balanced and transparent legal framework.
7. Compare and contrast between multidimensional poverty index and human development index
(HDI). Also, discuss the challenges in MPI calculation in India and suggest some measures to improve
MPI calculation.
8. Discuss the geopolitical challenges faced by India in its immediate neighborhood. How can India
navigate these challenges to strengthen its influence in South Asia, considering the rise of China and
the changing dynamics of the region?
9. Analyze the government’s Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Blending Obligation, which involves gradually
blending Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) in CNG and PNG. Identify and discuss the challenges associated
with the implementation of the CBG Blending Obligation.
10. Evaluate the impact of a declining export-led growth strategy on India’s economy and employment.
Propose strategic measures for India to navigate these challenges and foster sustainable economic
growth.
11. Analyze the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on its abrogation of Art 370 and evaluate the impact
of this decision on violence, economic growth, infrastructure development, and tourism in the region.
12. Examine the challenges posed by excessive dependence on consultancy firms in government projects.
How can these challenges be mitigated to ensure the effective and ethical implementation of policies?
13. What are the major outcomes of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)? Discuss the key challenges and propose
strategies to enhance the successful implementation of the stated objectives in COP 28.
14. Drishti Mains Questions: What is the need of having reservations in India? Analyze the issues with
the reservation policies and suggest reforms.
15. Examine the key provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and analyze how it aims to address historical
injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities in India.
16. Evaluate the measures taken by the government to ensure the protection of human rights in Left
Wing Extremism-affected areas. Discuss the challenges and propose improvements.
17. Identify and discuss the challenges associated with the Anti-Defection Law. Propose reforms to
address the concerns related to the law.
18. Discuss the significance of India’s Ethanol Blending Program in achieving energy security, reducing
fossil fuel dependence, and mitigating environmental impact.
Drishti Mains Questions
19. What are the issues with the school education system in India? How can the current system in India
address these challenges and ensure inclusive quality education?
20. Discuss the factors contributing to the deceleration in Gross Capital Formation in Agriculture (GCFA)
in India and government initiatives aimed at addressing this issue and propose strategic measures
to enhance capital formation in the agricultural sector.
21. Analysing the persistent challenges of unemployment in India, particularly related to jobless growth,
examine the factors contributing to the high unemployment rates.
22. Highlight the key challenges posed by Cyber Attacks on india. How can the government formulate
effective strategies to mitigate the risks posed by cyber attacks?
23. Examine the importance of a National Industrial Policy in addressing the job creation challenge in
India.
24. Discuss the concept and benefits of natural farming in the context of India’s agricultural sector. How
can natural farming be promoted and scaled up?
25. Discuss the significance of incorporating happiness as a key indicator in India’s development model.
How can a Happiness Induced Development model be Incorporated with Growth?
26. How does the evolving global geopolitical landscape impact the dynamics of the India-Russia
relationship? Suggest measures to ensure the continued positive trajectory of these bilateral ties.

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Monthly

01st December to 30th December 2023

¾ Skill Gap: ¾ India Innovation Growth Programme (IIGP): It is

What are the Major Government Schemes

Tag: GS Paper - 2, Issues related to women

What is the Significance of Sexual Education?

A Blueprint for metrics, such as the tax-GDP ratio and public

What is the Position of the to decide on implementation-related issues

Conclusion: What is the Status of Disability in India?

 The government should allocate adequate What is the Hidden

What did the

How are Intensive Agricultural monthly household income of a farming household

The UAPA is a potent tool in India’s anti-terrorism to be either well-nourished or undernourished,

considered disadvantageous. partner for its neighbours, and not a domineering

¾ Clean Fuel: BioCNG is a clean fuel, as it helps in ¾ Implementation:

What did the Court Say?

challenge. incidents has decreased by over 50% and security

Why was the Article 370 Abrogated?

It also calls for collectively double the global

 It includes 66 national government signatories centric development and climate resilience.

these efforts. including energy, transportation, agriculture, and

thereby nullifying the ceiling of fifty percent represented in Public employment.

year. overall efficiency in the administration.

Unmasking Left Wing

Tag: GS Paper - 3, Left Wing Extremism

 SMART Police: SMART Police is an acronym for ¾ Development Programs:

to 2013. organizations, and respected community leaders

What is Ethanol? z Fuel: It is used as a biofuel and is often mixed

 Further, the National Policy on Biofuels – 2018

 The blending percentage has also increased from

its adoption. ancient India with shishya (students) living with

Tag: GS Paper - 2, Education, Issues Arising Out of Design &

¾ Education Sector Crisis: stagnating at 2.61% of GDP, far below the

z According to the National Family Health

Agricultural Capital Decline: ¾ Exclusions from Agriculture Sector: Important

 The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of

Conclusion: ¾ The second is self-employment where labour supply

Economy (CMIE), an independent think tank, India’s formal employment opportunities.

businesses, and the government. It outlines various What Should India

raj, self-sufficiency, or import-substituting industrialization. consumption in India itself and focuses on

Natural Farming vs Organic Farming  Climate Change Mitigation: Natural farming

Redefining Viksit Bharat agriculture) to high-productivity sectors (such as

Conclusion: z India is actively engaged in importing

 The bilateral trade has reached USD 45 billion

What are the Key

z For Russia, with its long border with China and

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The government should allocate adequate What is the Hidden

It includes 66 national government signatories centric development and climate resilience.

SMART Police: SMART Police is an acronym for ¾ Development Programs:

Further, the National Policy on Biofuels – 2018

The blending percentage has also increased from

The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of

Natural Farming vs Organic Farming Climate Change Mitigation: Natural farming

The bilateral trade has reached USD 45 billion