Rau's IAS Focus October 2022

CONTENTS
Part One 15
Current Affairs Analysis CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
# G S P a p e r ( P r e l i m s) & G S P a p e r I I ( M a i n )
02 ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
#Online Dispute Resolution #ADR Mechanism 15
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOSSTING INDIA’S PATENT ECOSYSTEM
# G S P a p e r ( P r e l i m s) & G S P a p e r I I I ( M a i n ) #Patent #IPR Policy #Grant of Patent 18
PATENT ECOSYSTEM IN INDIA- STATUS, CHALLENGES AND CABINET APPROVES NEW ST LIST
STRATEGIES NEEDED #Patents 02 #Inclusion of ST #Article 342 23
NATIONAL LIST OF ESSENTIAL MEDICINES, 2022 CHANGES SUGGESTED IN THE PROCESS OF DRPSC
#Policies 03 #DRPSC #Composition #Functions 25
FINTECH SECTOR- PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES AND CASUALLY AWARDING DEATH PENALTY A CONCERN: SC
STRATEGIES #Finance 05 #Death Penalty #Constitution Bench 27
CONSTITUTION BENCH HEARING EWS MATTER

BANKING SYSTEM LIQUIDITY
#EWS #103rd Constitution Amendment #Reservation 30
#Banking 06
DOPT PROVIDES CLARIFICATIONS ON EWS THROUGH FAQ
FINANCIAL STABILITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (FSDC)
#DOPT #EWS #Reservation #Central List #State List 33
#Finance 07
NEW RULES NOTIFIED FOR JUVENILES
RRBs TO BE ALLOWED TO RAISE CAPITAL #Juveniles #Rules #JJ Act 34
#Finance 07 NEW RULES FOR CRIMINAL PROCEDURE IDENTIFICATION
IMF’S LENDING TOOLS ACT #Criminal Procedure Identification Act #2022 Rules 36
#External Sector 08 UNDERTSANDING SCANDINAVIAN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

#Social Democracy #Socialist Democracy 39
BAN ON EXPORT OF BROKEN RICE
LACK OF INNER PARTY DEMOCRACY IN INDIA
#External Sector 09
#Inner Party Democracy #Election Commission 41
INDIA’S EXTERNAL DEBT
SUMMON BY GOVERNOR
#External Sector 10
#Summon #Article174 43
PM KVY 3.0
AG DENIES CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST SIBAL
#skill Development #labour 11 #Contempt #Article 129 44
BLACK SWAN EVENT 12 KING CHARLES ADDRESSES BRITISH PARLIAMENT
NATIONAL WINDOW SYSTEM (NWS) 13 #British Parliament #Constitutional Supremacy 46
INDIAN TELECOMMUNICATION BILL 2022

HURUN GLOBAL UNICORN INDEX 13
#Telecommunication Bill 48
BOARD FOR TRADE 13
CAMPAIGN TO EXPAND SHG FOOTPRINT
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 14
#Self Help Groups #DAY-NRLM 50
53
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & Security
81
# GS P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) & G S P a p e r I I & I I I ( M a i n )
INDIA AND AUSTRALIA Geography, Environment, Biodiversity &
#Bilateral Relations 53
Disaster Management
INDO-PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK
# GS P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) a n d GS P a pe r I & I I I ( M a i n )
#Extended Neighbourhood 56
PORTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON ECOLOGY
INDIA AND BANGLADESH
#Environment 81
#Neighbourhood 58
URBAN FLOODS
SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION
#Disaster #disaster management 82
#REgional Groupings #Extended Neighbourhood 60
JALDOOT APP
RUSSIAN FAR EAST
#Conservation 84
#Geopolitics 62
RANIPUR TIGER RESERVE
UNSC REFORMS
#Conservation 85
#International Organisations 64
FLY ASH UTILIZATION
POSITIONING INDIA IN CHAOTIC WORLD- INTERNATIONAL
#Pollution 88
RELATIONS #Foreign Policy 66
NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
GLOBAL SOUTH ASSERTION IN GEOPOLITICS
#Environmental law 89
#Developing Countries 68
UNITED NATIONS WORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORT
LOW EMPHASIS ON INTERNATIONAL LAW IN INDIA
OF 2022 #Water 90
#International Organisations 69
PUSA BIO-DECOMPOSER CAPSULES
FARZAD B GAS FIELD 71
#Pollution 91
SOKH 71
AIR POLLUTION
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 71 #Pollution 91
73
SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 94
# GS P a p e r I & G S P a p e r I I ( M a i n) SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
GENDER PAY GAP # GS P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) & G S P a p e r I I I ( M a i n)
#Gender Issues 73 NEW EMERGING DEFENSE TECHNOLOGIES
MEDICAL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY #Defence Technology 94
#Gender Issues 74 INS VIKRANT
ISSUES IN URBAN PLANNING IN INDIA #Defence Technologies 99
#Urbanisation 75
ARTEMIS MISSION
LGBTQ ISSUES #Space 100
#Vulnerable Sections 77 DARK SKY RESERVE’ TO COME UP IN LADAKH
UNDP HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX #Physics 102
#Index 78 HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
PM SHRI SCHOOLS #SPACE 102
#Education #Scheme 78
CARBON DATING
PM TB MUKT BHARAT ABHIYAN #Nuclear 102
#Health 79
PUSH FOR INDIGENOUS SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY
#Electronics 103
NASA SPACECRAFT-ASTEROID COLLISION

Part TWO
#Space 106
Ethics, Integrity and
Aptitude
109 118
HISTORY, HERITAGE & CULTURE ETHICS OF EARLY EMBRYO RESEARCH
# GS P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) & G S P a p e r I ( M a i n ) #Ethics #Integrity #Aptitude 118
MIKHAIL GORBACHEV CASE STUDIES for Practice

#World History #Personalities 109 MAINS GS PAPER IV 120
SYMBOL OF CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI

#Medieval India 110
RAJAHMUNDRY Part Three
#Art and Culture #Medieval India 111
ONAM FESTIVAL
Essays of the month
#Art&Culture 111
AMARNATH SHRINE TEMPLE

122
#Temple Architecture 112 WHITHER WOMEN EMPOWERMENT # Social Issue
ANANG TAL SUBMITTED BY: MOHINI GUPTA 123
#Medieval Architecture 112 CONSERVATION IS A STATE OF HARMONY BETWEEN MEN
E V RAMASAMY AND LAND
#modernindia #personalities 112 #Environment #Sustainable Development

SUBMITTED BY: PRIYANKA 124
TOURIST CIRCUIT FOR B R AMBEDKAR
#modernindia #personalities 113 SOLUTION EMERGES IF SITUATIONS ARE NOT FORCED
#Philosophical
SITTANAVASAL CAVES & PAINTINGS
SUBMITTED BY: KHUSBOO NARUKA 127
#Art&Culture #Ancient India 115
Part ONE
Current
affairs
analysis
logical .simple .targeted
analysis & explanation
of all relevant news of the month
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES/POLICIES
PATENT ECOSYSTEM IN
Product Patent: Patent is issued for a particular product
such as say, a pharmaceutical drug. In that case, the
INDIA- STATUS, patent holder enjoys the

manufacturing this patented drug.
exclusive monopoly of
CHALLENGES AND Process Patent: Patent is issued for a particular process
STRATEGIES NEEDED
such as say, process used for manufacturing a specific
chemical compound. In that case, the patent holder
#Patents enjoys the exclusive monopoly over the process used for
manufacturing the product. However, other
manufacturers can manufacture the same product by
Recently, the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime using a different process (other than the patented
Minister (EAC- PM) has published a report titled, "Why India process).
Needs to Urgently Invest in its Patent Ecosystem?". This Hence, unlike Product patent, the extent of protection
report discusses the present issues and challenges in India's offered through process patent is quite limited to only
patenting regime and has accordingly listed out various the Patented process (and not the Product)
strategies.
PATENT SYSTEM IN INDIA
WHAT ARE PATENTS?
The patent system in India is governed by the Patents
• A Patent is a statutory right for an invention granted Act, 1970
for a limited period. Upon being granted the patent, 3 Criteria for issuing Patents:
the patent holder enjoys exclusive monopoly with
• It should be new (that is, not be published in India or
respect to making, using, or selling the patented
elsewhere + no prior Public Knowledge/ Public Use in
product/process for certain period. To get a patent,
India)
technical information about the invention must be
• It must involve an inventive step(Technical advanced
disclosed in a patent application.
in comparison to existing knowledge + non‐obvious to
• The patents have been given protection under the
a person skilled in the relevant field of technology)
WTO's Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Rights
• It should be capable of Industrial application
(TRIPS). Under this agreement, member countries
WHAT CANNOT BE PATENTED?
must provide protection to Patents for a minimum
period of 20 years. Frivolous Invention; Invention that harms public
order/Morality/ health of animals, plants and humans; a
• Once a patent expires, the invention enters the public
method of agriculture or horticulture; Traditional
domain, and anyone can commercially exploit the
Knowledge; Computer Program; Inventions related to
invention without infringing the patent.
Atomic Energy; Plants and Animals; mere discovery of
TYPES OF PATENTS scientific principle.
FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 2

Economic Development
Patent Ecosystem in India

Challenges Strategies needed
Number of Patents filed: Number of Patents applied and Fixing timelines for issuance of Patents: Here, timeline
granted in India is still a fraction compared to China and should be fixed for every stage of processing of patents so
USA. The number of patents filed in India is merely 3.8 that Patents are granted in a time bound manner.
percent of China and 9.5 percent of USA. Remove the Cumbersome compliance requirements:
Lower Share of Patents filed by Residents (44%) as Cumbersome requirements should be identified and be
compared to other countries such as China (90%) done away with.
Delay in issuance of Patents: The average time taken for Provide for Utility Models: Utility Model can be used to
issuance of Patents in India is around 5 years against the promote and protect "minor inventions" which may not
global best practices of 2-3 years. fulfil the criteria for patent. In general, compared with
Share of Patent applications withdrawn is quite higher at patents, utility model systems require compliance with
66%. Delays in the issuance of patents is a major reason for less stringent requirements (for example, lower level of
withdrawal of Patent applications. inventive step), have simpler procedures and offer shorter
Shortage of manpower: India has only around 900 term of protection.
personnel working in Patent offices which is just 10% of Improvements in portal and systems for filing patents by
personnel in China. upgrading IT Infrastructure. The portal needs to be made
Cumbersome compliance requirements: Certain provisions user-friendly.
of the Patent Act 1970 have led to cumbersome compliance Outsource the administrative process of processing
requirements on the applicants. For instance, some patent applications to a third party, like the way, it has
provisions require an applicant to keep submitting been done in case of Passport Office.
information relating to the foreign patent applications in a
periodic manner.
NATIONAL LIST OF
In line with Government's vision of "Sabko Dawai, Sasti
ESSENTIAL MEDICINES, Dawai, the Ministry of Health and Family welfare has
recently released the National List of Essential Medicines
2022 (NLEM), 2022. The new list has updated the earlier version of
NELM, 2015. The new list has removed 26 drugs from the
#Policies

previous list and added 34 new drugs and has in total 384 CRITERIA FOR INCLUDING DRUGS UNDER NLEM
drugs. • be useful in diseases which is a public health problem
ABOUT NATIONAL LIST OF ESSENTIAL MEDICINES in India
Essential Commodities Act, 1955: Empowers the • be licensed/ approved Drugs Controller General
Government to regulate prices of Goods declared as (India) (DCGI)
essential under the act. Presently, goods such as Food, • have proven efficacy and safety profile based on
Fertilisers, Drugs, Petroleum products, Jute etc. are scientific evidence
covered under EC Act. Further, commodities can be
• recommended under National Health Programs of
added or removed from the act by the Centre in
India. (e.g. Ivermectin part of Accelerated Plan for
consultation with state Government.
Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis 2018).
Framework for Drug Pricing in India: Drug Price Control
• fixed dose combinations are usually not included
Orders (DPCO) are issued by the Government under the
• vaccines as and when are included in Universal
Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to declare ceiling price
Immunization Program (e.g. Rotavirus vaccine).
for lifesaving medicines Price controls are applicable to
“Scheduled drugs” or “Scheduled formulations” i.e., those PRICING OF DRUGS PLACED UNDER NLEM
medicines which are listed out in the Schedule I of DPCO, Who fixes the prices? National Pharmaceutical Pricing
also referred to as National List of Essential Medicines Authority (NPPA) fixes the prices of controlled drugs and
(NLEM). formulations and enforces prices and availability of the
National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM): NLEM is a medicines in the country. NPPA has been set up through
dynamic document and is revised on a regular basis. an executive resolution of Government and presently
First formulated in 1996 and was revised thrice in 2003, functions under the Ministry of Chemicals and fertilisers.
2011 and 2015, before 2022. “Essential medicines” are Who recommends the prices? Standing Committee on
those that satisfy the priority health care needs, based Affordable Medicines and Health Products (SCAMHP) led
on efficacy, safety, quality and total cost of the by Member (Health), NITI Aayog. The committee
treatment. The primary purpose of NLEM is to promote functions under NITI Aayog.
rational use of medicines considering the three
important aspects i.e., cost, safety and efficacy.
Note: As per the Drugs (Prices) Control Order 2013, the the WPI while the prices of non-scheduled drugs are
prices of scheduled drugs are allowed an increase as per allowed an automatic increase of 10% every year.

Exceptional Powers of NPPA • Increase or decrease the prices of the drugs listed
Under Paragraph 19 of DPCO, the NPPA has been given under NLEM. In pursuance of these powers, the NPPA
the following exceptional powers: has recently increased the prices of the 21 essential
medicines by almost 50%.
• Fix the prices of even those drugs that are not listed
under NLEM. Example: In pursuance of these powers,
the NPPA has fixed the ceiling prices of Cardiac Stents
and Knee implants.
Banking and Finance

FINTECH SECTOR-
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) lenders connect lenders and
borrowers via an internet-based platform. Example:
PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES Faircent, Lendenclub etc.

• E-Aggregators to compare the prices and features of a
AND STRATEGIES financial products. Example: Policy Bazaar
#Finance • Account Aggregators: An individual may have

investments in fixed deposits with ABC Bank which
comes under the purview of RBI, mutual fund
investments with XYZ AMC which comes under the
Recently, the third Edition of Global Fintech Festival (GFF)
purview of SEBI and life insurance cover with DEF
was organized by National Payment Corporation of India
Insurance Corporation (which comes under the
(NPCI). In this regard, let us understand about Fintech
purview of IRDAI). Gathering and consolidating all the
Sector- its prospects, challenges and strategies.
scattered data while applying for a loan may prove to
UNDERSTANDING FINTECH be time-consuming. Hence, Individuals can authorize
Fintech can be defined as designing and provisioning of NBFC-aggregators to do this job and provide the
financial services by using new technological innovations. information to Banks.
Basically, fintech comprises of technology-based HOW CAN FINTECH COMPANIES BENEFIT THE INDIAN
businesses that compete against, enable and/or
ECONOMY?
collaborate with financial institutions. Examples: Paytm,
MobiKwik, Policy Bazaar, Phonepe, Googlepay etc • Increase in digital payments
Growth drivers: Rapid increase in the use of • Improvement in Lending and Investment through
smartphones, internet connectivity, online shopping; innovative tools such as Peer to Peer (P2P) lending,
Younger population; Advancements in technology such crowd funding etc.
as Big data, AI etc; Improvement in Financial Inclusion; • Provide finances to the MSMEs for trading of their
Launch of payment systems such as UPI; Regulatory
invoices Example: TReDS Platform
support given by RBI etc.
• Provide Insurance and advisory services
Present Status: India is among the world’s fastest
growing fintech market with 6,600 FinTech start-ups. • Improvement in Credit Creation through the Account
Indian FinTech industry’s market size is $30 Bn in 2021 aggregator services
and has the highest FinTech adoption rate at 87 per cent. RECOMMENDATIONS OF SUBHASH CHANDRA GARG
Examples of Innovative Products of COMMITTEE ON FINTECH SECTOR (2019)
the Fintech Companies
Virtual banking: RBI should examine the suitability of
• Crowd funding is a way of raising debt or equity from ‘virtual banking system’ where banks do not need to set
multiple investors via an internet-based platform. up branches and yet deliver the full scale banking
Example: Kickstarter, FuelAdream etc.

BANKING SYSTEM
services ranging from extending loans, savings accounts,
issuing cards and offering payment services through
their app or website
LIQUIDITY
Fintech for Cyber Security: The fintech firms specialising
#Banking
in field of cyber security should be encouraged to set up
their businesses in India and provided necessary
regulatory approvals for expanding their services in the
On account of economic slowdown due to covid-19, the RBI
country. injected huge amount of liquidity into the economy. For
Flow-based lending to MSMEs: The GSTN data integrated example, in November 2021, the surplus liquidity in the
with TReDS exchanges should form the basis of a flow- economy was around Rs 8 lakh crores. However, for the first
based lending system for MSMEs by banks and NBFCs. In time since May 2019, the liquidity situation has turned into
deficit mode of Rs 20,000 crores.
cash flow lending , a financial institution grants a loan
that is backed by the recipient’s past and future cash WHAT IS BANKING SYSTEM LIQUIDITY?
flows. There is a need to develop fintech solutions to • Liquidity in the banking system refers to readily
track the cash flows of the MSMEs. available cash that banks need to meet short-term
business and financial needs.
Reforming P2P markets: The credit needs of MSMEs,
• On a given day, if the banking system is a net
households and individuals can be taken care of by
borrower from the RBI under Liquidity Adjustment
creating a marketplace model of debt financing where
Facility (LAF), the system liquidity can be said to be in
savers, non-banks and banks are all permitted to lend.
deficit.
The Ministry of Finance should develop a marketplace
• On the other hand, if the banking system is a net
model of debt financing in India.
lender to the RBI, the system liquidity can be said to
Remote Sensing and Drone Tech for Credit and be in surplus.
Insurance: Insurance Companies and Lending agencies in Note: The LAF refers to the RBI’s operations through
Agri sector should be encouraged to use drone and which it injects or absorbs liquidity into or from the
remote sensing technology for crop area, damage and banking system. It basically includes Repo and Reverse
location assessments to support risk reduction in Repo.
insurance/lending business. REASONS FOR DEFICIT IN BANKING SYSTEM LIQUIDITY
Digitisation of Land Records: The Government should RBI's Intervention: The RBI has been intervening to check
take up modernisation and standardisation of land large scale Rupee Depreciation. As part of such an
records in the country on a war footing and complete intervention, the RBI has been selling dollars and sucking
such an exercise within 3 years. out Rupees. The repeated intervention of the RBI has led
to decrease in Rupee liquidity in the economy.
Legal Framework for Customer Protection: A legal
Increase in Bank Credit: The economic growth post
framework for consumer protection should be put in
Covid-19 has led to increased demand for credit. The
place keeping in mind the rise of fintech and digital
increase in credit by the Banks has also led to decrease
services.
in Banking liquidity.
Development of Regulation Technology (RegTech):
Limited growth of Deposits: On one hand, there has
Regtech is a new field within the financial technology been increase in credit. While, on the other hand,
industry that utilizes information technology to enhance deposits have not increased commensurately leading to
regulatory processes. The financial sector regulators (RBI, deficit in the Banking liquidity.
SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA) must develop standards for IMPACT OF DEFICIT
RegTech by financial sector service providers to make
• Increase in Yields on G-Secs: Lower Liquidity--> Lower
compliance with regulations easier, quicker and more Demand for G-Secs--> Decrease in prices--> Increase
automated for regulated entities. in yields on G-Secs.

• Increase in interest rates: Lower Liquidity--> Increase Role: The Council monitors macro prudential supervision
in interest rates on loans--> Decrease in investment of the economy, including functioning of large financial
expenditure conglomerates, and addresses inter-regulatory
WAY FORWARD coordination and financial sector development issues. It
also focuses on financial literacy and financial inclusion.
If the liquidity continues to be in deficit for long-term,
then the RBI would have to take steps to improve the The FSDC is supported by a Sub-Committee (FSDC-SC),
liquidity situation. chaired by the Governor RBI. Excluding the Chair of the
FSDC (Union Finance Minister), all members of the FSDC
are also the members of the Sub-Committee.
FINANCIAL STABILITY Additionally, all four Deputy Governors (DG) of RBI are
also the members of the Sub-Committee.
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
(FSDC) RRBs TO BE ALLOWED TO
#Finance RAISE CAPITAL
#Finance
Recently, 26th meeting of high-level Financial Stability and
Development Council (FSDC) was held. The FSDC discussed
about the host of measures needed to tackle the present The Finance Ministry has recently issued draft guidelines to
challenges of Indian Economy. enable Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to raise money from
capital market through the Initial public offer (IPOs). The
Q. With reference to 'Financial Stability and
guidelines will provide liquidity and visibility to the Regional
Development Council', consider the following
Rural Banks (RRBs)
statements: (Prelims 2016)
DETAILS ABOUT REGIONAL RURAL BANKS (RRBS)
1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
Establishment: Set up on the basis of the
2. It is headed by the Union Finance Minister.
recommendations of the Narasimhan Working Group
3. It monitors macroprudential super-vision of the (1975) through the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976.
economy.
Mandate: The RRBs are scheduled banks which have
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? been set up to cater to credit and banking requirements
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only of agriculture sector and rural areas with focus on small
and marginal farmers, micro & small enterprises, rural
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
artisans and weaker sections of the society. In addition,
DETAILS ABOUT FINANCIAL STABILITY DEVELOPMENT
RRBs also provide lending to micro/small enterprises and
COUNCIL (FSDC)
small entrepreneurs in rural areas.
Origin: Set up as the apex level forum in 2010 with a view Ownership: The equity of a regional rural bank is held by
to strengthening and institutionalizing the mechanism the Central Government, concerned State Government
for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter- and the Sponsor Bank in the proportion of 50:15:35.
regulatory coordination, and promoting financial sector
Prudential norms: The RRBs are required to follow CRR
development.
and SLR norms mandated by RBI. They are also required
Composition: The Chairperson of the Council is the to maintain Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR)
Finance Minister of India. Members include Minister of of 9%.
State for Finance, the heads of the financial sector
Priority sector lending (PSL) norms: 75% of the loans to
regulators (RBI, SEBI, PFRDA & IRDA) and Secretaries of the priority sectors.
the relevant ministries/ departments of the Government
BACKGROUND
of India.

Currently, there are 43 RRBs sponsored by 12 Scheduled have capital adequacy beyond the legal requirement of
Commercial Banks with around 22,000 branches across 9%.
the country. The Regional Rural Bank Amendment Act, Change in Shareholding: Department of Financial Service
2015 allowed these banks to access the capital market. may consult the concerned State Government if the level
However, in absence of detailed guidelines by the of shareholding in the RRB of such state Government
Government, no RRB has so far used the capital market needs to be reduced to below 15%.
for raising money.
Eligible investors: The shares may be issued to large
DETAILS ABOUT THE GUIDELINES banks and insurance companies like LIC. Other private
Eligible RRBs: RRBs wishing to raise capital through an insurance companies, pension funds and mutual funds
IPO must have had a net worth of at least Rs 300 crore may also be allowed to invest.
during the previous three years. Additionally, they must
External Sector
IMF’S LENDING TOOLS
• Capacity development of the member countries
STRUCTURE OF IMF
#External Sector • Board of Governors: Representatives of 190 Member
countries. Consists of one governor and one alternate
governor for each member country. The Governor is
Recently, the IMF reached a staff-level agreement with Sri appointed by the member country and is usually the
Lanka for a $ 2.9 billion bailout package under the Extended minister of finance or the head of the central bank.
Fund Facility (EFF). However, the bailout package imposes Meets once in a year and take broad policy decisions.
number of conditions on Sri Lanka to improve its macro- • Ministerial committee: IMF Board of Governors is
economic stability. advised by two ministerial committees- International
Q. “Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Monetary and Finance Committee (IMFC) and
Facility” are related to the provisions of lending Development committee.
by which of the following: (Prelims 2022) o IMFC Committee: Advises and reports to the IMF
(a) Asian Development Bank Board of Governors on the supervision and
(b) International Monetary Fund management. A number of international
institutions, including the World Bank, participate
(c) United Nations Environment Programme Finance
as observers in the IMFC’s meetings.
Initiative
o Development Committee: Joint committee, tasked
(d) World Bank
with advising the Boards of Governors of the IMF
DETAILS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND and the World Bank on issues related to economic
(IMF) development in emerging and developing
Set up along with the World Bank in 1945 following the countries. The committee has 24 members (usually
Bretton Woods Conference. It is a multilateral institution ministers of finance or development).
which promotes international financial stability • Executive Board: Responsible for conducting the day-
and monetary cooperation and facilitates international to-day; Composed of 24 directors elected by member
trade. 3 Main roles of IMF countries.
• Economic Surveillance of member countries to • President: Appointed by the Executive Board for a
achieve macroeconomic stability. period of 5 years.
• Lending to member countries which are facing BoP • Reports published by IMF: World Economic Outlook,
Crisis Global Financial Stability Report, Fiscal Monitor Report

SOURCES OF THE IMF'S FUNDS with certain member countries to ensure that it could
The IMF raises money in the following manner: meet the financing needs of its members.
Quota: Financial Contribution made by the member LENDING ARRANGEMENTS OF IMF

countries. IMF basically gives loans to the member countries which
New Arrangements to Borrow (NAB): Number of are facing BoP crisis. Unlike World Bank, the IMF does
member countries and institutions stand ready to lend not lend for specific projects. In broad terms, the IMF has
additional resources to the IMF; second line of defence to two types of lending: loans provided at non-concessional
supplement IMF resources. interest rates and loans provided to low-income
countries on concessional terms. Concessional loans
Bilateral Borrowing Agreements: Third line of defence;
currently bear no interest.
IMF has entered into bilateral borrowing agreements
IMF's Lending Tools
Emerging and Advanced Economies Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
Stand-by Arrangements: Short-term loans for less than 3 Stand-by Credit Facility: Short-term loans for less than 3
years. It is the main lending tool of the IMF. years. It is the main lending tool of the IMF.
Extended Fund Facility: Long term loans for more than 3 Extended Credit Facility: Long term loans for more than 3
years and less than 5 years. years and less than 5 years.
Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI): To deal with the urgent Rapid Credit Facility (RCF): To deal with the urgent BoP Crisis
BoP Crisis on account of price rise, disasters etc. on account of price rise, disasters etc.
Flexible Credit Line(FCL): Catastrophe containment and Relief Trust
• Given in form of loans to prevent BoP Crisis • Given to LDCs which face catastrophes or disasters.
• Given only to those countries which have strong macro- • Given in form of Grants (not loans)
economic fundamentals. Policy Support Instrument (PSI)
Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL) • Only Policy advise
• Given in form of loans to prevent BoP Crisis • No loans given under this instrument.
• Given only to those countries which have strong macro-
economic fundamentals but accompanied by certain
vulnerabilities.
BAN ON EXPORT OF
Top Global Producers: China (28%), India (24%) and
Indonesia (7%). China and India account for almost 50%
BROKEN RICE of global rice production.

Top Exporters: In 2019, India was the largest exporter of
#External Sector rice followed by Thailand and Vietnam.
Top Importers: Philippines, China and Benin
Domestic Production:
The Government has recently issued notification to ban the
export of Broken Rice and also decided to impose export • Area under Rice: Rice accounts for largest percentage
duty of 20% on Non-basmati Rice. The changes have been of area under cultivation (22%). Stagnation in
introduced to ensure adequate availability of rice in the percentage of area in the last decade.
domestic market and control rising inflation. • Production: Fluctuating trend in the last decade i.e.,
TRENDS IN RICE PRODUCTION AND TRADE increased in some years while it decreased in others.
But overall, there was increase in production.
Rice is the world’s third most produced crop behind
Increased from 105 MT (2010-11) to 118 MT (2019-20).
Sugarcane and Maize.

• Top Rice producing States: West Bengal, UP and

Punjab.
Recently, the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR BAN ON EXPORTS
of Finance has brought out the report on the "Status of
Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992
India's External Debt: 2021-22". In this regard, let us look at
• Empowers Centre to regulate Foreign Trade some of the important highlights of the report.
• Enables Centre to announce Foreign Trade Policy Q. Consider the following statements: (Prelims
• Prohibit or restrict Imports and Exports 2019)
• Empowers Centre to appoint Directorate General of 1. Most of India’s external debt is owed by
Foreign Trade (DGFT) to exercise powers on behalf of governmental entities.
the Centre. Hence, the DGFT issues notification for 2. All of India’s external debt is denominated in US
ban on export of Goods from India. dollars.
RECENT DECISION OF THE GOVERNMENT Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
India is the world's largest exporter of Rice accounting (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
for 40% of the global rice trade. It exports 4 types of Rice- (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Basmati Rice, Parboiled Rice, Non-Basmati Rice, and EXTERNAL DEBT OF INDIA
Broken Rice. The Broken rice, which is a by-product of
The External debt includes the total money owed by the
milling process, is mainly exported to other countries to
Government, Corporations, or Indian Citizens to foreign
be used as both animal feed as well as Food.
creditors. The Foreign Creditors could be Foreign
• Ban on Export of Broken Rice Government, Multilateral Institutions (World Bank, IMF
• 20% Export Duty on Non-Basmati Rice etc), private commercial banks etc.
• No Changes on export of Basmati Rice and Parboiled

• Duration of loan- Short-term (less
Rice.
than 1 year) and long-term (more
RATIONALE BEHIND GOVERNMENT'S DECISION Categorisation than 1 year)
Significant rise in export of broken rice: Export of broken of External • Sovereign Debt (Government) and
rice has increased by more than 43 times in last 4 years Debt Non-Sovereign Debt ( Other than
due to rise in the global demand. This has affected Government, including private
domestic availability leading to increase in prices. sector)
Meet domestic requirement under Ethanol Blending

Programme: The Food Corporation of India has been • Multilateral Debt: Debt from the
allowed to sell rice to ethanol plants for ethanol multilateral institutions such as
World Bank, IMF, ADB etc.
production. However, due to low availability of broken
rice, ethanol production has reduced. • Bilateral Debt: Debt from sovereign
countries such as Japan, Germany
Contain impact on poultry sector due to rising prices: The
etc.
increase in domestic price of broken rice has impacted
Major Heads • Trade Credits/Export Credits: Loans
the poultry sector.
under and credits extended for imports
Domestic production scenario of Rice: The likely shortfall External Debt directly by overseas supplier, bank
in area and production of Paddy for the Kharif season
and financial institutions
2022 is around 6%.
• External Commercial Borrowings:
loans from commercial banks,
other commercial financial
INDIA’S EXTERNAL DEBT institutions
#External Sector • Non-Resident Deposits in Banks

and Financial Institutions Duration of Debt: Long term debt

(maturity of more than 1 year)
Cumulative External Debt: At end of accounts for 80% of external debt;
March 2022, India’s external debt was Short-term debt (maturity of less than
placed at US$ 620 billion (20% of the 1 year) accounts for 20% of external
GDP). debt
Composition of Debt: Non-Sovereign Denomination of Debt: US dollar
Debt (Non-Government Debt) : 17.1% (53%); remaining in Rupee, Yen, SDR
Present status
of the GDP; Sovereign Debt and Euro.
of External
(Government Debt): 4% of the GDP.
Debt
Components of Debt: External
Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)
accounting for 40% of external debt
remains the largest source of External
Debt followed by Non-resident
deposits.
Inclusive Growth
PM KVY 3.0
2. Centrally Sponsored State Managed: This component
is being implemented by State Skill Development
#skill Development #labour Missions/State Governments.
a. Support and monitoring by States to improve
effectiveness and efficiency of skilling initiatives.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles b. States better placed to articulate the skilling needs
and Skill Development has released a report on for State specific economic activities.
implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. c. Increase capacity and capability of existing skill
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE SCHEME OF PMKVY 3.0 development system across the country.
1. Centrally Sponsored Centrally Managed (Central d. Support training and capacity building of state
Component): This component is implemented by specific traditional skills.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). It MAJOR CHANGES INTRODUCED IN THE SCHEME
constitutes: 1. Centrally funded & implemented by both Centre &
a. Short Term Training: Provision of 200-500 hours State.
long skill-oriented training, both core and soft, at 2. 30% of total pay-out linked with placement.
PMKVY affiliated and accredited training centres to 3. RPL and special projects as both Central and State
school/college dropouts or unemployed. components only.
b. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Recognition of 4. Short Term Training allowed in it is and educational
institutions.
existing schemes after 12-80 hours orientation
cum bridge courses by provision of PMKVY 5. Shift from a supply driven approach to a demand
certification to candidates. driven bottom up approach
6. Increasing the role of District Skill Committees and
c. Special Projects
State Skill Development Missions

7. Introduction of RPL in the State component 6. Pendency of assessments with Sector Skills Councils.
8. Introduction of online/blended form of training 7. Attendance through AEBAS mostly doesn't happen
9. Special schemes introduced viz., Customised Crash due to remote location and poor or no internet
Course Program for COVID warriors and Skill Hub connectivity.
Initiative (SHI). CONCERNS HIGHLIGHTED BY INDUSTRY
ISSUES IN THE SCHEME ARE 1. Training course and curriculum under PMKVY 3.0
1. Poor placement record under the scheme: Of the have not been aligned with actual industry
close to 4 lakh certified trained candidates under the requirements.
scheme only about 30,000 were placed in gainful 2. Practical skills imparted under PMKVY training is not
employment (7.7%). as per industry need.
2. Underutilisation of funds: Utilisation of funds under 3. Process of reporting placement details of the
the scheme has remained less than 50%. candidates is cumbersome requiring extensive efforts
3. High dropout rates: Approx. 20% of total enrolled to simplify the process.
candidates dropped out of the training program. WAY FORWARD
Major reasons behind the high dropout rates are 1. Entire effort of skilling needs to be made candidate-
medical issues, family issues, social problem, distance centric, seamless, intuitive and user friendly and
from residence to training centres, upgradation of easily available on a digital ecosystem.
social status as married and attached livelihood
2. Embedded on job training, re-skilling, up-skilling and
demands
RPL should be mainstreamed.
4. Lack of operationalisation of PM Kaushal Kendra
3. Digital and blended mode of delivery of certain
(PMKK)
courses.
CONCERNS HIGHLIGHTED BY STATES IN
4. Addressing the need of traditional and informal
IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME
sectors (agriculture & allied sector, handicrafts etc.)
1. Delay in release of funds from the state treasury
5. Making skilling market linked: Skills gap studies
2. Non-availability of trainers with right eligibility criteria should be conducted by sector skill council in
3. Limited or non-availability of placement partner's due partnership with industry to identify skills in
to less industrialisation in the state demand, curriculum of skill training should be
4. Delay in payments to sector skill council and training updated at regular intervals.
providers 6. Periodic review and technical support should be
5. Delay in payments to SSC and TPs. provided to implementing agencies.
Prelims Snippets
BLACK SWAN EVENT
Swan: The impact of highly improbable". Black swan
refers to a rare and unpredictable event with potentially
A recent study by the RBI has highlighted that the has severe consequences. 3 attributes:
combination of global and domestic shocks could lead to
1. Such events are uncommon and cannot be predicted.
capital outflows of USD 100 billion from India. Hence, India
needs to maintain adequate reserves to deal with such a 2. Such events have serious repercussions
Black swan Event. 3. Once the event takes place, people come up with
UNDERSTANDING BLACK SWAN EVENT explanations to highlight that it could have been
The term Black Swan was termed by author and investor predicted and averted.
Nassim Nicholas who wrote a book titled "The Black

Examples: Covid-19, Global Financial Crisis (2008), 9/11 UNDERSTANDING UNICORN AND GAZELLE
Attacks etc. Unicorn is defined as a tech start-up that has reached a
Details: The RBI's report has highlighted that India may valuation of US$1bn, but not yet listed on a public
experience combination of global and domestic shocks exchange. On the other hand, a Gazelle is a start-up
such as (a) Contraction in GDP (b) Increase in Policy rates worth over US $500mn, not yet listed on a public
by US Fed Bank (c) Russia- Ukraine war (d) Volatility in exchange and most likely to ‘go unicorn’, within three
global commodity prices. Because of these combined years.
shocks, there is 5% chance of FPI outflows of around $ The Hurun Global Unicorn Index attempts to capture
100 billion from India. information about all the world’s unicorns into one list. It
is published by Hurun Research Institute located in UK.
Top Countries: USA leads the ranking with 625 unicorns
NATIONAL WINDOW followed by China (312) and India (68)
SYSTEM (NWS)
According to Department for Promotion of Industry and BOARD FOR TRADE
Internal Trade, the Union government is likely to bring on
Recently, the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry
board all states that are not a part of the National Single
chaired the first meeting of the reconstituted Board of Trade.
Window System by March next year.
Establishment: Set up through Executive resolution as
DETAILS
per the mandate given in the Foreign Trade Policy
Mandate: Digital platform for guidance of investors to
Statement 2015-2020. In 2019, the Council for Trade
identify and to apply for approvals as per their business
Development and Promotion has been merged into
requirements.
Board of Trade.
Objectives:
Mandate: Advice the Government on policy measures
• Establish a single-window mechanism by integrating related to Foreign Trade Policy to achieve the objective of
the services provided by various Central Ministries, boosting India’s trade.
Departments, and State Governments
Members: Chaired by Union Minister for Commerce and
• Provide a one-stop-shop for procuring approvals and Industry. Includes representatives from Centre, States as
permits required to establish a business in India. well as private sector.
Nodal Agency: The portal has been launched by TERMS OF REFERENCE
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
• Platform to Government of India for appraising State
Trade and is presently managed by Invest India.
Governments and UTs about international
developments affecting India’s trade.
HURUN GLOBAL UNICORN • Help state governments develop and pursue export
strategies in line with National Foreign Trade Policy
INDEX • Review export performance of various sectors, identify

constraints and suggest industry specific measures to
According to the Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2022, India
optimize export earnings.
overtook China to add the most number of unicorns in the
first half of 2022.

Practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Consider the following statements about 2. Each RRB is backed by a Scheduled Commercial
National List of Essential Medicines: Bank, State Government and Central Government.
1. This list is published by National Pharmaceutical 3. RRBs are not allowed to raise capital using equity
Pricing Authority. dilution.
2. Drug Price Control Order is published under Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Essential Commodities Act. (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Extended Fund Facility, is a tool of which of the
following agencies?
Q.2) Consider the following statements about (a) World Bank
Financial Stability & Development Council: (b) IMF
1. It functions under the chairmanship of the (c) Asian Development Bank
governor of Reserve Bank of India. (d) New Development Bank
2. It aims at enhancing inter-regulatory coordination.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Q.5) Consider the following statements about
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only India’s External Debt:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. India’s external debt is about 50% of its GDP.
2. Soveriegn external debt is more than non-
Q.3) Consider the following statements about sovereign external debt for India.
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs): Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. They were first established after the LPG reforms (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
of 1991. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Descriptive Questions
Q1. Despite various schemes, India’s performance in skilling has not been up to the mark. Highlight the key challenges
in the implementation of skilling in India. Also, suggest improvements in the skilling ecosystem of India.
Q2. What are the challenges with Pharmaceutical regulations in India? Also, suggest measures to improve the
pharmaceutical ecosystem in India.
Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-a, 4-b, 5-d

CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND
GOVERNANCE
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main)
ONLINE DISPUTE
• ODR has already been integrated in several
jurisdictions such as US, Canada, Brazil, and the UAE
RESOLUTION wherein the government, the judiciary and private

institutions are working together to exploit the
#Online Dispute Resolution #ADR Mechanism benefits of ODR towards enabling greater access to
justice.
• The reason for ODR’s success can be attributed to its
NITI Aayog has released the report titled “Designing Future of
cost effective and convenient nature, which also
Dispute Resolution ODR POLICY PLAN FOR INDIA”, to scale
broadens the possibilities of remote resolution.
dispute avoidance, containment and resolution online. The
roll out of the stated recommendations in the report can DIFFERENT MODES OF ACCESS TO JUSTICE
help make India a world leader in using technology and
innovation through Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) for
effective access to justice for every individual. The report is a
culmination of the action plan made by a committee
constituted by NITI Aayog on ODR in 2020 and chaired by
Supreme Court Justice (Retd) AK Sikri.
ABOUT ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ODR)
• ODR is the resolution of disputes, particularly small
and medium-value cases, using digital technology and
techniques of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR), such
as arbitration, conciliation and mediation. 1. Legal Health Promotion
• It refers to the process of using technology for dispute • Promoting legal health through mass awareness about
avoidance, containment and resolution outside the the law, their rights and duties and remedies available
traditional court system. with them.
ODR GOES BEYOND ADR • For instance, in European Union, it is mandatory for
• ODR is often simplistically understood to mean e-ADR merchants to inform consumers of the option to avail
or ADR that is enabled through technology. However, ODR.
its potential benefits extend far beyond its genesis • Similarly, tools can be developed where parties can
parent system, namely ADR. feed in questions and get answers on the rights and
• ODR can help in not just dispute resolution but also in protections.
dispute containment, dispute avoidance and • Thus overall, ODR can help in moving towards a more
promotion of general legal health of the country. ‘rule of law’ based society.

Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
2. Dispute Avoidance • Lack of travel benefits in cross-border disputes.
• Data driven development of ODR tools can provide • Use of ODR within businesses such as e-commerce
citizens information to make informed choices based entities also provides consumers a one-stop avenue to
on the strength and weaknesses of the position of law. resolve their disputes thereby making dispute
• For example, the study of thousands of credit disputes resolution quicker and more convenient.
can help parties identify stages of dispute occurrence. 3. Allows for Customisable Processes
• This provides an opportunity to pre-emptively address • Over the past few years, ADR has seen a lot of variants
any likely challenges. emerge, that go beyond the traditional ADR processes
• Additionally, ODR can also help parties identify the such as arbitration and mediation.
likely outcome of the case if the rights are agitated in • ODR’s integration with non-traditional approach and
that situation. use of artificial intelligence can lead to limitless
3. Dispute Containment possibilities in terms of the types of models that can
be developed.
• At a primary level, ODR can enable informal and
pragmatic containment of dispute before it enters • Thus, ODR can allow for multi-door dispute resolution
court systems. through curated and customised process for certain
classes of cases.
• ADR processes such as mediation and arbitration
already provide an avenue where disputes can be • This in turn, can make the dispute resolution process
resolved before they reach the courts. more cost effective and convenient for the user.
• Here ODR can add a digital layer to ADRs and make it 4. Encourages Dispute Resolution
more efficient. • ODR can significantly improve access to a variety of
• For instance, mandatory pre-litigation ODR cases dispute resolution processes by addressing major
involving e-commerce claims, small cause claims and concerns such as lack of access to physical courts or
cheque-bouncing issues can be resolved before they ADR centres, cost of dispute resolution as well as the
reach the courts system. barriers due to disabilities.
• This is extremely critical for Indian judiciary due to • Online negotiation and mediation are premised on
increasing caseload. mutually arriving at an agreement, and hence they
make the dispute resolution process less adversarial
BENEFITS OF ODR MECHANISM
and complicated.
1. Cost Effective
5. Limits implicit bias caused by human judgment
• Avoids unnecessary travel by parties to disputes,
• With increased awareness regarding racial, caste and
reduced time for resolution and by doing away with
gender justice, there have been some concerns
the need for legal advice in certain cases.
regarding the impact of biases, prejudice, and
• Saves Indirect Costs for the companies and stereotype on decision-making processes and
organisations on account of lengthy litigation
outcomes.
proceedings.
• Studies have identified that implicit bias and anxiety to
• For instance, enterprises see loss of productive time, communicate with members of different communities
loss in wellbeing of the individuals, loss in investor
can influence the outcome of mediation.
confidence, reduced investments and consequently
• ODR processes can lessen the unconscious bias of the
slower economic growth.
Neutral while resolving disputes.
2. Convenient & Quick
Long Term Benefits
• As per the India Justice Report, 2019, in 21 States and
• Increased awareness of rights of individuals and
Union Territories, cases in District Courts remain
organisations involved in disputes.
pending for 5 years on average or more.
• Results in increased access to justice by removing the
• ODR can address such delays by providing a faster and
physical barriers.
more convenient process for resolution of disputes.

Governance
• Helps in levelling the bargaining power of both parties. • Introduce ODR in legal education and continuing legal
• Availability of ODR mechanism results in ease of education
access to justice. • Train judicial officers and court staff
• It also helps to improve ease of doing business by • Strengthen paralegal services (NALSA) within
reducing time of dispute communities
• It helps in transformation of legal paradigm • Encourage growth in the private sector for dispute
• Use of technology results in democratisation of justice. resolution through ODR
CHALLENGES IN ADOPTING ODR IN INDIA • Government can co-opt the existing platforms and
utilise their capacity
The report recommends measures at three levels to
tackle challenges in adopting ODR framework in India. • Collaborate with the private sector to resolve an
I. At the Structural Level - it suggests actions to upsurge of cases arising during the COVID related
increase digital literacy, improve access to digital pandemic
infrastructure and train professionals as neutrals to • Equip court annexed centres with ODR facilities
deliver ODR services. • Adopt ODR for specific Government sectors
II. At the Behavioural Level - the report recommends o Strengthen MSME SAMADHAAN for all kinds of
adoption of ODR to address disputes involving
money due cases - covers only issues related to
Government departments and ministries.
delay of payments
III. At the Regulatory Level - the report recommends a
o Enable ODR for INGRAM and Consumer Mediation
soft-touch approach to regulate ODR platforms and
Cell - INGRAM portal under the National Consumer
services. This involves laying down design and ethical
Helpline project provides a three-tier approach to
principles to guide ODR service providers to self-
dispute resolution – resolution through the
regulate while fostering growth and innovations in the
platform, followed by sector specific regulatory
ecosystem.
authority and finally through the Consumer
SUGGESTIONS
Commission.
A. Increase Access to Digital Infrastructure
o Use ODR to resolve Insolvency and Bankruptcy
• Increase physical access to infrastructure
Disputes
• Increase digital literacy
C. Build Trust in ODR
• Reduce digital divide through targeted policies
• Adopt ODR for Government litigation
• Encourage innovation of accessible technology
• Introduce an awareness campaign for ODR with the
solutions
help of government and Judiciary.
B. Increase Capacity
• Introduce targeted incentives for stakeholders by
• Introduce training at all levels for Professionals
providing incentives for
• Introduce uniform training standards
o Businesses to increase use of technology to resolve
o Basic knowledge of all types of ODR disputes
o e-ADR and algorithmic resolutions
o Lawyers to undertake ODR.
o communication through ODR
o Start-ups
o Adapting offline ADR techniques to online
D. Suitable Regulation of ODR in India
environment
• Strengthen existing legislative framework
o Training on ethics and best practices
• Introduce a regulatory framework for mediation and e-
• Undertake collaborative efforts to introduce training
mediation
and certification programmes
• Introduce ODR related amendments or an umbrella
• Use - Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring
legislation - IT Act & Evidence Act
Minds (SWAYAM) to introduce multilingual courses

Governance
• Digitise and innovate legal processes businesses, thereby enabling entrepreneurs to enforce
• Mainstream e-stamping contracts efficiently.
• Allow online notarisation - The purpose of notarisation • Further, it can also provide an accessible mode of
is to certify genuineness and proper execution of dispute resolution to masses which will eventually
documents to prevent fraud. Notarization is done by a reduce the burden on the traditional court system.
notary public appointed by the state or central • ODR has the potential to decentralise dispute
government. resolution in India and empower innovators across
o Integration of e-Sign for electronic signature and communities to create targeted ODR processes to
electronic seal resolve disputes efficiently.
o Maintaining secure electronic records • Such targeted innovations will help address the unique
challenges faced by communities while resolving their
o Developing Automated Notarisation tools
disputes and attend to the dispute resolution
• Mandate pre-litigation mediation - a. Banking disputes, requirement of our diverse society.
b. Consumer disputes, c. Disputes arising from
• The need for an efficient dispute resolution system
business or commercial leases d. Disputes involving
and advancement in information technology has
negotiable instruments, e. Disputes regarding
uniquely positioned India to emerge as the epicentre
bailments, f. Disputes regarding division of assets, g.
for these developments in ODR.
Family disputes, h. Inheritance disputes, i. Insurance
disputes, j. Labour and employment disputes, k. Real
BOSSTING INDIA’S PATENT

Estate disputes and l. Tenancy disputes.
• Increase Physical Access to Infrastructure - by the
combined efforts of two key stakeholders – the ECOSYSTEM
Government and the judiciary.
#Patent #IPR Policy #Grant of Patent
E. Implement ODR in a phased Manner
• Implementation of the above-mentioned
An evolved Intellectual Property Rights regime is the basic
recommendations and sustained efforts from the
requirement for a knowledge-based economy. Technological
Government and the judiciary is likely to unlock the
innovation and scientific research require a robust patenting
true potential of ODR in India.
system and India is seeing a surge in start-ups and unicorns
• However, keeping in mind that the capacity of the
and an efficient IPR system is an essential prerequisite for a
ecosystem is still largely untested and technological
healthy startup ecosystem. Despite increase in filing of
innovations are still developing, it is recommended
patents in India, number of abandoned patents has also
that ODR be progressively implemented in a phased
increased simultaneously and this signals certain problem in
manner.
the filing process. The Economic Advisory Council to the
Phase I: Set up infrastructure and utilise existing Prime Minister in its Report on ‘Why India Needs to Urgently
capacity and capabilities Invest in its Patent Ecosystem?’ has addressed various issues
Phase II: Mainstream ODR in the patenting system in India.
Phase III: ODR as a primary mode of dispute resolution WHAT DOES A PATENT GRANT?
WAY FORWARD • Patent grants exclusive right for an invention which
• The future of dispute resolution revolves around the may be of a product or a process for 20 years. Patent
ICT innovations and new ideas to make dispute is granted for –
resolution efficient and accessible for every section of o inventions which is new,
the society. o involves an inventive step which did not exist before
• ODR can play an important role in this aspect. Through o Such thing has not existed before and
easily accessible and user-centric processes, ODR can
o has industrial applications.
offer curated dispute resolution solutions for

Governance
• When patent is granted on a particular invention, it • India grants legal protection to various inventions
means that no other person can either produce or sell through The Patents Act, 1970.
for commercial purpose those inventions in the • Thus, if patent is granted to a Company ABC for one its
market without the approval of the creator of such pharmaceutical product XYZ, then no other company
invention. can produce the medicine XYZ without due permission
from ABC for 20 years.
CATEGORY OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPRS)
1. Patents Given to new product and process. The Patent Acts, DPIIT, Ministry of Period
1970 Commerce 20 years
2. Trademarks Given to a name, word, phrase, logo, Trademark Act, DPIIT, Ministry of Period
symbol, design, image, or combination 1999 Commerce 10 years
of these elements.
3. Geographical It is a sign used on products that have Geographical DPIIT, Ministry of Period
Indication a specific geographical origin and Indication of Commerce & Industry 10 years
possess qualities or a reputation that Goods
are due to that origin. (Registration
and protection)
Act, 1999
4. Copyrights It is a bundle of rights given by the law The Copyright Copyrights Office, Period
to the creators of literary, dramatic, Act 1957 Ministry of Commerce & 60
musical, and artistic works and the Industry years.
producers of cinematograph films and (from 2016)
sound recordings.
(Earlier with Ministry of
HRD)
5. Designs It may consists of 3D features such as The Design Act, DPIIT, Ministry of Period
shape of an article or 2D feature such 2000 Commerce 10 years
as Patterns, lines, or colour. (5 grace
years)
6. Plant Variety Protection granted for plant varieties. Protection of Ministry of Agriculture 15 years
Protection These rights are given to the farmers Plant varieties to field
and plant breeders to encourage the and farmers’ crops &
development of new varieties of right act, 2011. 18 years
plants. to Trees
and
vines.
7. Semi- Semi-conductor layout design means a Semi- Ministry of Electronics 10 years

conductors layout of transistors and other circuitry conductors and and Information
and elements and expressed in any integrated Technology
integrated manner in semi-conductor integrated layouts design
layouts circuits. act, 2000
ECONOMIC OBJECTIVES OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY • Promote investments in knowledge creation and

PROTECTION business innovation by establishing exclusive rights to

Governance
use and sell newly developed technologies, goods and about IPRs in the country.
services. • Promoting the filing of IPRs through facilitation.
• Promote the widespread dissemination of new
• Providing inventors with a platform to commercialize
knowledge by encouraging or requiring rights holders
their IP assets &
to place their inventions and ideas on the market.
• Coordinating the implementation of the National IPR
• Thus, Intellectual Property Regime is key to the
Policy in collaboration with Government Ministries/
creation of a knowledge economy and nurturing the
Departments & other stakeholders.
start-up ecosystem, technological innovation and
scientific research. ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE PRIME
• It is here where the National Intellectual Property MINISTER (EAC-PM)
Rights (IPR) Policy 2016 recognises the abundance of
• It is an independent body constituted to give advice on
creative and innovative energies that flow in India, and
economic and related issues to the Government of
the need to tap into and channelize these energies
India, specifically to the Prime Minister.
towards a better and brighter future with suitable
protection. • At present, the EAC-PM comprises of a Chairman (Dr.
Bibek Debroy) and 6 part time members
OBJECTIVES OF THE NATIONAL INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPR) POLICY 2016 • The Terms of Reference of EAC-PM include
• IPR Awareness: Outreach and Promotion - To create o Analyzing any issue, economic or otherwise,
public awareness about the economic, social and referred to it by the Prime Minister and advising
cultural benefits of IPRs among all sections of society. him thereon,
• Generation of IPRs - To stimulate the generation of o Addressing issues of macroeconomic importance
IPRs. and presenting views thereon to the Prime Minister.
• Legal and Legislative Framework - To have strong and o These could be either suo-motu or on reference
effective IPR laws, which balance the interests of rights
from the Prime Minister or anyone else.
owners with larger public interest.
o They also include attending to any other task as
• Administration and Management - To modernize and
may be desired by the Prime Minister from time to
strengthen service-oriented IPR administration.
time.
• Commercialization of IPRs - Get value for IPRs through
MAJOR CONCERNS HIGHLIGHTED ON PATENT FILING
commercialization.
IN INDIA IN THE REPORT OF EAC-PM
• Enforcement and Adjudication - To strengthen the
enforcement and adjudicatory mechanisms for 1. Manpower Shortage
combating IPR infringements. • The major reason for delays is the lack of sufficient
• Human Capital Development - To strengthen and manpower in patent office. Though some additional
expand human resources, institutions and capacities workforce was added in the patent office in the last
for teaching, training, research and skill building in few years especially at the examiner level, it is very
IPRs. small when compared with China or USA.
CIPAM • Increase in manpower at examiner level do not

corresponds with increase in manpower at the
(Cell for IPR Promotion & Management) has been created
controller level. This merely shifted the pendency from
as a professional body under the aegis of Department for
first examination level to the next stage.
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to take
forward the implementation of the National IPR Policy • There are approximately 1.64 lakh applications
2016. pending at the controller level (which was 40,000 in
March 2017) as of end March 2022 for which
FUNCTIONS OF CIPAM
preliminary examination has already been done.
• CIPAM is working towards creating public awareness

Governance
2. No fixed timelines for each step of the process and any outstanding objections which may not have
• The lack of timelines for each step leads to various been adequately addressed by the applicant.
issues. 3. Increase in Abandoned Application
• For instance, under Section 25(1) of the Patents Act • As per the Annual Report (2019-20) of the Office of the
1970, a pre-grant opposition can be filed by any Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks
person opposing the patent at any time after the
and Geographical Indications (CGPDTM) shows that
patent application has been published and before the
the number of abandoned patent applications, on
grant.
account of not meeting the requirements under the
• However, there is no fixed time frame and this leads to
Patents Act grew by almost 350% - (5,186 in 2010-11 to
build-ups and delays. Lack of time frame for filing
opposition for grant of patent is also misused for 23,291 in 2019-20).
making frivolous complaints which keeps delaying the • Section 9(1) of the Patents Act provides that those
process. applications accompanied by provisional specifications
• There is also no time limit prescribed in the law for the be supported by complete specifications within one
Controller to conduct a hearing to determine the year.
validity of responses to the First Examination Report

Governance
• Section 21(1) requires patent applicants to re-file • To expand the available pool of trained workforce, a
documents if the patent examiner finds them not short certificate course (like a diploma) may be
meeting the requirements. developed in collaboration with some
academic/technical institutions that may be done
• Reasons for Increase in Abandoned Applications
concurrently with the existing graduation courses.
o Applicants not confident of their innovation passing
• There is a need to build the career path of the
scrutiny – do not pursue further
employees in the patent office to attract good talent to
o For innovations with short-life spans – it is possible the patent office. In this regard, there is a need to
that the long pendency discourages applicants from revisit the Modified Flexible Compensation Scheme
following up on their applications. (MFCS).
4. Cumbersome compliance requirements delays the • Under MFCS, Scientists are entitled to promotion
process independent of the vacancy position subject to the
• There are certain provisions of the Patent Act 1970 fulfillment of eligibility conditions and successful
which lead to cumbersome compliance requirements assessment of merit. The assessment norms are
on the applicants. rigorous with due emphasis on evaluation of scientific
• For instance, some provisions require an applicant to and technical knowledge so that only those scientists
keep submitting information relating to the who have to their credit demonstrable achievements
prosecution of foreign patent applications in a periodic or higher level of technical merit are recommended for
manner. promotion.
5. Not much focus on Industry-Academia Collaboration 3. Address Procedural Issues
• One of the indicators of Global Innovation Index is • Fixing timelines for each steps of the process as per
industry-academia collaboration where India’s score the laws of United States - the time limit for any party
has decreased from 47.8 in 2015 to 42.7 in 2021. to submit any material of potential relevance to the
examination of the application is within 6 months after
• Consequently, India’s ranking in this indicator in the GII
the date on which the patent application is first
declined from 48 to 65 during this period.
published.
• However, improvements in some other indicators have
4. Remove the Cumbersome compliance requirements
resulted in India’s overall ranking in the GII improving
from 81 in 2015 to 46 in 2021. • For instance, there are requirements on applicants to
keep submitting information relating to the
• The draft of the National Auto Policy 2018 (Draft)
prosecution of foreign patent applications in a periodic
points out that collaboration between the industry and
manner leading to high compliance requirements.
academia in India has been limited to niche research
areas that have low commercial significance. • Considering that now India is a part of WIPO
Centralized Access to Search and Examination (CASE),
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
such information can easily be accessed by the patent
1. Increase in Manpower in Patent Office office for PCT applications.
• There is a need to immediately sanction additional 5. Consider bringing in utility model of patents
posts at the controller level to clear the current
• A utility patent is a special form of patent right granted
backlog of 1.64 lakh applications (which have already
by a state to an inventor for a fixed timeperiod where
undergone preliminary examination) as on end March
the eligibility requirements are less stringent and the
2022.
term of protection is shorter and these are cheaper to
• Further, a substantial increase in manpower is acquire as well.
required in the patent office in the next few years to
• It secures protection for small innovations, which does
be able to compete with our global peers in terms of
not require the strict novelty and invention condition
scale of patent applications and the time taken to
as required by patent law. This helps spur innovation,
process them.
specifically for individual & small-scale innovators.
2. Need for Skill Enhancement

Governance
• Thus, a new legislation granting protection to • Hatti community settled in the Trans-Giri area of
incremental innovation through utility models can be Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh
brought about in India. This will also help push • Binjhia tribe in Chhattisgarh (already listed as ST in
innovation done in Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Jharkhand & Odisha)
Incubation Centers under the Atal Innovation Mission • Narikoravan and Kurivikkaran hill tribes of Tamil Nadu
as well by rewarding innovation done.
• Betta-Kuruba community from Karnataka
• However, it is important to note that UTILITY PATENT is a
SCHEDULED TRIBES
separate patent category from the regular patents, so that
• The framers of the Constitution realised that certain
it does not dilute the rigour of the existing system.
communities in the country were suffering from
6. Outsource the Administrtative Process to a Third Party
extreme social, educational and economic
• The administrative process of patent application backwardness on account of the primitive agricultural
process can be outsourced to a third party, like has practices, lack of infrastructure facilities and
been done in the case of passport office, so that the geographical isolation.
examiners and controllers can focus on the core
• The Constitution of India in Article 366 (25) prescribe
technical work.
that the Scheduled Tribes means such tribes or tribal
7. Automation of some steps where no human analysis is communities as are deemed under Article 342 of the
required Constitution to be Scheduled Tribes.
• Extensive use of machine learning/automation of
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION
administrative steps can be done to make the process
more streamlined. Article 342 (1) Article 342 (2)
WAY FORWARD - As the patent system is a critical aspect • The President may - • Parliament may be law
of the national innovation ecosystem, investing in the with respect to any • include in or exclude
patent ecosystem will help in strengthening the State or Union Territory, from the list of
innovation capability of India. The right interventions
• and where it is a State, Scheduled Tribes
should be made for the promotion of the quality of
after consultation with (prepared through
patent applications and collaboration between academia
the Governor thereof, Presidential notification)
and industry.
• by a public notification, • any tribe or tribal
• specify the tribes or community or part of or
CABINET APPROVES NEW tribal communities or group within any tribe or
part of or groups within tribal community
ST LIST tribes or tribal
#Inclusion of ST #Article 342 communities as
Scheduled Tribe
The Union Cabinet approved a proposal to include about 15 Based on Article 342, Parliament enacted THE
tribal communities in the Scheduled Tribes list in five states CONSTITUTION (SCHEDULED TRIBES) ORDER, 1950 which
namely Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil contains a list of tribes or groups designated as
Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. With this decision, the number of Scheduled Tribes. This Order is amended from time to
Scheduled Tribes in the country has increased from 705 to time to include more groups or communities within the
720. According to the 2011 census, the ST population in the ST Fold.
country is 10.43 crore, which is 8.6% of the total population The criteria presently followed for specification of a
of the country. community as a Scheduled Tribe are –
LIST OF TRIBES INCLUDED IN SCHEDULED TRIBE (i) indications of primitive traits
• Five sub-castes of the Gond community residing in (ii) traditional characteristics
Uttar Pradesh - Dhuria, Nayak, Ojha, Pathari, Rajgond
(iii) distinctive culture
have also been included in the Scheduled Tribes.

Governance
(iv) geographical isolation ST status to the communities.
(v) shyness of contact with the community at large, and • The six communities are protesting the Centre's
(vi) backwardness decision to grant ST status to 12 communities in
five other states excluding them.
(vii) ethnological traits
• A State government may choose to recommend
• While the Constitution is silent about the criteria for
certain communities for addition or subtraction from
specification of a community as a Scheduled Tribe. The
the list of SCs/STs based on its discretion.
words and the phrase 'tribes or tribal communities or
part of or groups within tribes or tribal communities" in • The recommendations of names of communities may
Article 342 must be understood in terms of their be the result of any findings of any committee or
historical background of backwardness. decision of the respective state governments.
• Primitiveness, geographical isolation, shyness and • The proposal to include or remove any community
social, educational & economic backwardness due to from the Scheduled List is sent to the Union Ministry of
these reasons are the traits that distinguish Scheduled Tribal Affairs from the concerned State government.
Tribe communities of our country from other • After this, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through its own
communities. deliberations, examines the proposal, and sends it to
• It considers the definitions of tribal Communities the Registrar General of India (RGI).
adopted in the 1931 Census. • Once approved by the RGI, the proposal is sent to the
• These facts are the basis for the provision in Article National Commission for Scheduled Castes or National
342(1) which mandates to specify the tribes or tribal Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
communities or part of or groups within tribes or tribal • After this step, the proposal is sent back to the Union
communities as Scheduled Tribe in relation to that government, which after inter-ministerial
State or Union Territory as the case may be. deliberations, introduces it in the Cabinet for final
• Thus the list of Scheduled Tribes is State/UT specific approval.
and a community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a Legislative Process
State need not be so in another State. • The final decision rests with the President’s office
• The Presidential notifications under Clause 1 of Article issuing a notification specifying the changes under
342 of the Constitution are issued as the Constitution powers vested in it from Articles 341 and 342.
Orders. • The inclusion or exclusion of any community in the
PROCESS FOLLOWED FOR INCLUSION/EXCLUSION OF Scheduled Tribes or Scheduled Castes list come into
COMMUNITIES effect only after the President assents to a Bill that
Consultation Process amends the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order,
1950 and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order,
• The process for inclusion or exclusion of communities
1950, as is appropriate, after it is passed by both the
begins at the level of state and Union Territories.
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Demands made by 6 Communities in Assam
Sl. Names of Schemes/Programmes for Scheduled
• In Assam, six communities referred as tea tribes
No. Tribe
(Adivasi, Chutia, Koch Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran and Tai
Ahom communities) have demanded to be included 1. Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST students
within Scheduled Tribes category and have met the
Chief Minister. 2. Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST students
• Representatives of the communities have agreed to
National Overseas Scholarship for ST students for
have more meetings, including a tripartite one 3.
studying abroad.
involving the government, the representatives and
other tribal bodies to narrow down existing National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher
differences and create a conducive atmosphere for 4.
Education of ST students

Governance
(a) Scholarship for Higher Education (earlier known DRPSCs handles the scrutiny process as sending Bills for
as Top Class Education For ST Students). scrutiny is ultimately beneficial for the government.
(b) Fellowship (earlier known as Rajiv Gandhi COMPOSITION OF DRPSCs

National Fellowship Scheme for ST students). • With the addition of 7 more Committees in July 2004,
the number of Department-related Parliamentary
Grants-in-aid to Voluntary Organisations Working Standing Committees was raised to 24 but with
5.
for welfare of STs reduced membership of 10 members from Rajya Sabha
and 21 members from Lok Sabha.
Strengthening Education among ST Girls in Low
6. JURISDICTION OF DRPSCs
Literacy Districts
• Of the total Department-related Parliamentary
Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Standing Committees, 8 were placed within the
7.
Groups (PVTGs) jurisdiction of the Chairman, Rajya Sabha and 16
within the jurisdiction of the Speaker, Lok Sabha.
Grants under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution of
8. • The Chairmen of the first 8 Committees are appointed
India
by Chairman, Rajya Sabha and the remaining
Special Central Assistance(SCA) to Tribal Sub- 16 by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
9.
Scheme(TSS) • Rules 268 to 277 of the Rules of Procedure and
Conduct of Business in the Conduct of States and
10. Grants-in-aid to Tribal Research Institutes
Rules 331 C to 331 N of the Rules of Procedure and
Institutional Support for Development and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha govern the
11. Constitution and functioning of these Committees.
Marketing of Tribal Products/Produce
DRPSC WHICH COMES UNDER THE PURVIEW OF
Support to National/State Scheduled Tribe Finance CHAIRMAN - RAJYA SABHA
12.
and Development Corporations
1 Committee on Commerce
Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum
2 Committee on Home Affairs
13. Support Price (MSP) and Mechanism of marketing
of Development of Value Chain for MFP 3 Committee on Human Resource Development
Research Information & Mass Education, Tribal 4 Committee on Industry

14.
Festival and Others 5 Committee on Science & Technology, Environment
& Forest
6 Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture

CHANGES SUGGESTED IN 7 Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law
THE PROCESS OF DRPSC and Justice
#DRPSC #Composition #Functions 8 Committee on Health and Family Welfare
DRPSC WHICH COMES UNDER THE PURVIEW OF

SPEAKER - LOK SABHA
There are in total 24 Department Related Parliamentary 9 Committee on Agriculture

Standing Committees (DRPSCs) and sending legislations for 10 Committee on Information Technology
scrutiny is advantageous for the government as it ultimately
11 Committee on Defence
refines law making process by weeding out ambiguous,
unnecessary or controversial clauses. However, it is not 12 Committee on Energy
mandatory to send legislations for scrutiny to the DRPSCs.
13 Committee on External Affairs
Suggestions have been made to make changes in the way

Governance
14 Committee on Finance • Through Committees, Parliament exercises its control
and influence over administration.
15 Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public
• Provides Expertise on diverse areas of legislations
Distribution
which helps in understanding the nuances of any issue
16 Committee on Labour at hand.
17 Committee on Petroleum & Natural Gas • Give opportunity to new MPs (back benchers) who do
not get adequate time to speak in Parliament.
18 Committee on Railways
• The committee system is designed to enhance the
19 Committee on Urban Development capabilities of MPs, enlighten them on the whole
gamut of government activity and contribute ideas to
20 Committee on Water Resources
strengthen parliamentary system and improve
21 Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers governance.
22 Committee on Rural Development GOVT. SHOULD NOT SHY AWAY FROM SENDING BILLS
TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
23 Committee on Coal and Steel
14th Lok Sabha 2004-2009 60%
24 Committee on Social Justice & Empowerment
15th Lok Sabha 2009-2014 71%
DRPSC MAKES THE EXECUTIVE MORE ACCOUNTABLE
BY 16th Lok Sabha 2014-2019 27%
(a) Considering the demands for grants of the related • The decline in 16th Lok Sabha was witnessed as
Ministries/ Departments and report thereon. The government was in a hurry to push its big ticket
reforms which was being opposed by the opposition.
report shall not suggest anything of the nature of cut
motions. • Even though it is not obligatory to send Bills for
scrutiny to Parliamentary Committees, yet it remains
(b) Examining Bills pertaining to the related Ministries/
relevant based on national and international practice
Departments, referred to the Committee by the
and experiences.
Chairman or the Speaker and report thereon.
• For Example - the three Farm Bills were passed
(c) Considering Annual Reports of the Ministries/ without being referred to the DRSC and had to be
Departments and report thereon. withdrawn later.
(d) Considering National Basic Long Term Policy • Government should not be scared of sending the Bills
Documents presented to the Houses, if referred to to the DRPSCs as in most of these committees, the
the Committee by the Chairman or the Speaker and government has a majority and the final decision is
report on such policy documents. always by the process of majority voting.
• Sending Bills to DRPSCs improves relations and trust
OTHER BENEFITS OF SENDING BILLS FOR SCRUTINY TO
between the government and opposition members
DIFFERENT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
and leads to a positive and cordial atmosphere in the
• Thorough scrutiny of bills Parliamentary debates.
• Eases work burden of the Executive as it is involved in CHANGES SUGGESTED IN THE MECHANISM TO HANDLE
multiple works. BILLS BY DRPSCS
• Allows detailed deliberation on the Bills in a calm Considering the importance of sending bills for scrutiny to
atmosphere. the Parliamentary Committees, the Article has suggested
• Parliamentary Committees acts as vibrant link certain changes in the overall handling of Bills by DRPSCs.
between the Parliament, the Executive and the public – 1. Sending Bills by Speaker/Chairman can be made an
through opinion seeking automatic or compulsory process unless specific
• Committees assist Legislature & Prevent Misuse of reasons are provided otherwise.
Power of Executive

Governance
2. No Whip - All discussions in the Parliamentary STAGES OF DEATH PENALTY IN INDIA
Standing Committee should be done in a frank and 1. Imposition of Death Penalty by the Court of Sessions
free atmosphere and whip should not be made
2. Confirmation Hearing Before the State High Court
applicable for voting purposes.
3. Proceedings Before the Supreme Court of India
3. Fixed Time Limit - The committees to provide
4. Request of Pardon Filed Before a Governor of State or
recommendations within fixed timeline and in case of
the President of India
delay, the Bill may be put up before the House
concerned directly. 5. Writ Petition After the Rejection of Request for Pardon
4. Experts may be invited to share domain knowledge LAW ON SENTENCING – CR. PC

including latest developments and trends. This will • Whenever a court awards conviction, it has to hold a
improve quality of recommendations. Subject matter separate hearing on the quantum of sentence.
experts/young researchers could be associated with • According to Section 235 of (Cr.PC) - after hearing
the committee for a short period. arguments, the judge shall give a judgment and, “if the
5. Speaker/Chairman should have the right to fix a time accused is convicted, the judge shall hear the accused
limit, sometimes even stringent, if the government of on the question of sentence and then pass sentence”.
the day asks for it and the demand is found to be • This process gains significance specially in awarding of
reasonable by the Speaker/Chairman. death penalty or life imprisonment.
6. Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs should utilise the • As per Section 354(3) of Cr.PC, when an offence is
time between two sessions of Parliament to organise punishable with death or imprisonment for life, the
and expedite work of Committees. This will avoid judgment shall state the reasons for the sentence
pushing of legislations by the Committee prior to the awarded, and if the sentence is death, “special
start of next sessions. reasons” for the sentence.
7. Suggest More Measures - The committees should not • Hearing the accused post Bachhan Singh judgment
limit themselves to mere discussing of the budget but has become ever more meaningful as death is to be
should also come up with suggestions for the Ministry awarded in rarest of rare cases. So, it becomes
to take up new initiatives and people-friendly necessary for the Judge to not only look into the
measures. heinous nature of crime committed, but also the
circumstances in which the accused committed such
crime.
CASUALLY AWARDING • Thus, Trial Courts were required to balance
DEATH PENALTY A ‘aggravating circumstances’ and ‘mitigating

circumstances’ to decide upon death sentence.
CONCERN: SC IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS OF THREE JUDGE BENCH

OF SC
#Death Penalty #Constitution Bench
• Separate Hearing for Death Penalty – Due to
conflicting judgments, SC referred to the Bachhan
Three Judge Bench of Supreme Court has observed that even Singh case, where the Court had mandated separate
though death penalty is provided in rarest of the rare cases hearing of the accused before imposing death penalty,
(Bachhan Singh v. State of Punjab), it is being administered as per the recommendations of the 48th Law
casually at the trial stage by Sessions Court. This deprives the Commission of India.
accused of his basic right to mitigate or avoid death penalty • Circumstances of the Criminal to be Considered - 48th
in such instances. Thus, the Bench has referred the matter to Law Commission also recommended that gathering
Five Judge Bench to frame uniform guidelines for the trial evidence related to the circumstances relevant to
courts on granting "real and meaningful opportunity" on the sentencing should be encouraged. Based on this, SC
issue of the sentence to the convicts held guilty for offences held that Trial Courts while deciding the sentence,
entailing capital punishment. should not confine its consideration ‘principally’ or

Governance
merely to the circumstances connected with particular towards the Government established by law in, shall be
crime, but also give due consideration to the punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be
circumstances of the criminal. added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three
• Same Day Conviction Denies Opportunity & Violates years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.
Natural Justice - as the accused and his lawyer are not Explanations:
able to bring on record the reasons, considerations or
• The expression “disaffection” includes disloyalty and all
circumstances to convince the Court that the accused
feelings of enmity.
do not deserve death penalty. This tilts the case
heavily against the accused who has been given death • Comments expressing disapprobation of the measures
punishment. of the Government with a view to obtain their
alteration by lawful means, without exciting or
• Providing Opportunity to the Accused - It is necessary
to have clarity on granting real and meaningful attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do
opportunity of hearing to accused in such cases. not constitute an offence under this section.
• SC ordered to Frame Guidelines - in the suo motu case • Comments expressing disapprobation of the
"In Re Framing Guidelines Regarding Potential administrative or other action of the Government
Mitigating Circumstances To Be Considered While without exciting or attempting to excite hatred,
Imposing Death Sentences", which was initiated taking contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence
note of the lack of uniformity in awarding death under this section.
sentences.
Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC)
• Issue of Sufficient Time at Trial Stage Unaddressed in
Bachhan Singh – and hence needs to be investigated. • Section 366 - When the Court of Session passes a
MEANING OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT sentence of death, the proceedings shall be submitted

to the High Court, and the sentence shall not be
• Capital punishment, also called death penalty, results
in execution of an offender sentenced to death after executed unless it is confirmed by the High Court.
conviction by a court of law for a criminal offence. • Section 368 - In any case submitted under section 366,
• The term "Capital Punishment" stands for most severe the High Court—
form of punishment. It is the punishment which is to
(a) may confirm the sentence, or pass any other
be awarded for the most heinous, grievous and
sentence warranted by law, or
detestable crimes against humanity.
• Capital punishment should be distinguished from (b) may annul the conviction and convict the accused
extrajudicial executions carried out without due of any offence of which the Court of Session might
process of law. have convicted him, or order a new trial on the
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT PROVIDED UNDER INDIAN same or an amended charge, or
LAWS (c) may acquit the accused person.
Indian Penal Code
• Section 369 – Death Sentence shall be presided by
• Section 302 - Whoever commits murder shall be division bench (Bench of 2 Judges) or more, and order
punished with death or imprisonment for life and shall should be signed by at least two judges of the bench.
also be liable to fine.
DEATH PENALTY IN CONFIRMATION TO ARTICLE 21
• Section 303 - Whoever, being under sentence of
imprisonment for life commits murder, shall be • Article 21 - No person shall be deprived of his life or
punished with death. personal liberty except according to procedure

established by law.
• Section 124A - Whoever by words, either spoken or
written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or • Indian Penal Code under Section 302 provides reason
otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or for death penalty and Criminal Procedure Code
contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection establishes the process of awarding death penalty.

Governance
• Thus, awarding death penalty or capital punishment the decision of High Court person.
cannot be said to be against the principles of Article 21 and even Supreme Court. It does not help in reducing
of the Indian Constitution. Article 72(c) allows the or deterring heinous crime.
BACHHAN SINGH V. STATE OF PUNJAB convict to appeal against
Time Gap – Generally there
the decision of Supreme
• Hanging is done in India in the rarest of rare cases as is a large gap between
Court to the President of
per the Criminal Procedure Code. awarding of death penalty
India if death sentence has
• In a major landmark case of Bachhan Singh v. State of between awarding of death
been awarded.
Punjab, Supreme Court held that the death penalty penalty and execution. This
given to a convict is constitutional and will be done in keeps offenders waiting on
rarest of rare cases. death row
• The Court said that death penalty is a lawful infliction LAW COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATIONS ON DEATH
of death by the state as a punishment for wrongful PENALTY – AUGUST 2015 - (262 REPORT CHAIRED BY
and heinous committed by the accused. JUSTICE A.P. SHAH)
• The Court said that capital punishment is not against • Does not Serve as Deterrence - The death penalty does
Right to life and personal liberty as guaranteed under not serve the societal goal of deterrence any more
Article 21 because death penalty through capital than life imprisonment. Further, life imprisonment
punishment has been established under law (Section
under Indian law means imprisonment for the whole
366 of Code of Criminal Procedure) and is a legal
of life subject to just remissions which, in many states
process.
in cases of serious crimes, are granted only after many
• Thus, state is empowered to take away life of citizens years of imprisonment which range from 30-60 years.
through procedure established by law if they are
• Retribution versus Vengeance - Retribution has an
found guilty of crime committed which is punishable
important role to play in punishment. However, it
with death penalty and is a rarest of rare cases.
cannot be reduced to vengeance. The notion of “an
Arguments in Favour of Arguments Against eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” has no place in our
Capital Punishment Capital Punishment constitutionally mediated criminal justice system.
Based on deterrent theory Ensures Retribution by Capital punishment fails to achieve any constitutionally
of punishment – and instils State - It ensures valid societal goals.
fear of punishment retributive justice by the • Restorative & Reformative Justice looses focus on
including death among state which deprives a death penalty as the ultimate measure of justice to
wrong doers. person of his/her life based victims, the restorative and rehabilitative aspects of
Morally Wrong - Keeping on the retributive theory of justice are forgotten through which accused behaviour
an accused of heinous punishment. It is generally can be changed.
crimes alive at the cost of argues that retribution
• Reliance on the death penalty diverts attention from
the lives of number of even by state is immoral
other problems ailing the criminal justice system such
citizens or potential victims and is a sanitised form of
as poor investigation, crime prevention and rights of
in the society is morally vengeance.
victims of crime.
wrong. Person suffering from
• Need for Victim Compensation Schemes - It is essential
Article 21 - Death Penalty in Mental Illness - The United
that the State establish effective victim compensation
India in accordance with Nations Commission on
schemes to rehabilitate victims of crime. The voices of
Article 21 and is also used Human Rights calls upon
victims and witnesses are often silenced by threats
in Rarest of the Rare Cases. countries “not to impose
and other coercive techniques employed by powerful
the death penalty on a
Death Penalty allows for accused persons. Hence it is essential that a witness
person suffering from any
Right to Appeal – Indian protection scheme also be established.
form of mental disorder or
laws and the constitution
to execute any such • Need for Effective Investigation & Prosecution by state
allow for appeal against - The need for police reforms for better and more

Governance
effective investigation and prosecution has also been imposed on the convict, including solitary
universally felt for some time now and measures confinement, and the prevailing harsh prison
regarding the same need to be taken on a priority conditions.
basis. • Death Penalty Abolished by Most Civilized Nations - In
• Concerns expressed by Supreme Court on arbitrary retaining and practicing the death penalty, India forms
sentencing in death penalty cases - The Court has part of a small and ever dwindling group of nations.
noted that it is difficult to distinguish cases where That 140 countries are now abolitionist in law or in
death penalty has been imposed from those where the practice, demonstrates that evolving standards of
alternative of life imprisonment has been applied. In human dignity and decency do not support the death
the Court's own words "extremely uneven application of penalty.
Bachhan Singh has given rise to a state of uncertainty in The Commission has accordingly recommended that the
capital sentencing law which clearly falls foul of death penalty be abolished for all crimes other than
constitutional due process and equality principle". terrorism related offences and waging war affecting national
• Erroneous Imposition of Death Penalty - The Court has security.
also acknowledged erroneous imposition of the death
sentence in contravention of Bachhan Singh
guidelines. Therefore, the constitutional regulation of CONSTITUTION BENCH
capital punishment attempted in Bachhan Singh has
failed to prevent death sentences from being HEARING EWS MATTER
"arbitrarily and freakishly imposed".
#EWS #103 r d Constitution Amendment
• Structural Impediments - Lack of resources, outdated
#Reservation
modes of investigation, over-stretched police force,
ineffective prosecution, and poor legal aid are some of
the problems besetting the system. Death penalty The five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of
operates within this context and therefore suffers India U.U. Lalit, is considering the validity of the 103rd
from the same structural and systemic Constitutional Amendment, which provides 10% reservation
impediments. The administration of capital to economically weaker sections (EWS) of society in
punishment thus remains fallible and vulnerable to government jobs and educational institutions. The
misapplication. Constitution Bench has asked governments at Centre and
• Death Sentence disproportional for Vulnerable States and petitioners to address a list of concerns about
Sections - The vagaries of the system also operate granting reservation on a purely economic basis.
disproportionately against the socially and BASIS OF PETITION
economically marginalized who may lack the resources • Constitution 103rd Amendment Challenged - batch of
to effectively advocate their rights within an petitions filed by NGOs Janhit Abhiyan and Youth for
adversarial criminal justice system. Equality, among others have challenged the validity of
• Delay Faced by Death Row Convicts - long delays in Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019 on the
trials, appeals and thereafter in executive clemency. ground that economic classification cannot be the sole
During this time, the prisoner on death row suffers basis for reservation.
from extreme agony, anxiety and debilitating fear • Amendment Violates Basic Structure –
arising out of an imminent yet uncertain
o Breaches the overall 50 per cent ceiling of
execution. The Supreme Court has acknowledged that
reservation as mandated by the Indra Sawhney
an amalgam of such unique circumstances produces
Judgment.
physical and psychological conditions of near-torture
o Providing reservation in an educational institution is
for the death row convict.
breach of basic structure and the term 'class' under
• Death Penalty Acts as Double Punishment - The death
Article 46 of the Constitution refers to educationally
row phenomenon is compounded by the degrading
backward class and not EWS.
and oppressive effects of conditions of imprisonment

Governance
• Article 46 is part of DPSP and provides for promotion the members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes
of educational and economic interests of Scheduled and the Other Backward Classes. This will take the
Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections. total reservation to 60 per cent.
• The reservation of 10% seats for EWS other than • The proposed reservations intends to include such
SC/ST/OBCs is arbitrary and excessive. members who do not avail the benefits of reservation,
This includes members in the general category as well
as members of the minority communities including
Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christian and other
communities who do not enjoy any kind of
reservation.
• The following are the criteria to avail the benefits of
reservation of 10 per cent:
o Persons whose family has gross annual income of
less than Rs. 8 lakh per annum.
o Persons possess less than 5 acres land
o Have agricultural land of less than 5 acres
o Have a house smaller than 1,000 square feet
o In a municipality – a residential plot smaller than

100 yards
o In a non-notified municipality – a residential plot of
ATTORNEY GENERAL FORWARDS THE THREE LEGAL
less than 200 yards.
ISSUES TO BE DECIDED – ACCEPTED BY CJI
Note* "Economically Weaker Sections" shall be
1. Whether the amendment breaches the Basic Structure
notified by the State from time to time on the basis of
by permitting the state to make special provisions,
including reservation, based on economic criteria? family income and other indicators of economic
disadvantage.’
2. Whether it violates the Basic Structure by allowing the
state to make special provisions in relation to Ensuring fair opportunity
admissions to private unaided institutions? • The directive principles of State policy contained in
3. Whether the Basic Structure is trampled upon by the Article 46 of the Constitution mentions that the State
constitutional amendment by excluding shall promote with special care the educational and
SEBC/OBC/SC/ST communities from the scope of the economic interests of the weaker sections of the people,
EWS quota. and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the
OTHER CONTENTIOUS ISSUES RAISED Scheduled Tribes. But, economically weaker sections
• Whether the EWS quota was in violation of the rule of of citizens were not eligible for the benefit of
equality and non-discrimination, and if the move to reservation.
grant reservation to forward castes (EWS or otherwise) • Thus, the proposed amendment aims to ensure that
was simply not allowed.
economically weaker sections of citizens get a fair
• Reservation cannot be implemented as a "poverty chance of receiving higher education and participation
alleviation programme" for the socially and in employment in the services of the State. This will
educationally forward classes, which is what the EWS
also fulfill the mandate of Article 46.
Quota does.
AMENDMENT IN ARTICLE 15
CONSTITUTION (ONE HUNDRED AND THIRD
AMENDMENT) ACT, 2019 • Article 15 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination
against any citizen on the grounds of race, religion,
• The proposed reservation of 10% will be over and
caste, sex, or place of birth.
above the existing 50 per cent reservation enjoyed by

Governance
• However, as per Article 15(4), the government may laid before Parliament on two occasions – once in
make any special provision for the advancement of 1982, and again in 1983.
any socially and educationally backward classes of • However, no action was taken on the basis of this
citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Report until 13.08.1990, when an Office Memorandum
Tribes. stated that after considering the said Report, 27% of
• The Act inserts a new provision – Article 15(6), whereby the vacancies in civil posts and services under the
(a) State can make any special provision for the Government of India shall be reserved for the Socially
advancement of any “economically weaker sections and Economically Backward Classes.
of citizens” • This was followed by an Office Memorandum of
(b) State can make any special provision for the 25.09.1991, by which, within the 27% of vacancies,
advancement of any “economically weaker sections • preference was to be given to candidates belonging to
of citizens” relate to their admission to educational the poorer sections of the Socially and Economically
institutions including private educational Backward Classes; and
institutions, whether aided or unaided by the State. • 10% vacancies were to be reserved for Other
(c) However, such reservation will not apply to Economically Backward Sections who were not
minority educational institutions. covered by any of the existing schemes of reservation.
(d) Reservation to such educational institutions would The majority judgments upheld the reservation of 27% in
be in addition to the existing reservations and favour of backward classes, and the further subdivision
subject to a maximum of 10 per cent. of more backward within the backward classes who were
AMENDMENT IN ARTICLE 16 to be given preference, but struck down the reservation
• Article 16 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination of 10% in favour of Other Economically Backward
in employment in any government office. However, as categories.
per Article 16(4), the state may make any provision for • The Court contrasted Article 16(4) with Article 15(4),
the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of and stated that Article 16(4) refers to any backward
any backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of class of citizens where it refers primarily to social
the State, is not adequately represented in the services backwardness.
under the State.
Article 16 (4) - any backward class of citizens
• The Act amends Article 16 by inserting a new provision
Article 16(6) where the state may make any provision Article 15 (4) - any socially and educationally
for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour backward classes of citizens or for the
of any economically weaker sections of citizens in Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes
addition to the existing reservation and subject to a
maximum of ten per cent. • The Court held that the test or requirement of social
• The reservation of up to 10% for “economically weaker and educational backwardness cannot be applied to
sections” in educational institutions and public Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who
employment will be in addition to the existing indubitably fall within the expression “backward class
reservation. of citizens”. Thus, they do not have to prove their
• The central government will notify the “economically backwardness.
weaker sections” of citizens on the basis of family • The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes are
income and other indicators of economic the most backward among backward classes and it is,
disadvantage. therefore, presumed that once they are contained in
INDRA SAWHNEY JUDGMENT the Presidential List under Articles 341 and Article 342
• The case decided by Nine Judge Constitution Bench. of the Constitution of India, there is no question of
The bone of contention in this landmark judgment was showing backwardness of the Scheduled Castes and
the Mandal Commission Report of 1980, which was the Scheduled Tribes all over again.

Governance
• The advanced sections among the OBCs (the creamy to posts and services of the Government of India to
layer) should be excluded from the list of beneficiaries avail EWS reservation.
of reservation. Property
• It further held that creamy layer principle is only • Property Held by Family in Different Locations will be
confined to Other Backward Classes and has no Clubbed to check Threshold –
relevance in the case of Scheduled Tribes and
Includes property of parents and siblings under 18
Scheduled Castes.
years of age.
• There shall be no reservation in promotions and the
• Meaning of Family while determining EWS Reservation
reservation should be confined to initial appointments
- the term "Family" will include the person who seeks
only.
benefit of reservation, his/her parents and siblings
• The reasoning was that reservations exist to create a below the age of 18 years, as also his/her spouse and
level-playing field, to remedy unequal starting children below the age of 18 years. Therefore,
positions, thereby removing the justification for siblings/children of 18 years and above will not be
reservation in promotion. counted under the definition of "Family" for applying
to Income and Asset Certificate.
DOPT PROVIDES
• Property in different states to be clubbed - If
agricultural land/residential flat/plot of parents are
CLARIFICATIONS ON EWS located in more than one State/District or within the

same State/District, then all such land/properties will
THROUGH FAQ be clubbed to ascertain threshold of the property held

by family.
#DOPT #EWS #Reservation #Central List • Definition of residential flat/plot also includes
#State List Commercial Property – as its exclusion will result in
injustice.
The Central Information Commission in a hearing held in • Person can apply for the Income and Asset Certificate
April 2022, directed the Department of Personnel & Training in the District of their permanent address.
(DoPT) to take necessary action to place in the public domain
• Property of grandparents not distributed among the
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist the information
seekers seeking clarity on reservations under the parents of the applicants will not be counted towards
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Accordingly, DoPT has calculating the assets held by the parents of applicants
prepared a set of FAQs on the issue of EWS which may be of for the purpose of Income and Asset Certificate.
use while issuing Income & Asset Certificate to the candidates
• Division of Plot in Urban and Rural Areas – (Example -
by the concerned authorities.
half of the residential plot, i.e. 90 square yards is in urban
CLARIFICATIONS PROVIDED BY DOPT
area and rest 90 square yards is in rural areas) - DoPT
Category of Applicant
clarified that in cases where the residential plot of a
• OBCs/SC/ST Under Central List Not Eligible for EWS -
candidate is divided between an area in a notified
Applicants belonging to SC, ST or OBC included in the
municipality and an area not in a notified municipality,
Central List residing in any of the States/UTs are not
the criteria for exclusion should be applied to each of
eligible for EWS reservation in respect of
the areas independently.
posts/services of the Government of India.
• OBCs under State List Eligible for EWS - People • Residential plot means a plot for the purpose of
belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC) construction of residential house irrespective of the
communities in the State list but not in the Central list fact whether the house has been constructed or not.
will be eligible to apply for posts and services of the The entire area of the plot will be taken into account
Government of India under the EWS quota criteria, while assessing the eligibility of a candidate to get an
provided they fulfill other requirements. Such persons Income & Asset Certificate. In this regard,
can apply for Income and Asset Certificate for applying

Governance
rules/regulations framed by the respective CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE - CWC
Municipality/Panchayat shall be taken into account. • According to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection
Vacancies of Children) Act, 2015, state governments shall
constitute such committees for every district.
• Unfilled Vacancy under EWS Quota Not to Be Carried
Forward to Next Year as Backlog - the unfilled • Such Committees shall exercise their powers and
vacancies to be filled treating them as unreserved. perform their duties for children needing care and
However, it should not result in excess representation protection.
in general category. • The Committee shall consist of a Chairperson and four
• Excess Representations to be diverted to the category other members, of whom at least one shall be a
woman and another, an expert on matters concerning
in which shortfall exists.
children. The Committee shall function as a Bench of
Income
Magistrates.
• Family’s earnings from monthly pension payouts and
• Criteria for Appointment as Member of CWC
all other sources like salary, agriculture, business,
(i) No person shall be appointed as a member of the
profession, etc. for the financial year prior to the year
Committee unless such person has been actively
of application will be counted as the family’s income.
involved in health, education or welfare activities
• Family’s Gross Annual Income to be below Rs 8 Lakhs pertaining to children for atleast 7 years or
are to be identified as EWS for benefit of reservation.
(ii) is a practicing professional with a degree in child
• Amount of Income Tax Return shall not be counted psychology or psychiatry or law or social work or
rather the Gross Salary or Gross Income. sociology or human development.
Miscellaneous • The 2021 Amendment to Justice Juvenile Act adds
• Submitting Fake Income and Asset Certificate – will certain criteria for a person to be ineligible to be a
amount to termination of the provisional service and member of the CWC. Thus, No person shall be eligible
actions shall be taken for such fraud under Indian for selection as a member of the Committee, if he–
Penal Code. (i) has any past record of violation of human rights or
• Relaxations in Age and Number of Attempts to EWS child rights.
Candidates Not applicable - The conditions prescribed (ii) has been convicted of an offence involving moral
for General category candidates in matters of Age and turpitude, and such conviction has not been
Number of attempts, would also apply to EWS reversed or has not been granted full pardon in
candidates. respect of such offence.
Moral turpitude is an act or behaviour that gravely
NEW RULES NOTIFIED FOR violates the sentiment or accepted

community, or a quality of dishonesty, or other
standard of
JUVENILES immorality that is determined by a court of law to be

present in the commission of a criminal offence.
#Juveniles #Rules #JJ Act (iii) has been removed or dismissed from service of
the Government of India or State Government or
Ministry of Women and Child Development notified Juvenile an undertaking or corporation owned or controlled
Justice (Care and Protection Amendment) Model Amendment by the Government of India or State Government
Rules, 2022 (by amending 2016 Rules). The New 2022 Rules (iv) has ever indulged in child abuse or employment of
restricts certain persons from becoming members of Child child labour or immoral act or any other violation
Welfare Committees (CWCs) who have any association with of human rights or immoral acts, or
NGOs. The rules has also made changes regarding adoption,
(v) is part of management of a child care institution in
foster care and sponsorship and modify eligibility criteria for
a District.
joining the CWCs.

Governance
CHANGES MADE BY THE JUVENILE JUSTICE (CARE AND also cannot be a member of CWC.
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN) AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 • Conflict of Interest” is defined as a situation where
• DM includes ADM - “District Magistrate” includes
o Any person has a private or personal interest
Additional District Magistrate of the District for the
sufficient to appear to influence the objective
purpose of JJ Act, 2015.
exercise of his or her official duties.
• DM or ADM may call for any information from all the
o Such person shall be ineligible to be associated with
stakeholders including the Justice Juvenile Board and
the Child Welfare Committee in the best interest of a any statutory structure defined under the Act.”
child. • District Magistrate based on quarterly report examine
• DM or ADM shall be the grievance redressal authority the reason for pendency, discrepancies observed
to entertain any grievance arising out of the during visits to the Observation Homes and likewise
functioning of the Committee and the affected child or made recommendations to the authority for reduction
anyone connected with the child, as the case may be, of pendency of cases before the board.
may file a complaint before the District Magistrate who
• Grievances arising out of functioning of the Committee
shall take cognizance of the action of the Committee
may be filed by the affected child before the District
and, after giving the parties an opportunity of being
heard, pass appropriate order. Magistrate, who shall dispose of the case within 30
days.
• DM or ADM authorized to issue adoption orders to
ensure speedy disposal of cases and enhance • The District Magistrate shall prepare a sponsorship
accountability. Such adoption orders needs to be plan in the district to support vulnerable children in
disposed within 2 months. the district.
• DM & ADM empowered to ensure its smooth • All the pending cases of Adoption will be transferred to
implementation, as well as garner synergized efforts in the DM from the commencement of these rules (1st
favour of children in distress conditions. September, 2022)
• DM can check background details of persons willing to
• if a child is not willing to go back home then they
establish Shelter Homes for Juveniles.
cannot be coerced or persuaded to go back to the
CHANGES MADE BY THE JUVENILE JUSTICE (CARE AND
family.
PROTECTION AMENDMENT) MODEL AMENDMENT
• FORM 16 A has been inserted which specifies Monthly
RULES, 2022
Report by Child Welfare Committee.
• Ineligibility to be appointed as Member or Chairperson
of Child Welfare Committee CRITICISM OF THE NEW RULES
o If the person is associated with an organisation • Changes made are vaguely termed as it makes every
receiving foreign contribution. person ineligible to become member of Child Welfare
o Any person working on the implementation of the Committee who is associated with reformative works
Justice Juvenile Act in any NGO or organisation such through NGO on child rehabilitation, rescue or aid.
that it causes conflict of interest • The new rules will make many eligible members
o Those who have “any family member” or “close disqualified for the post and seeking new members
relation” working for an NGO will be disqualified. will take time. This will result in unnecessary vacancy
o Any person caused which will also result in delay in day to day
 working in rescue and rehabilitation in the affairs.
district, or • Rules over empowers District Magistrate to look into
 a person representing someone running a child the affairs of juveniles. This will further strain his work
care institution or member of the Board or Trust as District Magistrates are already burdened with lots
of any NGO of duties under various central and state laws.

Governance
NEW RULES FOR CRIMINAL

• Measurements were to be given of such persons who
were ordered to give security for good behaviour or
PROCEDURE maintaining peace under the Code of Criminal

Procedure, 1973 (Cr.PC)
IDENTIFICATION ACT NEED FOR NEW LEGISLATION
#Criminal Procedure Identification Act • Take advantage of modern technology such as

forensics and other data capturing ability for
#2022 Rules investigative purposes.
• Improve efficiency of investigation and will also help in
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified rules governing increasing the conviction rate.
Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 to make the
• It is for these reasons, the Act seeks to
legislation operational.
(i) Expand Scope of ‘‘measurements’’ to include finger-
• Aim of the Act - Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act,
impressions, palm-print and foot-print
2022 provides legal sanction to law enforcement
impressions, photographs, iris and retina scan,
agencies for “taking measurements of convicts and
physical, biological samples and their analysis, etc.
other persons for the purposes of identification and
investigation of criminal matters”. While the legislation (ii) Empower the National Crime Records Bureau to
was enacted earlier this year, the Ministry of Home collect, store and preserve the record of
Affairs notified it to come into effect from August 4, measurements and for sharing, dissemination,
2022. It also repeals the existing Identification of destruction and disposal of records.
Prisoners Act, 1920. (iii) Empower a Magistrate to direct persons accused of
• The 2022 Act defines Measurement – and it includes criminal activities to give measurements
finger-impressions, palm-print impressions, foot-print (iv) Empower police or prison officer to take
impressions, photographs, iris and retina scan, measurements of any person who resists or
physical, biological samples and their analysis, refuses to give measurements.
behavioural attributes including signatures,
ROLE OF NATIONAL CRIME RECORDS BUREAU - NCRB
handwriting or any other examination of accused by
the medical practitioner at the request of police officer • National Crime Records Bureau shall, in the interest of
or examination of person accused of rape by medical prevention, detection, investigation and prosecu-
practitioner. tion of any offence under any law for the time being
in force:
MEASUREMENTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS FOR
IDENTIFICATION HAVE THREE MAIN PURPOSES: (a) Collect the record of measurements from State
(i) establish the identity of the culprit against the person Government or Union territory Administration or
being arrested any other law enforcement agencies;
(ii) identify suspected repetition of similar offences by the (b) Store, preserve and destroy the record of
same person and measurements at national level
(iii) to establish a previous conviction. (c) Process such records with relevant crime and
criminal records; and
THE IDENTIFICATION OF PRISONERS ACT, 1920
(d) Share and disseminate such records with any law
• Allowed taking finger impressions and foot-print
enforcement agency
impressions of limited category of convicted and non-
convicted persons and photographs on the order of a • The record of measurements shall be retained in
Magistrate. digital or electronic form for a period of 75 years from
the date of collection of such measurement.
• Measurements could be taken of such persons
arrested in connection with an offence punishable with • Destruction of Records – A person whose
at least one year of rigorous imprisonment. measurements were taken but

Governance
(a) has not been previously convicted of an offence then the all records of measurements so taken shall be
punishable under any law with imprisonment for destroyed from records unless directed otherwise by the
any term; and Magistrate.
(b) is released without trial or discharged or acquitted
by the court after exhausting all legal remedies.
A comparision between the two Identification Acts

The previous Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 and the freshly notified Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022
have similarities as well as major differences. A quick look at how "measurements" of convicts and arrested persons will
be collected from now on
Relevant Identification of Prisoners Act Criminal Procedure Identification Act
provisions
Persons whose should be convicted of an offence if convicted of an offence punishable under any law
measurements punishable with rigorous imprisonment
can be taken of one year or upwards
should be arrested for an offence if arrested for an offence punishable under any law or if
punishable with rigorous imprisonment detained under preventive detention laws
of one year or upwards
if directed by the Magistrate for if directed by the Magistrate for measurements to be
measurements to be taken for the taken for the purposes of investigation of proceedings
purposes of investigation of proceedings under the CrPC or any other law in force; there is no
under the CrPC, provided the person has requirement for the person to have been arrested in
been arrested in connection with such connection with such proceedings previously
investigation previously
ordered to give security for his good ordered to give security for his good behaviour under
behaviour under CrPC CrPC
Measurements linger impressions, foot impressions, finger-impressions, palm-print impressions, foot-print
that can be taken measurements and photographs impressions, photographs; iris and retina scan; physical,
biological samples and their analysis; behavioural
attributes including signatures, handwriting or any other
examination referred to in section 53 or section 53A of
the CrPC, 1973
Destruction of in case of acquittal, discharge or release, in case of acquittal, discharge or release, if not previously
measurements if not previously convicted of any offence convicted of any offence punishable with rigorous
punishable with rigorous imprisonment imprisonment for any term. For convicts, records are to
of one year or upwards be destroyed from 75 years of collection
CONCERNS EXPRESSED AGAINST THE ACT the third test of proportionality which has been
• Concerns on Triple Test for Privacy – K.S. Puttaswamy challenged on multiple counts.
Judgment held that state can interfere in privacy of • Inclusion of Derivate Data Questionable - derivative
individuals if it satisfied three test: 1. Legality 2. Need data such as “analysis” and “behavioural attributes”
& 3. Proportionality. The law satisfies first two test of have raised concerns that data processing may go
legality and need as measurements are taken in beyond recording of core “measurements”.
pursuance of a legitimate aim of the state and is
• Predictive Policing - That is some of these
backed by a law passed by Parliament. However, it is measurements could be processed for predictive

Governance
policing and these records may be used against • When Measurements to be taken by Superintendent
political or other activists including protestors. of Police - a person arrested in connection with an
• Manner of Data Collection - Concerns have also been offence under IPC provisions
raised on the manner of data collection as resistance o Chapter IXA (OFFENCES RELATED TO ELECTIONS) or
by person is a punishable offence under IPC.
o Chapter X (CONTEMPTS OF THE LAWFUL
• Process to destroy records will be easier said than AUTHORITY OF PUBLIC SERVANTS) of the Indian
done and will be a cumbersome process. Penal Code (IPC)
• Against Right to be forgotten - retaining the people’s must be taken with the prior written approval of a
measurements for 75 years from the date of collection
Police officer not below the rank of Superintendent
is in violation of the Right to be forgotten which is an
of Police.
essential part of right to privacy under Article 21 as
highlighted in K.S. Puttaswamy Judgment. • Measurements of a person charged with violation of
• Law criticised for being disproportionate and any prohibitory order issued under Provisions of
overburdening the system - The necessity of taking Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC)
measurements for investigation of offences is unclear, o Section 144 (Power to issue order in urgent cases of
and such discretion is likely to result in abuse of the nuisance or apprehended danger) or section 145
law at lower levels and overburdening of the systems (Where dispute concerning land or water is likely to
used for collection and storage of these
cause breach of peace) or
“measurements”. Given that these records will be
stored for 75 years from the time of collection, the law o Arrested under section 151 (Arrest to prevent the
has been criticised as being disproportionate. commission of cognizable offence) of Cr.PC
• Taking Measurements even for Petty Offences - for must not be taken unless such person is charged or
investigation of offences is unclear and will probably arrested in connection with any other offence
lead to overburdening of systems used for collection punishable under any other law for the time being
and storage of these “measurements”. in force.
• Threat of Mass Surveillance – Collection of Data • Measurements of a person must not be taken on the
through measurements can also result in mass initiation of proceeding under section 107 or section
surveillance, with the database under this law being
108 or section 109 or section 110 of Cr.PC unless such
combined with other databases such as those of the
person has been ordered to give security for his good
Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems
behaviour or maintaining peace for a proceeding
(CCTNS).
under the said sections.
• Bars court proceedings for things done in good faith.
o Section 107 – Where Executive Magistrate receives
THE NEW 2022 RULES PROVIDES FOR THE FOLLOWING
information of committing of breach of peace,
• Clarity on Measurement - As per the rules,
disturbance of public tranquility or do any wrongful
“measurements” include finger-impressions, palm-
act.
print, footprint, photographs, iris and retina scan,
physical, biological samples and their analysis, • Section 108 – Executive Magistrate taking security for
behavioural attributes including signatures, good behaviour from persons charged under the
handwriting or any other examination referred to in following provisions of IPC:
Section 53 or Section 53A of the Code of Criminal
o Section 124A – Sedition
Procedure, 1973 (Cr.PC).
o Section 153A - Promoting enmity between groups
• Collection of Measurement Sample - It enables police
on grounds of religion, race, place of birth or
and investigating agencies to collect, store and analyse
religion
physical and biological samples including retina and
iris scans of arrested persons. o Section 153B – Assertions prejudicial to national
integration

Governance
o Section 295A – Deliberate or Malicious act intended UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL DEMOCRACY
to outrage religious feeling of any class by insulting • Social democracy has often been seen as a pragmatic
its religion or religious beliefs. compromise between capitalism and socialism. As a
• Section 109 – Security of good behaviour from political ideology, social democracy advocates a
suspected persons taking precautions to conceal his peaceful evolutionary transition of society from
presence to commit cognizable offence. capitalism to socialism using established political
• Section 110 – Executive Magistrate taking security from processes.
habitual offenders – those who by habit is a robber, • In the second half of the 20th century, there emerged
house-breaker, receiver of stolen property, involved in a more moderate version of the doctrine, which
kidnapping, abduction, extortion, cheating or offences generally espoused state regulation, rather than state
relating to coin and government stamps. ownership, of the means of production and extensive
• NCRB will issue Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for social welfare programmes.
collection of measurements which would include • Based on 19th century socialism and the tenets of Karl
specifications of the equipment or devices to be used, Marx and Friedrich Engels, social democracy shares
specifications and the digital and physical format of common ideological roots with communism but avoids
the measurements etc. The rules said that in case any its militancy and totalitarianism.
measurement is collected in physical form or in a non-
• Scandinavia is in the northern part of Europe. It is
standard digital format, it shall be converted into
generally held to consist of the two countries of the
standard digital format and thereafter uploaded in the
Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway and Sweden, as
database as per the SOP. Only authorised users could
well as Denmark.
upload the measurements in the central database in
an encrypted format. • The term Norden has also come into use to denote
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, a
CONCERNS
group of countries having affinities with one another
• Doubt on DNA Profiling - Though it has not been and a distinctness from the rest of continental
specified, analysis of biological samples could also Europe. Among their distinguishing characteristics
include DNA profiling. are thinly populated northern regions, a relative
• The procedure for destruction and disposal of wealth of fish resources, long life expectancies, and
records are yet to be specified by the NCRB. The high levels of literacy.
rules state that any request for destruction of records
SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRIES HAVE THESE FEATURES IN
shall be made to the Nodal Officer who is to be
COMMON (EXAMPLE OF SOCIAL DEMOCRACIES)
nominated by the respective State Government. The
nodal officer will recommend the destruction after • Reliance on representative and participatory democratic
verifying that such record of measurements is not institutions where separation of powers is ensured.
linked with any other criminal cases. • Comprehensive social welfare schemes with emphasis on
publicly provided social services and investment in
child care, education and research among others, that
UNDERTSANDING are funded by progressive taxation;
SCANDINAVIAN SOCIAL • Presence of strong labour market institutions with active

labour unions and employer associations which allow
DEMOCRACY for significant collective bargaining etc.
SCANDINAVIA CANNOT BE TERMED AS OUTRIGHT
#Social Democracy #Socialist Democracy
SOCIALIST
• Political-economic system in the Scandinavian countries
Nordic model of “social democracy” offers lessons to the despite its strong welfarist approach and emphasis on
developing world, including countries like India despite the collective bargaining cannot be out rightly termed as
myriad complexities of diversities. socialist.

Governance
• More State Regulation than Ownership - This is EXAMPLES OF SOCIAL DEMOCRACIES IN
because of more state regulation rather than state SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRIES
ownership as practiced in socialism. Socialism is The commonalities in the Scandinavian countries — Norway,
generally associated with the regimes of the erstwhile Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland — on many of these
Communist bloc, which had a heavy preponderance of counts are measurable.
the state in not just the ownership of the major means
• Trade Unions - Among countries in the Organisation
of production but also in political life with a one-party
for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
system drawing its ideological basis for rule on behalf
(featuring most high-income countries in the world),
of the working class.
Iceland (90.7% of the workforce), Denmark (67%),
• Countries have become More Pragmatic after Soviet Sweden (65.2%), Finland (58.8%) and Norway (50.4%)
Union Collapse - new socialist regimes have become have the highest proportion of the workforce
more pragmatic and have distanced themselves from belonging to trade unions (data as of 2019).
the one-party model in the so-called “second world”. In • Social Welfare - Education is free in all the Nordic
their pragmatic approach, socialist regimes have States; health care is free in Denmark and Finland and
instead focussed on retaining the functioning of partially free in Norway, Sweden and Iceland; workers
market economies while emphasising redistribution of get several benefits — from unemployment insurance
wealth and a greater preponderance for the state in to old age pensions, besides effective child care.
this process.
• Labour Participation Rates in these countries are
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST & among the highest in the world (even among women).
SOCIAL DEMOCRACIES
• Govt. Expense on Health - The five Nordic nations rank
• Democratic Socialist - The regimes in Latin America led in the top 10 among OECD countries in government
by ruling parties in Venezuela, Bolivia and recently in expenditure on health and education if calculated as
Chile can be termed “democratic socialist” as they seek percentage of GDP.
to achieve socialist goals of redistribution and
• Focus of Deregulation & Privatisation - The countries
restructuring of formal democratic and liberal
have undertaken a series of steps in deregulation of
institutions in vastly unequal and elite driven systems.
industry and privatisation of some public services
• Social Democracies - Whereas in the Scandinavian since the heydays of the Keynesian era till the 1970s
countries, the systems are more akin to typical “social but they retain the emphasis on welfare, taxation and
democracies” as they investment compared to the rest of the world and
o Rely on representative and participatory democratic Europe in particular.
institutions where separation of powers is ensured, • This has helped these countries achieve significant
o Provide comprehensive social welfare scheme with outcomes — high levels of international trade and
emphasis on publicly provided social services and participation in globalisation, economic progress, low
investment in child care, education and research levels of inequality and high living standards.
among others, that are funded by progressive • Human Development Index - In the most recent UNDP
taxation; report, Norway ranked second among countries in the
o They have presence of strong labour market Human Development Index (0.961), Iceland stands at
institutions with active labour unions and employer fourth (0.959) Denmark at sixth (0.948), Sweden at
associations which allow for significant collective seventh (0.947) and Finland at 11 (0.940).
bargaining, wage negotiations and coordination • Press Freedom Index - The Nordic countries ranked
besides an active role in governance and policy. the highest in various indices on press freedom across
o They also follow a capitalist model of development, the world and in indices measuring gender equality.
allowing for entrepreneurism and funding of • High GDP - They were placed among the top 20
welfare policies through a large degree of wage countries in GDP per capita (PPP, $) according to the
taxation in relation to corporate taxes. World Bank’s recent data.

Governance
REASONS FOR THRIVING SOCIAL DEMOCRACY IN • Leadership polls diminish party's image among voters
SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRIES - internal feuds becomes public
• Homogeneous Population - Their relatively smaller and • Procedure for election not entirely transparent
more homogenous populations enabling focused IMPACT OF LAX INNER PARTY DEMOCRACY
governance.
• Reduces Transparency
• Smooth Transition of Economy - The “corporatist”
• Affects Accountability of office bearers of Parties
model of involving interests of both capital and labour,
mediated by the government at many levels, has • Increased chance of Corruption
allowed these countries to transition from agrarian to • Leads to criminalization of politics

industrial to post-industrial (in some cases) and • Anti-defection laws prevents freedom of expression
knowledge/service economies relatively smoothly.
• Internal elections leads to meetings and contests of
• The tripartite consensus approach (Govt, Corporate & ideas which is important for democracy
Trade Union) has also emphasised social policies “that
• Lack of upward mobility through constant debates and
facilitate expansion of modern production, and thus internal struggle
more and better paid jobs.
EXAMPLE OF UNITED STATES
• Political presence of the Social Democratic Parties in
• It is to be noted that in United States, even electing
these countries – has focussed on economic
Presidential Candidates takes place through debates
expansion, jobs oriented growth and increasing tax
within a political party where contenders condemn
incomes, equal citizenship rights and pragmatic class
and criticise each other.
compromises.
• For instance, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton
contested and called each other names. Mr. Obama
LACK OF INNER PARTY was then selected as the Presidential Candidate of the
Republican Party and he won the 2008 Elections.
DEMOCRACY IN INDIA • After becoming the President of United States, he
#Inner Party Democracy #Election appointed Ms. Clinton as the Secretary of State. This is
Commission an example of a mature democracy where despite
internal struggles, people of the same party functions
together as part of the government.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rejected the idea • However, such debates among the contestants both
of a ‘permanent president’ for a party, while taking issue with internally (as a part of same political party) and with
the Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), which member of opposition candidate is mostly absent in
rules Andhra Pradesh. The party reportedly elected Chief South Asian politics.
Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as its president for life in
NATIONAL COMMISSION TO REVIEW THE WORKING OF
July 2022. The ECI says such a step is inherently anti-
THE CONSTITUTION (NCRWC)
democratic and ordered YSRCP to make a clear public
statement denying the reports to clear up any confusion. If The Commission in its Report on Electoral Processes and
not denied, the EC said it could “assume contagious Political Parties appropriately recognised that “no electoral
proportions. reforms can be effective without reforms in the political party
system” and it recognised the following areas of immediate
WHY POLITICAL PARTIES DO NOT CONDUCT INTERNAL
concern:
POLLS?
1. Structural and organisational reforms – party
• Culture of High Command
organisations - National, State and local levels - inner
• Family Clout - Functioning & Finance party democracy - regular party elections, recruitment
• Elections conducted in the name sake of party cadres, socialization, development and
• Internal Elections may lead to disunity & training, research, thinking and policy planning
fragmentation within activities of the party.

Governance
2. Party system and governance – Mechanisms to make political parties to conduct their internal elections and
parties viable instruments of good governance provide criterias to select candidate.
3. Institutionalization of political parties – need for a • Consequently, there is no mechanism to review a
comprehensive legislation to regulate party activities, party’s practice against the principles enshrined in the
criteria for registration as a national or State party - Constitution or against the requirements of the ECI’s
de-recognition of parties. Guidelines and Application Format for the Registration
ISSUE OF OVER-CENTRALISATION WITH POLITICAL of Political Parties under Section 29A.
PARTIES HIGHLIGHTED BY VARIOUS REPORTS ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
• The 170th Law Commission Report – recommended • Lack of substantive powers for EC
introducing regulatory framework governing the • EC does not question the result or process followed
internal structures and inner democracy of parties,
• Delay in Election liberally allowed by EC
financial transparency, and accountability before
• Most disqualifications under RPA operate for
attempting state funding of elections. Accordingly
individual members and not for political parties.
asked to insert Sections 11A-I in the RPA, 1951 dealing
with the “Organisation of Political Parties” on the REASON FOR LACK OF INNER PARTY DEMOCRACY
premise that a political party “cannot be a dictatorship The lack of democratic functioning of the parties is mainly
internally, and democratic in its functioning outside.” manifested in two fundamental aspects:
• NCRWC recommended that rules and by-laws of the • First, the procedure for determining the leadership
parties seeking registration should include provisions and composition of the parties are not completely
for declaration of adherence to democratic values and open and inclusive.
norms of the Constitution in their inner party
o It has been observed that the leadership is mostly
organisations.
decided by a coterie of party functionaries who
• 2nd ARC on Ethics and Governance highlighting the holds sway over the party administration.
importance of inner party democracy noted that
o Most of the times, the elections to leadership
corruption is caused by over-centralisation since “the
positions are uncontested and unanimously
more remotely power is exercised from the people, the
decided.
greater is the distance between authority and
accountability. o This adversely impacts the constitutional right of all
citizens to equal political opportunity to participate
LAWS REGULATING INNER PARTY DEMOCRACY IN
in politics and contest elections.
INDIA
• Second, the centralised mode of functioning of the
• Currently, there is no express provision for internal
political parties and the stringent anti-defection law
democratic regulation of political parties in India other
deters party legislators from voting in the national and
than Section 29A of the RPA, 1951, which provides for
registration of political parties with the Election state legislatures according to their individual
Commission of India. preferences.
• Section 29A(5) provides for every application to the ECI o This compels them to adhere to the directives of
to be accompanied by a copy of the party their party high command in the legislature.
memorandum or regulations, with a specific provision o Therefore, the discretional autonomy of the
“that the association or body shall bear true faith and legislators becomes hostage to the whims of the
allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law party leadership”.
established, and to the principles of socialism, secularism o Hence, the elected representatives are likely to
and democracy, and would uphold the sovereignty, unity
remain accountable and answerable to their party
and integrity of India.”
leadership and its authority rather than to the
• However, RPA, 1951 is silent on the role of Election electoral constituency which has elected the
Commission in regulating the internal functioning of candidate to the legislature.

Governance
• There are a number of suggestions on electoral Constitution facilitates the regulation of the ideology
reforms that has been put forward “by several and activities of political parties.
government constituted committees like the Dinesh • Amend Section 29A(5) of the RPA, 1951 to require
Goswami Committee, the Tarkunde Committee and parties to insert a specific provision in their
Indrajit Gupta Committee, which strongly argued for memorandum to “shun violence for political gains, and
more transparent working of the political parties in the avoid discrimination or distinction based on race,
country. caste, creed, language or place of residence”.
• Political parties control the levers of governance in a • New Part IVB titled “Regulation of Political Parties”,
democracy. So only strong political will emanating starting from section 29J should be added to RPA,
from irrefutable electoral demands for inner-party 1951.
democracy can only lead India towards the process of
democratising its political parties.
WHAT DOES PAST PRECEDENT REFLECTS ON POWERS SUMMON BY GOVERNOR
OF EC? #Summon #Article174
• Election Commission noticed that a large number of
political parties had failed to hold elections for years
Punjab Governor has given his approval to convene a one-
and were functioning on an adhoc basis.
day session of Punjab Legislative Assembly on September 27,
• So, in August, 1996, EC in a bold move issued notice to ending the faceoff between the Raj Bhavan and the Chief
state, national and unrecognised political parties that Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government.
they must hold regular elections in accordance with The Governor in the exercise of his power under Article
their respective constitutions and asked them to 174(1) has summoned the Sixteenth Vidhan Sabha of the
submit latest report. State of Punjab to meet for its Third Session. Earlier, the
• Thus, past precedent highlights that Election summoning of session had became a matter of controversy
Commission under the Election Symbols (Reservation in Rajasthan. So, it is important to go through the provisions
and Allotment) Order has sufficient powers to take of Article 174 as the Governor while summoning the session
appropriate actions against political parties not must abide by the advise of his Council of Ministers as it is
following the provisons of Representation of People not his discretionary power.
Act, Conduct of Election Rules and Election Symbols POWER OF GOVERNOR UNDER ARTICLE 174 TO
(Reservation and Allotment) Order despite the fact that SUMMON THE HOUSE
it does not have power to de-register political parties.
Article 174 - Sessions of the State Legislature,
RECOMMENDATIONS OF 255TH LAW COMMISSION
prorogation and dissolution
REPORT
A 174 (1) - The Governor shall from time to time
• Introducing internal democracy and transparency
summon the House or each House of the Legislature of
within political parties is important to promote
the State to meet at such time and place as he thinks
financial and electoral accountability, reduce
fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last
corruption, and improve democratic functioning of the
sitting in one session and the date appointed for its
country as a whole.
first sitting in the next session.
• EC should be given the power to de-register such
A 174 (2) - The Governor may from time to time— (a)
political parties who avails the benefit of income tax
prorogue the House or either House; (b) dissolve the
exemption under Section 13A, Income Tax Act, but
Legislative Assembly.
have not contested any Parliamentary or State
elections in ten years consecutive years. CONFUSION REGARDING ARTICLE 163
• Powers to the ECI should extend to the regulation of The problem with Article 174 arises with the phrase “….as
action and not ideology of political parties, given the he thinks fit….” Now this phrase can be seen in the
complex socio religious-political fabric of the country, context of Article 163 which provides for discretionary
its diversity, and secular principles. German power of the Governor.

Governance
Article 163 – Council of Ministers to aid and advise • However, when Draft Article 153 was renumbered as
Governor Article 174, sub-article (3) contained in original draft of
Article 153 was omitted which dealt with discretionary
A 163 (1) - There shall be a Council of Ministers with the
power of Governor to summon or dissolve the House
Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the
or Houses of the State Legislature, without any aid or
Governor in the exercise of his functions, except in so
advice of his Council of Minister.
far as he is by or under this Constitution required to
exercise his functions or any of them in his discretion. • After debating the intention of the framers, the court
concluded that “the only legitimate and rightful
NABAM REBIA AND BAMANG FELIX V DEPUTY SPEAKER inference, that can be drawn in the final analysis is,
ARUNACHAL PRADESH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY & ORS. that the framers of the Constitution altered their
– JULY 2016 original contemplation, and consciously decided not to
• It is settled law that the Governor cannot refuse the vest discretion with the Governor, in the matter of
request of the Cabinet to call for a sitting of the House for summoning and dissolving the House, or Houses of
legislative purposes or for the chief minister to prove the State Legislature, by omitting sub-article (3) of
his majority. In fact, on numerous occasions, including draft Article 153, which authorized the Governor to
in the 2016 Uttarakhand case, the court has clarified summon or dissolve, the House or Houses of
that when the majority of the ruling party is in Legislature at his own discretion.
question, a floor test must be conducted at the earliest • Thus, the Supreme Court in Nabam Felix judgment
available opportunity. decided that Governor can summon, prorogue and
• In 2016, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in dissolve the House, only on the aid and advice of the
Nabam Rebia and Bamang Felix vs Deputy Speaker, Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister as the head.
the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly case, expressly said And not at his own.
that the power to summon the House is not solely
vested in the Governor.
SUPREME COURT’S OBSERVATION IN BAMANG FELIX AG DENIES CONTEMPT
CASE – REFERRED CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY DEBATES
• Referring to discussions in the Constituent Assembly,
PROCEEDINGS AGAINST
the court noted that the framers of the Constitution
expressly and consciously left out vesting powers to
SIBAL
summon or dissolve the House solely with the #Contempt #Article 129
Governor.
• SC discussed that Draft Article 153 (which later became Attorney General K.K. Venugopal has declined a request for
Article 174 in the present constitution), which dealt with consent to initiate criminal contempt of court proceedings
the powers of the Governor, was substantially altered against Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal for certain remarks made
to indicate that the constitution framers did not want by him during a speech on “Judicial Rollback of Civil
to give Governors the discretion. Liberties”. Attorney General in his remarks stated that Mr.
• Draft Article 153 (3) provided that the functions of the Sibal’s statements did not cast any blame or aspersion upon
Governor with reference to the power to summon and the court.
dissolve the House or Houses of the State Legislature UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS
“… shall be exercised by him in his discretion,”
• The expression ‘contempt of court’ has not been
• So, as per the original draft Article 153 – it was clear defined by the Constitution.
that Governor did enjoy discretionary power to
• As per the Contempt of Courts Act 1971, contempt
summon or dissolve the House or Houses of the State
refers to the offence of showing disrespect to the
Legislature, without any aid or advice of his Council of
dignity or authority of a court. The act divides
Minister.
contempt into civil and criminal contempt.

Governance
• Civil contempt: It is wilful disobedience to any lowers court’s authority, interferes with judicial
judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other proceedings or obstructs administration of justice.
processes of a court or wilful breach of an undertaking o Makes consent of Attorney General or Advocate
given to the court. General of States mandatory when criminal
• Criminal contempt: It is any publication which may contempt proceedings are initiated by other
result in - persons (AG’s refusal to initiate criminal contempt
o Scandalizing the court by lowering its authority. case against Swara Bhaskar)
o Interference in the due course of a judicial o Contempt Proceedings cannot be initiated after
proceeding. expiry of 1 year from the date of occurrence.
o An obstruction in the administration of justice. INSTANCES WHICH CANNOT BE SAID TO BE CONTEMPT
• Contempt of Court is a punishable offence and High OF COURT
Court and Supreme Court can provide for certain
• Innocent publication or distribution of matter
punishment as per the Act.
• Fair and accurate report of judicial proceedings
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
• Fair criticism of judicial act upon the merits of any case
• Article 129: Grants Supreme Court the power to punish
for contempt of itself. • When a person makes any statement in good faith
• Article 142(2): Enables the Supreme Court to concerning the presiding officer of any subordinate
investigate and punish any person for its contempt. court to any other subordinate court or to the High
Court.
• Article 215: Grants every High Court the power to
punish for contempt of itself. • A person shall not be guilty of contempt of court for
• Court may take action Suo motu i.e. by itself or publishing a fair and accurate report of a judicial
proceeding before any court sitting in chambers or in
o on a petition made by Attorney-General, or Solicitor-
General, or camera except in the following cases:
o on a petition made by any person, and in the case (a) where the publication is contrary to the provisions
of a criminal contempt with the consent in writing of of any enactment for the time being in force;
the Attorney-General or the Solicitor-General. (b) where the court, on grounds of public policy or in
CONTEMPT OF COURT V FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND exercise of any power vested in it, expressly
EXPRESSION prohibits the publication of all information relating
• Contempt of Court acts as one of the reasonable to the proceeding or of information of the
restriction imposed on freedom of speech and description which is published,
expression under Article 19(2) to safeguard (c) where the court sits in chambers or in camera for
unwarranted attacks on judiciary and its members.
reasons connected with public order or the
• Indian Constitution empowers Supreme Court (Article security of the State, the publication of information
129 and 142) and High Court (Article 215) to punish for relating to those proceedings.
its contempt.
(d) where the information relates to a secret process,
• However, excessive use of contempt of Court
discovery or invention which is an issue in
proceeding is regulated through the Contempt of
proceedings.
Courts Act as:
WAY FORWARD - Despite several accusations against
o It defines civil and criminal contempt - Civil
judiciary by different citizens, constitutional courts on
Contempt is initiated for willful disobedience to
contempt cases (imposing 1 Rupee fine on Prashant
judgment or willful breach of an undertaking given
Bhushan) have tried to seek a balance between freedom
to a court. Whereas criminal contempt is initiated
of speech and expression and integrity and authority of
when any publication or expression scandalizes or
Court’s orders.

Governance
KING CHARLES ADDRESSES

Sovereignty as parliament’s power is
Parliament is the restricted due to basic
BRITISH PARLIAMENT supreme authority. structure doctrine.

• Prime Minister should • Prime Minister should
#British Parliament #Constitutional
be a member of the be a member of the
Supremacy House of Commons House of Commons
(Lower House). (Lower House).
King Charles III addressed both Houses of British Parliament • Ministers have a legal • Ministers are only
(House of Commons and House of the Lords) after the responsibility as they accountable for their
demise of Queen Elizabeth II and pledged to follow the are required to legislative and executive
example of selfless duty set by his mother in upholding “the countersign the official functions. No legal
precious principles of constitutional governance”. The acts of the Head of the responsibility.
address was delivered in the Westminster Hall where the King state. • Shadow Cabinet does
described Parliament as the living and breathing instrument • ‘Shadow Cabinet’ not exist in India.
of democracy. It is with these understandings; let us learn the formed by the • Indian Upper House –
difference in the functioning of Parliament in both India and opposition to replace Rajya Sabha – comprises
Britain and also the advantages and disadvantages of the ruling government indirectly elected
written and unwritten constitution. once it falls. members and those
INDIA ADOPTED THE WESTMINSTER MODEL • Members of Britain’s nominated by the
• India adopted Parliamentary form of Government Upper House i.e. President from the fields
based on the Westminster System of Britain which House of Lords of Literature, Science,
comprises: comprise religious Art and Social Service.
o Nominal and Real Executives leaders – Archbishops • Indian Judiciary
– and Hereditary Peers. functions in an
o Majority Party Rule - Led by Prime Minister
• Judiciary in Britain is integrated manner and
o Limited Government and Rule of Law
neither uniform nor the judicial systems
o Cabinet Form of Government
integrated as different followed throught the
o Role of Opposition Parties judicial systems are country is uniform.
o Parliament – having Two Houses followed in England India’s Supreme Court is
o Principle of Collective Responsibility and Wales, Scotland the highest court of the
and Northern Ireland. country and below it are
o Executive Responsible to the Legislature
Supreme Court of the High Courts at the
o Dissolution of Lower House even prior to end of England acts as the state level followed by
tenure final Court of Appeal. some other Subordinate
o Independence of Judiciary Courts.
o Elections based on first-past-the-post system
IMPORTANCE OF CONVENTIONS IN WESTMINSTER
• Despite the similarities, there are certain differences in the SYSTEM
functioning of Indian Parliamentary and other setups.
• Most of the procedures of the Westminster system
BRITAIN INDIA have originated with the conventions, practices
and precedents of the UK parliament, which are a part
• Constitutional • Republic with President
of what is known as the British constitution. Unlike the
Monarchy with the king as the nominal head.
UK, most countries that use the Westminster system
as the nominal head. • Constitutional have codified the system in a written constitution.
• Parliamentary Sovereignty as

Governance
• However convention, practices and precedents o Precedents
continue to play a significant role in these countries, as
WRITTEN CONSTITUTION
many constitutions do not specify important elements
of procedure: for example, older constitutions using Advantages Disadvantages
the Westminster system, such as the Canadian
• Easily accessible • Some parts difficult to
constitution and the Australian constitution, may not
• Cannot be easily amend
even mention the existence of the Cabinet and the title
tampered – helps to • Does not always reflect a
of the head of the government ( Prime Minister),
fight against dynamic society due to
because these offices' existence and role evolved
dictatorship and rigid amendment
outside the primary constitutional text.
tyranny process
WRITTEN & UNWRITTEN CONSTITUTION
• Ensures freedom, • May lead to
• INDIA - Constituent Assembly adopted a written
liberty and rights of dissatisfaction among a
constitution for India which provided for Sovereign
citizens section of people
Socialist Secular Democratic Republic with a
• Provides for law making • Needs judiciary for
parliamentary system of government.
and constitutional liberal interpretation of
• Whereas United Kingdom does not have a written
amendment laws having the element
Constitution (single document) as its constitution is
• Empowers judiciary of human rights – eg:
found across various legislations, rules, parliamentary
against government’s due process of law, basic
conventions, rule of law and common law among
arbitrary actions structure
others.
• Ensures political • Not suitable to small
• Various legislations of Britain including its Magna
stability – regular countries having
Carta, Government of India Acts inspired the Indian
election process homogenous population
constitution makers to adopt importance highlights of
without much ethnic
parliamentary form of government. • Empowers important
diversity
institutions to
• However, unlike United Kingdom which does not have
safeguard the rights of
a written constitution, important debates and
vulnerable sections
deliberations of constituent assembly resulted in the
adoption of written Indian Constitution on 26th
November which came into effect on 26th January,
UNWRITTEN CONSTITUTION
1950 making India a Sovereign Democratic Republic
with a parliamentary form of government. Advantages Disadvantages
• United Kingdom does not have a written Constitution • Dynamic and flexible in • Less accessible due to
(single document) as its constitution is distributed nature as it is not number of sources to be
across various sources. UK Constitution mainly bound by a single referred
comprises: document • Powers of the
o Parliamentary Supremacy • Mode of amendment is government and its
o Parliamentary Legislations & Conventions easy branches not defined
o Common Law • Reflects high level of properly
o Rule of Law (Glorious Revolution) social change through • There is always an

various legislations – element of uncertainty
o Royal Prerogative – Power of Crown exercised by
Same Sex Couples Act – which may lead to
the PM
UK, Constitutional conflict
o Judicial Decisions
Reform Act. • Susceptible to multiple
o International Treaties
changes

Governance
INDIAN • Regulatory Sandbox shall mean a framework of

special terms and conditions of a license, registration,
TELECOMMUNICATION authorization or assignment that allows persons to

conduct live testing of products and services in a
BILL 2022 controlled environment under the supervision of the

Central Government.
#Telecommunication Bill PURPOSE OF THE BILL

• Bill seeks to replace the existing framework comprising
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued the the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Wireless
draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022 in a bid to do Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires
away with British-era laws governing the telecom sector. (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950, that govern the
sector.
INDIAN TELECOMMUNICATION BILL, 2022 –
• Centre aims to consolidate and amend the existing
IMPORTANT TERMS
laws governing the provision, development, expansion
• Telecommunication has been defined to mean and operation of telecommunication services, telecom
transmission, emission, or reception of any networks and infrastructure, in addition to assignment
messages, whether by wire, radio, optical or other of spectrum.
electro-magnetic systems.
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE TELECOMMUNICATION
• Telecommunication Services has been defined to BILL, 2022
include broadcasting services, electronic mail, voice
• Inclusion of new-age over-the-top communication
mail, voice, video and data communication services,
services like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram in the
audiotext services, videotext services, fixed and
definition of telecommunication services. This will be
mobile services, internet and broadband services,
subjected to licensing for providing services.
satellite based communication services, internet
Licensing, Registration, Authorization and Assignment
based communication services, in-flight and maritime
connectivity services, interpersonal communications • The Bill recognises the principle of exclusive privilege
services, machine to machine communication of the Central Government in relation to
services, over-the-top (OTT) communication services telecommunication services, telecommunication
which is made available to users by network, telecommunication infrastructure and
telecommunication. spectrum.
• “Telecommunication Network” means a system or • The structure for the Government to exercise this
series of systems of telecommunication equipment, privilege through the grant of:
or telecommunication infrastructure, or both, (a) licenses for telecommunication services or
including terrestrial or satellite networks or telecommunication networks
submarine networks, or a combination of such (b) registrations for establishing telecommunication
networks, used or intended to be used for providing infrastructure
telecommunication services, but shall not include
(c) authorization for the possession of wireless
customer equipment.
equipment; and
• Statutory Framework for Spectrum - The Bill lays
(d) assignment of spectrum
down explicit statutory framework and regulatory
clarity for the Central Government to undertake Spectrum Management
spectrum assignment through Auction. The • The Bill provides for an enabling framework for
underlying philosophy of the Bill is that spectrum optimal utilization of spectrum which includes:
assignment should serve the common good and (a) Technology agnostic use: To enable the utilization
ensure widespread access to telecommunication of the spectrum in a liberalized and technologically
services.

Governance
neutral manner, a spectrum assignee may deploy • The Bill provides an enabling framework for the
new technologies within its spectrum. Central Government to address defaults in payment by
(b) Re-farming and re-purposing: To enable a licensee, registered entity, or assignee.
repurposing of any frequency range for a different • If Central Government determines that there exist
use, re-arrangement of the frequency range is extraordinary circumstances, it may take the following
often required. Therefore, the Bill provides for re- measures:
farming and harmonization of frequency range. (a) Deferment of the payment of such amounts or a
(c) Sharing, trading, leasing, and surrender: To enable part thereof;
effective utilization of spectrum, the bill enables (b) Conversion of a part or all of the amounts into
sharing, trading, leasing and surrender of shares in the licensee, registered entity or assignee;
spectrum assigned, subject to prescribed terms
(c) Write-off of such amounts or a part; or
and conditions.
(d) Relief from payment of such amounts or a part.
(d) Returning unused spectrum: To ensure efficient
Replace USOF with TDF
utilization of spectrum, the Bill provide a process of
return of unutilized spectrum. • Proposes to replace the Universal Service Obligation
Fund (USOF) with the Telecommunication
Right of Way (RoW) for Telecommunication Infrastructure
Development Fund (TDF).
• Right of Way (RoW) is a pre-requisite for establishing
• USOF is the pool of funds generated by the 5 per cent
telecommunication networks and improvement of
Universal Service Levy that is charged upon all telecom
telecommunication services. The existing regulatory
fund operators on their Adjusted Gross Revenue.
framework, based on Right of Way Rules, 2016.
• The USOF has largely been used to aid rural
• The Bill provides for a robust regulatory framework
connectivity. However, the objective regarding TDF is
within the federal structure, to obtain RoW in a
also to boost connectivity in underserved urban areas,
uniform, nondiscriminatory manner, for establishment
R&D, skill development, etc.
of telecommunication infrastructure.
Regulatory Sandbox
• The Bill seeks to remove the limitations by providing
an enabling framework that facilitates RoW for laying • The Central Government may, for the purpose of
or building telecommunication infrastructure by any encouraging and facilitating innovation and
facility provider. technological development in telecommunication,
create a Regulatory Sandbox.
Restructuring, Defaults in Payment and Insolvency
CONCERNS EXPRESSED ON THE TELECOMMUNICATION
• In case of mergers, demergers and acquisitions, or
BILL 2022
other forms of restructuring, the Department of
Telecommunications, as required. Reducing Powers of TRAI
• A licensee or assignee of spectrum undergoing • TRAI Act mandates the telecom department to seek
insolvency proceedings can continue to operate if: the regulator’s views before issuing a new licence to a
service provider. The proposed Bill does away with this
(a) it continues to provide the telecommunication
provision.
service,
• It has also removed the provision that empowered
(b) does not default on the payment of any dues
TRAI to request the government to furnish information
under the license or assignment, and
or documents necessary to make this
(c) complies with any additional or modified terms
recommendation.
and conditions of license.
• Bill also proposes to remove the provision where if the
• If such licensee or assignee is unable to comply with
DoT cannot accept TRAI’s recommendations or needs
these requirements, then the assigned spectrum will
modification, it had to refer back the recommendation
revert to the control of the Central Government.
for reconsideration by TRAI.

Governance
• The Centre is also looking to amend the Telecom • Greater Financial Inclusion - Bank accounts will be
Regulatory Authority of India Act (TRAI Act) to dilute opened for all the SHGs, VOs and CLFs within seven
TRAI’s function of being a recommendatory body. days of being formed.
Regarding Insolvency Proceedings STEPS TAKEN BY GOI TO PROMOTE SHGs IN INDIA
• There is a lack of clarity on whether the spectrum • The idea of galvanizing group of women for their
owned by a defaulting operator belongs to the Centre, economic development was first tapped through
or whether banks can take control of it. Aajeevika - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)
• Right of Way - Centre cannot act against states or launched in 2011.
municipal corporations to impose ‘right of way’ rules, • In November 2015, the program was renamed
as land is a state subject under Seventh Schedule. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM).
• Regulation of OTT Platforms - More clarity is needed • NRLM with the help of World Bank enabled the rural
by the government on regulating various aspects of poor to increase household income through
OTT under the new Telecommunication Bill. sustainable livelihood enhancements and improved
access to financial services.
CAMPAIGN TO EXPAND • National Rural livelihood Mission is India’s flagship

program to reduce poverty by mobilizing poor rural
SHG FOOTPRINT women into self-help groups and building community

institutions of the poor.
#Self Help Groups #DAY-NRLM • India’s SHG movement has evolved from small savings
and credit groups that sought to empower poor rural
women, into one of the world’s largest institutional
Ministry of Rural Development conducted a 15-day country- platforms of the poor.
wide campaign in September to expedite the process of SHG-BANK LINKAGE PROGRAMME
mobilisation of left-out poor rural poor women across 34
• It was introduced by NABARD in 1992 has ensured
states and Union Territories into women’s Self Help Groups
growth of SHGs in bridging the financial network gap
(SHGs) under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural and spreading banking facilities among poor.
Livelihoods Mission’s fold (DAY-NRLM).
• The SHGs follow ‘Panchsutras’ –
PURPOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN
1. Conduct of regular group meeting
• Conduct Social Mobilization Campaign - During the 2. Regular savings within the group
campaign, women institutions from each village
3. Internal lending based on the demand of members
motivated to incorporate non-SHG member within the
4. Timely repayment of loan and
fold.
5. Maintenance of proper books of accounts
• Special strategies were employed by block level staff
IMPORTANT ROLE PLAYED BY SHGs
across states to reach women in remote gram
panchayats. • Credit Mobilisation through Micro-financial Institutions
• Federated Structure for SHGs - The campaign ensured • Financial Inclusion - Savings led microfinance model
has now become the largest coordinated financial
inclusion of SHGs into higher-level federations - tier
inclusion program in the world.
two level Village Organisations (VOs) and tier three
level Cluster Level Federations (CLFs). • Strengthening women empowerment as 90% of SHG’s
consist of women exclusively – E.g. Kerala’s
• Community Managed Institutions - According to the
Kudumbashree, Women SHGs can avail of Mudra or
Ministry, such federated structures will evolve into
NABARD assistance under Dhaanyalakshmi scheme.
community-managed institutions of the poor that can
• Helped to counter Left Wing Extremism through
lead programmes for livelihood and social
Scheme for promotion of Women SHGs (WSHGs) in
development.
backward & LWE districts of India of NABARD.

Governance
• Facilitating poverty alleviation by providing livelihood • Exploitation by Strong Members within SHG: In many
opportunities – E.g., Livelihood and Enterprise SHGs, strong members try to earn a lion’s share of the
Development Programs (LEDPs) profit of the group, by exploiting the ignorance and
• Improve financial and social status of women and illiterate members.
make them self-reliant CHALLENGES DURING COVID
• Ensuring Rural Development • During COVID, SHGs faced challenges in their regular
• Strengthening of grass root democracy by acting as a functioning – regular meeting to evolve measures for
pressure group in gram Panchayats. savings.
• Fighting social ills such as dowry and alcoholism. E.g., • Lack of earnings during COVID has dented economic
Jeevikadidi. sustainability of SHG-BLP has resulted in defaults and
increased bad debts.
• Strengthening human resources by promotion of
education, health and capacity building. WAY FORWARD
• Promotion of training & capacity building programs - • Despite the challenges, Women Self Help Groups in
through seminars & workshops for the benefit of SHGs India have risen to the extraordinary challenge of
with the help of NABARD. COVID-19 pandemic by meeting shortfalls in masks,
sanitizers and protective equipment, running
• Generate Social Capital by providing a platform to
community kitchens, fighting misinformation and even
address individual concerns.
providing banking and financial solutions to far-flung
• Enhanced political participation in local bodies. communities.
CHALLENGES FOR SHGs
• Women SHGs should now avail the opportunity of
• Information asymmetry results in SHG members digital banking and expand their revenues by
unable to enter into profitable ventures. undertaking digital marketing of products through
• Women members find it difficult to break the shackles Amazon, Flipkart, etc.
of patriarchy and rise above their social obligations. • Thus, steps should be taken to promote digital and
• Non-co-operative Attitude of the Financial Institutions financial literacy for SHGs and banks and financial
towards SHGs in availing finance. institutions should extend facility in repayment of
bank loans.
• Sustainability and the quality of operations of the
SHGs have been a matter of considerable debate.
practice questions
MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements about the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Minister: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. It is an independent statutory body constituted to
give advice on economic and related issues to the Q2. Consider the following statements:
Government of India, specifically to the Prime 1. For inclusion of names of communities within the
Minister. Central List of Scheduled Tribes, generally the
2. The Council is chaired by the Principal Secretary to process of inclusion starts at the state level
the Prime Minister’s Office.

Governance
through consultation with respective state backdrop of information provided by the
government. Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT):
2. A State government may choose to recommend 1. Communities categorised as OBC under Central
certain communities for addition or removal from List are eligible for reservation under EWS.
the list of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes 2. Unfilled Vacancy under EWS Quota is not to be
based on its discretion. carried forward to next Year as backlog.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 3. Relaxations in age and number of attempts to EWS
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Candidates are not allowed.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only
Q3. Which of the following Department Related (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs)
functions under the Chairmanship of Chairman Q5. Which of the following can be said to be the
of Rajya Sabha? adverse impact of lack of internal democracy
1. Committee on Commerce within political parties in India?
2. Committee on Home Affairs 1. Reduces transparency
3. Committee on Petroleum & Natural Gas 2. Increased chance of corruption
4. Committee on Agriculture 3. Leads to criminalization of politics
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 4. Promotes upward social mobility
(a) 3 and 4 only (b) 1 and 2 only Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 4 only (a) 2, 3 and 4 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q4. Consider the following statements related to
the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the
Q1. Critically examine the need to implement Online Dispute Resolution mechanism in India. Do you think it will help
to reduce pendency in the Indian Judiciary? Give reasons.
Q2. Time has come to abolish death penalty in India based on international practices. Comment.
Answers: 1-d, 2-c, 3-b, 4-a, 5-b

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS &
Security
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II & III (Main)
INDIA AND AUSTRALIA

elevation of India-Australia ties to ’Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership’. The partnership is particularly crucial as both
#Bilateral Relations the countries are collaborating in the QUAD as well as
MALABAR naval Exercise. Further role of Australia in
countering Chinese influence in the Indo-pacific has a boost
India and Australia began the high-level 2+2 foreign and
by its membership in the AUKUS security partnership.
defence ministerial dialogue in New Delhi after one year of
Area Significance Outcomes of Cooperation
• Australia is an important trade partner of

India with bilateral trade is around $25bn.
• Australia can be key partner in India’s “Make-
in India” and Indian companies have ample • DTAA was signed between the countries to avoid
amount of investment opportunities in mining taxing of offshore income of Indian companies
Economic and energy Industry of Australia. doing business in India
• India’s infrastructure sector under the • Jointly decided to explore the possibility of
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund launching the Indian RuPay Card in Australia.
(NIIF) can offer investment opportunities to
Australian investment funds like pension
funds.
• Both India and Australia share common vision

of – “free, open, inclusive and rules-based • Australia welcomed and granted Rs 8 crore to
Indo-Pacific region.” India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI).
Maritime • India and Australia have common concerns • Australian navy became an active participant of
regarding the strategic, security and Indian ocean Naval symposium (IONS), which was
environmental challenges in the Indo-Pacific started by India.
maritime domain.
• Australia is one of the key defence partners of • Signed Mutual Logistic service agreement (MLSA) to
India and increasing defence ties with facilitate reciprocal access to each other military
Defence
Australia is important for India in the logistics facilities.
backdrop of Increasing expansionism of China • 2 countries signed “White shipping agreement”.

International Relations & Security
both at land and maritime fronts. • Conducts bilateral maritime exercise- AUS-INDEX
once in 2 years.
• Australia participated in Malabar Naval exercise in
2020.
• Signed Civil nuclear cooperation agreement.

Australia is rich in coal, Uranium and Natural gas
• Australia explicitly supported India’s membership
Energy reserves and can play a key role in India’s energy
in nuclear suppliers’ group (NSG), though India is a
security.
non-signatory of NPT.
Strategic and • Both share membership in QUAD grouping.

• Australia is in favor of UNSC reforms and India’s
Multilateral • Both the countries are committed to
candidature for permanent membership to UNSC.
cooperation Multilateralism.
• Presence of strong Indian Diaspora in

Australia. • A “Migration and Mobility Partnership
Arrangement” is being designed to prevent illegal
People-to- • Indian diaspora is one of the largest sources
migration, human trafficking and facilitate mobility
people of skilled migrants in Australia.
of students and researchers & migration of
• India is the 2nd largest source of international professional for economic reasons.
students in Australia.
This is a hindrance to the bilateral trade.

Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA)
• Withdrawal from RCEP: One reasons for India’s
The agreement will facilitate reciprocal access to military
withdrawal from RCEP was objection from farmer
logistics facilities and improve interoperability between
organisations and diary cooperatives due to fears of
the security forces of the two nations.
flooding of cheaper agricultural and dairy products
This will be useful during Bilateral naval exercises and from Australia.
Humanitarian, Disaster relief & rescue operation.
• Challenges to Indian economy — as India is too
complicated for its growth story to be linear and
White shipping agreement Canberra has skepticism about India’s economic
It refers to exchange of relevant advance information on progress which is constrained by political
the identity and movement of commercial non-military compromise, burdened by interfering bureaucracy,
merchant vessels. Being aware of the identity of these dented by corruption and shaped by a political
vessels is imperative to preventing any potential threat tradition which puts greater faith in government
from the sea from impinging on the coastal and intervention the efficiency of market
offshore security of the country. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two
countries will remove hindrance/challenges to improve
CHALLENGES IN THE RELATIONSHIP
bilateral relations across the fields.
• Dichotomous Australian foreign policy: There is some
INDO-PACIFIC GEOPOLITICS & INDIA – AUSTRALIA
misalignment in Australia’s economic and political
RELATIONSHIP
interests. Though Australia has been actively engaging
• India & Australia have had to endure most of
with India and US as part of QUAD grouping, its
increasingly belligerent Chinese behaviour in Indo-
economy still depends on China owing to its huge
Pacific, pushing their bilateral relationship to new
share in bilateral trade and investment.
heights.
• Lingering CECA: Comprehensive Economic
• Australia-India relations have been on an improving
Cooperation Agreement (CECA) has not yet
materialised though the negotiation started in 2011. trajectory in recent years.

• After many years, Australia was finally invited back to Trade Complication: India and Australia are ‘too far
the Malabar naval exercise last year. apart to conclude the bilateral comprehensive
• For Australia, even as U.S. security alliance (AUKUS) economic partnership in near terms.
remains central to their security, it has been Perception of Indo-pacific: there is no coherent Indo-
expanding its Asian partnerships in Indo-Pacific. pacific strategy as countries do not have one definitive
• India, for its part, long avoided taking sides between vision for the region only seem as a global construct to
the U.S. and China. arrest Chinese rise.
• While Sino-Indian relations have been in trouble for ABOUT INDIA-AUSTRALIA FTA
several years, Galwan confrontation in 2020 brought Two-way trade in goods and services has grown in
the relationship to an all-time low. As a result, India value from $13.6 billion in 2007 to $24.3 billion in 2020.
has decided to pursue closer strategic engagements A free trade pact with Australia is expected to double
with several like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific, the trade with India in the next 5 years as about 95% of
especially Australia. Indian goods would get zero duty access from day one
• Australia has also seen more than its fair share of of the deal coming into effect.
bullying behaviour from China, much of it because SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA-AUSTRALIA FTA
Australian PM asked for an independent inquiry into 1. India-Australia FTA is India's first FTA with a
the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. developed country in a decade.
• Since then, China has engaged in severe economic Benefits for India:
and trade coercive practices against
a. Australia will provide 100% market access for all
Australia, targeting everything from barley, beef,
Indian goods over 5 years.
seafood, wheat, and wine to coal, cotton, copper,
education and timber. b. Australia will reduce import duty on 95% of goods.
• Augmented Australia-India ties within bilateral, c. Current duty of 5% imposed on Indian goods from
trilateral, quadrilateral, and other minilaterals and labour intensive sectors like gems & jewellery,
multilateral institutions are a reality that is unlikely to leather & footwear and textiles would be waived,
slow down for the foreseeable future. thereby offering zero-duty access to the Australian
market.
• The convergence of strategic interests in ensuring an
Indo-Pacific order that is free of hegemonic and d. For the first time, India has signed a deal that
muscular policies is a glue that will bind India and enforces 'country of origin', preventing items from
Australia further in the coming years. The two will other countries entering through the FTA route into
likely also expand their partnership both in pursuing India. (Preventing clandestine gateway for Chinese
strategic partnerships and thematic ones like supply imports).
chain resilience initiative. e. India has been able to safeguard its interests by
excluding sensitive sectors such as agriculture and
CHALLENGES IN INDIA-AUSTRALIA RELATIONS
dairy from the agreement.
Dichotomous Australian Foreign Policy: misalignment
f. Particularly beneficial for Indian Automobile sector.
of Australia economic and political interest i.e while
Australia is dependent on USA for its security via AUS- g. India will get cheaper access to Australian coal
USA-NZ treaty, its economy depends on China which (relative to South American and Indonesian Coal).
accounts huge share in bilateral trade. This is critical for India's energy security.
Challenges to Indian economy as India is too h. Movement for skilled workers: India has always
complicated and Australia has skepticism about India’s pressed for international movement of people in
economic progress, which is constrained by political trade agreements. Thus, ECTA paves way for new
compromise, burdened by interfering bureaucracy , opportunities for India's skilled workforce by
dented by corruption and shaped by a political allowing Indian chefs and yoga teachers right to
tradition which puts greater faith in government relocate and practice in Australia under a work visa
intervention the efficiency of market. permit for four years.
i. Indian students have been granted leeway to

extend their stay post completion of their courses. (CPTPP), which is the child of TPP after the US declined
Benefits for Australia: to join it. As such the US is projecting IPEF as the new
US vehicle for economic re-engagement with East Asia
a. India would lower import duty on more 70% of
and Southeast Asia.
Australian imports, which would grow to include
85% of Australian goods in 10 years. • The US President first talked about it at the at the
October 2021 East Asia Summit. It has been launched
b. Australia will be able tackle the problem of over
at present Quad summit 2022.
dependence on China and allow the Australian
economy to diversify both its import and export ASPECTS OF
HIGHLIGHTS
baskets in sectors automobiles, coals and wines. IPEF
CONCLUSION & WAY FORWARD (i) Trade
• Leaders of India and Australia have been able to (ii) Supply chain resilience
create balanced trade agreement with far reaching Four Pillars
(iii) Clean energy and decarbonisation
economic and geopolitical implications.
(iv) Taxes and anti-corruption measures.
• ECTA cements the mutual trust of both countries
into each other and strengthens the relationship. To “advance resilience, sustainability,
• India's earlier Early Harvest Agreements with inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness,
Objective
Thailand and Sri Lanka have not been able to full and competitiveness” in these
scale FTAs. Thus, it is essential for both countries to economies.
ensure a speedy signing of a full-fledged FTA. Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan,
South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand,
Members Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and
INDO-PACIFIC ECONOMIC Vietnam. Together, these countries
account for 40% of global GDP.
FRAMEWORK How a Countries are free to join (or not join)
#Extended Neighbourhood country initiatives under any of the stipulated
becomes a pillars but are expected to adhere to all
member? commitments once they enrol.
At a time when the world politics is focused on the Ukrainian
• U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will
crisis and when it was being felt that the US and the big
be spearheading the trade pillar,
powers have moved their focus away from the theatre Indo-
How the • Supply chain resilience, clean energy
Pacific, US announced the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework
Framework and decarbonisation, and taxes and
Initiative that seeks to increase economic collaboration in
Works anti-corruption measures will fall
the Indo-Pacific. India decided to participate in all but trade
pillar of the IPEF framework. India’s non-participation in the under the purview of the U.S.
Trade pillar of IPEF comes from India’s unwillingness to Department of Commerce.
include labour, environmental and investment issues in 1. Trade Pillar: To establish “high-
trade agreements. standard, inclusive, free, and fair-trade
CONTEXT OF FORMATION commitments” to fuel economic
• In the backdrop of US withdrawal from the Trans- activity and investments benefitting
Pacific Partnership under Donald Trump, there has both workers and consumers.
Key areas of
been concern over the absence of a credible US Cooperation 2. Digital Trade Pillar: Incorporates not
economic and trade strategy to counter China’s just the purchase and sale of goods
economic influence in the region. online but also data flows that enable
• China is already an influential member of RCEP in the the operation of global value chains
region and has applied to join the Comprehensive and and services, like smart
Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership manufacturing, platforms and

applications countries and 11 out of 15 of

3. Supply chain resilience Pillar: The countries that form RCEP took part in
framework aspires to secure access to the launch.
key raw and processed materials, • Signifies first multilateral attempt to
semiconductors, critical minerals and boost supply chain resilience to ease
clean energy, tech, particularly for global inflationary pressures and
crisis response measures and ensuring mitigate effects of future disruptions,
business continuity particularly key raw materials, critical
4. Clean energy, decarbonisation and minerals, and semiconductors.
infrastructure Pillar: In line with the • IPEF is not a traditional trade
Paris Agreement, provide technical agreement.
assistance and help mobilize finance,
• It would include different modules
including concessional finance, to
covering “fair and resilient trade,
improve competitiveness and enhance
supply chain resilience, infrastructure
connectivity by supporting countries in
and decarbonization, and tax and
the development of sustainable and
anticorruption.”
durable infrastructure for adopting
renewable energy. • Countries would have to sign up to all
the components within a module, but
5. Tax and anti-corruption Pillar: Aimed
do not have to participate in all
at promoting fair competition by
modules.
enforcing robust tax, anti-money
laundering and anti-bribery regimes in • The “fair and resilient trade” module
line with existing multilateral will be led by the US Trade
obligations, standards and agreements Representative and include digital,
to curb tax evasion and corruption in labour, and environment issues, with
the region. some binding commitments.
Challenges
• IPEF will not include market access
• A new US vehicle for economic re-
commitments such as lowering tariff
engagement with East Asia and
barriers, as the agreement is “more of
Southeast Asia.
an administrative arrangement,” and
• It would help in countering China Congressional approval, which is a
dominated Regional Comprehensive must for trade agreements, is not
Economic Partnership (RCEP) and mandatory for this.
other regional trade initiatives like
• Critics suggest it would be security,
Comprehensive and Progressive
and not economics, which will drive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific
U.S. trade engagement in the region.
Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital
Pros Economic Partnership (DEPA) (A new • Exclusion of U.S. ally Taiwan from the
type of trade agreement to facilitate arrangement, despite its willingness to
digital trade and creating a framework join, exhibits USA’s geopolitical caution
for the digital economy, was born out to call out China.
of the common interest of Chile, New • Despite Taiwan being eligible on
Zealand and Singapore) of which US economic merit.
and India are not a party.
• US’ preference to allow free and open
• Would help U.S. companies that are data flows under digital economy
looking to move away from Concerns
pillar will constrict India’s ability to
manufacturing in China. for India
regulate data for domestic purposes.
• It is significant that 7 of 10 ASEAN • India might be reluctant to sync its tax

policies with the push for a global tax diplomatic relations with the country immediately
standard amongst US partners to after its independence in December 1971.
mitigate tax avoidance and evasion. • The relationship between India and Bangladesh is
• Labour Standards and non-Tariff anchored in history, culture, language and shared
barriers will remain a bone of values of secularism, democracy, and countless other
contention for India. commonalities between the two countries.
• It is based on sovereignty, equality, trust,
understanding and win-win partnership that goes far
INDIA AND BANGLADESH beyond a strategic partnership.
#Neighbourhood GEO-POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE
• Security of Northeast: Bangladesh can ensure that its
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh Visited India to soil in not used for anti-India activity, and this has
celebrate 50 years of freedom of Bangladesh. India played a resulted in the arrest of leaders of groups of ULFA and
key role in the freedom of Bangladesh and has strong NDFB
relations with the country. In recent years, Bangladesh has • Connectivity of Northeast as these states are
emerged as an economic growth story especially in the landlocked and can be accused more easily via sea
readymade garment exports segments. Let us look into the route which will incur ensure integration and socio-
details of the developments in the visit. economic development of the region
During the visit to India and Bangladesh signed a slew of • Bridge in the Act East policy plus Bangladesh is also an
agreements, including the first water sharing agreement imp component of BIMSTEC AND BBIN
since the landmark Ganga Waters Treaty, 1996. A MoU was • Strengthening of South Asia as an important member
signed on sharing of the waters of the Kushiyara river, a of SAARC
distributary of the Barak River which flows through Assam,
• Securing sea lines of communication
and then on to Bangladesh. The agreement comes in a year
when both lower Assam in India and Sylhet in Bangladesh • Fighting terrorism and deradicalization as stable open
have witnessed deadly floods highlighting the requirement and tolerant Bangladesh ensures intelligence sharing
for greater cooperation on flood control and irrigation- and other counter terrorist measures
related issues between the two countries. • Neutral Bangladesh will help in countering assertive
China and restrict its string of pearl theory
ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
• Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South
Asia and both the countries have facilitative trade
agreement apart from member of APTA SAPTA and
SAFTA
• Both countries have inaugurated Border Haats and
Integrated Check Post and land custom station to
further their trade relations
• FDI investments from India in Bangladesh has
doubled from 243m to 570m from 2014 to 2018 and
companies have invested in sectors like that of
pharmaceuticals, telecommunication, FMCG and
automobiles.
• Through Protocol on Inland water transit and trade
INDIA-BANGLADESH PARTNERSHIP
India is helping Bangladesh to capture advantage of
• India was the first country to recognize Bangladesh as waterways both for intra and inter
a separate and independent state and established

• Infrastructure cooperation: India will be providing farmers involved in Boro rice, which is basically the
personnel training, consultation and participate in rice cultivated during dry season of December to
construction activity along with non-critical supply to February and harvested in early summer.
Bangladesh for its ROOPPUR ATOMIC ENERGY • The agreement addresses Bangladesh’s concern over
PROJECT. India currently exports 660MW of energy to water supply along the river, during the winter
Bangladesh on daily basis. months but flood control in the basin of Kushiyara is
• India is providing military equipment and technology expected to require much more work.
transfer for enhancing cooperation in field of strategic INDIA’S OBJECTION TO THE RAHIMPUR CANAL
and operational studies
• Bangladesh had carried out Upper Surma Kushiyara
• Bangladesh is the biggest development partner of Project which included clearing and dredging of the
India today as in last 8 years kinda has provided $8bn canal and other connected channels of water.
LOC
• However, the channels could not be of much use to
• Space Cooperation: SAARC satellite has been launched Bangladesh because India objected to the move and
for improved regional connectivity. claimed that the dyke and other infrastructure
ABOUT KUSHIYARA AGREEMENT interfered in border security as Kushiyara itself forms
• Over the last century, the flow of Barak River has part of the border between the two sides.
changed in such a way that the bulk of the river’s • However, the agreement indicates that the economic
water flows into Kushiyara River while the rest goes benefits possible from the river outweighed the
into Surma. security concerns.
• Bangladesh has been complaining that Boro rice HURDLES TO TEESTA AGREEMENT
cultivation in the region had been suffering as India • Kushiyara agreement is relatively smaller in scale in
did not allow it to withdraw the required water from comparison to Teesta that involves West Bengal,
the Kushiyara.
which has problems with the proposal.
• Water of Kushiyara River will be channeled through
• Kushiyara agreement did not require a nod from any
Rahimpur Canal project in Sylhet. Waters of Kushiyara
of the States like Assam from which the Barak
has been used for centuries in Sylhet’s subdivisions.
emerges and branches into Kushiyara and Surma.
But Bangladesh has witnessed that the flow and
volume of water in the canal has reduced during the • Reduced water flow of Kushiyara during winter and
lean season. Teesta too, however, raise important questions about
the impact of climate change on South Asian rivers
• The utility of the river and canal during the lean/winter
season had gone down, affecting cultivation of rice as that can affect communities and trigger migration.
well as a wide variety of vegetables for which Sylhet is • Bangladesh has cited low water flow in its rivers
famous. during the winter months as a matter of concern as it
• The additional water of Kushiyara through the affects its agriculture sector.
Rahimpur Canal therefore is the only way to ensure TRADE & ECONOMIC RELATIONS
steady supply of water for irrigation of agriculture
• In 2021-22, Bangladesh emerged as largest trade
fields and orchards of the subdivisions of Sylhet.
partner for India in South Asia and fourth largest
• The agreement is aimed at addressing the problem destination for Indian exports worldwide. Exports to
that the changing nature of the river has posed before Bangladesh grew more than 66% from $9.69bn in
Bangladesh as it unleashes floods during the 2020-21 to $16.5bn in 2021-22.
monsoon and goes dry during the winter when
• India is Bangladesh’s second biggest trade partner
demand of water goes up because of a crop cycle in
and is largest export market in Asia. Despite Covid-19
Sylhet.
related disruptions, bilateral trade grew at an
• Approximately 10,000 hectares of land and millions of
unprecedented rate of almost 44% from $10.78bn in
people will benefit from the water that will flow
2020-21 to $18.13bn in 2021-22.
through a network of canals in Sylhet benefiting the

• Bangladesh is keen on conclusion of CEPA with India • Bangladesh has been demanding for mechanisms
as from 2026 Bangladesh will graduate to developing which will allow it to import hydropower from Bhutan
nation nomenclature and will no longer be able to and Nepal using India as a transit.
qualify for the trade benefits it currently enjoys as a • Tipai Mukh Dam (Manipur): On Barak River:
least developed country. Bangladesh accused India of ignoring ecological
• CEPA will focus on trade in goods, services and impacts over Bangladesh. Bangladesh has demanded
investment with a key objective in reduction of the for a proper EIA in such construction.
trade gap between the two countries. • The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National
Register of Citizens (NRC) have created a negative
EXSITING TRADE MECHANISMS:
impression in Bangladesh of India’s intent. 1.9 million
• Bilateral trade agreement signed in 2015 on PM
people have been left out of list and are being termed
Modi’s visit to Bangladesh for 5 years with provision of
as illegal Bangladeshi.
auto-approval.
• Growing Chinese influence in Bangladesh: CHINA is
• Under SAFTA, both countries extend preferential financing 25 energy projects in Bangladesh and has
tariffs to each other. extended support to build second nuclear plant and
• Agreement on promotion and protection of Bangladesh’s first communication satellite i.e
investment has been in force since 2011. BANGABANDHU. Bangladesh is China’s second-largest
arms export destination. Chinese firms have been
• A protocol on Inland Waterways Trade and Transit has
outbidding their Indian counterparts in infrastructure
been in place since 1972. This protocol also has the
projects.
clause for auto renewal.
• In a thaw in relations, Pakistan’s high commissioner to
• MOU on use of Border haats (Kalaichar-Balat-Srinagar-
Bangladesh recently met the Bangladesh PM as both
Kamalasagar), ports of Chittagong and Mongla and
sides pledged to improve bilateral relations.
that on Coastal shipping has also been signed
• Delay in project execution though LOC’s: India has
between the two countries.
provided less than 10% of cumulative commitments
CHALLENGES IN INDIA BANGLADESH RELATIONS
have been disbursed so far.
• Although Economic relations expanding every day, in • Thus, both the nations need to swiftly act on the
India’s Consolidated FDI policy 2017, Bangladesh is put outstanding issues to move the relations to newer
in the same category as Pakistan. Under which a heights.
citizen of Bangladesh/Pakistan or an entity
incorporated in Bangladesh/Pakistan can invest only
under the Government route. SHANGHAI COOPERATION
ORGANISATION
• Despite India-Bangladesh Coordinated Border
Management Plan, 294 Bangladeshi Nationals have
been killed along the border since 2010. #REgional Groupings #Extended
• Trade deficit of a Bangladesh: Bangladesh is Neighbourhood
demanding zero tariff rate for all Bangladeshi goods
moving in India. India gave 0 tariff rate to almost 95 to SCO is a China-led eight-member economic and security
96% goods (not for tobacco alcohol-Substantial bloc, in which India and Pakistan were admitted as full
Bangladesh export). members in 2017. Its founding members included China,
• Teesta water agreement which was agreed to in 2011 Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
is yet to be signed because of various contentious For the 1st time, India will host SCO summit meeting at the
end of this year.
issues that remain.

• Gateway to Eurasia: India’s membership in the SCO is

an opportunity for India to engage the Eurasian
Economic Union (EEU) thereby Eurasian market.
• Connect to Central Asia: SCO is a potential platform to
advance India’s Connect Central Asia policy.
• Enhanced status: SCO membership also bolsters
India’s status as a major Pan-Asian player, which is
boxed in the South Asian paradigm.
• Value alignment: “Shanghai spirit” emphasizes on
harmony, non-interference in others’ internal affairs,
and non-alignment - values that India has always
STRUCTURE OF SCO cherished and upheld.
• Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of SCO is a • Forum for bilateral cooperation with China: It is yet
permanent body based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
another opening, like the BRICS summit last year, to
Objective of RATS is based upon Shanghai Convention
bring down tensions, and ahead of the next informal
on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism.
summit in October in India.
• Main objectives of SCO is to strengthen mutual trust
• Platform for India to engage Pakistan: In the absence
and neighborliness among member states, promote
of the SAARC summit, the SCO summit gives an
their effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy,
opportunity for Indian and Pakistani leaders to meet
research, technology and culture, education, energy,
informally, on the sidelines and to engage in anti-
transport, tourism, environmental protection, and
other areas. Making joint efforts to maintain and terrorism cooperation. Thus, SCO shall provide a
ensure peace, security and stability in the region and platform to resolve their differences.
moving towards the establishment of a democratic, CHALLENGES FOR INDIA IN SCO
fair and rational new international political and • Dominance of China and Russia: Russia and China as a
economic order. co-founder of the SCO are the dominant powers in the
IMPORTANCE FOR INDIA groupings, thus limiting India’s ability to assert itself.
India’s security, geopolitical, strategic and economic • China’s Belt and Road initiative: All group members
interests are closely intertwined with developments in except India have endorsed China’s BRI initiative. India
the Central Asian region. on the other hand has repeatedly oppose China’s Belt
• Energy Security: Central Asian region is richly and Road Initiative citing sovereignty issues arising out
endowed with energy resources which India is trying of CPEC.
to gain access to through Chabahar port construction
• India-Pakistan rivalry: India and Pakistan are on
in Iran and construction of International North-South
continuous confrontation that makes it difficult to
Transport Corridor.
adhere to the idea of “good-neighborliness”
• Economic Growth: SCO has high economic potential prescribed in Article 1 of the SCO charter.
because 40% of world’s population lives in its
• India walked out of a virtual meeting of National
countries, and they produce more than 22% of global
Security Advisors of SCO after Pakistan presented a
GDP, that is by 2025, expected to reach 38-40%.
“fictitious” map of the country at the meet.
• Security Cooperation: RATS is viewed by India as a
platform to access intelligence and information and as • Definition of terrorism: India’s definition of terrorism
a solution to regional security cooperation as SCO is different from the definition of SCO under RATS. For
remains committed to countering international SCO, terrorism coincides with regime destabilization,
terrorism, drug trafficking and resolving conflict in whereas for India it is related to state-sponsored cross
Afghanistan. border terrorism.

WAY FORWARD • Climate Change - India works with Solar alliance and
Thus, it can be said that SCO is part of India’s stated Paris accord but has not yet signed the goals set by
other members of the QUAD.
policy of pursuing “multi-alignments.” Hence, India must
continue to look for positive engagement with the • Supply Chains - India is keen on building alternate
member nations of this organization. supply chains from the ones dominated by China. It is
part of SRI of which US is not a part.
INDIA'S MEMBERSHIP OF SCO AND QUAD - A
• AUKUS security Partnership - India is not a member
GEOPOLITICAL CONTRADICTION?
and there is lack of clarity on how it will engage with
India's membership of the Shanghai cooperation the QUAD.
Organization and the Quadrilateral security dialogue is ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF INDIA'S POSITION
seen as a geopolitical contradiction by various experts.
• India is not the only country in multiple multilateral
SCO is a China led initiative, while Quad is a US led
groupings which conflict or compete.
initiative. India is a member of which has made some
• US is a part of QUAD but has still announced AUKUS
experts to call it contradiction. Questions have been
with UK and Australia.
raised as to how far India can walk the tightrope of
o US had also announced a Connectivity Quad with
Strategic autonomy by participating in the SCO and quad
Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
which have opposite objectives.
o US Russia China formed the Troika to discuss
SCO QUAD Afghanistan as well Troika+ with Pakistan.
• Even within the groups some contradictions are
SCO with Russia and China is Quad with US allies is unavoidable.
seen as a counter to the seen as a counter to the
• World politics is no more Bipolar as it used to be
NATO China and Russia
during the cold war era.
India Joined SCO in 2017 Quad began after 2004 • The present global order can be seen in paradigm of
"complex interdependence".
but revived after 2017
• In such a world-order contradictions are bound to
SCO deals with continental Quad deals with Maritime happen.
neighborhood neighborhood • In hostile regions continuous engagement creates
possibilities for future leverage.
Except India SCO members Quad members have
• Engagement is natural corollary to India's principled
have taken a stand on Taliban stayed distant stand of Strategic autonomy, where India engages on
multiple platforms to pursue its interest.
CONTRADICTIONS WITHIN THE SCO
WAY FORWARD
• Afghan contact group - India is not on the same page
with other members of the SCO At a time when role of US is unclear in Indo-pacific
because of Parallel Quad and AUKUS and when strategic
• Connectivity - India is not a part of China's BRI. It has
leverage of India is decreasing in the central Asia,
different approach to connectivity. INSTC, TAPI, engagement with SCO and QUAD provides opportunity
Chabahar Port etc. to India to raise its voice in a dynamic geopolitical space.
• Terrorism - SCO RATS mechanism. India participates in
SCO RATS Military exercise. India blames Pakistan, but
other countries are collaborating with Pakistan.
RUSSIAN FAR EAST
CONTRADICTIONS WITHIN THE QUAD
#Geopolitics
• COVID-19 Vaccine - India is expected to supply vaccine
in the Indo - Pacific with the Support of US. However, RUSSIAN FAR EAST
the contours are still not clear. Lack of clarity on WTO • Russian Far East region encompasses one-third of
waiver. Russia’s territory.

• The Russian Far East or RFE is rich in natural equipment, gas-liquefying plants, agricultural
resources, producing 98% of Russian diamonds, 90% production and fisheries.
of borax materials, 50% of gold, 14% of tungsten, and • Japan is seeking interest in Russian oil and gas
40% of fish and seafood. About one-third of all coal resources.
reserves and hydro-engineering resources of the
INDIA AND THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST
country are available here.
• India is keen to deepen its cooperation in energy,
• The region is sparsely populated.
pharmaceuticals, maritime connectivity, healthcare,
• The region’s riches and resources contribute to five tourism, the diamond industry and the Arctic.
per cent of Russia’s GDP.
• In 2019, India also offered a $1 billion line of credit to
• But despite the abundance and availability of develop infrastructure in the region. Through the EEF,
materials, procuring and supplying them is an issue India aims to establish a strong inter-state interaction
due to the unavailability of personnel. with Russia.
• The RFE is geographically placed at a strategic • Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor would reduce
location; acting as a gateway into Asia. transport time from present 23 days from Baltic Sea
route to 15-16 days via the new route.
EASTERN ECONOMIC FORUM

• It was established in 2015 to encourage foreign
investments in the Russian Far East.
• The aims at displaying the economic potential,
suitable business conditions and investment
opportunities in the region.
• Various investment agreements have been signed
which focus on infrastructure, transportation projects,
mineral excavations, construction, industry and
agriculture.
COUNTRIES FOCUSSING ON RUSSIAN FAR EAST
• China is the biggest investor in the region as it sees
potential in promoting the Chinese Belt and Road
Initiative and the Polar Sea Route in the RFE.
• China Shares a 4000 KM long border and is investing
in connectivity and Natural gas Projects while focusing
on developing the Chinese bordering areas with
Russia.
• South Korea has also been gradually increasing its
investments in the region. South Korea has invested in
shipbuilding projects, manufacturing of electrical

INDO PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK AND THE So, no changes to the UN charter or no new member can
EASTERN ECONOMIC FORUM be admitted into UN without the approval of UNSC (as
• India has been actively in engaging in the Indo-Pacific these resolutions require agreement of all the P5
region. members).
• Both the initiatives are important for India's trade and WHAT IS THE SECURITY COUNCIL’S STRUCTURE?
strategic interest. Wherein EEF involves Russia and the • It comprises of two kinds of members:
IPEF is a US led initiative and both are strategic • Five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the
partners of India. United Kingdom, and the United States—collectively
• The IPEF also presents an ideal opportunity for India known as the P5. Any one of them can veto a
to act in the region, without being part of the China- resolution.
led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or • 10 non-permanent members: Along with the five
other regional grouping like the Comprehensive and permanent members, the Security Council of the
Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership . United Nations has temporary members that hold
• The IPEF will also play a key role in building resilient their seats on a rotating basis by geographic region.
supply chains. These members do not have veto powers
• India’s participation in the forum will help in • The reason behind Veto being limited to just five
disengaging from supply chains that are dependent members has roots in WWII. The United States and
on China and will also make it a part of the global Soviet Union were the outright victors of the war, and,
supply chain network. along with the United Kingdom, they shaped the post
• The IPEF partners will act as new sources of raw war political order.
material and other essential products, further WHY UNSC REFORMS ARE NEEDED?
reducing India’s reliance on China for raw materials • Changing geopolitical situation: UNSC’s membership
and working methods reflect a bygone era. Though
UNSC REFORMS geopolitics have changed drastically, UNSC has

changed little since 1945, when wartime victors
#International Organisations crafted a Charter in their interest and awarded
“permanent” veto-wielding Council seats for Allied
victors.
India was elected as a non-permanent member of the
• Reforms Long Overdue: UNSC was expanded only
United Nations Security Council with an overwhelming
once in 1963 to add 4 non-permanent members to the
majority. It garnered 184 votes in the General Assembly that
Council. Although the overall membership of the UN
consists of 193 members. The two-year term will begin on 1
has increased from 113 to 193, there has been no
January 2021.
change in the composition of the UNSC.
This is the eighth time India has been elected a non-
• Inequitable economic & geographical
permanent member of the UNSC. representation: While Europe is over-represented,
WHAT IS UNSC? Asia is underrepresented. Africa and South America
The Security Council, the United Nations’ principal crisis- have no representation at all.
management body, is empowered to impose binding • Crisis of legitimacy and credibility: Stalled reform
obligations on the 193 UN member states to maintain agenda and various issues including its interventions
peace. Few major Roles: in Libya and Syria in the name of responsibility have
put questions on the credibility of the institution.
• Ensuring international peace and security.
• North-South Divide: The permanent UNSC
• Recommending that the General Assembly accept new
membership portrays the big North-South divide in
members to the United Nations.
the decision making of security measures. For
• Approving any changes to its charter. instance, there is no permanent member from Africa,

even though 75% of its work is focused on that • UNSC & UN General Assembly relationship: Improving
continent. quality of interactions between these two organs
• Emerging issues: Issues such as deepening economic would provide the Council with additional information
interdependence, worsening environmental and insights to inform its work. In turn, when the
degradation, transnational threats also call for member states in the General Assembly feel that they
effective multilateral negotiations among the have been consulted and that their views are heard on
countries based on consensus. Yet, all critical matters of international peace and security that affect
decisions of the UNSC are still being taken by the them, the transparency, accountability and legitimacy
permanent members of the Security Council. of the Council are enhanced at a time when the
Council is perceived to be struggling to discharge its
AREAS OF UNSC REFORM
responsibilities on a number of issues.
In current circumstances, it has become crucial for UNSC
RATIONALE FOR INDIA’S PERMANENT MEMBERSHIP
to reform itself and uphold its legitimacy and
representativeness. Reform of UNSC encompasses five India (or any other country for that matter) would want a
key issues: permanent membership to the UNSC for two reasons:
• Membership: For many years, some member-states • Veto power, which India could use to defend its
have been advocating expansion of UNSC, arguing interests, say against Pakistan (just like Russia did last
that adding new members will remedy the democratic year over the civil war in Ukraine).
and representative deficit from which the Council • Sheer prestige associated with permanent
suffers. Disagreement on whether new members membership of a multilateral forum. India’s elevation
should be permanent or have veto power has become
will also be an acknowledgment of its rise as a global
a major obstacle to Security Council reform.
power, ready to play a key role in the council’s
• Veto: Five permanent members of Security Council objectives of international peace and security.
(China, France, Russia, UK and USA) enjoy privilege of
INDIA’S CLAIMS FOR PERMANENT POSITION AT UNSC
veto power. This power has been intensely
controversial since the drafting of UN Charter in 1945. • Population: Around 1/6th of the global population.
75 years later, the debate on existence and use of the • Democracy: With continuous and functional
veto continues, reinvigorated by many cases of veto- democratic experience, India is best suited to provide
threat as well as actual veto use. these values into UNSC which is often criticized for
• Regional representation: Ongoing debate about acting on behalf of few nations.
Security Council reform has focused on expansion of • Economy: India has become the fifth-largest economy
membership of UNSC. The rationale for membership in 2019, overtaking the United Kingdom and France.
expansion is to include emerging powers on the The country ranks third when GDP is compared in
Council. New single state members could exacerbate
terms of purchasing power parity.
regional competition rather than collaboration.
• Military: Responsible Nuclear power; 3rd largest
Alternative model for Council reform that would give
permanent seats to regional organizations or blocs military spender after USA and China.
rather than individual countries. • Contributions to UN: India is the largest contributor to
• Transparency and its working methods: UNSC has the UN Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO), with
taken several steps to increase its efficiency and nearly 180,000 troops serving in 44 missions since it
transparency in recent years. These so-called "cluster was established. India is also among the highest
2" reforms do not require an amendment to UN financial contributors to the UN, with the country
Charter and have not stirred same amount of making regular donations to several UN organs.
controversy as debate on expansion of Council has. • Active participation in global affairs: India has not only
Security Council now holds more public meetings and participated but has also taken lead roles in global
consults more frequently with external actors, matters like climate change, ozone depletion, counter
including NGOs.
terrorism and rule based global order, etc.

• India is a champion of peace, disarmament and has There is increasing diffusion of power as a ‘rise of the rest’
always highlighted the role of UN reflecting its faith in leading towards an international system in which there will
global governance and international law. be no superpowers, several great powers and a lot of
• Leadership of third world: India has raised at global regional powers. A multicentre world has multiple layers of
forums concerns which are commonly shared by governance; regional powers and institutions enjoy a much
greater significance than a bipolar or unipolar world. Hence
much of the developing and least developed
a multipolar world defined by geopolitics provides India
countries. India’s leadership of third world and it’s
more choices to pursue its national interest and leadership
emphasis on bridging the north-south divide will make
ambitions by providing global interdependence.
UNSC more inclusive.
TRANSFORMATION IN INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
• Member of G4 nations: Comprising Brazil, Germany,
India, and Japan which support each other's bids for • India’s large and rapidly expanding economy coupled
permanent seats on the United Nations Security with huge population has changed the course of
Council. foreign policy in the wake of changing political and
security dynamics in the post-Cold War era.
• Although the case for India’s membership is a sound,
• India took the path of economic liberalisation, shed its
but it is not an easy and shredded with many
anti-West, Third-World outlook and repositioned itself
challenges and factors put forth by various nations
in the world as an important global actor.
and factors.
• However, India’s position is still weak as there is
INDIA’S STRATEGY
absence of grand strategic thinking in India’s foreign
• There has been a debate among experts whether policy in terms of long-term goals.
India should convince the larger world opinion about
• A test case is India’s relations with Iran which have
its inclusion in UNSC working alone or in coalition with
been on backburner for some time, following a U.S.
other claimants for inclusion in UNSC.
threat to impose sanctions on India if it continued to
• However, India is presently in two coalitions i.e., G4 trade with Iran. Because of the freeze in relations with
Grouping (India, Brazil. Japan & Germany) and L.69 Iran has been high, including having to pay higher
Group which is a group of 42 developing countries prices for crude and inability to utilise the Chabahar
from Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific and aims at Connectivity Project as an alternate route to
comprehensive and lasting reform of the UNSC. Afghanistan.
• The strategy of going in coalition has not been much • India’s status as a regional power is also contested.
helpful as it became swimming and sinking together. India is not considered as a natural leader nor a
China may agree to India’s candidature, but China will regional power of South Asia. For example, In our
never agree for Japan. There are very limited chances immediate neighbourhood, whether it be Sri Lanka or
that Germany can be inducted as two countries from Afghanistan, India’s concerns are often not taken on
Europe are already permanent members (UK and the high table.
France). • It can be concluded that ‘India is neither one of the
Great Powers nor minor power; but it is one that
POSITIONING INDIA IN
cannot be ignored and thus, fits the most general
definition of middle power which has been
CHAOTIC WORLD- demonstrated by the recent steps taken by India in

the recent times.
INTERNATIONAL CHANGES IN INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

• Economic Diplomacy: Progressing with three major
RELATIONS objectives: Attracting foreign direct investment,
#Foreign Policy Ensuring India’s participation in multilateral & regional
forums and Engaging with Indian diaspora globally.

• Managing Great Power Relations: Establishing balance infrastructure and energy development. This
by signing the bilateral Logistics Exchange balances, both, India’s closer relations with Israel
Memorandum Agreement (LEMOA) with the USA and and Pakistan’s close relation with Gulf countries.
simultaneously working on relations with Russia. Thus,
o India’s engagement with Iran is of vital significance
India has continued to work on relations with both the
in terms of energy, domestic and regional security
great powers.
imperatives. PM Modi visited Iran and signed an
• Countering Rise of China: Chinese plans to capture
agreement to develop the US$500 million Chabahar
territory in Ladakh, divert waters of Brahmaputra and
port.
CPEC has serious implications for India, with dramatic
redrawing of demographic and geographical • The Last Mile, Africa: India has begun to look further
boundaries, threatening India’s territorial integrity. beyond its traditional areas of concerns. There has
China had clearly emerged as a new long-term been an active attempt to build long-term relationship
challenge. India is countering it by aligning with like- with Africa, an emerging continent rich in national
minded countries like under QUAD and undertaking resources including oil and gas
projects like Project Mausam, neighbourhood first
WAY FORWARD
policy, Act East policy etc.
• Reinvigorating Neighbourhood: SAARC needs to be • A Major overhaul is required in India’s worldview of
converted into an energetic regional organisation. In how we interpret regional and international tensions
view of the negative role played by Pakistan within that have increased.
SAARC, India should encourage sub-regional • The erstwhile policy of non-alignment had done little
cooperation. In the east, India can take steps to foster to enhance India’s image. India should move from
integration with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and
non-alignment and to multi-alignment and all
has been doing same with BIMSTEC, BBIN, conclusion
alignment.
of bilateral disputes with Bangladesh etc
• While China today presents an acute ‘near-term
• Act East Policy:
problem’ for India, it is important that India does not
o India has cultivated deep ties with Japan. As Japan’s
fall into the trap that the current adversarial
strategic goals can partly be realized by assisting in
relationship with China is ‘carved in stone’ and can or
the rise of India, a benign power that would be a
bulwark against unipolar Asia dominated by China, never will be altered.
besides being a place to invest its surplus funds. • India and China are ‘civilizational’ states. The two
o Engagement with ASEAN as a forum and bilaterally countries may never have a very close relationship but
engaging with each member countries strategically. given the history of nations there is enough scope for
Example Changi naval base Singapore India to formulate a policy that would not completely
• Addressing Central Asian Republics: Central Asia is a close the doors on China for all time.
region critical for India’s energy, trade and security • India’s strategic and foreign policy establishment
needs. There are unprecedented concerns in several
cannot afford to overlook the nuclear aspect, given
Central Asian Republics about China’s increasingly
that the country is wedged between two active, and
dominant presence. Shanghai Cooperation
hostile, nuclear powers — China and Pakistan. India is
Organisation (SCO) also provides India with
the only state among the three, that does not see
opportunity to work with Central Asian Republics and
Russia to further its own strategic interest in the nuclear weapons as intended for use in the event of a
region. India further wants to capture this region with war. Nevertheless, it is important for India’s strategic
initiatives like INSTC. and foreign policy establishment to consider how best
• West Asia: to prevent ‘debilitating strategic instability’ — about
China in particular — given the pace at which China’s
o Engagement with UAE and Saudi Arabia aimed at
nuclear arsenal is growing.
boosting investment and credit, particularly on

GLOBAL SOUTH
fuelled by the growing prosperity of the developing
South.
ASSERTION IN • There is a two-fold impact manifested in the

increasing number of countries actively engaged in
GEOPOLITICS South-South cooperation and the significant scaling
#Developing Countries up of South-South initiatives by individual countries.
• Countries like India and China are investing one billion
dollars, and more, annually on assistance to fellow
The international system is witnessing geopolitical changes
developing countries. Others like Saudi Arabia, Brazil,
and a push for competitive great power hegemony. United
South Africa, Venezuela, and Malaysia have large
States leads with its goal for primacy in the international
technical and development assistance initiatives.
system. U.S.’s national security documents advocate curbing
China’s rise, weakening Russia’s capabilities, securing Europe • Countries engaged in South-South cooperation do not
behind U.S. leadership and building satellite alliances with like to be viewed as donors or recipients. Instead, they
countries which conform to U.S. interests and values. But describe such cooperation as an expression of
other players have different agendas and the Global South solidarity born out of shared experiences and
matters more than before. sympathies and guided by the principles of respect for
national sovereignty and ownership.
The concept of Global North and Global South (or North–
South divide in a global context) is used to describe a • Unlike the case of North-South cooperation,
grouping of countries along socio-economic and political exchanges between Southern countries do not flow
characteristics. out of international ODA commitments and are not
measured by universally recognized benchmarks of
GLOBAL SOUTH
ODA.
• Global South is a term often used to identify regions
NEED FOR SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION
within Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
• Needs of developed world and that of developing
• It is one of a family of terms, including "Third World"
world are not same as both are at different levels of
and "Periphery", that denote regions outside Europe
development.
and North America, most (though not all) of these
countries are low-income and often politically or • Developing world i.e., the global south is similar as
culturally marginalized on one side of the divide. they have undergone similar process of evolution like
that of colonialism, economic exploitation and low
• The other side being the countries of the Global North
levels of development particularly regarding
(often equated with developed countries). As such, the
infrastructure, literacy and tackling similar trends of
term does not inherently refer to a geographical
problems like poverty, hunger etc. and thus a
south; for example, most of the Global South is
coordinated response to common problems is the
geographically within the Northern Hemisphere.
need of the hour.
• The term was first introduced as a more open and
• There is a need for these countries to go for collective
value-free alternative to "Third World" and similarly
self-reliance and come out of the neo-colonial models
potentially "valuing" terms like developing countries.
of core-periphery structure with semi peripheral
• Countries of the Global South have been described as countries like India Brazil China taking lead for
newly industrialized or in the process of industrializing transformation
and are frequently current or former subjects of
• The need for evolution of new international economic
colonialism.
order cannot be more evident with global backlash
DYNAMISM IN SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION against the globalization.
• Cooperation amongst countries has risen to • The reality in developing countries is that both states
unprecedented levels since the decade of the nineties and markets are weak – the very definition of

underdevelopment. So, a policy agenda that focuses • Both the countries pushed for the dismantling of
on increasing the role of the state may well be agriculture subsidies and support given by developed
unrealistic. countries to their agriculture sector. India, Brazil, and
• The solutions to the new growth and development South Africa built a coalition of developing countries,
challenges in emerging markets will have to be which resulted in establishing the G20 group on
indigenous, rather than coming from Western agriculture.
institutions. Building and maintaining among national • India and Australia are partners in the trilateral Supply
policymakers the sort of open, self-confident Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) arrangement along
intellectual capacity that Gandhi espoused could well with Japan which seeks to enhance the resilience of
be the next development challenge. supply chains in the Indo-Pacific.
INDIA AND THE GLOBAL SOUTH • However, India has been largely inactive in the Group
• India is focusing on strengthening ties with strategic of 77 (G-77) — now a 134-member group of
and economic partners, including through new developing economies. India last hosted a G-77
innovative formats as it has realised the shortcomings meeting in New Delhi in the 1980s. However, India has
in the global international architecture. been very keenly engaging with forums like G7, G20,
BRICS, SCO etc. and trilaterals and quadrilaterals like
• The persistent unwillingness of Big Five (US, Russia,
Quad, Japan-America-India (JAI), Russia-India-China
China, France, and UK) to reform UN governance and
(RIC).
let India into the UN Security Council, despite
occasional endorsement of India’s claims. • Thus, a recalibration of Indian foreign policy in alliance
with the trends of global south and as an anchor state
• Western deglobalization and disinterest in reform of
is the need of the hour, to boost its credentials as
multilateral financial and trade organisations (IMF, WB
global power.
& WTO).
• Failure on the part of the US, EU, China, and Japan to
address the problem of mounting external debt LOW EMPHASIS ON
burden of developing countries and climate change.
• Unleashing of an East-West power struggle, brought to
INTERNATIONAL LAW IN
a head by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, imposing huge
costs on developing economies.
INDIA
• India’s focus on reform of multilateralism,
#International Organisations
international finance and trade, climate change,
developing country external debt, energy and food India since its independence has played an active role in
prices during pre-LPG reforms in India. As a low
international affairs and maintained cordial relations with
middle income country seeking rapid economic
different countries. India has played decisive and important
development India remains well placed to be the
role at various international forum such as United Nations
“Voice of the Global South”.
General Assembly, different multilateral forums (G-20,
• India and China have put forth a united front in BRICS, QUAD, IBSA etc.). India has played an active role in
negotiations with developed world at global
shaping international law on terrorism by proposing a
institutions like WTO, IMF, WB. This synergy between
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism
India and China became evident during Doha rounds
(CCIT) and initiated International Solar Alliance towards
of negotiation. And since then, increased into other
harnessing renewable energy. Despite many successes in the
fields concerning the global south. Global legislation
field of international relations, India has not utilized
on climate change is the latest field where south-
International Law effectively in its advantage. Thus, this
south cooperation is conspicuous.
article suggests that India’s ambition of punching above its

weight in international affairs cannot be accomplished • Neglected Discipline: Academically, international law
without its investing in International Law. has largely remained a neglected discipline in the last
CONCERNS ON NOT UTILISING INTERNATIONAL LAW 75 years.
BY INDIA • Lack of Investment: Government has failed to fund

research in international law. This has further resulted
• Lack of use of vocabularies by India in International
in lack of investment by universities to develop
Law
International Law discipline.
o For example, India has hesitated in calling out
• Funds of MEA used for international relations & not
Chinese transgressions of India’s sovereignty.
International Law: The MEA funds research centres
o On addressing international breach by Pakistan, such as the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
India did not mention “international law” However, the ICWA focuses largely on the study of
transgressions. international relations, not international law. China on
o India has not used international courts to hold the other hand has poured in massive resources to
Pakistan accountable for its breach of international build the capacity of its universities in international
law. law, which has also benefited the Chinese
government. No such initiative
o India did not challenge Pakistan’s denial of Most
Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India at the World • No Indian Journals in Internal Law in top category:
Indian Society of International Law (ISIL), established
Trade Organization.
in 1959, was supposed to become a centre of
• Lack of use of International Law in conduct of
excellence for research in international law. However,
diplomacy: It has resulted in India’s failure to develop
ISIL has failed in producing worthwhile research in
and contribute new international law doctrines, international law. Its flagship journal, the Indian
interpretations and principles that suit its national Journal of International Law (IJIL), is nowhere close to
interests (except few initiatives such as the CCIT and the top international law journals in the world despite
ISA). being over 60 years old. In contrast, the Chinese
REASONS FOR NOT USING INTERNATIONAL LAW Journal of International Law launched just two
EFFECTIVELY decades back, is one of the top-ranked journals in the
world.
• India’s foreign service is heavily populated by
generalist diplomats who are wedded to the theories • International law academicians, on their part, have
of international relations. failed to popularise international law: This is in stark
contrast to academicians in international relations and
• Legal & Treaties (L&T) Division Grossly understaffed:
social sciences who write for the masses, not just for
L&T functions under Ministry of External Affairs and
specialised audiences.
investigates the aspects of international law.
SUGGESTIONS
However, the division is grossly understaffed and
lawyers practising international law find it more • To overcome the fragmentation-related problems, a
attractive to join the government as a generalist parliamentary committee report in 2016

recommended creation of a ‘Department of
diplomat rather than as a lawyer under the division.
International Law’ under Ministry of Law & Justice.
• Fragmentation of decision making in international law:
• Parliamentary committee in 2021 recommended that
for example – on bilateral trade in crude oil and coal
the MEA establish chairs for research in international
mining, Ministry of Trade & Commerce is involved
law in universities.
along with Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Coal,
India’s ambition of punching above its weight in
Ministry of Environment along with Ministry of
international affairs cannot be accomplished without its
External Affairs.
investing in international law.

Prelims Snippets
FARZAD B GAS FIELD SOKH
Iran offers ONGC Videsh 30% stake in the Farzad-B gas • It is a region inside the Fergana Valley which is claimed
field. In 2021, India suffered a setback when Iran offered by both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Recently, two
the gas field to its domestic giant Petropars, due to groups from the countries targeted and confronted
dispute regarding setting up of two pipelines plus over each other at the borders, wherein then violent
the issue of cost. Iran also moved out of the nuclear deal clashes tock more than 100 lives.
and concluded that it will involve India at later stages of • Fergana Valley is claimed by Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and
development. Farzad B gas field is in the Persian Gulf. Kyrgyzstan.
(Off-shore natural gas field in Farsi Island of IRAN).
practice questions
MCQ’s
Q.1) The region of Sokh recently in news is part of Q.3) Consider the following statements about L.69
which of the following regions? Group:
(a) Central Asia (b) Middle East 1. This group contains 69 countries.
(c) North Africa (d) Southeast Asia. 2. It aims to comprehensive and lasting reforms of
UN Security Council.
Q.2) FARZAD-B Gas field recently in news is located Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
in? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) Persian Gulf (b) Red Sea (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Caspian Sea (d) Mediterranean Sea

Q.4) Consider the following statements: (a) It is a precursor to the conclusion of a Free Trade
1. Kushiyara river and Surma River are both Agreement.
tributaries of Barak River. (b) It is related to an agreement between farmers and
2. Barak River originates in Arunachal Pradesh. corporates for corporate farming.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) It is related to agreements between agricultural
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only insurance companies and farmers to estimate
crop loss.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) It is related to deal between farmers to cut the
paddy earlier to reduce stubble burning.
Q.5) Consider the following statements about Early
Harvest Agreement:
Q1. Discuss the role of Water Cooperation in between India and Bangladesh. What are the impediments have
prevented India from sorting out river water issues with Bangladesh.
Q2. Discuss the role India can play as the leader of Global South.
Answers: 1-a, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d, 5-d

SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
# GS Paper I & GS Paper II (Main)
GENDER PAY GAP

be available only to women with the highest levels
of education. Because there is a limited supply of
#Gender Issues such jobs, women with moderate levels of
education are left out of the labour market.
o Although, as per the AISHE report, the Gross
The third International Equal Pay Day was recently observed enrolment ratio of women increased in Higher
on September 18. In this context, let us analyse the reasons education, their representation in STEM is
for the Gender pay gap in India. significantly lower than men.
International Labour Organisation's "India Wage Report" • Occupational segregation: Lack of skills required to get
highlights that low pay and wage inequality remain a gainful employment in the manufacturing sector and
serious challenge to India’s path to achieving decent Digital Economy and Gender socialisation from
working conditions and inclusive growth. Indian women childhood resulted in the concentration of female
earned, on average, 48% less compared to their male labour in sectors like beauty, retail, hospitality etc,
counterparts in 1993-94. Since then, the gap declined to which offers less pay compared to men working in
28% in 2018-19 as in the labour force survey data of the mechanised, technologically advanced sectors.
National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). • Feminisation of Informal sector: Women's employment
ABOUT GENDER PAY GAP in India is overwhelmingly informal. As per PLFS-2017-
Gender Pay gap is essentially the average difference 18, Over 90% of all women workers are employed in
between the remuneration received by working men the informal economy, which offers less wages
and women. Gender Pay gap is different from unequal compared to the formal sector.
pay. Unequal pay refers to situations where women are • Low bargaining power: Inadequate skill, unorganised
paid less than men for doing the same work. The gender nature of employment and lack of trade unionism
pay gap, on the other hand, is a measure of the gap in reduce the bargaining power of the women labour
the overall earnings of men and women. It is calculated force to demand higher wages.
by considering several parameters applied to the total • Part-time nature of employment: Due to domestic work
number of employed members of both genders. burden, women tend to choose part-time work, which
REASONS BEHIND GENDER PAY-GAP reduces their income potential.
• Education and skill gap: • Glass ceiling: Glass ceiling refers to intangible
o According to the 2011 census, the overall male discriminatory barriers that prevent women, though
literacy in India was 80.89%, whereas women's qualified, from rising to higher positions in a
literacy rate was just 64.64%. corporation. The OECD concluded that about 60% of
the gender pay gap is the result of a glass ceiling.
o The increased female literacy rate over the period
didn’t result in an increased female labour WAY FORWARD
participation rate. Once they attain the moderate • Promoting equal pay for equal work: Equal pay for men
level of education, women do not work in manual and women needs to be promoted through the
labour and there is an increase in demand for effective implementation of laws, enhancing
white-collared jobs among them. These jobs would

Society and Social Justice
awareness, and combating gender-based stereotypes Since this provision was highly restricting the
about women’s roles and aspirations. reproductive rights of women, a law was passed to give
exemptions from the above criminal provision.
• Formalising the informal economy: The pay gap
between workers in the informal and formal sectors MEDICAL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY ACT (1971)
can be reduced by incentivising enterprises to make This act allowed voluntary termination of pregnancy
the transition from the informal to the formal under the following conditions:
economy. • Continuation of the pregnancy would involve a risk to

the life of the pregnant woman or cause grave injury
• Sharing of Cost of maternity benefits: Government
to her physical or mental health.
should share the cost of maternity benefits provided
• Substantial risk that the child, if born, would be
by the small firms so that they do not reduce the
seriously handicapped due to physical or mental
wages of female employees to compensate for the
abnormalities.
costs incurred.
• Pregnancy is caused by rape.
• Digital literacy: Reduce the digital divide between men
• Pregnancy is due to the failure of contraceptive in a
and women so that women can accept the married woman.
opportunities in the future digital economy on par
• Maximum time limit to terminate the pregnancy – 20
with men. weeks.
• Mandatory disclosure of pay gap: Make it mandatory Though the law granted abortion rights to some extent,
for organizations employing more than fifty there were some issues with it and there was the need
employees to disclose gender pay gap data. This will for an amendment.
help us gauge the level of the actual problem, make NEED FOR AMENDMENT OF MTP ACT,1971
employers acknowledge the existence of the gender • Unsafe abortions: Rigid conditions and time-limit for
pay gap and prod them to take remedial steps. termination of pregnancy legally forced many to
Closing the gender pay gap is key to achieving social resort to illegal unsafe abortions.
justice for working women and eventually realising the Ex: According to a study published in the Lancet
sustainable development goal of Gender equality (SDG- Global Health, 15.6 million abortions occurred in India
in 2015 of which 78% of these were outside health
5).
facilities.
• Time delay at Judiciary: Those who wish to terminate
MEDICAL TERMINATION pregnancy beyond the legal time limit had to seek
court permission. This often leads to judiciary delay
OF PREGNANCY and prevent women from terminating their
pregnancy at the right time.
#Gender Issues
• Technological advancements: Most of the foetal
anomalies that are detected late and MTP Act, 1971,
In a historic judgment, Supreme Court extended abortion had not kept pace with the changing times, needs and
rights to unmarried and single women with pregnancies advancements in medical science. With the
between 20 and 24 weeks, allowing them to access safe and advancement of medical technology, there is a scope
legal abortion care on par with their married counterparts. to increase the upper limit for terminating
pregnancies especially for vulnerable women, and in
ABORTION LAWS IN INDIA
cases of severe foetal abnormality.
• Under the Indian Penal Code, voluntarily causing a
• Discriminatory to unmarried women: Lack of choice for
woman with a child to miscarry is an offence
abortions to unmarried women due to failure of
attracting a jail term of up to three years or a fine or
contraception.
both, unless it was done in good faith where the
purpose was to save the life of the pregnant woman.

Keeping in view of these challenges, an amendment was LIMITATIONS OF MEDICAL TERMINATION OF

made to the Act in 2021. PREGNANCY (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2021
CHANGES INTRODUCED IN THE MTP AMENDMENT • Section 19 of the POCSO Act requires any person
ACT, 2021 aware of a minor engaging in sex to report the matter
• Increased legal time limit: Increased the time-period for to the local police even if it was a consensual act as
abortion from 12 weeks to 20 weeks with the advice the law pegs the age of consent at 18 years. Often,
of one registered medical practitioner (RMP) and they are denied safe and legal termination of
allows abortion beyond 20 weeks for rape survivors pregnancy due to fear of police harassment.
and beyond 24 weeks in case of substantial foetal • There is no change in the process for terminating
abnormalities thereby preventing illegal abortions pregnancies due to rape that have crossed the 24-
beyond 20 weeks through quacks involving risk to week limit and the only recourse left is to get
maternal health. permission from SC/HC through a writ petition.
Time since Requirement for terminating • Lack of government healthcare clinics or medical
conception pregnancy professionals in remote areas leads to the prevalence
MTP of illegal abortion facilities thereby defeating the
MTP Act, purpose of the MTP Act.
(Amendment) Bill,
1971
2020 • Lack of awareness among women related to abortion
Up to 12 weeks Advice of one Advice of one laws in the country.
doctor doctor For achieving safe and legal abortions under the MTP
12 to 20 weeks Advice of two Advice of one Act, the government must increase the institutional
doctors doctor abortion facilities in remote areas and generate
20 to 24 weeks Not allowed Two doctors for awareness among women about their reproductive
some categories of rights through ASHA and ANMs.
pregnant women
More than 24 weeks Not allowed Medical Board in
case of substantial ISSUES IN URBAN
Any time during the One doctor,
foetal abnormality
if immediately
PLANNING IN INDIA
pregnancy necessary to save pregnant #Urbanisation
woman's life
• Equal rights to unmarried women: It replaced “any
married woman” with “any woman” undergoing The recent demolition of the 100-metre-tall twin towers of
Noida throws light on the issues of unplanned urbanisation
termination of pregnancies resulting from
in general, and unauthorised constructions, in metropolitan
contraception failures, thus destigmatising
cities.
pregnancies outside marriage and accepting modern-
day relationships. INTRODUCTION
• Reduces delay by setting up of Medical Boards: The Urbanization is intrinsic to development and serves as a
amendment sets up state-level Medical Boards to major driver of economic growth. Indian cities occupy
decide if pregnancy may be terminated after 24 just 3% of the nation’s land, but their contribution to
weeks in cases of substantial foetal abnormalities. Gross Domestic Product is around 65%.
• Confidentiality: Medical practitioners are barred from As per the Census of India 2011, India has an
urbanisation level of 31.1%, which is poised to accelerate
revealing the identity of women who wants to
in the coming decades. Estimates indicate that about
terminate pregnancies thus ensuring their Right to
416 million people will be added as urban dwellers in
Privacy.
India between 2018 and 2050 (United Nations 2018); and
India will be 50% urban by 2050 (UN-Habitat, 2017).

However, despite huge investment, cities in India face GAPS IN URBAN PLANNING
many efficiency-and sustainability-related challenges viz. There are several ‘bottlenecks and systemic issues’
lack of land for affordable housing, congestion, traffic across the value chain of urban-planning capacity in
jams, wastage of water resources, flooding, and India, which include:
pollution among others. i. Urbanisation and Recognition of ‘Urban’ Areas: Half
Urban Agglomerations are a continuous spread of towns of around 8000 urban settlements in India are still
and outgrowths. As per Census 2011, urban India administratively ‘rural’. Lack of ‘urban’ status poses an
consists of 7933 settlements, classified broadly as institutional challenge in the planning and
statutory (4041) and census (3892) towns. management of these settlements that have already
attained urban characteristics. Moreover, the present
parameters that define and distinguish ‘urban’ and
‘rural’ areas had been devised decades ago.
ii. Lack of Planning of Cities: Presently, about 52% of
statutory towns and 76% of census towns do not
have any Master Plans to guide their spatial growth
and infrastructural investments. ‘Master Plans’ have
become static and do not adapt to continuous social
and economic changes taking place in cities and their
peripheries. Thus, despite ‘planning’, cities are
gripped with issues like traffic congestion, pollution,
flooding, and inefficient waste management.
DEFINITIONS ARE MENTIONED BELOW iii. Lack of Institutional Clarity: Transfer of urban-
1. Statutory Towns: Settlements notified under the law planning function from States elected urban local
by the concerned State/UT government and with local governments did not happen as was envisaged under
bodies such as municipal corporations, municipalities, 74th CAA 1992. Multiplicity of organisations dealing
with the planning of land and sectors like water,
municipal committees, etc., irrespective of their
sewerage, solid waste etc. has led to siloes of working
demographic characteristics.
and overlapping of functions. This leads to lack of
2. Census Towns: Settlements that are classified as accountability and coordination, time delays,
urban in the census after they have met the following resource wastage, etc.
criteria:
iv. Lack of Planners in Public Sector: There are less than
• Minimum population of 5,000. 4000 sanctioned positions for ‘Town planners’ in
• At least 75% of the male ‘main workers’ engaged in State town planning departments i.e., not even one
non-agricultural pursuits. planner per urban centre in India.
v. Limited role of Private Sector: As statutory planning
• Density of population of at least 400 persons per sq.
has been the role of public sector, the ecosystem of
km.
private sector in urban planning has remained
These are governed as villages and do not necessarily underdeveloped. Also, private sector failed to flourish
have urban local bodies. due to impediments like lack of fair contracting
3. Outgrowths: These are viable units, such as a village, practices, heavy-performance-bearing guarantees,
clearly identifiable in terms of their boundaries and lack of appropriate risk allocation etc.
locations. Outgrowths possess urban features in vi. Disconnect between Urban Planning and Urban Land
terms of infrastructure and amenities, such as pucca Records: City planning cannot be done without good
roads, electricity, etc., and are physically contiguous maps with clarity of land titles and ownership. The
with the core town of the urban agglomeration. fundamental challenge is the fragmented and poorly
recorded ownership of urban land.

WAY FORWARD heterosexual. This is done with the use of either

• Regular review of planning legislations to reassess psychiatric treatment, drugs, exorcism or even
parameters for urbanisation and make appropriate violence.
policy interventions. • The therapy is often offered by quacks with little
• Synergy and coordination among State level expertise in dealing with the issue. Such therapy
organisations dealing with spatial planning and land poses the risk of causing or exacerbating mental
administration for time-bound implementation of health conditions, like anxiety, stress and drug use
spatial plans. which can sometimes even lead to suicide.
• Technology-based solutions to bring more LGBTQ ISSUES
transparency and efficiency in Master Plan • Marginalization and Social Exclusion: Due to the stigma
preparation, implementation and monitoring. E.g., attached to sexual orientation, LGBTQ people are
Using a GIS-based map to dynamically reflect relegated to the margins of society. This
haphazard or unauthorized infrastructure built-ups. marginalisation often excludes them from accessing
• Clearly defined mandates and powers for plan basic services like education, healthcare, housing,
implementation, constitution and functioning of justice etc.
Metropolitan and District Planning Committees. • Homophobia: LGBTQ experience homophobic jokes,
• Ensure an adequate number of qualified urban hate crimes and physical attacks, discrimination in the
planners and dedicated capacity-building cells in workplace and negative media representation.
planning departments. • Psychological distress: Stigmatization, discrimination
• Encourage involvement of the private sector in and harassment in their daily lives have an impact on
planning for problem-solving, and innovation, and their Mental health.
addressing challenges of cities, towns, villages and • Poor economic condition: Dropping out of school due
their infrastructure. to harassment and discrimination at the workplace
• Heighten awareness about the significance of results in their poor socioeconomic status.
comprehensive urban planning, and its socio- • Criminalization: Lacking other means of support, many
economic benefits and mobilise finances for the LGBTQ youths are forced to turn to criminalized
development of urban infrastructure. activities to survive.
• Drug Addiction: LGBTQ people are more likely to use
LGBTQ ISSUES alcohol, tobacco and other substance abuse than the
general population.
#Vulnerable Sections
• Legal injustice: Homosexuality had been criminalised
till a few years ago. Even after it was decriminalised,
National Medical Commission (NMC) has written to all State there is still a lack of legal recognition for same-sex
Medical Councils banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ marriages.
and calling it “professional misconduct”. NMC followed the LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS
Madras High Court directive which prohibited any attempt • In 2014, the Supreme Court issued a sweeping
to medically “cure” or change the sexual orientation of judgment in NALSA vs Union of India, which held that
LGBTQ and had urged authorities to act against transgender people should be legally recognised
professionals involving themselves in any form or method of according to their gender identity, enjoy all
conversion therapy. fundamental rights, and receive special benefits in
CONVERSION THERAPY FOR LGBTQ education and employment.
• Conversion or reparative therapy is an intervention In 2018, the supreme court through its judgement in
aimed at changing the sexual orientation or gender Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India decriminalised
identity of an individual aimed at making them homosexuality under section 377 of IPC, as it is violative

of the right to freedom of life, privacy and equality of sexual minorities.
SNIPPETS FOR PRELIMS

UNDP HUMAN
• India’s expected years of schooling stand at 11.9
years, and the mean years of schooling are at 6.7
DEVELOPMENT INDEX years. GNI per capita level is $6,590.
#Index PM SHRI SCHOOLS

#Education #Scheme
India ranks 132 out of 191 countries in the annual
Human Development Index (HDI) 2021 released by the
United Nations Development Programme. On Teacher’s Day 2022, a new initiative PM SHRI Schools
(PM ScHools for Rising India) was launched.
ABOUT PM SHRI
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a total project

cost of Rs. 27360 crores for five years from 2022-23 to
2026-27.
• Aim: To develop more than 14500 schools across

India as PM SHRI Schools by strengthening select
existing schools being managed by Central
Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies.
KEY FEATURES
• PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the

National Education Policy 2020, act as exemplar
WHAT IS HDI?
schools and will offer mentorship to other schools in
• HDI measures the average achievement of a country
their vicinity.
in three basic dimensions of human development —
long and healthy life, education and a decent • Pedagogy: More experiential, holistic, integrated,
standard of living. play/toy-based, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented,
• It is calculated using four indicators — life expectancy learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible and
at birth, mean years of schooling, expected years of enjoyable.
schooling, and the Gross National Income (GNI) per • Focus: On achieving proficiency in learning outcomes
capita. for every child in every grade.
INDIA’S STATUS • Assessment: At all levels based on conceptual
• India’s HDI score of 0.633 in 2021 places it in the understanding and application of knowledge to real-
medium human development category. life situations and competency based.
• In India’s case, the drop in HDI can be attributed to
• Equipped with modern infrastructure including labs,
falling life expectancy at birth — 70.7 years to 67.2
smart classrooms, libraries, sports equipment, art
years.
room etc. which is inclusive and accessible.

• Developed as green schools with water conservation, meeting India’s commitment to end TB and leverage
waste recycling, energy-efficient infrastructure and Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities.
integration of organic lifestyle in the curriculum. ABOUT TUBERCULOSIS
• Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium
tuberculosis which commonly affects the lungs but
PM TB MUKT BHARAT can also affect other body parts.
ABHIYAN • TB is an infectious disease which spreads from person

to person through the air. However, it is treatable and
#Health curable.
• Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the vaccine for TB
disease.
President of India launched Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt
• India has less than 20 percent of the world's
Bharat Abhiyan to accelerate the country’s progress towards
population but has more than 25 percent of the total
Tuberculosis elimination by 2025. It is an initiative of
TB patients in the world.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have
• Nikshay Mitra initiative was also launched to ensure
set the target to eradicate TB by 2030. But the
additional diagnostic, nutritional, and vocational
Government of India has aimed for TB eradication by
support to those on TB treatment.
2025.
• Nikshay 2.0 portal will facilitate providing additional
patient support to improve the treatment outcome of
TB patients, augment community involvement in
practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Consider the following statements about (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Human Development Index:
1. It is released by World Bank. Q.3) Consider the following statements about PM
2. It does not consider income while measuring TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan:
development. 1. It is an initiative of Ministry of Health & Family
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Welfare.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. Nikshay 2.0 Portal will augment community
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 involvement in ending TB.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q.2) Consider the following statements about PM (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Shri Schools: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. It aims to develop all government schools on the
lines of New Education Policy. Q.4) Consider the following statements:
2. It functions under Ministry of Education. 1. In the Navtej Singh Johar case, Supreme Court
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? decriminalised homosexuality.

2. In the Nalsa case, Supreme Court held that 1. Abortion till 24 weeks have been allowed under
transgender persons be legally recognised. the Act, under special circumstances.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Equal rights of abortion were given to unmarried
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only women.
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971:
Descriptive Question
Q1. What is Gender Pay Gap? Why despite constitutional sanctions pay gap among genders continues to remain?
Suggest steps that can be taken to ameliorate the situation.
Q2. Urban planning is essential for sustainable urbanisation in India. Highlight the gaps in Urban planning in India
along with steps to improve urban planning in India.
Answers: 1-d, 2-b, 3-c, 4-c, 5-c

Geography, Environment,
Biodiversity & Disaster
Management
# GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III (Main)
PORTS AND THEIR IMPACT

o Breakwaters and landfills may change current
patterns and cause stagnation of water behind the
ON ECOLOGY structures.
o If municipal or industrial effluent flows into a port,
#Environment stagnant port water may deteriorate through a
dramatic increase of phytoplankton and a decrease
of dissolved oxygen, resulting from eutrophication
A deep-water port and terminal is being constructed at
of water, caused by effluents containing nutrient
Vizhinjam, near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The port
salts (chemical compounds including Nand P).
will cost more than Rs 7,500 crores. However, environmental
o Municipal sewage also brings coliform bacteria into
activists have been highlighting steep ecological,
the port and may cause unacceptable
environmental and social implications for the fragile ecology
contamination of the harbour.
of Western Ghats.
• Potential impacts on coastal hydrology
MAJOR SOURCES OF ADVERSE EFFECTS
o The location of a port may cause changes in current
a) Location of port connotes the existence of structures patterns and littoral drifts due to alteration of wave
or landfills and the position of the development site. refraction, diffraction and reflection.
b) Construction implies construction activities in the sea o The change of littoral drift may lead to erosion or
and on land, dredging, disposal of dredged materials, accretion in-shore zones. Altered currents or
and transport of construction materials reflected waves may endanger small ships
manoeuvring near structures.
c) Port operation includes ship-related factors such as
vessel traffic, ship discharges and emissions, spills and o The creation of a port may cause changes in river
leakage from ships; and cargo-related factors such as flow and waterfront drainage.
cargo handling and storage, handling equipment, • Potential impacts on bottom contamination
hazardous materials, waterfront industry discharges, o The location of a port may accelerate sediment
and land transport to and from the port. deposition in stagnant water behind structures and
cause contamination of the sea bottom. Sediment
ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS
deposition covers bottom biota and physical
• Potential impacts on water quality
habitat.

Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
o Eutrophication of water induces sedimentation of sometimes causing ethnic, cultural, tribal, or religious
dead plankton and changes the chemical conflicts with local people. Industrialization and
characteristics of bottom sediments, increasing modernization may change the cultural traditions of
organic matter, hydrogen sulphide, and the local community.
mobilization of harmful substances.
• Potential impacts on marine/coastal ecology
o The location of a port affects aquatic fauna and
URBAN FLOODS
flora through changes in water quality, coastal #Disaster #disaster management
hydrology and bottom contamination.
o Land reclamation from sea destroys bottom
Unprecedented heavy downpours in the month of
habitats and displaces fishery resources. Terrestrial
September, brought Bengaluru to its knees, battering civic
fauna and flora may be altered by the location of a
infrastructure. Roads were inundated, rainwater entered
port.
homes, flights were diverted, buses and other vehicles were
o Diminution of bottom biota is usually linked to a stranded, schools shut and boats deployed for rescue.
reduction of fishery resources, and occasionally to Urban flooding has become increasingly frequent in India's
an increase of undesirable species. major cities (Chennai floods, most recent in Bengaluru), with
o Deterioration of water quality usually gives rise to an increasing impact on life and property and an increased
changes in aquatic biota i.e. a decrease in the incidence of tropical diseases.
number of species and an increase in the quantity ABOUT URBAN FLOODING
of one or two specific species. Further deterioration
• Urban flooding is the inundation of built-up land,
may lead to the destruction of all kinds of aquatic
especially in highly populated urban areas, brought on
biota.
by heavy precipitation (on impermeable surfaces) that
• Potential impacts on visual quality: Visual quality of a exceeds the capacity of drainage systems.
project area is affected by the creation of a port, port
• Urban flooding is significantly different from rural
facilities, lighting, and other optical disturbances. The
flooding as urbanization leads to developed
landscape may be changed into an artificial scene of
catchments, which increases the flood peaks from 1.8
industrialization. Some port facilities may give an
to 8 times and flood volumes by up to six times.
unpleasant impression to people.
Consequently, urban flooding occurs very quickly due
to faster flow times.
• Urban areas are densely populated and people living
in vulnerable areas suffer due to flooding, sometimes
resulting in loss of life. It is not only the event of
flooding but the secondary effect of exposure to
infection also has its toll in terms of human suffering,
loss of livelihood and, in extreme cases, loss of life.
• Urban areas are centres of economic activities with
vital infrastructure which needs to be protected 24x7.
In most cities, damage to vital infrastructure has a
bearing not only on the state or country but it could
even global implications. Therefore, the management
Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose of urban flooding must be accorded top priority.
Seaport, also known as the Vizhinjam Port is an under-
• Increasing trend of urban flooding is a universal
construction port on the Arabian Sea coast at phenomenon and poses a great challenge to urban
Thiruvananthapuram.
planners. The impact of urban flooding can be
• Socio-cultural impacts: Building or expanding a port widespread, including temporary relocation of people,
often requires relocation of local community,

damage to civic amenities, deterioration of water and downstream of major and medium dams and
quality and risk of epidemics. island cities.
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR URBAN FLOODING: o Developing local networks for real-time rainfall data
• Meteorological Factors collection with a ‘Local Network Cell’ in the IMD

headquarters.
o Heavy Rainfall
o Use of Doppler Weather Radars to be expanded to
 More rains in short-time put stress on drains.
cover all urban areas in the country.
 Excess water gets logged in low-lying areas
o Establishing Technical Umbrella for Urban Flood
o Cyclonic storms
Forecasting and Warning at the National and state
o Small-scale storms levels.
o Cloudburst • Design and Management of Urban Drainage System
• Hydrological Factors o An inventory of existing stormwater drainage
o Synchronization of runoffs from various parts of system to be prepared. The inventory will be both
the watershed. watershed and ward-based.
o High tide impeding drainage. o Catchment to be basis for planning and designing
stormwater drainage systems in all ULBs
o Presence of impervious/ impermeable cover.
o Every building in an urban area must have
o High Soil moisture levels.
rainwater harvesting as an integral component of
o Low Natural surface infiltration rate.
the building utility.
o Absence of overbank flow, channel network.
o Low-lying areas in cities must be reserved for parks
• Human Factors and other low-impact human activities.
o Land use changes (e.g., surface sealing due to o Encroachments on the drain should attract penal
urbanization, deforestation) increase runoff and action.
sedimentation
• Urban Flood Disaster Risk Management
 Disappearance of natural water bodies (sinks)
o Annual Pre-monsoon desilting of all major drains.
o Encroachment of flood plain and thereby
o Urban Flooding must be dealt as a separate
obstructing flows
disaster, de-linking it from riverine floods, which
o Inefficiency or non-maintenance of flood affect rural areas.
management infrastructure
o Suitable interventions in drainage systems like
o Climate change affects magnitude and frequency of traps, trash racks can be provided to reduce the
precipitation and floods, and causes extreme amount of solid waste going into the storm sewers.
weather events
o Concept of Rain Gardens to be incorporated in
o Changing Urban micro-climate due to urban heat planning for public parks and on-site stormwater
island effect may enforce precipitation events management for larger colonies and sites that are
o Sudden release of water from dams located to be developed.
upstream of cities/towns o Efforts must be taken to protect, restore and revive
o Indiscriminate disposal of solid waste leads to all urban water bodies
blocked drainage systems • Capacity Development, Awareness Generation and
NDMA GUIDELINES ON URBAN FLOODING Documentation
• Early Warning System and Communication o Flood hazard assessments should be done based
o Create a National Hydro-meteorological Network, on projected future scenarios of intensities and

for providing early warning in all urban centres, duration of rainfall and land use changes.
particularly those located on riverbanks, upstream o Massive Public Awareness programmes covering
Solid Waste Disposal, problems of Encroachment,

Insurance etc. can be undertaken to improve urban • The app will facilitate panchayats with robust data,
flooding education. which can be further used for better planning of
• Strengthen Techno-Legal Regime: Stormwater works. Groundwater data could be used as a part of
drainage concerns to be made a part of all EIA norms. Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA planning exercises.
• Preparation of DM Plans: Detailed Incident Response
System, evacuation Plan, search and rescue plan etc. • The data can also be used for different kinds of
must be prepared for an effective response by state research and other purposes.
and civil society. WORKING OF JALDOOT APP
WAY FORWARD • This app will be used across the country to capture the
• An integrated approach should be adopted for water level of selected 2-3 wells in a village. Manual
sustainable urban planning. monitoring of water levels in open wells will be
• Empowering Urban Local Bodies in decision-making measured twice in a year, from 1st May to 31st May as
and planning of flood mitigation infrastructure. pre-monsoon water level and from 1st October to
• Focus on increasing resilience of communities and the 31st October for post-monsoon level for the same
adaptive capacity of our infrastructure is needed. well.
• Urban design and planning should be water sensitive • Jaldoots, that is, officers assigned to measure water
and take into consideration the topography, types of levels, should upload geo-tagged photographs
surfaces (pervious or impervious), natural drainage through the app on every occasion of measurement.
etc.
• This Mobile app will work in both online and offline
• Vulnerability analyses and risk assessments should
modes. Water level can be captured even without
form part and parcel of city master plans.
internet connectivity and captured date will be stored
• Disabling encroachment in sensitive zones through
in mobile and when mobile comes in the connectivity
robust anti-encroachment laws and providing
area, data will synchronize with the central server.
adequate affordable housing can help reduce number
of persons vulnerable to changing climate. • The regular data to be input by the Jaldoots would be
integrated with the database of National Water
• Prevent encroachment on the river basin & natural
lakes to ensure the natural flow of the water. Informatics Centre (NWIC), which can be used for
analysis and display of various useful reports for the
benefit of various stakeholders. Water level report,
JALDOOT APP Monsoon Report and Registered user report are
#Conservation available at JALDOOT web portal.
NEED TO LAUNCH JALDOOT APP
• The country has taken many steps to improve water
With rapidly declining water table threatening to push many
regions into drought, Union government launched a mobile management both in rural and urban areas, through
application — Jaldoot — jointly developed by Rural watershed development, afforestation, water body
Development and Panchayati Raj Ministries to monitor development and renovation, rainwater harvesting
groundwater levels across the country. and so on. However, the withdrawal of groundwater,
ABOUT JALDOOT APP as also the utilization of surface water sources has
• Jaldoot app will enable Gram Rojgar Sahayak (GRS) to reached critical levels in many parts of the country,
measure water level of selected wells twice a year resulting in significant depletion of water levels and
(pre-monsoon and post-monsoon). causing distress to the community, including farmers.
• In every village, an adequate number of measurement • Therefore, measurement and observation of levels of
locations (2-3) shall need to be selected. These will be water tables across the country have become a
representative of the groundwater level in that village. necessity.

ABOUT NATIONAL WATER INFORMATICS CENTRE IMPROVE WATER USE EFFICIENCY

• It was set up by Union Government in 2018 to • Improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce
function as a central repository of updated water data wastage of water and enhance the adoption of
and allied themes. precision irrigation and other water-saving
• The Centre provides timely and reliable water technologies (More crop per drop).
resources data acquisition, storage, collation & • Enhance the recharge of aquifers and introduce
management and tools for informed decision-making sustainable water conservation practices by exploring
for the management of water resources. the feasibility of
• It is created as a subordinate office under the Ministry o Reusing treated municipal wastewater for peri-
of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, RD & urban agriculture.
GR. o Attract greater private investment in precision
OBJECTIVES irrigation system.
• Collection of available data from varied sources,
generate new database, organise in standardized GIS
format and provide scalable web-enabled information
RANIPUR TIGER RESERVE
system. #Conservation
• Maintaining, updating, collating and disseminating
water data and information.
Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved the notification of Uttar
• Sharing of hydro-meteorological data amongst central
Pradesh’s fourth tiger reserve in the Ranipur Wildlife
and state government organisations and other
Sanctuary (RWS) in Chitrakoot district under the Wildlife
stakeholders of water & public.
(Protection) Act of 1972. While this wildlife sanctuary does
• Provide tools to create value-added maps by way of not host tigers of its own, it is often frequented by tigers
multilayer stacking of GIS database to provide an from the neighbouring Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya
integrated view of the water resources scenarios, and Pradesh. Hence. we should learn that possessing a tiger is
• Collaborate with national/ international research not a prerequisite for declaration of Tiger Reserve.
institutes. • Panna Tiger Reserve and Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary
are situated close to each other and the latter is an
important corridor for the movement of tigers.
• The new tiger reserve has tropical deciduous forests
and hosts fauna like tigers, leopards, sloth bears,
spotted deer, sambhar and chinkara.
• This is the fourth tiger reserve in Uttar Pradesh, after
Dudhwa, Pilibhit and Amangarh (buffer of Corbett
Tiger Reserve).
• This is the first tiger reserve in the Bundelkhand
region, which spans across the states of Uttar Pradesh
and Madhya Pradesh.
• The state government is now planning to set up
Ranipur Tiger Conservation Foundation to protect
tigers in the region.
• According to the NTCA’s 2018 estimates, India hosts
nearly 3,000 tigers.
• Uttar Pradesh houses 173 tigers, with Dudhwa
National Park having the highest population.

TIGER RESERVES IN INDIA jurisdiction of the National Tiger Conservation

• India currently has 53 tiger reserves. They are Authority (NTCA).
governed by Project Tiger, which comes under • Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to protect Bengal
tiger population in its natural habitat.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROTECTED AREAS
Type of Protected Declaration of Protected Authority who regulates the

Permission of Centre
Areas Areas Protected Area
State Government to If any part of the territorial The Chief Wildlife Warden shall
constitute an area as waters is to be so included be the authority who shall
sanctuary by notification within the sanctuary, the control, manage and maintain
Sanctuaries (Such area should not be respective State all sanctuaries
comprised within any reserve Government shall obtain State Government shall appoint
forest or territorial waters) prior concurrence of the a Collector to determine rights
Central Government of persons within the sanctuary
State Government can If any part of the territorial State Government shall appoint
declare an area as National waters is to be so included a Collector to determine rights
Park which is either within a within the National Park, the of persons within the National
sanctuary or outside it. respective State Park
Reasons – If the area has Government shall obtain The Chief Wildlife Warden shall
ecological, faunal, floral, prior concurrence of the be the authority to ensure
geomorphological or Central Government. destruction, damage or
zoological association or diversion of wildlife does not
importance for the purpose take place
of protecting, propagating Permission of National Board
or developing wildlife for Wildlife when required?
therein or its environment.
(i) Alteration of Boundaries of
National Parks
National Park; or
(ii) removal of wildlife from the
National Park; or
(iii) the change the flow of water
into or outside the National
Park which is necessary for the
improvement and better
management of wildlife
National Board for Wildlife is
constituted by Central
Government and is chaired by
the Prime Minister of India
The State Government Where the conservation The State Government shall
declare any area owned by reserve includes any land constitute a conservation
Conservation the Government after owned by the Central reserve management
Reserve consulting with local Government, its prior committee to advise the Chief
communities particularly concurrence shall be Wildlife Warden to conserve,
the areas adjacent to obtained. manage and maintain the

National Parks and conservation reserve.

sanctuaries and those areas
which link one protected
area with another, as a
conservation reserve for
protecting landscapes,
seascapes, flora and fauna
and their habitat.
The State Government may The State Government shall

declare any private or constitute a Community
community land not Reserve management
comprised within a National committee, which shall be the
Park, sanctuary or a authority responsible for
conservation reserve, as a conserving, maintaining and
community reserve, for managing the community
protecting fauna, flora and reserve.
Community Reserve
traditional or cultural The committee shall consist of
conservation values and five representatives nominated
practices. by the Village Panchayat/Gram
Sabha and one representative
of the State Forests or Wildlife
Department under whose
jurisdiction the community
reserve is located.
When can Central Government notify any areas as Sanctuary or National Park?
• When an area which is not already within a sanctuary or national park is transferred or leased by the state to the
centre, then the Centre can notify such area as Sanctuary or National Park.
• In relation to a sanctuary or National Park declared by the Central Government, the powers and duties of the Chief
Wildlife Warden shall be exercised and discharged by the Director or by such other officer as may be authorised by
the Director in this behalf.
The State Government shall, National Tiger Conservation

on the recommendation of Authority (NTCA) constituted by
the Tiger Conservation Central Government. It is
Authority, notify an area as chaired by Minister in charge of
a tiger reserve. the Ministry of Environment
and Forests.
No State Government shall

Tiger Reserve de-notify a tiger reserve, NTCA shall approve the Tiger
except in public interest Conservation Plan prepared by
with the approval of the the State Government
Tiger Conservation
Authority and the National
Board for Wildlife.

FLY ASH UTILIZATION

makeup of the soil. The granular property of Fly Ash
can enhance the shrink-swell properties of soil,
#Pollution enabling subgrade pavements and foundations to be
built.
• Creation of Asphalt Concrete: Asphalt concrete is a
Electricity generation in the country is and would remain
composite material consisting of an asphalt binder
predominantly coal-based. Indian coal is having a high ash
and mineral aggregate commonly used to surface
content of the order of 30-45%, generating large quantities
roads. Fly ash can typically be used as a mineral filler
of fly ash at coal/lignite-based thermal power stations in the
to fill the voids and provide contact points between
country. The management of fly ash has thus been a matter
larger aggregate particles in asphalt concrete mixes.
of concern given the requirement of a large area of land for
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS ABOUT FLY ASH
its disposal because of its potential of causing pollution of
air and water. • Groundwater Contamination: Coal, which is a
component of Fly Ash, contains elements such as
• Fly ash earlier considered to be “hazardous industrial
arsenic, barium, boron, selenium and mercury, most
waste” material, is now considered to be a useful and
of which are toxic to human and animal life. Thus, fly
saleable commodity.
ash obtained after combustion of the coal has
• The objectives of this notification are to protect the
potential to pollute groundwater.
environment, conserve the topsoil, prevent the
• Ecological Impact: Ecological effect of fly ash will
dumping of fly ash from thermal power stations on
depend on the type of factory and thermal power
land and promote the utilization of ash in the
plant discharge at play. This is due to the different
manufacture of building materials and construction
chemical makeup of the coal based on the geological
activity.
makeup of the environment. Thus, the fly ash that will
COMPOSITION OF FLY ASH
be deposited on the topsoil will affect the plants and
• The main components of fly ash are believed to be animals in the surrounding area.
SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 and occasionally CaO as well. Fly
ash material solidifies while suspended in exhaust Ash produced by thermal power plants is a proven
gases. resource material for many applications of construction
industries and currently is being utilized in the
• The minerals contained in fly ash are just as diverse.
manufacture of Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), fly ash
Materials like quartz, mullite and the iron oxides
bricks/blocks/tiles manufacturing, road embankment
hematite, magnetite and/or maghemite.
construction & low-lying area development, in agriculture
• Fly ash is classified as Class F and Class C by the as soil conditioner etc.
American Society for Testing and Materials. The
Efforts to make optimum utilization of fly ash as an
difference between them is the amount of calcium,
environmentally sustainable and economically viable
aluminium and iron content. The chemical makeup of
product:
the fly ash is largely determined by the chemical
content of the coal burnt. • GST rates on fly ash and its products have been
reduced to 5%.
USES OF FLY ASH
• Facilitate 100% ash utilization by all coal-based
• Construction of Embankments: Fly Ash is used as a
thermal power plants, a web portal for monitoring fly
construction material for embankments. Fly ash has a
ash generation and utilization data of Thermal Power
large uniformity coefficient and clay-sized particles.
Plants and a mobile-based application titled
Engineering properties of embankments with the help
“ASHTRACK” has been launched by the Government
of Fly Ash are compaction characteristics, shear
that will help to establish a link between fly ash users
strength, compressibility, permeability, and frost
and power plants executives for obtaining fly ash for
susceptibility.
its use in various areas.
• Soil Stabilization: Soil stabilisation is a process of
• Ashpark has been developed and an awareness
permanently altering the physical and chemical
program for utilisation of fly ash and its products has

been conducted. o The system gives much-needed relief to ordinary

courts of law, which are already overburdened with
numerous suits.
NATIONAL GREEN o Expert knowledge on a specialized subject through

specialism, which reduces time and cost.
TRIBUNAL So, we can say that the ‘Tribunalisation of justice’ is
driven by the recognition that it would be cost-effective,
#Environmental law
accessible and give scope for utilising expertise in
various fields.
NGT has issued many important orders in the month of ABOUT TRIBUNALS
September.
Tribunals were not part of the original constitution, it was
IMPORTANT ORDERS ISSUES BY NGT IN SEPTEMBER incorporated into the Indian Constitution by the 42nd
Amendment Act, of 1976.
• National Green Tribunal directed the Municipal
Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGMA) to prepare • Article 323-A deals with Administrative Tribunals.
a report on how to scientifically manage waste that • Article 323-B deals with tribunals for other matters.
has been dumped in the salt pans in Mumbai, So, there are tribunals for settling various administrative
Maharashtra. and tax-related disputes, including Central
• NGT directed the Central Pollution Control Board Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Income Tax Appellate
(CPCB) to issue guidelines for utilisation of marble Tribunal (ITAT), Customs, Excise and Service Tax
slurry and prevent its unregulated dumping. Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), National Green Tribunal
(NGT), Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) and
• Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) was directed by
Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), among others.
the NGT to undertake a detailed survey of all
CONCERNS WITH TRIBUNALS
aquaculture hatcheries along the coastline of Tamil
Nadu and Puducherry. CAA should ensure • Violation of Doctrine of Separation of Powers:
compliance with CRZ Notification, 2011 and other o Tribunal is not a court of law and is controlled and
applicable acts, including CAA Act, 2005, the Air Act manned partly by the Executive which is against the
1981 and the Water Act 1974. principle of separation of powers and allows the
Executive to perform adjudication functions.
• NGT noted that steps are not being taken to stop
illegal mining in the Shahpur and Shamli districts of o Executive is also largest litigant in the country,
Uttar Pradesh. It directed the district magistrates and which creates a conflict-of-interest situation.
the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to take • Inadequate constitutional protection: Tribunals do not
further action and file an action taken report within enjoy same constitutional protection as high courts as
two months. the appointment process and service conditions of
high court judges are not under control of the
NEED OF TRIBUNALS executive.
• Flexibility: Administrative adjudication has brought • Undermining Authority of Judiciary: Tribunals have
about flexibility and adaptability in the judicial process largely replaced high courts for disputes under the
as they are not restrained by rigid rules of procedure various Acts. An aggrieved, by an order of an appellate
and can remain in tune with the varying phases of tribunal, can directly appeal to the SC, sidestepping
social and economic life. the HC.
• Less Expensive: They are set up to be less formal, less • Increasing Pendency:
expensive, and a faster way to resolve disputes than o Average pendency across tribunals is 3.8 years with
by using the traditional court system. 25% increase in the size of unresolved cases while
• Relief to Courts: pendency in high courts is 4.3 years.

UNITED NATIONS WORLD

o Due to scant geographic availability across the
country, tribunals are not as accessible as high
courts. This makes justice expensive and difficult to
access.
WATER DEVELOPMENT
• Overlapping Jurisdiction: Various tribunals are REPORT OF 2022
functioning under various ministries and departments
creating a sort of confusion concerning management
#Water
of the tribunals. Also, there are multiple tribunals
performing functions of similar nature.
UNESCO’s World Water Development Report of 2022 has
• Huge vacancies in dozens of tribunals have defeated encapsulated global concern over the sharp rise in
the very purpose for which these specialized quasi- freshwater withdrawal from streams, lakes, aquifers and
judicial forums were created. human-made reservoirs, impending water stress and water
WAY FORWARD scarcity being experienced in different parts of the world.
• Government must not see the NGT as a roadblock to GROWING WATER STRESS
its work. India is a supporter of environmental • Water Scarcity Clock, an interactive webtool, shows
protection in global affairs. It must be followed within that over two billion people live in countries now
the country. experiencing high water stress; the numbers will
• NGT can be a facilitator in sustainable development continue to increase.
minimizing the cost of environmental degradation. • Global Drought Risk and Water Stress map (2019)
But for that to happen the systemic issues with NGT shows that major parts of India, particularly west,
must be removed. central and parts of peninsular India are highly water
• Wildlife act and Forest Rights act must be brought stressed and experience water scarcity.
under ambit of NGT to synergize environmental • A NITI Aayog report, ‘Composite Water Management
adjudication process. Index’ (2018) has sounded a note of caution about the
• Vacancies of judges and experts must be filled worst water crisis in the country, with more than six
steadfastly and experts must be neutral with hundred million people facing acute water shortages.
experience in environmental research and activism. • Increasing trans-boundary transfer of water between
• NGT must be given tribunal powers to follow up on rural and urban areas has been noted in many
judgment and enforce its judgments for complete countries since the early 20th century. Globally, urban
justice to take place. water infrastructure imports an estimated 500 billion
• NGT must be provided with an intra-tribunal appeal in litres of water per day across a combined distance of
front of a larger bench instead of taking the case to 27,000km.
HCs or SC. • Urban Water Use
• Supreme Court must use its special leave jurisdiction o According to Census 2011, urban population in
under article 136 very conservatively as SC itself has India accounted for 34% of total population
declared in the past that environmental cases need distributed in 7,935 towns of all classes.
special expertise. o It is estimated that urban population component in
• More regional benches must be set up with a India will cross the 40% mark by 2030 and the 50%
balanced regional spread and Northeast must get its mark by 2050.
regional bench as it is an ecologically sensitive area o India is urbanising at a rapid pace, this will increase
where large developmental work is going on. the per capita use of water. It will put strain on
• NGT itself must become forthcoming by recognizing already declining water resources.
organizations, experts, and activists working in o Greater urbanisation will lead to greater discharge
environmental protection, and must collaborate with of groundwater from surrounding areas - this will
them.

AIR POLLUTION
also impact agriculture in the vicinity of mega
cities.
o Mega cities in water deficient areas will have to #Pollution
depend upon canals other than ground water
extraction.
United Nations General Assembly has designated 7th
o Inter-state use of water through river-water canals
September as the “International Day of Clean Air’ for blue
will increase tension between states on water
skies” with an aim to raise awareness and to promote
sharing.
actions to improve air quality. This year, it raises awareness
o Increase in human settlement will increase water on the urgency of strengthening national action and regional
pollution flowing from sewers into river or sea. It collaboration to improve air quality, with the global theme
will become difficult to reuse polluted water. of "The Air We Share.”
PUSA BIO-DECOMPOSER
CAPSULES
#Pollution
Degrade paddy straws in the field (In-situ) and convert them

into compost in a rapid manner. PUSA Bio-decomposer has
been developed by Indian Agriculture Research
Institute(IARI), under ICAR.
HOW DOES IT WORK
• Decomposer Capsules contain seven different strains
of Fungi.
• Fungi produces essential enzymes that lead to
degradation of Paddy straws. AIR POLLUTION MEASUREMENT IN INDIA
• Need to be mixed with water, jaggery and Besan; Total Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) releases air
25 litres for one hectare quality standards in form of NAAQS (National Ambient
• Allowed to ferment and later sprayed on the paddy Air Quality Standards) which are notified for 12
parameters- carbon monoxide (CO) nitrogen dioxide
straws
(NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM) of
• Convert the paddy straws into organic manure less than 2.5 microns size (PM2.5), PM of less than 10
BENEFITS microns size (PM10), Ozone (O3), Lead (Pb), Ammonia
• Reduces the air pollution which arises due to stubble (NH3), Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP), Benzene (C6H6), Arsenic
(As), and Nickel (Ni)).
burning.
NAAQS does not meet the WHO’s existing standards
• Cheaper alternative: Only 4 Capsules worth Rs 5 each
and considerably differ from updated guidelines.
needed for one hectare of agricultural land.
For instance, NAAQS specify an annual limit of sixty
• Eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable microgram per cubic metre for PM 10 and 100 for a 24-
technique hour period which are 15 and 45 respectively in revised
• Enhances fertility and productivity of Soil. WHO guidelines.

NATIONAL CLEAN AIR PROGRAM criteria are being adhered. It also helps in identifying
• National Clean Air Program (NCAP) is a long-term, faulty standards and inadequate monitoring
time-bound, national level strategy to tackle the air programs.
pollution problem across the country in a • Impact assessment of policies/schemes: Help analysts
comprehensive manner with targets to achieve 20% to and other stakeholders to understand impact of policy
30% reduction in Particulate Matter concentrations by changes and make suitable changes, if required.
2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the • Alert people: Improves abilities to inform public about
comparison of concentration. hazards of air pollution. Thus, development of new
• Under NCAP, 122 non-attainment cities have been and more efficient air pollution measuring devices can
identified across the country based on the Air Quality help in enhancing health and safety of the public and
data from 2014-2018. the environment.
• The city specific action plans have been prepared • Scientific research: Reducing a large set of data to a
which, inter-alia, include measures for strengthening comprehendible form gives better insight to
the monitoring network, reducing vehicular/industrial researcher while conducting a study of some
emissions, increasing public awareness etc. environmental phenomena.
Implementation of the city specific action plans are LIMITATIONS OF AIR POLLUTION MEASUREMENT
regularly monitored by Committees at Central and
• Not comprehensive: Monitoring network does not
State level namely Steering Committee, Monitoring
cover majority of cities/towns in India.
Committee and Implementation Committee.
• Uncertainty and biases: Involvement of various
• Air quality of cities is monitored by State Pollution
monitoring agencies, personnel and equipment in
Control Boards which publishes their results from
sampling, chemical analyses and data reporting brings
time to time. Some Smart Cities have established
uncertainty and biases to the process.
Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs)
which are also connected to Air Quality Monitors • Possible disruptions in operations: Functioning of
(AQMs) for effective monitoring. monitoring stations may also get affected due to
various technical and operational aspects like long
IMPORTANCE OF MEASURING AIR POLLUTANTS
power cuts and maintenance problems causing
• Assessing level of pollutants: Measurements helps in disruption in continuous data flow and dissemination.
assessing the level of pollution in relation to the
• Gap in obtaining real-time data: Many cities lack of
ambient air quality standards.
real-time air quality monitoring stations in many cities
• Devising effective strategies: or have manual air quality monitoring stations which
o Helps in targeting the areas with the worst air take about three days to show the result.
pollution and focusing on the most polluting In the past decades, the monitoring infrastructure has
sources. grown leaps and bounds but is still nascent. Make sure
o Helps in forecasting of air quality (i.e., tracking the that the measurement framework remains effective, the
behaviour of pollutants in air) and enables standards need continuous updation, data gathering
evaluation of trade-offs involved in alternative air techniques must be more precise, data gathering
pollution control strategies. sources must be diversified and most importantly, more
• Enforcement of Standards: Helps in determining the awareness must be generated regrading importance and
extent to which the legislative standards and existing implications of this data.

practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Consider the following pairs: 2. Amangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the
1. Vizhinjam port: Kerala. periphery of Corbett National Park.
2. Mundra Port: Gujarat Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. Gangavaram Port: Andhra Pradesh (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
4. Dahej Port: Maharastra. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
How many of the pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs Q.4) World Water Development Report is published
(c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs by, which of the following agencies?
(a) World Economic Forum (b) UNESCO
Q.2) Consider the following statements about (c) World Bank (d) UNDP
Jaldoot App:
1. It aims to measure groundwater levels. Q.5) Consider the following statements about Pusa
2. It only functions when internet connectivity is Bio-decomposer:
available. 1. It is a bacterial mixture for in situ degradation of
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? stubble in the fields.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. It functions in anaerobic environment.
Q.3) Consider the following statements: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the
periphery of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
Q1. Highlight the major issues with National Green Tribunal. Also, suggest the steps required to make it more
effective.
Q2. Fly ash once thought of as a major environmental concern is today looked at as a resource. List out the possible
use cases of Fly Ash. What has been the steps taken by the government to mainstream the utilisation of Fly Ash?
Also, highlight the environmental concerns of Fly Ash.
Answers: 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-b, 5-d

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
NEW EMERGING DEFENSE

• Quantum technology could have other military
applications, such as quantum sensing, which could
TECHNOLOGIES theoretically enable significant improvements in

submarine detection, rendering the oceans
#Defence Technology “transparent.”
• Quantum sensing could also provide alternative
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE positioning and navigation options that could in
theory allow militaries to continue to operate at full
• Adoption of AI in defence enhances computational
performance in GPS degraded or GPS-denied
military reasoning for intelligence, surveillance, and
environments.
reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
BLOCKCHAIN
• Empowers autonomous weapon systems, thereby
reducing soldier casualties. • Blockchain provides data security while sharing data
with all concerned parties.
• Machine learning helps in test new military product
iterations and enable predictive maintenance for • Other applications of blockchain technology in the
military assets. industry include device tracking, streamlining the
• Deep fake technology could be used to generate false procurement process, and supply chain security.
news reports, influence public discourse, erode public • Smart contracts significantly reduce the risk of fraud
trust, and attempt blackmail of government officials. or corruption while dealing with defense contractors.
Deploying deep fake detection tools and labelling and • US-based startup Taekion develops technology for
authenticating content using AI is required. military data protection. It leverages blockchain to
• Israeli startup Axon Vision develops an AI-based secure defense data in tamper-proof storage.
decision-making engine. It detects, classifies, and
ADVANCED DEFENCE EQUIPMENT
estimates the whereabouts of threats in real-time.
• Hypersonic flights: Several countries, including USA,
• US-based startup Rebellion uses machine learning
Russia and China, are developing hypersonic
and the power of data to deter threats and drive
weapons—those that fly at speeds of at least Mach 5,
mission success.
or five times the speed of sound. In contrast to
BIG DATA ANALYTICS
ballistic missiles, which also travel at hypersonic
Militaries with the capabilities to extract the most vital speeds, hypersonic weapons do not follow a parabolic
data, accurately and quickly analyze it, and then rapidly ballistic trajectory and can manoeuvre en route to
disseminate the information will have a strategic their destination, making defence against them
advantage. To aid this, big data analytics unlocks insights
difficult.
from various data sources.
• Weapons to space militarization are underway.
QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
• Investments in battlefield electrification techniques
• Quantum computing finds applications in
through electric propulsion and hydrogen fuels for
cryptanalysis and running simulations for informed
military aircraft facilitate this transition.
decision-making.

Science & Technology
• Defense organizations are advancing research in military, and this strengthens the command-and-
biotechnology and nanotechnology for creating self- control structure.
healing armours and other innovative equipment. • In IoMT, sensing and computing devices worn by
DIRECTED ENERGY (DE) WEAPONS soldiers and embedded in their equipment collect a
• Directed energy (DE) weapons as those using variety of static and dynamic biometric data.
concentrated electromagnetic energy, rather than • US-based startup Geosite aggregates data from
kinetic energy, to “incapacitate, damage, disable, or different sources for both human and machine
destroy enemy equipment, facilities, and/or analysis. The startup’s collaborative military system
personnel.” uses satellites, IoT, and field sensors to build a
• DE weapons could offer low costs per shot, assuming common operating picture.
access to a sufficient power supply. CYBERWARFARE
• It enables an efficient and effective means of • Connected military equipment security, cyber
defending against missile salvos or swarms of protection for major institutions as well as in nuclear
unmanned systems. security are major areas of focus.
• Theoretically, DE weapons could also provide options • Prescriptive security technology uses cybersecurity, AI,
for missile intercept, given their speed-of-light travel and automation to detect potential threats and stop
time. them before they impact defensive cyber warfare
• High-powered microwave weapons, a subset of DE capabilities.
weapons, could be used as a non-kinetic • Militaries are developing offensive cyber warfare
• Means of disabling electronics, communications capabilities ranging from malware and ransomware to
systems, and improvised explosive devices, or as a phishing attacks.
nonlethal “heat ray” system for crowd control. IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES
ROBOTICS & AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS • Immersive technologies make it easy to build
• Protecting forces, increasing situational awareness, replicable and flexible experiences, such as for flight
reducing soldiers’ physical and cognitive workload as or combat training.
well as facilitating movement in challenging terrains • Start-ups use virtual reality (VR) to construct synthetic
are facilitated by Robots. training environments (STE). These experiences
• Robots facilitate landmine clearance, search rescue augment conventional training and mission rehearsal,
operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and logistics improving the readiness of soldiers and units.
support. • Augmented reality (AR) makes on-field soldiers more
• The use of drones also enhances battlefield situational effective in their missions. Wearable glasses or AR
awareness. headsets provide soldiers with mapping information,
movement markers, and other data. This enhances
• US-based startup Anduril offers an autonomous UAS
real-time situational decision-making for ground
for intelligent air support. The startup’s product,
forces.
Ghost, is an advanced drone system that uses edge AI
algorithms. • US-based startup GOVRED builds VR-based training
solutions for the military.
INTERNET OF MILITARY THINGS (IOMT)
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
• Applications of IoT in defense include connecting
ships, planes, tanks, drones, soldiers, and operating Reducing weight of defense equipment is crucial for
bases in a cohesive network. improving performance in speed, capacity, and fuel
consumption.
• This enhances perception, understanding in the field,
situational awareness, and response time. 3D printing
• Edge computing, AI, 5G and Big Data analytics support • Enables the production of components and parts
the smooth flow of data across all branches of the while utilizing significantly less material than
traditional manufacturing.

• Reduces production costs identification and enabling more sophisticated

• Enables new design engineering possibilities and autonomous weapons.
• Localized, on-demand production, reducing the • Emerging military technologies—particularly complex

logistical burden. systems such as AI and LAWS—could additionally
produce unintended consequences if they fail to
• Facilitates the creation of novel material combinations
perform as anticipated. These consequences could
for armors, self-heating military clothing, and
range from system failure to violations of the law of
ammunition.
armed conflict. In most extreme case, an autonomous
• Biotechnology could be used to create adaptive
weapon could continue engaging inappropriate
camouflage, cloaking devices, or lighter, stronger, targets until it exhausts its magazine, potentially over
and—potentially—self-healing body and vehicle a wide area, resulting in mass fratricide or civilian
armour.
casualties—a possibility that has led to call for a pre-
CHANGING NATURE OF WARFARE AND SECURITY emptive ban on LAWS.
STRATEGY
• Emerging military technologies could raise an array of
• Developments in technologies such as AI, big data ethical considerations. For example, some argued that
analytics, and lethal autonomous weapons could the use of LAWS would be inherently immoral—
diminish or remove the need for a human operator. regardless of whether the weapon could be used
This could, in turn, increase combat efficiency and legally—because a human operator would not make
accelerate the pace of combat—potentially with specific target selection and engagement decisions.
destabilizing consequences. Similarly, ethical concerns have been raised about
• Similarly, AI could be paired with 5G communications applications of biotechnology that involve human
technologies to enable virtual training environments testing or modification as well as weaponization of
or with biotechnology in a “brain-computer interface” biotechnology, which could potentially be used for
to enhance human cognition or control prosthetics or targeted genetic attacks.
robotic systems. Such developments could, in turn, CYBER INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DEALING WITH CYBER
require new strategies, tactics, and concepts of CRIMES
operation. • Electronic evidence is entirely different in nature when
• Emerging technologies such as low-cost drones could compared with evidence of traditional crime, laying
shift the balance between quality—upon which U.S. down standard and uniform procedures to deal with
military forces have traditionally relied—and quantity, electronic evidence is essential.
as well as between offense and defense. For example, • The broad ‘guidelines for the identification, collection,
swarms of coordinated, unmanned vehicles could
acquisition and preservation of digital evidence’ are
overwhelm defensive systems, providing a greater given in the Indian Standard IS/ISO/IEC 27037: 2012,
advantage to the attacker, while directed energy
issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
weapons that provide a low-cost means of
• Shortage of Technical staff: There have been half-
neutralizing such attacks, could favor the defender.
hearted efforts by States to recruit technical staff for
Thus, emerging technologies could shift the offense-
investigation of cybercrime. State governments need
defense balance multiple times over the coming
to build up sufficient capacity to deal with cybercrime.
decades.
It could be done either by setting up a separate cyber
• Interactions among emerging technologies could
police station in each district or range or having
improve existing military capabilities or enable new technically qualified staff in every police station.
capabilities—with unforeseen consequences for
• Upgrading Cyber labs: Cyber forensic laboratories of
warfighting and strategic stability. For example, an
States must be upgraded with the advent of new
enabling technology like AI could be paired with
technologies like - Crypto - currency etc. National
quantum computing to produce more powerful
Cyber Forensic Lab and Cyber Prevention, Awareness
methods of machine learning, potentially leading to
and Detection Centre (CyPAD) of Delhi Police should
improvements in image recognition and target
be replicated in other states.

• Need for Data Localisation: Most cybercrimes are o Virus: Most common type of malware. It can
trans-national in nature with extra-territorial execute itself and spread by infecting other
jurisdiction. Collection of evidence from foreign programs or files. Ex. Stuxnet: Malware that
territories is not only a difficult but also a tardy targeted Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities.
process. Data localisation’ must feature in proposed o Worm: A type of malware that can self- replicate
Personal Data Protection law so that enforcement without a host program. Worms typically spread
agencies are able to get timely access to the data of without any human interaction or directives from
suspected Indian citizens. the malware authors.
• Centre and States must not only work in tandem and o Trojan: A malicious program that is designed to
frame statutory guidelines to facilitate investigation of appear as a legitimate program. Once activated
cybercrime but also need to commit sufficient funds following installation, Trojans can execute their
to develop much awaited and required cyber malicious functions.
infrastructure.
o Spyware: A kind of malware that is designed to
TYPES OF CYBER-SECURITY THREATS collect information and data on users and observe
• Cyber Espionage: The act or practice of obtaining their activity without users’ knowledge.
secret information i.e., personal, sensitive, classified
Xafecopy
nature from individuals, competitors or governments
using malicious software such as Trojan horses and • A Trojan Malware.
spyware. Motive is to obtain secret information which • It is disguised as useful apps and operates normally.
could go against our national security. • Malware uses technology to bypass ‘captcha’ systems
• Cyber Attack: Targets computer information systems, designed to protect users by confirming the action is
infrastructures, computer networks. Motive is to being performed by a human.
damage or destroy targeted computer network or PEGASUS
system, resulting in Destruction of Communication
• Pegasus is a surveillance spyware that enables remote
network.
surveillance of mobile phones. It has been created by
• Cyber Terrorism: Convergence of terrorism and cyber the Israeli tech company NSO.
space. Cyberspace has been used the by terrorists for
• NSO provides this product to governments and their
number of purposes such as Planning terrorist
agencies to boost their national security by tracking
attacks, recruitment of sympathizers, spreading
communication of terrorists and criminals. This
propaganda to radicalise people, to raise funding etc.
suggests if the list is real these people were under
• Cyber warfare: Warfare carried out by a country or its surveillance by governments.
proxies to attack the computer systems in other
• Pegasus is so powerful as a cybersurveillance tool that
countries. Can Include- Theft, Vandalism (Defacing
it is classified as a weapon goes through export
Web Pages), Destruction of Critical information
clearances as a lethal weapon would from Israel.
infrastructure.
• Once it infects a phone it can read every message and
TYPES OF CYBER SECURITY THREATS
call, it can turn on the phone remotely to record every
1. MALWARE conversation made near the device, without the
• Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file target’s knowledge.
that is harmful to a computer user. • However, controversy has started because of its illegal
• Malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan use by governments to track and put on surveillance
horses and spyware. of their political opponents.
• Malwares can perform a variety of functions, including • This has brought to light surveillance laws that exist in
stealing, encrypting or deleting sensitive data, altering India and how they stand the scrutiny of Right to
or hijacking core computing functions and monitoring Privacy recognised by Puttaswamy Judgement.
users' computer activity without their permission.
• TYPES OF MALWARES

DISTRIBUTED DENIAL OF SERVICE • Affects National Security and peace and stability in a
• Denials of service (DoS) is a malware attack that country.
prevents or impairs the authorized use of information CYBER SECURITY PREPAREDNESS
system resources. International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• The malware first creates several botnets. These released Global Cyber Security Index in 2017. This index
botnets then ping a single server all at the same time. measures performance of countries in terms of policies
As the number of pings are far beyond the capacity of taken by them to improve cyber security. India was
the target server, the server crashes and denies placed at 23rd rank among 165 countries. The relatively
service to genuine users and hence the name. higher ranking of India shows that India has taken
• Distributed denial-of-service is a variant of the denial- adequate measures for the protection of cyber space.
of-service attack that uses a coordinated attack from a • Section 66F of ITA: Specific provision dealing with
distributed system of computers rather than a single issue of cyber terrorism that covers denial of access,
source. unauthorized access, introduction of computer
• Unlike other kinds of Cyberattack, DoS assaults don’t contaminant leading to harm to persons, property,
attempt to breach the security perimeter. Rather, they critical infrastructure, disruption of supplies, ‘sensitive
aim to make the website and servers unavailable to data’ thefts. Provides for punishment which may
legitimate users. extend to lifetime imprisonment.
• National Cyber Security Policy 2013: Policy document
IMPACT OF CYBER-ATTACKS
drafted by Department of Electronics and Information
• Loss of Integrity: Unauthorized changes made to the Technology. Established National Critical Information
data or IT system can result in inaccuracy, fraud or Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to improve
erroneous decisions that bring the integrity of the the protection and resilience of the country’s critical
system under suspicion. infrastructure information; Create a workforce of 5
• Loss of Availability: An attack on a mission-critical IT lakh professionals skilled in cybersecurity in the next 5
system makes it unavailable to the end users. years.
• Loss of Confidentiality: The consequences of • National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) under
unauthorized disclosure of information ranges from National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
loss of public confidence to national security threats. coordinates with different agencies at the national
• Physical Destruction: Ability to create actual physical level for cyber security matters.
harm or destruction using IT systems. • Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP): Aims at
• Impact on data: Confidentiality, Integrity and countering cyber threats and cyber terrorism.
Availability of information • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection
• Impact on Critical Information Infrastructure: Cyber- Centre (NCIIPC): Established under Information
attacks on critical information infrastructures can Technology Act, 2000 to secure India’s critical
bring the entire country to a grinding halt. For information infrastructure. It is designated as National
example, recent Chinese cyber-attack on power Nodal Agency in respect of Critical Information
system in Mumbai brought the entire city to a halt. Infrastructure Protection. It has been setup to
Similarly, Stuxnet worm attack on the Iranian Nuclear enhance protection and resilience of Nation’s Critical
facilities led to the destruction of the equipment information infrastructure. It functions under National
which were controlled by the computers. Technical Research Organization (NTRO).
• Financial loss: According to the Data Security Council • CERT-IN: Organization under Ministry of Electronics
of India, India has been the second most cyber-attacks and Information Technology with an objective of
affected country between 2016 to 2018. This can lead securing Indian cyberspace. Purpose of CERT-In is to
to financial losses in the form of loss of critical respond to computer security incidents, report on
company information and private financial vulnerabilities and promote effective IT security
information etc. practices throughout the country. According to

provisions of Information Technology Amendment Act o It is a not-for-profit premier industry body on data
2008, CERT-In is responsible for overseeing protection in India.
administration of the Act. Sectoral CERT-Ins for o It has been setup by NASSCOM
dedicated sectors have also been mandated. For ex
CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES IN INDIA'S CYBER
for finance, power sector etc.
SECURITY
• National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): It seeks
• International Convention: Presently, Budapest
to generate necessary situational awareness of
Convention is the first international treaty seeking to
existing and potential cyber security threats and
address Internet and computer crime by harmonizing
enable timely information sharing for proactive,
national laws, improving investigative techniques, and
preventive and protective actions by individual
increasing cooperation among nations. This
entities.
convention promotes greater cooperation between
• Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative: Launched in 2018 countries in fighting cybercrimes. However, India has
with an aim to spread awareness about cybercrime not joined Budapest convention. This is because the
and building capacity for safety measures for Chief convention allows for cross border access to data to
Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT carry out investigation and India believes that such
staff across all government departments. cross-border access to data can infringe on National
• Cyber Swachhta Kendra: This platform was introduced Sovereignty. However, some of the cyber experts have
for internet users to clean their computers and pointed out that, given the threats faced by us, India
devices by wiping out viruses and malware. should accede to Budapest Convention at the earliest.
o It is Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre. • India should actively participate in early materialising
o This center is being operated by the Indian in technology neutral progressive UN Convention on
Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) Cybercrimes.
under the provisions of IT Act, 2000. • PPP Framework for Cyber Security: Presently, most
• Information Security Education and Awareness Project cyber security operations are carried out by
(ISEA): Training of personnel to raise awareness and to Government agencies such as CERT-In. Given the fast-
provide research, education and training in the field of changing nature and intensity of cyber threats, there
Information Security. is a need to leverage private sector expertise in
combating cybercrimes through PPP framework.
• S3WAAS
• Shortage of Skilled Professionals
o Secure, Scalable and Sugamya Website as a Service
• Strengthen IT act and National Cyber Security Policy
o It is a website generating and deployment product
2013: Some experts have pointed out that present
hosted on the National Cloud of NIC.
legal and facilitative framework to fight cybercrimes
o It leverages technology to generate secure websites
i.e., IT Act and NCSP, 2013 are outdated and not well-
using GIGW compliant templates which are highly
equipped enough to handle technologically advanced
customizable and can seamlessly be deployed on a cybercrimes.
scalable software defined infrastructure.
• TECHSAGAR
o An online portal launched by National Cyber INS VIKRANT
Security Coordinator's office in partnership with the
Data Security Council of India (DSCI).
#Defence Technologies
o It provides actionable insights about capabilities of
the Indian Industry, academia and research across The plan for building an indigenous aircraft carrier started
25 technology areas like Internet of Things (IoT), taking shape as the old INS Vikrant neared its
Artificial Intelligence (AI), etc. decommissioning in the late 1990s.
• Data Security Council of India OLD INS VIKRANT

ARTEMIS MISSION
• INS Vikrant was the first-ever aircraft carrier that was
operated by the Indian Navy.
• Originally known as HMS Hercules (Royal Navy of #Space
Britain), It was purchased by India in 1957.
• The construction work was completed, and the ship
NASA’s Artemis missions plan to enable human landing on
was commissioned in Indian Navy as INS Vikrant in
the Moon beginning 2024 and target sustainable lunar
1961.
exploration by 2028.
• The ship was decommissioned in 1997 after 36 years
ABOUT ARTEMIS MISSION
of service.
• It will send first woman to the lunar surface by
• Compared to the new INS Vikrant, the old one had
the year 2024.
less than half its displacement (tonnage) and was over
210 meters in length against 260 meters of the • It will land astronauts on the Moon’s South Pole.
present one. • Artemis I: an uncrewed flight to test the Space Launch
• It played significant role in 1971 war, in the blockade System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft.
of east Pakistan. • Artemis II: Will be the first crewed flight test and is
NEW INS VIKRAN targeted for 2023.
The design and construction of the Indigenous Aircraft • Artemis III: Will land astronauts on the Moon’s South
Carrier-I (IAC-I) was sanctioned in January 2003. Cochin Pole in 2024.
Shipyard Ltd (CSL), a public sector shipbuilding entity
ARTEMIS I MISSION
under the Ministry of Shipping, was tasked to build the
ship. • Artemis 1 is all about laying foundations for more
complex and ambitious human missions, possibly
SIGNIFICANCE
beyond — to Mars and elsewhere. Artemis I will be the
• The first ever aircraft carrier to
first in a series of increasingly complex missions to
be indigenously designed and constructed.
build a long-term human presence at the Moon for
• INS Vikrant will strengthen the country’s standing as decades to come.
a ‘Blue Water Navy’ — a maritime force with global
• It is carrying several payloads of small satellites called
reach and capability to operate over deep seas.
CubeSats, each of which is equipped with instruments
• Indian Navy will be able to deploy two full-fledged
meant for specific investigations and experiments.
carrier groups significantly expanding its footprint
The focus of these investigations is clearly to explore
across the Indo-Pacific.
long-term stays of human beings in space, and on the
• India also joins elite group of nations – USA, Russia, Moon.
France, UK and China – who can design and
• One CubeSat will search for water in all its forms,
constructing aircraft carriers.
another will map the availability of hydrogen that can
• INS Vikrant is set to be the seventh largest among the
be utilised as a source of energy.
carriers or carrier classes in the world.
• Then there are biology experiments, investigating the
• Along with the pennant number R11, the newly
behaviour of small organisms like fungi and algae in
commissioned INS Vikrant also carries forward the
outer space, and the effect of radiation, especially the
motto of its predecessor – “Jayema Sam Yudhi
reaction on their genes.
Sprudhah” – from the Rigveda which means: “I
conquer those who fight against me”. • The primary goals for Artemis I are to demonstrate
• Moving away from the colonial past, the Indian Navy Orion’s systems in a spaceflight environment and
adopted a new ensign inspired by the seal (Rajmudra) ensure a safe re-entry, descent, splashdown, and
of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji. This is the fourth recovery prior to the first flight with crew on Artemis
time the naval ensign has been changed since 1950. II.

NASA’S ORION SPACECRAFT first satellite in space, the first spacecraft to crash on to
• It is built to take humans farther than they’ve ever lunar surface, and first astronaut in space.
gone before. New Space Age: It has been 50 years since six Apollo
• Orion will serve as the exploration vehicle that will human moon landings between 1969 and 1972. There
carry the crew to space, provide emergency abort has been huge progress in space exploration since then.
capability, sustain the crew during the space travel, Spacecraft have now gone beyond the solar system,
and provide safe re-entry from deep space. exploratory missions have probed Mars, Jupiter and
Saturn, more than 500 astronauts have travelled to
• Orion will launch on NASA’s new heavy-lift rocket, the
space and back, and permanent space laboratories like
Space Launch System.
the International Space Station (ISS) have been set up.
• Orion spacecraft will have three dummy ‘passengers’
Therefore Artemis 1 is being seen as ushering in a new
— mannequins made of material that mimic human
space age. It is the first in a series of ambitious missions
bones, skin, and soft tissue. These would be equipped
that are planned to take human beings back to the
with a host of sensors to record the various impacts of
Moon, explore possibilities of extended stay there, and
deep space atmosphere on the human body. This
investigate the potential to use it as a launch pad for
includes Bio Sentinel, which will carry yeast into deep
deep space explorations.
space to study the effects of deep space radiation on
living matter. Why landing on moon half a century after Apollo
mission?
SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM
1. Presence of water and sustainable human habitation
• The rocket that is being used for the Artemis missions,
on Moon: Scientists have discovered that Moon is not
called Space Launch System, or SLS.
as dry as once believed. Water, frozen at bottom of
• It is the most powerful ever built, more powerful than eternally dark craters at poles, is a valuable resource.
the Saturn V rockets that had taken the Apollo
It can provide drinking water for future astronauts
missions to the Moon. visiting Moon, and water can be broken down into
• The giant, 98-metre-tall rocket, weighing 2,500 tonnes, hydrogen and oxygen.
can help the Orion spacecraft achieve speeds of over
2. Learn about Universe: The ices, if they were ancient
36,000 km per hour, and take it directly to the Moon, accumulations over several billion years, could even
which is 1,000 times farther than the International provide a scientific history book of the solar system.
Space Station that sees a regular traffic of astronauts.
3. Instruments on an Indian orbiter, Chandrayaan-1,
RATIONALE FOR HUMAN LANDING ON MOON also found unmistakable signs of water, and scientists
It would appear odd that NASA should want to repeat using state-of-the-art techniques found water locked
what it did a half-century ago, especially since astronauts up in the minerals of old Apollo 15 and Apollo 17
will not actually step on the Moon for several years, and rocks.
by that time, NASA will have spent about $100 billion.
4. Moon as launch pad for onwards space exploration:
Understanding about Universe & Solar System: Rocks Oxygen could provide breathable air; oxygen and
collected during Apollo missions upended planetary hydrogen could be used as rocket propellant. Thus,
scientists’ understanding of solar system. Analysis of the Moon, or a refuelling station in orbit around the
radioactive isotopes provided precise dating of various Moon, could serve as a stop for spacecraft to refill
regions of Moon’s surface. The rocks revealed a startling their tanks before heading into the solar system.
origin story for the Moon: It appears to have formed out
5. Resources from moon: Technologies now make it
of debris ejected into space when a Mars-size object possible to start extracting the resources found on
slammed into Earth 4.5 billion years ago. the Moon, build from the materials available there,
Geopolitical considerations: Apollo missions were guided harness hydrogen or helium as energy source. Not all
by geo-political considerations, and desire of United of that would happen with the first mission itself, but
States to go one up on Soviet Union which had taken a these things are distinctly possible now, making
considerable lead in space technology, having sent the

human landings on the Moon much more meaningful • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
than earlier. successfully demonstrated a hybrid propulsion system
6. Geo strategic factors: China has successfully landed that used a solid fuel and liquid oxidiser.
three robotic missions on the Moon. India and an • Hybrid propulsion system is a vehicle propulsion
Israeli non-profit also sent landers in 2019, although system with two or more sources of propulsion such
both crashed. A South Korean orbiter is on its way. as batteries, petrol, diesel and other renewable
sources of energy.
DARK SKY RESERVE’ TO • Unlike solid-solid or liquid-liquid combinations,

a hybrid motor uses solid fuel and liquid oxidiser.
COME UP IN LADAKH • The hybrid motor is more efficient, “greener” and
safer to handle, and paves the way for new propulsion
#Physics
technologies for future missions.
• The hybrid motor used HTPB-based (hydroxyl-
In a first of its kind initiative, Department of Science &
terminated polybutadiene) aluminised solid fuel and
Technology (DST) has announced the setting up of India’s
liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidiser.
first dark sky reserve at Hanle in Ladakh.
• The use of liquids facilitates throttling and control
WHAT IS DARK SKY RESERVE?
over the flow rate of LOX. Conventional HTPB-based
• A dark sky reserve is a designation given to a place solid propellant motors used in rockets use
that has policies in place to ensure that a tract of land ammonium perchlorate as oxidiser. In rocket engines,
or region has minimal artificial light interference. oxidisers supply the oxygen needed for combustion.
• International Dark Sky Association is a U.S. based non- While both HTPB and LOX are green, the cryogenic
profit that designates sites as international dark sky LOX is safer to handle.
places, parks, sanctuaries and reserves, depending on • Unlike conventional solid motors, the hybrid
the criteria they meet. technology permits restarting and throttling
capabilities on the motor.
• It will be India’s first-ever "Night Sky Sanctuary"
• According to ISRO, the hybrid motor is stackable and
• Boost to Astro tourism ; to promote astro-tourism,
scalable. It is a safe propulsion system and being the
villages around Hanle would be encouraged to
throttle and restartable.
promote homestays equipped with telescopes that
visitors can use to view the night sky. Villagers would
be trained to help visitors with astronomical CARBON DATING
observations.
#Nuclear
WHY HANLE?
The cloudless skies and A district court in Varanasi allowed petition seeking carbon
low atmospheric water vapour make it one of best sites dating of the structure inside Gyanvapi mosque that Hindu
in world for optical, infrared, submillimetre, and side has claimed is a ‘Shivling’. The court has issued notices
millimetre wavelengths. to other parties wanting to know whether they have any
objection to carbon dating.
HYBRID PROPULSION ABOUT CARBON DATING
SYSTEM • Carbon dating is a widely used method applied to

establish age of organic material, things that were
#SPACE once living. Living things have carbon in them in
various forms. The dating method makes use of the

fact that a particular isotope of carbon called C-14, • Carbon exists in various isotopes, that is atoms whose
with an atomic mass of 14, is radioactive, and decays nuclei contain same number of protons but different
at a rate that is well known. numbers of neutrons.
• Most abundant isotope of carbon in the atmosphere • The known carbon isotopes vary from C-8 to C-22.
is carbon-12 or a carbon atom whose atomic mass is However, only three isotopes : C-12 , C-13 and C-14
12. A very small amount of carbon-14 is also present. occur naturally on earth. Out of these, C-14 is
The ratio of carbon-12 to carbon-14 in the unstable.
atmosphere is almost static and is known. • In unstable nuclei, binding energy per nucleon is less
• Plants get their carbon through photosynthesis, while than that of stable nuclei. In C-14, the ratio of neutron
animals get it mainly through food. Because plants / proton is 1.33 which is above band of stability. To
and animals get their carbon from atmosphere, they achieve stability, unstable nuclei emit radiation.
too acquire carbon-12 and carbon-14 isotopes in • Hence, it emits beta minus particle which can be
roughly the same proportion as is available in the counted. Carbon dating is based on measuring the
atmosphere. ratio of two types of carbon: (i) Rare radiocarbon C-14;
• But when they die, interactions with atmosphere and (ii) Abundant stable C-12 found in the organic
stops. There is no further intake of carbon (and no material at the time of its death and at present.
outgo either because metabolism stops). Now, NOBEL PRIZE – CARBON DATING (1960)
carbon-12 is stable and does not decay, while carbon- • Willard. F. Libby of University of Chicago developed
14 is radioactive. Carbon-14 reduces to one-half of the carbon dating technique in 1949. Libby, Anderson
itself in about 5,730 years. This is what is known as its and Arnold in 1949 were the first to measure
‘half-life’. radiocarbon’s rate of decay and found that half-life
• After a plant or animal dies, ratio of carbon-12 to (T1⁄2) for C-14 is 5,568 ± 30 years.
carbon-14 in body, or its remains, begins to change. • Willard Frank Libby, American chemist, whose
This change can be measured and can be used to technique of carbon-14 (or radiocarbon)
deduce approximate time when the organism died. dating provided an extremely valuable tool for
CARBON DATING IN NON-LIVING THINGS archaeologists, anthropologists, and earth scientists.
For this development he was honoured with the Nobel
• Carbon dating cannot be used to determine the age of
Prize for Chemistry in 1960.
non-living things, like rocks.
• Age of things that are more than 40,000-50,000 years PUSH FOR INDIGENOUS
cannot be arrived at through carbon dating. This is
because after eight to ten cycles of half-lives have SEMICONDUCTOR
been crossed, amount of carbon-14 becomes almost
negligible and undetectable.
INDUSTRY
• There are other methods to calculate the age of #Electronics
inanimate things, but carbon dating can be used in an
indirect way in certain circumstances. For example, A global semiconductor shortage has persisted for almost a
the age of ice cores in glaciers and polar regions is year now. U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan, and supply
determined using carbon dating by studying the chain blockages owing to the Russia-Ukraine conflict have
carbon dioxide molecules trapped inside large ice made the situation worse. Multiple industries are
sheets. The trapped molecules have no interaction dependent on semiconductor chips for their inputs. Hence,
with the outside atmosphere and are found in same the shortage will have a major impact on global
state as when they were trapped. manufacturing industry and consequently the economy.
SEMICONDUCTORS
UNSTABLE NATURE OF C-14

• A semiconductor is a material that allows electrical Semiconductors and displays are foundation of
conductivity between a conductor and an insulator. modern electronics driving next phase of digital
Semiconductors are made from pure elements like transformation under Industry 4.0.
silicon or germanium, or compounds such as gallium
2. Economic certainty: The pandemic and subsequent
arsenide. Sometimes their conductivity is changed
lockdowns impacted supply of chips to India.
through doping.
Automobile manufacturers like Mahindra & Mahindra
• Doping is a process of adding small amounts of and Tata group were compelled to reduce their
impurities to these pure elements, causing large production due to the shortage.
changes in the conductivity of the material.
3. Economic development:
• Semiconductors make devices more compact, less
• Development of the semiconductor and display
expensive, and more powerful. For instance, mobile
phones weighed about 2 lbs, cost around $4,000, and ecosystem will have a multiplier effect across different
held a charge for only about 30 minutes of talk time sectors of economy with deeper integration to the
during their initial phase. Today an individual can buy global value chain.
a smartphone for 5000 rupees that would give a 1-day • Indigenous manufacturing of chips will build
charge. its smartphone assembly industry and strengthen its
SEMICONDUCTING CHIPS electronics supply chain.
• Semiconductors chips are the thumbnail-sized • According to Electronics and IT Ministry,
building blocks of almost every modern electronic semiconductor demand in India would increase to
device from smartphones to connected devices in $70-$80 billion by 2026 with the growing demand for
Internet of Things (IoT). They help give computational digital devices and electronic products.
power to devices.
• Indigenous capacity would attract local taxes and
• semiconductor chip-making process is complex and boost export potential. India would be required to
highly exact, having multiple steps in supply chain import fewer semiconductor chips which would
such as designing software for chips and patenting decrease the import bill.
them through core Intellectual Property (IP) rights. The
4. Changing work and employment pattern
global semiconductor industry is currently valued at
$500-$600 billion. • Experts estimate that around 50 crore people will join
internet in the next decade thereby demanding more
• The chip-making industry is a highly concentrated one,
phones and laptops.
with the big players being Taiwan, South Korea and
U.S. among others. According to estimates, 90% of • Work from home culture warrants an enhanced
5nm (nanometre) chips are mass-produced in Taiwan, demand for servers, internet connectivity, and cloud
by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing usage.
Company (TSMC). 5. Geopolitical Benefits: driven by data and digital
revolution. Self-sufficiency will decrease reliance on
SIGNIFICANCE OF SEMICONDUCTOR
Chinese chip imports especially during hard times like
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
recent Galwan Valley border clash.
1. Ecosystem for technological development:
6. Enhanced Security: Chips made locally will be
• Semiconductors are the building blocks of today’s designated as “trusted sources” and can be used in
technology. Semiconductor chips are widely used in products ranging from CCTV cameras to 5G
(a) Computers and laptops; (b) Phones, mobile devices equipment. This would improve national cybersecurity
and other electronic gadgets; (c) Automobiles; (d) profile. They are used in critical infrastructures such
Aviation; (e) Medical devices especially diagnostics; (f) as communication, power transmission, etc., that have
Military equipment etc. implications for national security.
• These semiconductor chips are drivers for ICT INDIA’S POSITION IN SEMI-CONDUCTOR
(Information and Communication Technologies). MANUFACTURING

Globally, entire semiconductor value chain has seeped in the scheme available for technology nodes. In the
the interdependence between a handful of countries like previous version of the scheme, the Centre was
the USA, Taiwan, Japan, China, and some European offering to fund 30% of the project cost for 45nm to
nations. Semiconductor manufacturing is now 65nm chip production, 40% for 28nm to 45nm, and
dominated by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing 50% or half of the funding for chips 28nm or below.
Company (TSMC) in Taiwan and Samsung Electronics in The modified scheme provides uniform 50% fiscal
South Korea. support for all nodes. Besides, it will provide 50% of
• India has done well in design and verification for capital expenditure for other steps of the process as
semiconductor industry. Most global semiconductor well (chip design and ATMP).
companies having an R&D footprint in India. • Chips with node sizes more than 28 nm are Legacy
• However, 100% of our chips, memory, and display are nodes. They are mostly used in White Goods (ex.
imported, 37% coming from China. ACs, Refrigerators, Automobiles etc. They used in
• Chips import bill is estimated to touch $100 billion by devices with bigger areas allowing deployment of
2025 from $24 billion now. large sized chips.
• Although India has two fabs — SITAR, a unit of the • Chips with node size less than 28 nm are considered
Defence Research and Development Organisation to new age chips. They used in smaller, portable and
(DRDO) in Bengaluru, and a semiconductor laboratory wearable devices which have smaller sizes allowing
in Chandigarh. These build silicon chips for strategic deployment of smaller chips.
purposes like defense and space and not for • Opening up PLI for all node sizes will boost
commercial use. production of legacy chips in India. India’s demand of
INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE INDIGENOUS chips is 50-50 for legacy and new age nodes.
SEMICONDUCTOR CAPACITY • Foreign Direct Investment: Government has allowed
• National Policy on Electronics 2019: Envisions 100 percent (FDI) under automatic route in the
positioning India as a global hub for Electronics Electronics Systems Design & Manufacturing sector.
System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector.
CHALLENGES IN INDIGENOUS SEMICONDUCTOR
Aims to encourage development of core components,
MANUFACTURING
including chipsets.
• High Cost of establishment: As per a government
• Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic
Components and Semiconductors (SPECS): The estimate, it would cost roughly $5-$7 billion to set up a
government will provide a financial incentive of 25% chip fabrication unit in India.
on capital expenditure for a list of products that • Low Ease of doing business: Process of establishing an
constitute the supply chain of electronic products. indigenous semiconductor facility requires clearances
This includes products such as electronic components, and approvals from multiple government
semiconductors, and specialized sub-assemblies. India departments.
would be offering more than $1 billion in cash to each
• Technological Constraint: The indigenous
semiconductor company that sets up manufacturing
manufacturing of semiconductors requires the use of
units in the country.
high-end technologies. These technologies are
• Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0)
licensed from patent holders at a very high price.
Scheme: Government will provide support for setting
up of Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) and • Lack of Fabrication Capacities: India has a decent chip
Common Facility Centres(CFCs). design talent but it never built-up chip fab capacity.
• Production Linked Incentive Scheme(PLI): Government ISRO and DRDO have their respective fab foundries
will provide an incentive of 4% to 6% on goods but they are primarily for their own requirements and
manufactured in India and covered under target are also not as sophisticated as the latest in the world.
segments to eligible companies for a period of five • Structural constraint: FDI in electronics is less than 1%
years. Government has introduced some changes in of total FDI inflow because of dearth of skilled labor,
the PLI scheme recently by making incentives under

delays in land acquisition, and the uncertain tax expeditiously. It is a wholly or partly Government-
regime. backed entity that aims to bolster domestic
• Unstable power supply: Smooth production of businesses through the acquisition and licensing of
semiconductors requires availability of an patented technology.
uninterrupted 24*7 power supply. • India needs to push for a Quad Supply Chain
• Resource Inefficient Sector: Chip fabs are also very Resilience Fund to immunise supply chain from
thirsty units requiring millions of litres of clean water, geopolitical and geographic risks.
an extremely stable power supply, a lot of land and a • Research ecosystem: government must focus on
highly skilled workforce. emerging technologies like LiDAR and Phased Array in
• Wrong Focus: Some economists like Raghuram Rajan which incumbents do not have a disproportionate
have argued that India is wrongly focusing on advantage and the entry barrier is low.
indigenous manufacturing of semiconductors, instead • An assurance of minimum domestic procurement by
India should focus on developing India’s human government and private sector should be given to
resource and technology capabilities which is India’s chip manufacturers. The focus should be on
main strength. manufacturing economical and technically viable
• Lack of chip design companies: India has no or very options like 28nm chips.
small domestic indigenous chip design companies. • Government should support businesses in acquisition
These chip design companies (ex. Qualcomm, of semiconductor manufacturing units in other
Mediatek etc.) do not manufacture chips but ask chip countries. This is easier than setting up a domestic
manufacturers to manufacture chips based on their facility and can be done swiftly for ensuring a
specifications. They in-turn sell these chips to end continuous supply of chips.
users like mobile phones and other industries. India • India and Taiwan have started negotiations for a FTA
should also give incentives for chip design companies and setting up a semiconductor manufacturing hub in
to develop in India. an Indian city, signalling their resolve to further
• Ancillary industries: Chip manufacturing demands expand the two-way economic engagement.
ancillary industries like highly pure water,
semiconductor testing ecosystem etc. These
industries are essential for domestic manufacturing of NASA SPACECRAFT-
chips to be successful and hence should be included
in PLI as well.
ASTEROID COLLISION
SUGGESTIONS #Space
• Provide adequate funding to augment R&D potential
of technical institutes. For instance, IIT Madras
NASA has confirmed that the collision of the auto-rickshaw
developed a microprocessor named ‘Moushik’ with
sized 600 kilogram weighing DART, on the football stadium-
funding support from the Ministry of Electronics and
sized Dimorphos, about five billion kilogram in mass
Information Technology.
(orbiting around the 780 metres wide primary asteroid
• Sufficient Fiscal Support for All the Didymos), has deflected the trajectory of the pair of space
Elements: Considering India’s considerable talent and rocks. The momentum of DART crashing at a breakneck
experience, it may be best if the new mission focuses speed of 23,760 kilometres per hour, is adequate to slash
fiscal support, at least for now, on other parts of chip- the angular momentum of Dimorphos, making it speed up
making chain including design centres, testing and move closer to Didymos. All of these reduce the orbital
facilities, packaging, etc. period and the time taken for the moonlet to go around the
• Proposed Sovereign Patent Fund (SPF) under National primary asteroid. The pair’s trajectory is thus deflected as
Policy on electronics should be established the net result of these dynamics.

DOUBLE ASTEROID REDIRECTION TEST BENEFITS

(DART) EXPERIMENT • Save Earth from potentially dangerous asteroids.
• DART targeted asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, a small • Kick Technique can be used to conveniently place
body just 530 feet (160 meters) in diameter. It orbits a asteroids for mining purposes.
larger, 2,560-foot (780-meter) asteroid called Didymos.
• Fuel space mining near Moon or between Earth and
Neither asteroid poses a threat to Earth.
Mars.
• DART MISSION was part of NASA's Planetary Defence
• Mining Rare Earth Elements: The rare earth elements
Strategy.
(REE) are a set of seventeen metallic elements. These
• The mission’s one-way trip confirmed NASA can include the fifteen Lanthanides on the periodic table
successfully navigate a spacecraft to intentionally plus Scandium and Yttrium
collide with an asteroid to deflect it, a technique
• Space Mining may give a boost to develop green
known as Kinetic Impact.
energy technologies electric vehicles, solar panels,
• The spacecraft’s sole instrument, Didymos wind turbines, and energy storage devices — and
Reconnaissance and Asteroid Camera for Optical ushering in the low carbon economy of the future,
navigation (DRACO), together with a sophisticated rare earth elements such as yttrium, niobium,
guidance, navigation and control system that works in rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium and scandium
tandem with small body Manoeuvring Autonomous are critical. They are short in supply, and asteroid
Real Time Navigation (SMART Nav) algorithms, mining, it is believed, could solve the rare earth supply
enabled DART to identify and distinguish between the problem.
two asteroids, targeting the smaller body.
practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Consider the following statements about (d) Hanle in UT of Ladakh
Artemis Mission:
1. Space Launch System will be rocket which is Q.3) Which of the following are considered to be
expected to power human travel in this mission. intellectual property rights?
2. Bio-Sentinel is the name of experiments on yeast 1. Patents
to be carried as part of this mission. 2. Semiconductor Layouts
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 3. Designs
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 4. Geographical Locations
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 4 only (b) 2 and 3 only
Q.2) India's first 'Dark Sky Reserve' will come at (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
which of the following locations?
(a) Gangtok in Sikkim Q.4) Consider the following statements about
(b) Ooty in Tamil Nadu Hybrid Propulsion System:
(c) Uttar Kashi in Uttarakhand

1. It is used to power space travel by satellites and 1. It is done by measuring the different
rockets. concentrations of carbon allotropes inside living
2. It uses two or more sources of propulsion. beings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Using carbon dating, conditions at the beginning
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only of earth can be deciphered.
Carbon Dating:
Q1. Discuss the reasons and bottlenecks in India's intellectual property ecosystem. What steps can be taken to
improve this situation.
Q2. What is necessity of having indigenous semiconductor manufacturing capability. Also, Discuss the steps India can
take to boost its semiconductor industry.
Answers: 1-c, 2-d, 3-d, 4-c, 5-d

History, HERITAGE & Culture
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper I (Main)
MIKHAIL GORBACHEV
were significantly expanded; press and broadcasting
were allowed unprecedented candour in their
#World History #Personalities reportage and criticism.
• Ended Soviet Union’s post-war domination of eastern
Last President of USSR and economic reformist, Mikhail Europe, Gorbachev was awarded the Nobel Prize for
Gorbachev died recently. Peace in 1990.
ROLE PLAYED BY MIKHAIL GORBACHEV IN USSR • On international affairs, in 1987 he signed an
• On economic front, he called for rapid technological agreement with U.S. President Ronald Reagan for their
modernization and increased worker productivity, and two countries to destroy all existing stocks of
he tried to make the cumbersome Soviet bureaucracy intermediate-range nuclear-tipped missiles. In 1988–
more efficient and responsive. 89 he oversaw the withdrawal of Soviet troops from
Afghanistan after their nine-year occupation of that
• Favoured a slow transition to a “mixed economy” like
the Indian model and had approached Rajiv Gandhi country.
for advice. He was not in favour of absolute capitalist CONSEQUENCE OF PERESTROIKA AND GLASNOST
model to be followed by Russia on the lines of USA. He • New democratically elected governments came to
believed that Russian society is not ready to walk the power in eastern Europe, East Germany, Poland,
path of absolute capitalism. Hungary. They followed the non-communist model of
• Perestroika & Glasnost: Gorbachev wanted to save governance. In late 1989–90, Gorbachev agreed to
common citizens from being oppressed by powerful phased withdrawal of Soviet troops from those
people. He believed that complete ownership of countries.
property in the hands of private individual would
• By summer of 1990 he had agreed to reunification of
cripple the governance system (as was seen after the
East with West Germany and even assented to
disintegration of USSR).
prospect of that reunified nation’s becoming a
• Perestroika (meaning restructuring) was a political
member of Soviet Union’s long-time enemy, North
movement for reform within Communist Party of
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Soviet Union during late 1980s. This later helped to
end the cold war. Multicandidate contests and secret • New freedoms arising from Gorbachev’s
ballot were introduced in some elections to party and democratization and decentralization of his nation’s
government posts. political system led to civil unrest in several of
constituent republics (e.g., Azerbaijan, Georgia, and
• Glasnost (meaning openness) was taken to mean
Uzbekistan).
increased openness and transparency in government
institutions and activities in Soviet Union (USSR). END OF MIKHAIL GORBACHEV AND USSR
Glasnost reflected a commitment of Gorbachev • A coup was launched against the government of
administration to allowing Soviet citizens to discuss Mikhail.
publicly, problems of their system and potential • After resigning from power, he disintegrates the USSR
solutions. Freedoms of expression and information (25 December 1991).

History, Heritage & Culture
• Many new nations were born which also includes the the naval prowess of European trading companies
nation like Ukraine, the one suffering from poor past especially Portuguese, who monopolised sea trade in
policies of Russian leaders. Western Indian Ocean. This was in marked contrast to
• Ill-designed restructuring of post-soviet nations have other rulers of India that time like the Mughals who
led to a series of tensions in the neighbourhood of did not give the due attention to Navy.
present-day Russia. For ex. Russia’s annexation of • Shivaji not only built a naval force but also constructed
Russian speaking areas of Crimea, Donetsk and many sea forts.
Luhansk from Ukraine, territories from Georgia etc. • Sea forts: He built Sindhudurg to challenge the threat
of the Portuguese of Goa, Padmdurg was built to fight
SYMBOL OF CHHATRAPATI the Siddis of Janjira, to fight the English of Mumbai, a

sea fort was built on the Khanderi island. He
SHIVAJI strengthened
Suvarnadurg.
the sea forts like Vijaydurg and
#Medieval India • The main battleships of the Marathas included

Guraba, Gulbat, Shibad, Tarande, Taru, Machva, Pagar,
Prime Minister unveiled Indian Navy’s new ensign (flag) at Sangamiri, Hodi, Pal, Jahagiri, Balyav and Fatehmar.
Cochin Shipyard in Kochi during the commissioning of • The ships of Marathas sailed through the Gulf of
India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. This flag Persia and Red Sea.
has incorporated elements from the forces of Maratha ruler • The navy was divided into several segments or unit.
Shivaji. Each unit must contain 5 Gurabs (Large warships) and
15 Galbats (War boats).
• Taxes must be collected from a certain domain for
meeting the expenses of the navy.
• Shivaji gave priority to the Koli and Bhandari
communities in recruiting personnel for his navy. Even
Portuguese naval officers were employed at high
positions to get insights into naval technology and
capabilities.
• Sarkhel akin to modern Admirals was the head of
NEW NAVAL FLAG Maratha Navy.
• Tricolour is placed on upper canton (top left) of the KANHOJI ANGRE
flag, and on the right a blue octagonal shape that
• Kanhoji Angre was the famous Sarkhel of the Maratha
encompasses the national emblem sits atop an
Army who was famous for taking on the might of
anchor, which depicts steadfastness.
seafaring colonial powers.
• The octagonal shape has been designed to represent
• He reigned over the Arabia Sea coast from Surat to
eight directions, symbolising the multi-directional
Vengurla.
reach and multi-dimensional operational capability of
the Indian Navy, while the twin golden borders • He was appointed as head of Navy by Maratha Ruler,
surrounding it are said to draw inspiration from Rajaram, who also gave him the title of Sarkhel.
Chhatrapati Shivaji. • He compelled foreign traders to buy a pass or a
• New naval ensign replaces the present ensign that license (Jakat) to enter the Indian waters. Any failure
carries Saint George’s Cross with Tricolour in the on their part was met with swift retribution, by way of
canton. capture of men and destruction of vessels.
NAVAL FORCES UNDER SHIVAJI • This brough him in direct conflict with colonial navies.
• Shivaji understood the importance of strong navy very • English and Portuguese navies launched a combined
early. He was from the Konkan region and has seen attack on Maratha Navy under the leadership of

Kanhoji Angre him in December 1721. He defeated the (Door keeper), Pradhana (Chief), Adhyaksha (Head of
combined attacks and was able to protect naval department), and many.
soveriegnty. • Hinduism was the dominant religion,
with Shaivism was more popular than Vaishnavism in
RAJAHMUNDRY the Eastern Chalukya empire,

• The construction of 108 temples is attributed
#artandculture #medievalindia to Vijayaditya II.
TEMPLES ARCHITECTURE OF EASTERN CHALUKYAS
• Rajahmundry, a port city, of eastern Andhra • Yuddhamalla I built a Kartikeya temple in Vijayawada.
Pradesh state, southern India. It lies at the head of
• Bhima I built Draksharama and Chalukya Bhimavaram
Godavari River delta, about 30 miles (50 km) west
(Samalkot) temples
of Kakinada.
• Following Pallavas and Chalukya traditions, the
• According to available literature, Raja Raja Narendra
Eastern Chalukyas created their own distinct
(1019-1061) of Eastern Chalukya dynasty ruled
architectural style, which can be seen in the Panchama
Rajamahendravaram in 1022 and is credited with
shrines (particularly the Draksharama temple) and
building the city on the banks of the Godavari during
Biccavolu temples.
his reign.
• Golingeshvara temple at Biccavolu has rich sculptures
• Seven gold coins that date back to Eastern Chalukya
of deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Agni, and Surya.
dynasty, including the regime of Raja Raja Narendra,
are a proud possession of the city.
• It is known as cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh. ONAM FESTIVAL
• During the early colonial phase of India, Dutch #Art&Culture
constructed a fort in the city (later conquered by
British).
• Onam is an annual Malayali harvest festival.
ABOUT EASTERN CHALUKYAS
• Celebrated in Kerala (official festival of state).
• Also known as Chalukyas of Vengi (capital city).
• Commemorates King Mahabali (Asura or demon)
• After destroying the remnants of the Vishnukundina and Vamana (avatar of Vishnu).
dynasty, Badami ruler Pulakeshin II (609–642 AD)
• Earliest known reference is found in Maturaikkāñci – a
controlled the Vengi territory in eastern Deccan. After
Sangam poem which mentions Onam being
Pulakeshin’s death in the Battle of Vatapi, his brother
celebrated in Madurai temples.
Kubja Vishnuvardhana made it an independent state
• 10-day harvest festival begins on Atham (first day of
and became its founder.
Onam) and concludes on Thiruvonam (last day)
• They had tough fight for survival from the rulers of
• It is one of the three major festivals of Kerala (other
Rashtrakutas.
two major festivals of the state
• After the death of Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha, are Vishu & Thiruvathira).
Chalukayan ruler Vijayaditya declared complete VADAKKUMNATHAN TEMPLE
independence. When Imperial Chola came to power,
• Shiva temple (Thrissur). It is a classic example of
they captured the areas of Eastern Chalukyas.
unique Kerala Style of Temple Architecture.
• The administration of the Eastern Chalukyas was
• The temple has four gateways on each of the four
based on Hindu philosophy.
sides (Gopurams) and a temple theatre called
• Traditional seven components of the state (Saptanga), Koothambalam. The temple theatre is used for staging
as well as the eighteen Tirthas (Offices). There were Koothu and Koodiyattam, ancient ritualistic art forms
Mantri (Minister), Purohita (Chaplain), Senapati of Kerala.
(Commander), Yuvaraja (Heir-apparent), Dauvarika • Mural paintings on wall depicting Mahabharata

• Shrines and Kuttambalam display vignettes carved in • He was believed to bring Iron pillar of Gupta Era to
wood. Mehrauli site (currently part of Qutub-Minar)
• The ground around the temple is the main venue for
the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival.
E V RAMASAMY
#modernindia #personalities
AMARNATH SHRINE
TEMPLE Periyar E.V. Ramasamy’s birth anniversary (September 17) is
celebrated as Social Justice Day.
#Temple Architecture ABOUT E V RAMASAMY
• Born in 1879, worked as congress worker till 1925.
• A natural cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, associated himself with Justice Party of Madras.
• Located in Lidder Valley, Anantnag District of J&K. • Self-Respect Movement (opposed dominance of
• Government has allowed Limited pilgrimage due to Brahmins in social life, especially bureaucracy) to
Snow fall. redeem identity and self-respect of Tamils.
• Lingam is a natural stalagmite formation located at • Was against caste discrimination in Tamil society.
the Amarnath Mountain. • Vaikom Satyagraha of 1924, a mass movement to
• This cave temple finds its reference in Mahabharata, demand that lower caste persons be given the right to
Purana and Kalhana’s Rajatarangini (History of use a public path in front of the famous Vaikom
Kashmir). temple. He participated in this movement and would
be later referred as Vaikom Veerar (Hero of Vaikom).
• In 1940s, Periyar launched a political party, Dravidar
ANANG TAL Kazhagam (DK), which espoused an independent
#Medieval Architecture Dravida Nadu comprising Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu,
and Kannada speakers.
• As a social reformer, he focused on social, cultural and
Archaeological Survey of India is looking to declare Anang gender inequalities, and his reform agenda
Tal (medieval era Baoli in Mehrauli, Delhi) as a monument of questioned matters of faith, gender and tradition.
national importance.
• Over the years, Periyar is revered as Thanthai Periyar,
ABOUT ANANG TAL AND ANANGPAL II father figure of modern Tamil Nadu.
• It was constructed under the reign of Tomar Ruler • He converted interested crowds into keen listeners,
Anang Pal (1051-81 AD). listeners into avid thinkers, and thinkers into
• According to the inscription near the site (recovered principled politicians and die-hard activists.
under Alexander Cunningham), He laid foundation of • He was one of the pioneering voices against Kula Kalvi
Delhi described to be part of Haryana (Harinayakho) Thittam introduced by the then Chief Minister C.
along with Anang Tal. He also populated the city. One Rajagopalachari. Kula Kalvi Thittam proposed to
of the inscriptions in Apabhramsa language calls the impose on schoolchildren a method of education,
place to be Dilli. wherein students would learn their family’s profession
• Purpose was to use Tal for water conservation in the as part of the school curriculum.
region. QUOTES BY PERIYAR
• Prithviraj Raso (written by Chand Bardai in Braj) gives • Everyone has the right to refute any opinion. But no
the reference of Tomar kings. one has the right to prevent its expression
• Qila Rai Pithora or Lal Kot fort is believed to be built • Wisdom lies in thinking. The spearhead of thinking is
during the reign of Anang Pal II. rationalism.

• Whomsoever I love and hate, my principle is the same.

That is, the educated, the rich and the administrators
should not suck the blood of the poor.
• Any opposition not based on rationalism or science or
experience, will one day or other, reveal the fraud,
selfishness, lies, and conspiracies.
TOURIST CIRCUIT FOR B R

AMBEDKAR
#modernindia #personalities
Central government has announced a special tourist circuit

encompassing five key sites associated with Dr. B.R. ABOUT SWADESH DARSHAN SCHEME
Ambedkar. Dalit scholars and Ambedkarites, however, argue
• Swadesh Darshan scheme was launched by the
that the five spots or “Panchateerths” selected for the circuit
Tourism Ministry in 2014-2015 to achieve integrated
do not do justice to Ambedkar’s “real legacy” and have been
development of theme-based tourist circuits.
chosen to just fit into “localised and nationalistic” narrative
of the government. • Until March 2022, government has sanctioned 76
projects in 15 circuits.
AMBEDKAR CIRCUIT
• These projects seek to ensure a comprehensive
• Ambedkar Circuit was first proposed in 2016 by the
development of all sites related to theme-based
Central Government. It includes:
circuit, like infrastructure, visitor facilities, road and
(1) Janma Bhoomi: Ambedkar’s birthplace Mhow in rail connectivity.
Madhya Pradesh.
• Its overall aim is to promote jobs in tourism sector
(2) Shiksha Bhoomi: Place in London where across the country by integrating schemes like Swachh
Ambedkar stayed. Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, Make in India etc.
(3) Deeksha Bhoomi: Place in Nagpur where ABOUT DR. B R AMBEDKAR
Ambedkar embraced Buddhism
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Popularly known as Baba Saheb
(4) Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi: Place in Delhi where he was the Principal Architect of Indian Constitution
passed away because he was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee
(5) Chaitya Bhoomi: Place of his cremation in of the Constituent Assembly and was a scholar par
Mumbai). excellence, a jurist, an idealistic, an emancipator and real
• Proposed Ambedkar Circuit will be like the recently nationalist.
launched Ramayana Circuit and Buddhist Circuit. • He led several social movements to secure and
Currently, special trains are available for the safeguard human rights to the oppressed and
Ramayana, Buddhist, and Northeast Circuits. miserable sectors of the society.
• Aims to attract wider tourist base besides Dalit • He was born in 1891 in a poor untouchable family in
community, who frequent these key destinations as a Mhow.
pilgrimage. • He became the first Indian to get a Doctorate (PhD)
• The journey would cover meals. Ground degree in Economics from abroad and is the only
transportation and entry to historic sites concerning Indian whose statue is attached with Karl Marx in the
Ambedkar. London Museum.

• He was an ardent advocate of resolving all issues implemented by the government for the upliftment of
through democratic, peaceful, non-violent, and the depressed classes. He strictly advocated against
harmonious means. untouchability and wanted equality of opportunity.
• The path shown by him strengthens the spirit of For this, Fundamental rights have been incorporated
fraternity, compassion, and equity. in the Indian Constitution (art 14-15-16).
• His death anniversary is observed as Mahaparinirvan • His thoughts paved the way for a socialist democracy
Din or Ambedkar Jayanti or on 14 April every year. and advocated for a reform of the social order.
IMPORTANT LIFE EVENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS COMPARISON BETWEEN IDEOLOGIES OF DR.B R

AMBEDKAR AND MAHATMA GANDHI
• Ambedkar was against caste-based discriminations
and untouchability in society and advocated Dalits to GANDHI B.R. AMBEDKAR
organize and demand their rights.
Gandhi
• He condemned Hindu scriptures that he thought perceived
propagated caste discrimination. depressed
Ambedkar was in
• He was part of the Bombay Presidency Committee classes to be an
favor of the
that worked with the Simon Commission in 1928. integral part of
annihilation of the
• He established the ‘Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha’ to Hindu society.
SOCIETY caste system as,
promote education and socio-economic However, he did
according to him,
improvements among the Dalits. He started not support the
it was beyond
magazines like Mooknayak, and Bahishkrit Bharat. abolition of the
reforms
caste system or
• He advocated separate electorates for the ‘Depressed
Varnashrama
Classes,’ the term with which Dalits were called at that
order.
time. He disagreed with Mahatma Gandhi since
Gandhi was against separate electorate for Depressed Gandhi believed
classes. Later, an agreement was signed between in peaceful
Ambedkar had
Gandhi and Ambedkar in the jail, whereby it was political
developed a deep
agreed to give reserved seats to the depressed classes struggles like
POLITICAL faith in the
within the general electorate. This was called the non-cooperation
STRUGGLE constitutional
Poona Pact. and civil
means of change
• Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party disobedience
and improvement.
(later transformed into the Scheduled Castes and other forms
Federation) in 1936. of Satyagraha.
• He advocated a free economy with a stable Rupee. He Ambedkar was

also mooted birth control for economic development. highly critical of
He also emphasized equal rights for women. the village as a
• Ambedkar considered the Right to Constitutional Gandhi gave a unit of local
Remedy as the soul of the Constitution. central place to administration. He
• Being the Law Minister, Dr. Ambedkar fought village autonomy claimed that
VILLAGE
vigorously for the passage of the Hindu Code Bill, the and self- village isolation in
SARVODAYA
most significant reform for women's rights in respect sufficiency in his India would lead
to marriage and inheritance vision of future to an increase in
India localism,
CURRENT RELEVANCE
communalism,
• He wanted an egalitarian society and was against the and narrow
humiliation of caste discrimination and violence. This interests.
thought has found a lot of relevance to our modern-
day society, where various schemes are being

SITTANAVASAL CAVES &

enjoying themselves in a pool, full of lotuses; today
much of it is obscured by patchy plastering.
PAINTINGS o Faint outlines linger of dancing girls on the ‘ardha

mandapam’ pillars. The pillars of the verandah
#Art&Culture #Ancient India (added by the Maharaja of Pudukottai in the 1900s),
were brought from Kudumiyanmalai.
With much of the art in Sittanavasal either damaged or o The paintings are with theme of Jain Samavasarana,
vandalised, Archaeological Survey of India has undertaken the "most attractive heavenly pavilion" (it means
conservation measures and also introduced digital checks to the attainment of nirvana), and Khatika bhumi.
track public access.
ABOUT SITTANAVASAL JAIN PAINTINGS
• It is the name of rock-cut monastery in Tamil Nadu. It
is called the Arivar Kovil and is a rock cut cave temple
the Arihants. (Conqueror of the soul in Jainism, they
are also called Kevalins, the Tirthankaras are believed
to be Arihants). The site also has other rock-cut caves,
megalith burials and a small mountain lake with
submerged shrine called Navachunai.
• The caves are famous for amazing specimen of fresco
paintings which are considered to be best in Indian
Art.
• Location: Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu. In
Pudukkottai region, where the monuments are
located, there are many archaeological finds of the
megalithic burial sites from much earlier.
• Duration: 7th century (post-Ajanta caves) under the
patronage of Pallavas. However, some inscriptions
also attribute it to Pandyas.
ABOUT SITTANAVASAL
• Technique used:
• It is a rock-cut cave belonging to Jainism.
o Fresco-secco technique (a process that dispenses
with preparation of the wall with wet plaster). • Originally it was patronised by the Pallava King
Mahendravarma (580–630 AD). Later, Pandya Rulers
o The colours are a mixture of plant dyes and mineral
took the patronage.
elements such as lime, lamp black, and clay
pigments such as ochre for yellow and terre verte • It has Jain sculptures, carved wall images and mural
for the greyish-green tints. paintings.
• Composition of paintings: • It has a garbha-griha (sanctum sanctorum) and an

ardhamandapam (semi hall). The mukha-mandapa
o Ceiling paintings show ‘bhavyas’ (exalted souls who
(front hall) was an addition made in the frontage built
work to achieve moksha or spiritual liberation)
during the Pandya Rule.

practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Consider the following with reference to Anang (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Tal lake: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. It was constructed under the reign of Prithviraj
Chauhan. Q.4) Medieval Indian terms such as Guraba, Gulbat
2. It was part of the old Delhi under Tomar rulers. and Shibad, Taru refers to
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Social practices under Deccan sultanate.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (b) Ships used by the Maratha navy
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) New cities founded by the Kakatiya rulers
(d) Forms of architectural design of Vijayanagar.
Q.2) Which of the following was a port city and a
cultural city belonging to the eastern Chalukya Q.5) Consider the following statements
dynasty? 1. E.V. Ramasamy is known to start the Self-respect
(a) Puhar (b) Baruch movement.
(c) Rajahmundry (d) Tamralipti 2. Vaikom Satyagraha was launched to bring access
to public places of drinking water for lower and
Q.3) Consider the following: untouchable castes.
1. Onam is an annual Malayali harvest festival. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2. Vadakkumnathan temple is a shiva temple (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
belonging to the Chalukya dynasty. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q1. Describe the situations which led to the fall of the USSR. Estimate the contribution of policies of Perestroika and
Glasnost in the end of Cold War.
Q2. Write a brief note on indigenous naval traditions of India.
Answers to above MCQs: 1(b), 2(c), 3(a), 4(b), 5(a)

Part TWO
Ethics, Integrity
& Aptitude
Coverage from varied sources
Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
ETHICS OF EARLY EMBRYO RESEARCH

#Ethics #Integrity #Aptitude
Researchers looking into why pregnancies fail at an early embryos, especially in the context of research, they are
stage, what causes birth defects, and other issues about likely to have different views on the moral status of
early human development have instilled a lot to hope. blastoids. Some feel that the key question is whether
Blastoids are research models of an early embryo, embryos or blastoids have properties such as sentience -
derived from stem cells rather than from the father's - the ability to feel pain or experience consciousness,
sperm or mother's egg. The difficulties of scarcity and while others feel that the key question is whether they
potential ethical issues associated with using actual have the potential to do so.
embryos for the same type of study are possibly avoided However, blastoid and blastocyst cells are not
by employing them. functionally identical, according to some experts, and
However, a team of ethicists and a cellular biologist have don't need the same level of supervision and control as
cautioned that blastoids do have their own unique set of human embryos.
ethical issues. While research on mammals has advanced However, a different school of thought contends that if
significantly in recent years, frequently employing mouse blastoids are morphologically and genetically like typical
blastoids, there hasn't been enough thought put into blastocysts, they will eventually become functionally
how to control the production and usage of human closer to blastocysts. This group believes that regulators
blastoids for research— feasible only since 2021. ought to treat blastoids and blastocysts equally because
Blastoids, which are also called embryoids, resemble the they might one day be functionally comparable.
cells, structure (morphology) and genetics of the very Since mouse blastoids haven't yet been reported to go
first form of an embryo. Such an early embryo is called a through the foetal development stage, it is assumed that
blastocyst. Blastoids mimic early embryonic they are incapable of doing so. Another assumption is
development up to and potentially just beyond the that human blastoids are similarly incapable.
blastocyst stage, five to six days after the first cell
Although mice make good models, they are not the same
division. Growing blastocyst-like structures from
as people. To test whether human blastoids can develop
pluripotent stem cells have seen a significant
farther than mouse ones, we must implant a blastoid
advancement in recent years (cells that can take on many
into the uterus of a woman. However, it would not be
different cell types or tissue forms).
socially or legally acceptable.
However, unlike blastocysts, which after implantation
Additionally, it's possible that the "culture technique," or
into the uterus eventually grow into a foetus, blastoids
method of cultivating the mouse blastoid in a lab, which
do not and are therefore regarded as a model of an
is unavoidably different from the environment of a
embryo rather than a real embryo. The essence of the
uterus, is to blame for the mouse blastoid's failure to
ethical dilemma is that there is currently no evidence
develop into a pregnancy. Therefore, if culture methods
that they can develop into a foetus.
that completely imitate in-utero development were to
Let’s explore what problems might arise around become available, blastoids from mice or humans may
regulation of them to inform the political, scientific and be able to develop further.
societal conversation about this research.
The feasibility of lab techniques perfectly mimicking in
What makes the issue ethically fraught is that just as utero, however remains speculative, and policymakers,
people have different views as to the moral status of

researchers and wider society need to assess what to do what are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).
right now, not wait until such technological advances This latter type comes from skin or blood cells that have
occur. been reprogrammed back into a pluripotent state akin to
There are two ways to control blastoid research, after that of embryo stem cells. The ethical issues related to
considering these arguments. Since there is now no iPSC research are usually considered less severe than
convincing evidence to show that blastoids and those for ESC research, as the latter involves the
blastocysts are functionally identical or are expected to destruction of embryos.
become functionally equivalent soon, one is to But if regulators opt for a preference for iPSC-derived
distinguish between blastoids and blastocysts. The blastoids over ESC blastoids, thinking that they have
second possibility is to control them similarly regardless avoided an ethical minefield, they may find that they are
of whether they have functionally equal counterparts by in one, nevertheless.
highlighting the structural and genetic similarities This is because iPSCs have the same genetic information
between the two. as the donor, and so it may be reasonable to consider
Japan, UK and US have taken a regulatory approach that iPSC-derived blastoids as falling within the regulatory
embraces the first option, while Australia has chosen a framework of cloned embryos. In the public
path that embraces the latter option. consciousness, human cloning for research purposes has
Academics also point out that the regulation of such proven to be just as if not more ethically fraught than
research may differ depending on whether human creating human embryos for research purposes.
blastoids are made from induced pluripotent stem cells The very recent advent of the capacity to make human
(iPSCs) or stem cells from embryos (iPSC). This latter kind blastoids has meant that the debate over human
is derived from skin or blood cells that have undergone a blastoids has so far yet to leap much beyond the lab
process known as reprogramming to return to a bench or regulatory office and pierce the public's
pluripotent state resembling embryonic stem cells. Since consciousness in the way that the moral status of human
ESC research necessitates the destruction of embryos, embryos in scientific research has. But this situation is
the ethical concerns associated with it are typically unlikely to remain the case for long, and scholars feel
viewed as less serious than those associated with iPSC this is a good thing. The rules for early developmental
research. research, whether on blastoids or embryos, should not
The scholars also note that such research regulation can be decided by scientists or bioethicists alone. Instead, a
be affected by whether human blastoids are derived wider societal discussion must take the lead.
from stem cells that come from embryos (ESC) or from

CASE STUDIES for Practice

MAINS GS PAPER IV
Case Study 1: Subodh is ‘Sarpanch’ (village head) of a b) Anger might also erupt due to his personal loss,
remote village in an underdeveloped state. He is very especially on account of lewd remark against her
popular among his community. In the past, he has daughter.

shown his leadership ability to help the village come of c) Sadness and frustration because of altercation and
extreme difficulties like drought and clashes with the communal clashes in his village.
neighbouring village. The village is heterogeneous in
d) Since he is a humble man with leadership capacity,
composition. Communities belonging to different castes
he must also have the emotion of love, care,
and religions live in this village as well as in nearby areas.
empathy, and compassion for the welfare of the
However, there has been a history of altercations and
entire village.
clashes among comminutes of the same village and also
with other villages. When the matter is of other villages, Dilemmas for Subodh:
then there is more frenzy and passion. There have been a) To act as per the law or allow communal backlash
incidents in the past when villages were burnt, and from the mob at panchayat.
everything was destroyed. b) To focus on the death of my son-in-law or focus on
This time around the matter has become extremely my duties as the head of the village panchayat.
serious. The son-in-law of Subodh got killed in an
c) To act as per negative emotion of anger or as per my
altercation with a group of young boys belonging to
leadership ability.
some other community from the neighbouring village.
d) To focus on personal interest or the larger public
The fight started after lewd remarks were made against
Subodh’s daughter. The boys making the remarks were interest of communal harmony.
drunk and things escalated very fast. They were carrying

locally made guns and shot dead Subodh’s son-in-law. The situation is very tense and fragile on account of the
The incident has led to immense tension and a murder. It may lead to communal clashes and cause a
Panchayat meeting has been called by community permanent rift in society. In such a scenario Subodh
members. On the day of cremation, thousands of angry must show extraordinary courage and leadership ability.
people have gathered in Panchayat meeting to decide on He must take the following course of action –
future course. In this context, explain the contrasting
a) Act strictly as per the law. He must inform the police,
emotions and dilemmas of Subodh and what shall be his
register FIR and ensure the culprits are punished.
conduct?
b) Using emotional intelligence, he must control
SOLUTION
passion, if any, in the crowd. He must inspire them
The case presents a highly charged-up situation which
to be law-abiding citizens and have faith in the
demands sound emotional intelligence to deal with.
judicial process.
Following are contrasting emotions Subodh might be
c) Personal enmity and hatred must not be allowed to
going through –
take shape of a communal clash. This will be
a) Grief due to the death of the son-in-law and the
disrespectful to the deceased.
emotional suffering of the daughter and the whole
d) He must also comfort his daughter and family in
family.
times of grief and help them think objectively.

It is said that the true test of integrity is at the time of Secretary’s argument – ethical analysis
adversity. Subodh must fall back on his values to come • Truth has its own way of getting known. No
out of this painful situation without loss of values. This philosophy, idea or thought can sustain on falsehood.
will serve the public interest and the larger national As Gandhiji said, “honesty is the best policy”.
interest of peace and communal harmony. • If you shut up truth and bury it under the ground, it
will but grow, and gather to itself such explosive
power that the day it bursts through it will blow up
Case Study 2: Shivashankar is heading the
everything in its way. (Emile Zola)
implementation of the vaccine implementation program
• It is against human dignity to try and influence
for COVID-19. There has been a resurgence in the spread
behaviour based on wrong information. We must
of the virus and timely vaccine shots, especially in
rather try to develop common good on the principle
crowded metropolitan areas is extremely important. of truth that will be sustainable and acceptable to all.
In a routine quality check inspection, Shivashankar’s • Corruption is addictive and has a demonstrative
team found many batches of vaccine which were of effect. One act of corruption in administration will only
suboptimal quality. On further lab-test, it was discovered further amplify corruption.
that they were just plain water. Shivashankar got • Even small corruption destroys integrity and work
angered by the incident and reported the matter with the culture.
highest officials of the health ministry. The health
Shivashankar’s course of action
secretary called him and told him to silently administer
those vaccines. He also gave him some reasons to • He must be truthful, protect his dignity and avoid any
crisis of conscience.
convince you:
• He must make an ethical report on the consequences
a) Vaccines and drugs have a huge placebo effect. Even
of the fake vaccine delivery. This will increase his
water can have a positive psychological impact on
persuasive power.
people.
• He must use Emotional Intelligence to warn the
b) It will promote the culture of taking vaccines.
secretary of legal action that can be taken against him
c) There is a shortage of vaccines and this is the only for misguiding the whole administration.
way to instil a sense of equality among people.
• If internal change doesn’t happen, he must act as a
Prioritizing one group over the other will become a whistle-blower. He must bring facts into the public
governance challenge. domain. He can take the help of the media to expose
Shivashankar came out of the secretary’s office confused. the false vaccine drive.
Do you think there is some merit in the secretary’s • As per the social contract, the government must
arguments? What should be Shivashankar’s course of honour people’s dignity and must base the
action? administration of truth and justice. Shivashankar must
SOLUTION uphold this principle.
The above case raises a question on ethical governance – People’s wisdom must be given utmost trust and
can falsehood be used to carry out governance with credibility in the process of governance.
good intentions?

Part Three
Essays
of
the month
Selected essays from Rau’s GSI students
Essays OF THE MONTH
WHITHER WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

# Social Issue
SUBMITTED BY: MOHINI GUPTA
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly because of many reasons like – Historically, women
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS were denied their rights, purdah system prevailed.
Study Circle is to present the write-up in its original Politically, women have a very low representation in the
political bodies of the country. India ranks 153 out of
form, hence the study circle neither endorses nor
190 countries in percentage of women in lower house of
rejects any viewpoint in the submission. The purpose is
world parliaments. Economically, women are not
only to showcase the manner of writing.
allowed to take financial decisions and are subordinated
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to to their husbands or fathers. According to World
use his/her intellect to check the veracity of Economic Forum Report, only 14.3% of science
viewpoints. researchers in India are women as they are not
encouraged to pursue higher education, on top of that
Women were created as equal half of the
science and out of question for them. Domestically, all
society by mother Nature, Men have made
the household work has been given to her be it carrying
them subordinate to themselves. Equality,
water in pots from long distances due to water in pots
Liberty and justice enshrined in the
from long distances due to water scarcity in near area.
Constitution for all has failed to liberate women from
Feminism emerged as women were denied equal rights
the chains of the patriarchal society. A New Women is
internationally also. This discrimination against women
still struggling to achieve an equal status, liberty and
is most prevalent in Northern India then Southern India
rights.
and least in Tribal Areas.
Through Women have always proved their calibre in all
In the pre-independence era, through Bhakti and Sufi
fields, they are considered inferior to men. Women like
movements, women started regaining their freedom
Kiran Bedi, Saina Nehwal, Mary Kom, Mithila Raj, Mother
and rights. This led to emergence of great women
Teresa have out shown their capabilities. But, women in
leaders. Rani Jhansi and Begum Hazratmahal are some
India are still denied education, nutrition, sanitation
of the inspiring leaders of 19th century. Social reformers
based on gender-biases.
like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau fought for social evils like Sati, female infanticide and
report, crimes against women have increased. Women encouraged widow remarriage. With emergence of
right from the foetus till death are subjected to every National movement in India, Women participation was
possible discrimination. The condition in rural area is invited and encouraged. Gandhiji emphasized on the
worse. The desire of a son has led to killings of many role of women in the National movement. Women
girls in womb only. Girls are considered economic leaders like Annie Besant – lead Home Rule Movement,
burden by their parents. Boys are preferred to send to Sarojini Naidu, Aruna Asif Ali and Usha Mehra were
school are given all the nutritious food and a girl is successful in initiating Quit India Movement.
denied both. As she grows up, she is restricted to the
After the Independence, a wave of feminism started
private sphere of life. Problems like sexual harassment
emerging where women demanded equal rights, equal
at home, workplace, school, Dowry, Violence have made
opportunities, equal status in society. The then
the situation of women worse.
constituent Assembly realized the need of the hour and
There came the concept of empowering women, to all the citizens of India were given justice, liberty,
liberate her socially, economically and politically equality and fraternity in every domain of society.

Essays OF THE MONTH
Fundamental rights were given to all irrespective of education and communication can play a great role.
caste or gender. Positive discrimination against women Value education at school levels; sensitizing the children
were allowed till the time they do not enjoy status in the towards opposite sex, encouraging sport in schools for
society. In the first general elections, women were given proper utilization of time and energy. Cinemas, social
both rights – Right to contest and Right to Vote. From media, Radio, Newspapers, Celebrities also have a role
that time till present, government is constantly working to play. Movies on social issues, Advertisement on
to enhance the dignity and status of women. Politically, awareness of laws against Domestic violence, sexual
33% reservations in local self-government has been harassment can be increased. Ministry can have a page
given and there is a demand for same in Assemblies and on social media where all the information related to
Parliaments. Economically, all the working arenas have helpline numbers, new schemes can be there to create
been made open to women, equal pay for equal work awareness. In the areas, where Internet has not yet
has been encouraged, start-up culture has been reached, Radio and newspaper can give information
promoted. Socially, Government has brought laws like – about the schemes and programmes of government.
Abolition of Dowry, prevention of Domestic Violence, They can give examples of women who have enrolled in
Right to Education. Currently, Government has brought these schemes and have benefitted so as to bring a
stringent laws to ensure women safety through Sexual behavioural change and modification in the attitude of
Harassment at workplace Act, protection of Children people.
from sexual offences, Death sentence in case of rape of
To sum up, the goal of New India can be enhanced by
minor. Campaigns like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Swach
bringing New Women in all spheres of life in spirit and
Bharat are being promoted. Many schemes like
not just in records. “One is not born, but rather becomes
MGNREGA, Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjawala Scheme, Matru
a woman” – Simone de Beauviour. Writes in her book
Vandana Yojana, Nirbahaya Fund have been started by
‘Second Sex’. Women have always been considered
the government.
second sex. Even the issues of women were taken by
To convert all the favourable actions taken in the past men. Today, a woman needs to stand up for her rights.
and the present in such a manner that they bring a Equal opportunities so as to have a level-playing field
change in the mindsets of people and reflecting in their with men. The education and empowerment of women
attitudes, actions and approaches signifying reformed will only encourage a more caring, tolerant, just and
minds and to bring real empowerment – information, peaceful life for all.
CONSERVATION IS A STATE OF HARMONY BETWEEN

MEN AND LAND
#ENVIRONMENT #SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
SUBMITTED BY: PRIYANKA
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints.
Circle is to present the write-up in its original form, hence It was a very hot morning of 2031. Riya, a small kid was
the study circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint studying environment and ecology for the very first time.
in the submission. The purpose is only to showcase the
While studying she went through various strange words
manner of writing.
like forests, tiger, lion, leopard, etc. The curious kid, Riya,
wanted to know more about these words so she went to

Essays OF THE MONTH
her father and requested him that she From harmony to disharmony: Harmony means
wants to see these creatures. Her father peaceful coexistence. Harmony is already inbuilt in
was very helpless as there were no forest nature. Man is a part of nature not apart from it. Man
left. Tiger, lion, leopard, etc. were extinct. was meant for living by using natural food, natural
Her had no other option, but to show her the images by material (just as build their nests). However, human
downloading it from internet. Riya was not satisfied by started modifying the natural course for his/her benefit.
looking only at the image. She went back to her room Thus, humans are going towards disharmony.
thinking “what had happened that these creatures were Manifestation of Harmony:
extinct?”
Primary Sector: Agriculture being the primary sector of
Riya and many other kids will go through this scenario if economy. Agriculture sector aims to produce food to
we do not leave our earth as it is. It is high time that we meet the nutritional needs to human beings. However,
realize the importance of our earth, environment and increasing use of unnatural means to produce food has
ecology and take steps to conserve it for sustainable led to disharmonisation. Use of chemical fertilizer,
development as well for our coming generation. pesticides, etc. are hampering with the natural cycle. This
Conservation simply implies protection of flora and leads to killing of various organisms which directly or
fauna from being extinct due to human activity. Article 48 indirectly helps me in maintaining the balance in the
and 48A (DPSP) and Article 51A (g) of our Indian nature. For example, if the complete population of honey
constitution deals with protection of animals, bees gets extinct then a large variety of crops and
environment including forest, lakes, etc. vegetable will also extinct.
Animals live in the environment by maintaining harmony Secondary Sector: Secondary sectors deals with the
with human. They do not try to encroach upon the area manufacturing industries. In order to manufacture the
of man nor do they go and stay in man’s house. Even if products, humans are causing pollution in the
they encroach in the area outside forests, it is because environment, resource depletion especially of fuels and
they do not find forest where they can live. minerals. For example, in industries, untreated water is
Earlier, humans used to worship the environment. From released into water bodies such as rivers and lakes,
the evidence of ancient history, it can be proven that leading to water pollution. The smoke which is released
they were living in with harmony nature. For example, from industries and vehicles leads to air pollution.
edicts of Ashoka’s pillar, Kautilya’s Arthsashtra etc. Tertiary Sector: Tertiary sector deals with the service
mention about protecting the environment. But modern sector of the economy. Disharmony with nature is the
human beings are completely opposite of their nature of the tertiary sector. For example, once the
ancestors. They are greedy and treat earth not as their mobile or electronic items get old it leads to the creation
home but a resource pool that can be exploited of e-waste generation. Radiation released from these e-
endlessly. This culture of greed and human want has waste is very harmful for both the humans and nature.
brutally destroyed earth to the point that human The Reasons for increasing disharmony between
existence itself is in doubt. human’s needs and what nature can offer are the
“There is enough for human needs but not enough for following.
human greed.” This phrase by Mahatma Gandhi Blind craving for wealth: Man in order to earn more
resembles the present scenario of man. In order to fulfill and more money, is destroying the environment. Best
their greed, humans are continuously exploiting Earth example is killing animals for leather shoes, clothes,
without thinking of its consequences. bags. Men want to earn huge amounts of money by
Modern men are exploiting the nature for a number of selling these products.
reasons. Our wish to have air conditions, leather clothes, Infrastructure Development: Humans are clearing the
synthetic material, plastics, fuel and furniture is root for forests for development of infrastructure without even
this exploitative attitude. thinking twice. Many industries are built by removing

Essays OF THE MONTH
forest and of course how can we forget urbanization. Smart Solutions:

People are shifting towards urban areas from rural Primary Sector: Instead of using chemical fertilizers and
areas. Due to urbanization, population has increased in pesticides, farmers can use organic farming techniques
the urban areas. To cater to the increasing population of to promote the growth of agriculture, deal with pests and
urban areas, sprawl of cities is increasing, resulting in to solve other problems associated with agriculture.
deforestation of surrounding areas. Some organic method could be Zero Budget Natural
Dangers associated with disharmony Farming, System of Rice Intensification, Zero tillage
With the increase in disharmonisation, the balance farming, happy seeder, etc.
between nature and humans has disturbed to a very Secondary Sector: This sector can be made more
large extent. With disharmony, many dangers are environment friendly. For example, relying less on fossil
associated which will make human realize their mistakes. fuels and more on sustainable fuels such as solar energy,
Natural disaster: As per the IPCC 6 th

annual report, by wind energy and bio-energy. Before discharging
2100 most of the coastal cities will be submerged due to untreated water and air in the environment, it must be
sea level rise. Many cities are facing situation of flood, treated very efficiently.
drought, cyclones, desertification, etc. Tertiary Sector: Companies should invest more in
Longer life, weaker body – Man by using various drugs increasing the life of product especially electronic
and medication is successful in living a longer life but materials so that less e-waste is generated when the e-
they live with weaker body. There is increasing incidence waste is generated it should be disposed properly.
of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and Reuse, recycle and circular economy-based strategies
cancer. Many of these diseases is the result of sedentary should be promoted.

lifestyle and unsustainable consumption. Policy interventions: Many countries have signed
Viruses & diseases: The recent outbreak of covid 19 international agreements to protect environment such as
pandemic was a direct result of disharmonisation with Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, Paris agreement etc.
nature. Increasing incidence of zoonotic diseases is the India has come up with various initiatives for protecting
result of increasing exploitation of human beings on the environment, such as carbon tax, clean Ganga
animal lives. For ex. Many of these novel viral diseases program, clean energy mission, National Clean Air
have been brought into human beings by their Program, Green Skill Development Program etc.
consumption of animals such as bats, pangolins etc. Conclusion:
Is disharmony that bad? Humans must see the relationship between human and
The answer of this question is that, disharmony is not nature as a mutually complementary relationship. Real &
bad provided man uses the nature in judicial and sustainable growth occurs, economic growth does not
sustainable manner. For example: by using public- lead to irreparable damage to nature. Humans should
transport instead of private vehicle and by planting more not grow by damaging nature. Humans should always
and more trees. keep in mind that they are a part of nature and not apart
from it. A proper harmony between nature and human
In modern times, men cannot live without industries. So,
will lead to the prosperous development of both man
to protect the environment and fulfilling their demands,
and nature and man will also achieve Sustainable
men can manufacture products but in a sustainable and
Development Goals. Hence, conservation, judicial and
least harming and polluting techniques. For ex. Use of
sustainable use of nature is a state of harmony between
renewable energy in industrial sector, treating of
men and land.
wastewater generated from industries etc.

Essays OF THE MONTH
SOLUTION EMERGES IF SITUATIONS ARE NOT FORCED

#Philosophical
SUBMITTED BY: KHUSBOO NARUKA
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly the other hand, solution taken in forced situation is an
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study end in itself and which may have detrimental impact in
Circle is to present the write-up in its original form, hence near future.
the study circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint Forced situation – Creating temporary solution
in the submission. The purpose is only to showcase the permanent problem
manner of writing.
Take the case of America’s attempt at regime-change and
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use
forcing democracy in Western Asia. All these attempts
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints.
have actually backfired with increasing internal clashes,
There are no problems and only solutions loss of lives and giving rise to new problems like-
provided that it solutions are arrived after migration crisis of Syria and Arab Springs. USA used
taking into considerations all the military force to bring the democracy to the region by
consequences of that particular solution. using force and military might, the backfire against this
This is only possible when the solution is not an outcome policy reflects how bringing solutions in forced situations
of forced situation. does not work.
Temporary solution often become permanent Similarly, in India, government attempted to address the
problem issue of poverty prevailing in the country after the
Solution to any problem can become permanent issue, if independence. The country had just become
it is not taken in the conducive environment. If the independent and was at its nascent stage, also the
solution is the outcome of forced situation, it may result vagaries of partition in the form of communism and
into even a bigger problem. For instance, Indian sectarianism were prevalent widely. Thus, overall
Independence saw the country being partitioned and we situation in the country was not peaceful and conducive.
are living with the consequences of it even today. The The solution of the government for addressing poverty
situation of bloodshed on communal grounds, forced the and fostering development gave rise gave rise to
leaders to accept the solution of bifurcation of the regionalism, where few regions were given priority over
nation. Such a forced situation has resulted into others. Regionalism further transformed into issues like
temporary solution and has given rise to permanent naxalism. Thus, as the situation was not conclusive
border issue with the Pakistan. Thus, the situation enough desired goals could not be achieved. Gradual
determines the outcome and sustainability of the changes would have more fruitful results and a more
solutions. egalitarian and developed society. It is indicative of how
situation determines the solutions. Therefore, a
How situations determine solutions?
conducive situation is required for a permanent solution
No doubt, situations can force parties to a result, but will of any problem.
that result be sustainable is a big doubt. Therefore, it is
Conducive Situation – Creating a Permanent and
always important to create a conducive situation to
Sustainable Solution
bring the result which remain sustainable for long term.
A conclusive situation creates an environment, which When situation becomes conducive and demands a
voluntarily leads to parties making the required changes solution, the solution needs to be arrived in an
and come with solutions, there is no force involved. On environment of no external force. This will result into a
sustainable solution.

Essays OF THE MONTH
For instance, the Industrial Revolution in the eighteenth- Such environment consciousness is even evident at the
century Europe was an outcome of such conducive global level. Social movements such as Friday’s for
situation. The society was already enlightened there with Future, Earth Hour reflect the participation of lay persons
renaissance, advent of modernity and dawn of reason in highlighting and contributing their share in raising
and science. This reasonableness and ability to engage in awareness against climate change, preserving
dialogue allowed people to accept solutions for their biodiversity and environment. These initiatives are
development such as industrial revolution. The solutions bottom-up and not an outcome of a forced situation.
arrived were sustainable as they fulfilled the felt needs of Rather, they are an outcome of conductive situation that
then society and were not forced upon. have led community to come up with sustainable
Similarly, another example of how conducive situation solutions for long term.
brings sustainable solutions, is the community Need for the conductive situation
participation in protecting environment from When necessity is combined with conductive situation, it
degradation. Evolvement of community and people for brings about solutions which emerge organically from
any cause cannot be forced by governments. Rather, it is within the society, without any force. There is a need for
an outcome of voluntary steps taken by community in the same spirited engagement and come out with
response to challenges it faces at a particular time. sustainable solutions for the issues like inequality or
Presently, the situation has become conducive for such gender discrimination and the issue of climate change.
heightened environmental consciousness as the threats The government efforts or any other external force
of climate change have become real. People have seen efforts to curls the discrimination on the basis of gender
the impact of climate change in the form of adverse and race can bring a temporary solution due to the legal
weather events, climate related disasters in the form of forces. But to bring the permanent solution the ethical
floods and droughts, dying of coral reefs etc. This has values of the society need to be amended to make it
made people aware of the value of environment and more gender-neutral. it is when society wants to end this
societal consensus emerging to take step to bring nature discrimination the conducive situation will emerge for
of its glory. Environmental movements at the grassroots the sustainable solution.
level such as the Chipko Andolan and Narmada Bachao If you can't find the sustain solution to any problem, go
Andolan and many others are seen daily in some part of for the gradual change and create the situation, which
India. will ensure the permanency of the solution.

Rau&#39;s IAS Focus October 2022

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Rau&#39;s IAS Focus October 2022

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CONTENTS

STRATEGIES #Finance 05 #Death Penalty #Constitution Bench 27

CONSTITUTION BENCH HEARING EWS MATTER

#External Sector 08 UNDERTSANDING SCANDINAVIAN SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

NATIONAL WINDOW SYSTEM (NWS) 13 #British Parliament #Constitutional Supremacy 46

INDIAN TELECOMMUNICATION BILL 2022

NASA SPACECRAFT-ASTEROID COLLISION

MIKHAIL GORBACHEV CASE STUDIES for Practice

SYMBOL OF CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI

AMARNATH SHRINE TEMPLE

#modernindia #personalities 112 #Environment #Sustainable Development

INDIA- STATUS, patent holder enjoys the

CHALLENGES AND Process Patent: Patent is issued for a particular process

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 2

Patent Ecosystem in India

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 3

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 4

Banking and Finance

PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES Faircent, Lendenclub etc.

#Finance • Account Aggregators: An individual may have

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 5

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 6

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 7

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 8

Quota: Financial Contribution made by the member LENDING ARRANGEMENTS OF IMF

IMF's Lending Tools

Emerging and Advanced Economies Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

BROKEN RICE of global rice production.

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 9

• Top Rice producing States: West Bengal, UP and

• No Changes on export of Basmati Rice and Parboiled

Meet domestic requirement under Ethanol Blending

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 10

and Financial Institutions Duration of Debt: Long term debt

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 11

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 12

INDEX • Review export performance of various sectors, identify

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 13

Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-a, 4-b, 5-d

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 14

RESOLUTION wherein the government, the judiciary and private

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 15

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 16

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 17

BOSSTING INDIA’S PATENT

WAY FORWARD • Patent grants exclusive right for an invention which

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 18

CATEGORY OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPRS)

7. Semi- Semi-conductor layout design means a Semi- Ministry of Electronics 10 years

ECONOMIC OBJECTIVES OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY • Promote investments in knowledge creation and

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 19

CIPAM • Increase in manpower at examiner level do not

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 20

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 21

5. Not much focus on Industry-Academia Collaboration 3. Address Procedural Issues

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 22

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 23

FOCUS | OCTOBER 2022 | RAU’S IAS 24

(b) Fellowship (earlier known as Rajiv Gandhi COMPOSITION OF DRPSCs

Research Information & Mass Education, Tribal 4 Committee on Industry

6 Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture

#DRPSC #Composition #Functions 8 Committee on Health and Family Welfare

DRPSC WHICH COMES UNDER THE PURVIEW OF

There are in total 24 Department Related Parliamentary 9 Committee on Agriculture

Rau's IAS Focus October 2022

Rau's IAS Focus October 2022