PANDA 43 IMP Essay

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Important Essay topics
DR. PRASHANT JAGTAP

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1. DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND INDIA 3
2. DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE. 5
3. HUMAN RIGHTS 7
4. INDIA'S FOREIGN POLICY 9
5. RESERVATION ISSUES IN INDIA 12
6. EQUALITY ISSUES 15
7. YOGA 17
8. POVERTY ALLEVIATION 19
9. CAUSES OF POVERTY IN INDIA 20
10. EDUCATION IN INDIA 22
11. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 24
12. GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE 27
13. RENEWABLE ENERGY 33
14. BANKING SECTOR REFORMS 36
15. INDIA OF MY DREAMS 39
16. INDIA AND NEIGHBOURHOOD 40
17. INDIA-CHINA 43
18. INDIA-NEPAL 47
19. INDIA-BANGLADESH 51
20. INDIA-BHUTAN 54
21. INDIA-SRI LANKA 57
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22. SAARC CURRENT RELEVANCE, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS 59
23. NAM 2.0 64
24. SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION (SAARC) 67
25. LARGE POPULATION OF INDIA: BANE OR BOON 71
26. JUDICIAL REFORMS IN INDIA 75
27. POLICE REFORMS 77
28. BIOTECHNOLOGY 80
29. FARMER’S ISSUES 81
30. TECHNOLOGY IN GOOD GOVERNANCE 85
31. CRYPTOCURRENCIES 88
32. DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (DRDO) 92
33. INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION (ISRO) 95
34. LIFESTYLE DISEASES 98
35. NANOTECHNOLOGY 102
36. ECONOMIC REFORMS IN INDIA. 105
37. INDIA IN A MULTIPOLAR WORLD 112
38. MAKING INDIA SUPERPOWER 114
39. LARGE POPULATION OF INDIA: BANE OR BOON 116
40. INDIAN DIASPORA 118
41. GENETIC ENGINEERING 120
42. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 123
43. TOURISM INDUSTRY IN INDIA 126

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1. Disaster Management and India
Disaster Management is a strategic planning and procedure that is administered and

employed to protect human lives and critical infrastructures from severe damages when
natural or human made calamities and catastrophic events occur. Disaster management
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aims to reduce, or avoid, the potential losses from hazards, assure prompt and appropriate
assistance to victims of disaster, and achieve rapid and effective recovery.
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There is no country that is immune from disaster, though vulnerability to disaster varies.
There are mainly four types of disaster:
Natural disasters-These disasters include floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and
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volcano eruptions that can have immediate impacts on human health, as well as
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secondary impacts causing further death and suffering from floods causing
landslides, earthquakes resulting in fires, tsunamis causing widespread flooding
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and typhoons sinking ferries
Environmental emergencies- These emergencies include technological or industrial
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accidents, usually involving hazardous material, and occur where these materials
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are produced, used or transported. Large forest fires are generally included in this
definition because they tend to be caused by humans.
Complex emergencies- These emergencies involve a break-down of authority,
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looting and attacks on strategic installations. Complex emergencies include

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conflict situations and war.

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Pandemic emergencies- These emergencies involve a sudden onset of a contagious

disease that affects health but also disrupts services and businesses, bringing
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economic and social costs.

India is very vulnerable to natural hazards because of its unique geo-climatic conditions.
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Disasters occur in India with grim regularity causing enormous loss of life and property.
Almost 85% of the country is vulnerable to single or multiple disasters and about 57% of
its area lies in high seismic zones. Approximately 40 million hectares of the country’s
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land area is prone to flood, about 8% of the total land mass is vulnerable to cyclone and
68% of the area is susceptible to drought. For example, during rainy season the peninsular
regions of South India is mostly affected by cyclones and states of West India experience
severe drought during summer.
The Disaster management cycle illustrates the ongoing process by which governments,
businesses, and civil society plan for and reduce the impact of disasters, react during and
immediately following a disaster, and take steps to recover after a disaster has occurred.
Appropriate actions at all points in the cycle lead to greater preparedness, better warnings,

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reduced vulnerability or the prevention of disasters during the next iteration of the cycle.
The complete disaster management cycle includes the shaping of public policies and plans
that either modify the causes of disasters or mitigate their effects on people, property, and
infrastructure. The four disaster management phases illustrated here do not always, or
even generally, occur in isolation or in this precise order. Often phases of the cycle
overlap and the length of each phase greatly depends on the severity of the disaster.
Mitigation - Minimizing the effects of disaster. Examples: building codes and zoning;
vulnerability analyses; public education.
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Preparedness - Planning how to respond. Examples: preparedness plans; emergency
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exercises/training; warning systems.
Response - Efforts to minimize the hazards created by a disaster. Examples: search
and rescue; emergency relief.
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Recovery - Returning the community to normal. Examples: temporary housing;
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grants; medical care
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2. Disaster Management Cycle.
Disaster management is a complex process involving international, national and local

organizations each with a distinct role to play. Working hand in hand with the 2030
Agenda, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is the roadmap
for how we make our communities safer and more resilient to disasters. To respond to
disaster situations a coordinated effort is required. Some of the international institutions
who are linked with disaster managements are:
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The United Nations and its organizations
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Health Care in Danger project
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Committee of the Red Cross
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International non-governmental agencies
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National organizations
In India, it is National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) comes under the
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Ministry of Home Affairs which is solely responsible for disaster management. Its
primary purpose is to coordinate response to natural or man-made disasters and for
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capacity-building in disaster resiliency and crisis response. NDMA was established
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through the Disaster Management Act enacted by the Government of India in December
2005. The Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairperson of NDMA. The agency is
responsible for framing policies, laying down guidelines and best-practices and
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coordinating with the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) management.

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While the primary responsibility of disaster management rests with the States, the Central
Government supports the efforts of State Governments by providing logistical and
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financial support. Major responsibilities of the Disaster Management Division, MHA are
as follows:
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Resource mobilization for relief and response to natural disasters except drought, hail
storms, cold and frost waves and pest attack Operation of control room and situation
reports Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems Matters related to State Disaster Response
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Fund and National Disaster Response Fund All matters related to disaster response,
preparedness, prevention, mitigation and capacity building.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)
At State level, State Disaster Management Authorities are established under Disaster
Management Act 2005.SDMA is chaired by the Chief Minister of the State and has not
more than eight members who are appointed by the Chief Minister. The SDMA prepares
the state disaster management plan and implements the National Disaster Management
Plan.

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Suggestions: It is vital for state disaster management authorities to focus on the continued
capacity-building of district disaster management authorities and CSOs that are
responsible for managing disaster risk. Capacity-building should support the planning and
implementation of actions across the full disaster management cycle.
There is a need to revise the SDMPs to include a much greater emphasis on risk reduction,
rather than just preparedness and response. Existing rules and regulations that impede the
inclusion of measures for risk reduction need to be amended.
Build partnerships with and draw lessons from forerunner states such as Bihar and Gujarat
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on how to include risk reduction in plans more effectively. Accountability mechanisms
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need to be specified. This will ensure that departments follow disaster risk-reduction
considerations in their own development planning.
There is an urgent need to put the National Disaster Mitigation Fund and state disaster
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management funds into operation. States such as Bihar, which are leading in this regard,
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should share lessons on how to realize this at the state level.
Conclusion:
Disasters are no longer to be considered as occurrences that are to be managed through
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emergency response services. So, there is a need to foster a culture of prevention and
identification of the key issues to be addressed especially in the development process.
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The path ahead for managing disasters is to bring in a people-centered development
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strategy.
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Quote:
“Despair is most often the offspring of ill-preparedness.” “We cannot stop natural
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disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn't have to be
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lost if there was enough disaster preparedness.” “Preparedness, when properly pursued,
is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program.”
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3. Human rights
As per UN definition these rights are inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex,
nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. human rights include the
right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and
expression, the right to work and education, and many more. these are entitled to
everyone, without any discrimination. universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
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was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948.
It is a milestone declaration in the history of human rights which sets out, for the first
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time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. human Rights Day is
observed every year on 10 December, which is the anniversary of the UDHR. In 2018,
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Human Rights Day marked the 70th anniversary the declaration. n due time the growing
importance of strengthening national human rights institutions has been recognized and
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in 1991, a UN meeting in Paris has developed a detailed set of principles i.e. Paris
Principles. These principles became the foundation for the establishment and operation
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of national human rights institutions.
In pursuant to these principles, India has enacted the Protection of Human Rights Act,
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1993, with a view to bring about greater accountability and strengthening of the human
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rights in the country. Tis act also authorized State Governments to establish State Human
Right Commission.
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed under UNGA resolution 217 A
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in Paris. It set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
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It states that ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are
endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of
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brotherhood.’
It entitles everyone to all the rights and freedoms and prohibits slavery and slave trade in
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all forms. India and Human Rights. In consonance with UHRD, India has enacted
numerous laws and NHRC was established. India has enacted the Protection of Human
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Rights Act,1993 to ensure the protection of human rights.

National Human Rights Commission: of India is an independent statutory body
established on 12 October, 1993 as per provisions of Protection of Human Rights Act,
1993, later amended in 2006.NHRC has celebrated its Silver Jubilee (25 years) on
October 12, 2018. Its headquarter is located in New Delhi. It is the watchdog of human
rights in the country, i.e. the rights related to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the
individual guaranteed by Indian Constitution or embodied in the international covenants
and enforceable by courts in India.

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It was established in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted for the promotion and
protection of human rights in Paris (October, 1991) and endorsed by the General
Assembly of the United Nations on 20 December, 1993.
In India, not only NHRC but also various NGOs are working to protect human rights
violations. There are NGOs which are specifically looking into issues of human rights
violation in jail. Court also protect human rights. They are protected under Article 21 of
the constitution.
The International Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10th December. The day
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marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United
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Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1948.
Quotations:
To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.
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— Nelson Mandela
“The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”
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― John F. Kennedy
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4. India's Foreign Policy
From the time India first attained independence in 1947, its foreign policy during the Cold
War period evolved from being pro-Soviet and antithetical to Western interests, to now
becoming an important Western strategic partner and providing a counterweight to China.
Over the last six-and-half decade India has massively expanded its influence worldwide,
primarily through diplomacy and trade, which has seen it emerge as an influential power
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in global politics. There are many aspects that played important role in determining
India’s foreign policy over period of time.
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During the times of British, India's foreign policy was shadowed by British interest. So
much so that India entered into the World War sidelining British influences. After
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Independence, Nehru was the first Foreign Minister of India. Jawaharlal Nehru was a man
of very high stature in world politics. This was the time of Cold War and every country
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was either taking sides of Capitalist countries i.e. USA or communist group headed by
then USSR. India, under leadership of Nehru chose to be "Non-aligned" and Non
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Alignment Movement was founded at Belgrade.
India under Nehru tried to establish friendly relations with its neighbors. The policy of
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Panchasheel was outlines which was based on five principles:
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Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty

Mutual non-aggression against anyone
Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affair
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Equality and mutual benefit

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Peaceful co-existence
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India, during the period championed the cause of colonized countries and supported the
process of decolonization.
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Let us see evolution of India's foreign Policy in phases

The first phase (1947-62): Optimistic Non-Alignment
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This period is marked with a setting of a bipolar world, with camps led by the United
States and the USSR. India’s objectives in this phase were to resist dilution of its
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sovereignty, rebuild its economy and consolidate its integrity.

India was one of the first countries to be decolonized. Thus, it was natural for India to
lead Asia and Africa in a quest for a more equitable world order. In pursuit of this, India
played a critical role in the establishment of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)
(1961), which marked the peak of Third World solidarity.
However, the 1962 conflict with China not only brought this period to an end but in a
manner that significantly damaged India’s standing on NAM.
The second phase (1962-71): Decade of Realism and Recovery

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After the 1962 war, India made pragmatic choices on security and political challenges. t
looked beyond non-alignment in the interest of national security, concluding a now
largely forgotten defense agreement with the US in 1964.
However, India faced external pressures on Kashmir (Tashkent agreement 1965) from the
US and UK. Through Tashkent agreement both India and Pakistan agreed to withdraw all
armed forces to pre-war positions, to restore diplomatic relations; and to discuss
economic, refugee, and other questions.
However, the agreement did not contain a no-war pact or any renunciation of Pakistan's
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aggression in Kashmir (as Pakistan was an ally of the US). Therefore, India now started
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tilting towards USSR.
The third phase (1971-91): Greater Indian Regional Assertion
India showed remarkable use of hard power when it liberated Bangladesh in the India-
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Pakistan war in 1971. however, it was a particularly complex phase as the US-China-
Pakistan axis that came into being at this time seriously threatened India’s prospects, as
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a regional power. India also faced sanctions from US and its allies after conducting a
Peaceful nuclear explosion test in 1974 (Pokhran I).
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Further, the collapse of the USSR, India’s close ally, and the economic crisis in 1991
compelled India to look again at the first principles of both domestic and foreign policy.
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he combination of events as diverse as the Gulf War (1991-1992), the break-up of USSR
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(1991), long standing economic stagnation and domestic turbulence came together in
1991, creating a balance of payment crisis in India.
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The fourth phase (1991-98): Safeguarding Strategic Autonomy

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The emergence of a unipolar world (led by the USA), encouraged India to change its
approach to world affairs. his quest for strategic autonomy was particularly focused on
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securing its nuclear weapon option (Pokhran II 1998). his is a period where India reached
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out to engage the US, Israel and ASEAN countries more intensively.
This fifth phase (1998-2013): India, a Balancing Power
In this period, India gradually acquired the attributes of a balancing power (against the
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rise of China). t is reflected in the India-US nuclear deal (123 Agreement). at the same
time, India could also make common cause with China on climate change and trade, and
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consolidate further ties with Russia while helping to fashion BRICS into a major global
forum.
The sixth phase (2013-until now): Energetic Engagement
In this phase of transitional geopolitics, India's policy of Non-Alignment has turned into
Multi Alignment. moreover, India is now more aware of its own capabilities and the
expectations that the world has of India. hat India is among the major economies of the
world is one factor. he relevance of India’s talent in creating and sustaining global
technology, is also likely to grow in time.

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India's willingness to shape key global negotiations (such as conference in Paris on

climate change) is equally significant. India has been able to assert itself beyond South
Asia, through its approach towards the Indian Ocean Region (SAGAR initiative) and the
extended neighborhood (Act East policy and Think West policy).
Neighborhood first policy and its importance:
It is part of India’s foreign policy that actively focuses on improving ties with India's
immediate neighbors which is being termed as Neighborhood first policy in the media
It was started well by inviting all heads of state/heads of government of South Asian
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countries in his inauguration of PM Modi first term and later held bilateral talks with all
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of them individually which was dubbed as a mini SAARC summit.
PM Modi made his first foreign visit to Bhutan in his first term.
Geo-strategically: Indian ocean has now become the theatre of great power rivalry:
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rowing China's assertiveness in the Indian ocean in its maritime silk road component of
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BRI (Belt and road initiative) project. china has been also building naval bases in name
of the commercial center like Gwadar etc., which India dubbed as its encirclement under
the string of pearls theory
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Citing this India has also entered into the agreement for naval cooperation with powers
like USA and France. this has triggered a base race in the Indian ocean.
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Geo-politically: Indian ocean is one of the world’s busiest sea lines of communication. It
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serves as an important commercial trade route but it is strategically important too Citing
this, from few years Sri Lanka has been persistent in claiming an “Indian Ocean identity”
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rather than a South Asian identity.

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Geo-economically: Indian ocean harbors massive resources of the blue economy:

Fisheries, Rare earth metals, unexplored oil and gases etc.
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Quotations:
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Article 51 ensure that the State shall strive for the promotion and maintenance of
international peace and security, just and honourable relations between nations, respect
for international law and treaty obligations, as well as settlement of international disputes
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by arbitration.
Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none.
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-Thomas Jefferson
To conclude, in this phase of geopolitical transformation, India needs to follow an
approach of working with multiple partners on different agendas. Therefore, Sabka Saath,
Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas is relevant in foreign policy.

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5. Reservation Issues in India
The age-old caste system of India is responsible for the origination of the reservation
system in the country. In simple terms, it is about facilitating access to seats in the
government jobs, educational institutions, and even legislatures to certain sections of the
population. These sections have faced historical injustice due to their caste identity. As a
quota based affirmative action, the reservation can also be seen as positive discrimination.
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In India, it is governed by government policies backed by the Indian Constitution.
Historical Background:
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William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in 1882 originally conceived the idea of caste-based
reservation system. The reservation system that exists today, in its true sense, was
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introduced in 1933 when British Prime-Minister Ramsay Macdonald presented the
‘Communal Award’. The award made provision for separate electorates for Muslims,
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Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans and the Dalits. After long
negotiations, Gandhi and Ambedkar signed the ‘Poona Pact’, where it was decided that
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there would be a single Hindu electorate with certain reservations in it. After
independence, initially reservations were provided only for SCs and STs. OBCs were
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included in the ambit of reservation in 1991 on the recommendations of the Mandal
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Commission.
In the Indra Sawhney Case of 1992, the Supreme Court while upholding the 27 percent
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quota for backward classes, struck down the government notification reserving 10%
government jobs for economically backward classes among the higher castes. Supreme
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Court in the same case also upheld the principle that the combined reservation
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beneficiaries should not exceed 50 percent of India’s population. The concept of ‘creamy
layer’ also gained currency through this judgment and provision that reservation for
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backward classes should be confined to initial appointments only and not extend to
promotions.
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Recently, the Constitutional (103rd Amendment) Act of 2019 has provided 10%
reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the “economically
backward” in the unreserved category. The Act amends Articles 15 and 16 of the
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Constitution by adding clauses empowering the government to provide reservation on the

basis of economic backwardness. This 10% economic reservation is over and above the
50% reservation cap.
Argument for Reservation:
 To correct the historical injustice faced by backward castes in the country.
 To provide a level playing field for backward section as they cannot compete with
those who have had the access of resources and means for centuries.

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 To ensure adequate representation of backward classes in the services under the

State.
 For advancement of backward classes.
 To ensure equality as basis of meritocracy i.e. all people must be brought to the
same level before judging them on the basis of merit.
Argument Against Reservation:
 Reservation in state services led to divisions and enmity among government
employees, vitiating the atmosphere at workplace.
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 Eradication, not perpetuation of caste was the objective of the reservation policy
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but Caste Based Reservation only perpetuate the notion of caste in society.\
 Reservation was introduced to ensure that the historically underprivileged
communities were given equal access to resources but irrespective of the economic
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progress they continue to remain socially disadvantaged.
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 Reservation destroys self-respect, so much so that competition is no longer on to
determine the best but the most backward.
 Reservations are the biggest enemy of meritocracy which is the foundation of many
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progressive countries.
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 It has become a tool to meet narrow political ends through invoking class loyalties
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and primordial identities.

Reasons Behind Increasing Demands of Reservation:
Reservation is increasingly seen as a remedy for the adverse effects of ill-thought out
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development policies. In developed states like Haryana, Gujarat and Maharashtra, in spite
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of their economies being relatively better, three things have been worrying the people:
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Acute agrarian distress, Stagnation in employment growth and Distortions in the

development trajectory. In this backdrop, for governments, it is easier to talk of
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reservation than to make a course correction.

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Suggestion:
 The reservation benefits should flow to the vast majority of underprivileged
children from deprived castes; not to a few privileged children with a caste tag.
 High ranks official’s families, high income professionals and others above a certain
income should not get the reservation benefits especially in government jobs.
 Fair and practical ways to help needy person from each community through
reservation is possible and necessary.
 The process of reservation should filter the truly economically deprived individuals
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and bring them all to justice
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 Revolutionary changes in the education system at the grass-roots level is need of
the hour.
Way Forward
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Reservation is fair, as far as it provides appropriate positive discrimination for the benefit
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of the downtrodden and economically backward Sections of the society. But when it tends
to harm the society and ensures privileges to some at the cost of others for narrow political
ends, it should be done away with, as soon as possible. The communities excluded from
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reservations harbour animosity and prejudice against the castes included in the
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reservation category. When more people aspire for backwardness rather than of
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forwardness, the country itself stagnates Meritocracy should not be polluted by injecting
relaxation of entry barriers, rather than it should be encouraged by offering financial aid
to the underprivileged.
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A strong political will is indispensable to find an equilibrium between justice to the

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backwards, equity for the forwards and efficiency for the entire system.
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6. Equality Issues
Right to equality is embodied in a series of articles from Article 14 to 18 of the

Constitution of India. Article 14 contains the principle of rule of law and Articles 15, 16,
17 and 18 contain the application of this principle. The Preamble to the Constitution of
India provides for equality of status and opportunity. Equality forms part of the basic
structure of the Constitution of India.
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Equality focuses on creating the same starting line for everyone. Equity has the goal of
providing everyone with the full range of opportunities and benefits – the same finish
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line.
The goal of treating everyone the same way is noble and something we applaud, but it
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ignores the fact that people tend to differ in their abilities, resources and experiences.
Those differences tend to actually become barriers; when we ignore the barriers, we end
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up promoting privilege. What we don’t do is solve the societal issues that have created
such inequality – we feed into it. Focusing on equity means that we recognize the system
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in place is leaving many behind and we actively dedicated resources to ensure everyone
can catch up and succeed at the same level, barrier free.
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Equality before the law (Article 14):

Article 14 treats all people the same in the eyes of the law. This provision states that all
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citizens will be treated equally before the law. The law of the country protects everybody
equally. Under the same circumstances, the law will treat people in the same manner.
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Prohibition of discrimination (Article 15). This article prohibits discrimination in any

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manner. No citizen shall, on grounds only of race, religion, caste, place of birth, sex or
any of them, be subject to any liability, disability, restriction or condition with respect to:
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Access to public places, Use of tanks, wells, Ghats, etc. that are maintained by the State
or that are meant for the general public, the article also mentions that special provision
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can be made for women, children and the backward classes notwithstanding this article.
Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment (Article 16): Article 16 provides
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equal employment opportunities in State service for all citizens. No citizen shall be
discriminated against in matters of public employment or appointment on the grounds of
race, religion, caste, sex, place of birth, descent or residence. Exceptions to this can be
made for providing special provisions for the backward classes.
Abolition of untouchability (Article 17): Article 17 prohibits the practice of
untouchability. Untouchability is abolished in all forms. Any disability arising out of
untouchability is made an offence.

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Abolition of titles (Article 18): Article 18 abolishes titles. The State shall not confer any
titles except those which are academic or military titles. The article also prohibits citizens
of India from accepting any titles from a foreign State. The article abolishes the titles that
were awarded by the British such as Rai Bahadur, Khan Bahadur, etc. Awards like Padma
Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Bharat Ratna and military honours like Ashok
Chakra, PARAM Vir Chakra do not belong to this category.
Suggestions for Gender Equality:
Apart from providing education to women, they need to be provided with all kinds of
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opportunities and skills without any discrimination or stereotyping. The health and safety
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of women should be given priority to enable them to participate in public life efficiently.
The disparity in pay structure for women for same work and skill set needs to be closed
at all levels. Women should be given the right to decide the size of their family i.e. number
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of and spacing between children. Further, all women need to be made aware about
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contraception. Support from the society, family and corporate is required to create a
soothing working environment for a woman. A working couple needs to spend part of
their income on domestic arrangements; otherwise the woman will get marginalized.
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7. Yoga
"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." -- The Bhagavad Gita
June 21 is observed as International Day of Yoga every year since the United Nations
declared it in 2015. The idea of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), on
September 27, 2014.
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Yoga is gaining popularity due to its time tested utility in boosting mental agility and
contributions towards Peace behaviour. Similar to China’s Panda diplomacy, India is
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spreading yoga as a proponent of world peace. Indian diplomatic missions, the Ministry
of External Affairs, and the prime minister of India himself have ramped up their social
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media diplomacy on yoga.
What is Yoga?
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The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the
union of body and consciousness. Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced
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attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions. Yoga is
a union of physical, mental as well as spiritual practices and disciplines that is said to
S
have originated in India almost 5,000 years ago.
ER
The Number of seals and fossil remains of Indus Saraswati valley civilization with Yogic
motives and figures performing Yoga Sadhana suggest the presence of Yoga in ancient
D
India. While Yoga finds a mention in the Rig-Veda, it became more prominent as hatha
yoga texts emerged around the 11th century. Yoga includes Asanas, Mudras, Kriyas,
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Shaktakarmas and Meditation.

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Benefits of Yoga:
Can Decrease Stress: Yoga is known for its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation.
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Relieves Anxiety: Many people begin practicing yoga as a way to cope with feelings of
anxiety. May
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Reduce Inflammation: In addition to improving your mental health, some studies suggest
that practicing yoga may reduce inflammation as well.
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Could Improve Heart Health: From pumping blood throughout the body to supplying
tissues with important nutrients, the health of your heart is an essential component of
overall health.
Conclusion:
There is increasing awareness that the present imbalance is the outcome of the inability
of existing socio-economic institutions and political structures to deal with the current
impasse, which is derived from the inadequacy of concepts and values of an outdated
model of the universe and the belief that all problems can be solved by technology.

18
Perhaps there is a need for a new paradigm. Enlightened global minds should seriously
ponder on such a probability. Apart from emphasising the normal benefits of yoga,
International Yoga Day should be utilised to think about how a peaceful transition can be
achieved for peace, harmony and happiness.
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EM
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CA
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8. Poverty alleviation
Poverty is a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial

resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. Poverty means that the income
level from employment is so low that basic human needs can't be met.
According to World Bank, Poverty is pronounced deprivation in well-being, and
comprises many dimensions. It includes low incomes and the inability to acquire the basic
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goods and services necessary for survival with dignity. Poverty also encompasses low
levels of health and education, poor access to clean water and sanitation, inadequate
EM
physical security, lack of voice, and insufficient capacity and opportunity to better one's
life.
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In India, 21.9% of the population lives below the national poverty line in 2011.
Causes of Poverty in India
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Population Explosion: India’s population has steadily increased through the years. During
the past 45 years, it has risen at a rate of 2.2% per year, which means, on average, about
A
17 million people are added to the country’s population each year. This also increases the
demand for consumption goods tremendously.
S
Low Agricultural Productivity: A major reason for poverty in the low productivity in the
ER
agriculture sector. The reason for low productivity is manifold. Chiefly, it is because of
fragmented and subdivided land holdings, lack of capital, illiteracy about new
D
technologies in farming, the use of traditional methods of cultivation, wastage during

storage, etc.
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Inefficient Resource utilisation: There is underemployment and disguised unemployment

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in the country, particularly in the farming sector. This has resulted in low agricultural
output and also led to a dip in the standard of living.
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Low Rate of Economic Development: Economic development has been low in India
especially in the first 40 years of independence before the LPG reforms in 1991.
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Price Rise: Price rise has been steady in the country and this has added to the burden the
poor carry. Although a few people have benefited from this, the lower income groups
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have suffered because of it, and are not even able to satisfy their basic minimum wants.
Unemployment: Unemployment is another factor causing poverty in India.

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9. Causes of Poverty in India
Population Explosion: India’s population has steadily increased through the years. During
the past 45 years, it has risen at a rate of 2.2% per year, which means, on average, about
17 million people are added to the country’s population each year. This also increases the
demand for consumption goods tremendously.
Low Agricultural Productivity: A major reason for poverty in the low productivity in the
Y
agriculture sector. The reason for low productivity is manifold. Chiefly, it is because of
fragmented and subdivided land holdings, lack of capital, illiteracy about new
EM
technologies in farming, the use of traditional methods of cultivation, wastage during
storage, etc.
D
Inefficient Resource utilisation: There is underemployment and disguised unemployment
in the country, particularly in the farming sector. This has resulted in low agricultural
CA
output and also led to a dip in the standard of living.
Low Rate of Economic Development: Economic development has been low in India
A
especially in the first 40 years of independence before the LPG reforms in 1991.
Price Rise: Price rise has been steady in the country and this has added to the burden the
S
poor carry. Although a few people have benefited from this, the lower income groups
ER
have suffered because of it, and are not even able to satisfy their basic minimum wants.
Unemployment: Unemployment is another factor causing poverty in India. The ever-
D
increasing population has led to a higher number of job-seekers. However, there is not
enough expansion in opportunities to match this demand for jobs.
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Social Factors: Apart from economic factors, there are also social factors hindering the
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eradication of poverty in India. Some of the hindrances in this regard are the laws of
inheritance, caste system, certain traditions, etc.
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Colonial Exploitation: The British colonisation and rule over India for about two centuries
de-industrialised India by ruining its traditional handicrafts and textile industries.
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Colonial Policies transformed India to a mere raw-material producer for European

industries.
Climatic Factors: Most of India’s poor belong to the states of Bihar, UP, MP,
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Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, etc. Natural calamities such as frequent floods,

disasters, earthquake and cyclone cause heavy damage to agriculture in these states.
Poverty Alleviation Programs in India:

Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP): It was introduced in 1978-79 and
universalized from 2nd October, 1980, aimed at providing assistance to the rural poor in

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the form of subsidy and bank credit for productive employment opportunities through
successive plan periods.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005: The
Act provides 100 days assured employment every year to every rural household. One-
third of the proposed jobs would be reserved for women.
National Rural Livelihood Mission: Aajeevika (2011): It evolves out the need to diversify
the needs of the rural poor and provide them jobs with regular income on a monthly basis.
Self Help groups are formed at the village level to help the needy.
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Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: It will focus on fresh entrant to the labour market,
EM
especially labour market and class X and XII dropouts.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: It aimed at direct benefit transfer of subsidy, pension,
insurance etc. and attained the target of opening 1.5 crore bank accounts. The scheme
D
particularly targets the unbanked poor.
CA
Conclusion
The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index-2018 released by the UN noted that 271
million people moved out of poverty between 2005-06 and 2015-16 in India. The poverty
A
rate in the country has nearly halved, falling from 55% to 28% over the ten-year period.
Still a big part of the population in India is living Below the Poverty Line.
S
Rapid economic growth and the use of technology for social sector programs have helped
ER
make a significant dent in extreme poverty in the country.

Despite rapid growth and development, an unacceptably high proportion of our
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population continues to suffer from severe and multidimensional deprivation. Thus, a

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more comprehensive and inclusive approach is required to eradicate poverty in India.

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10. Education in India
“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” ― Oscar Wilde

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ―
Nelson Mandela.
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” ― Margaret Mead
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” ― Aristotle
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Sustainable Development Goal 4 aims to achieve Education for All- to ensures equitable,
inclusive and quality education along with the promotion of lifelong learning
EM
opportunities for all by 2030.
Article 21A was introduced by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002, making
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elementary education a fundamental right rather than a directive principle. And Article
45 was amended to provide for early childhood care and education to children below the
CA
age of six years. To implement Article 21A, the government legislated the RTE Act.
Under this act, SSA – Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan – got a further impetus. SSA aims to
A
provide Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE) in a time-bound manner.
The Problems associated with the Education System in India:
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 China had achieved it in the 1970s. As per Census 2011, over 26% of India’s
ER
population is still illiterate, compared to 4% in China. About 50% of India’s

population has only primary education or less, compared to 38% in China. The
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13% of the population with tertiary education at the upper end in India is
comparable with China.
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 According to NSSO 71st round (2014), drop-out rates are very high for boys at the
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secondary school level. Reasons for the same are economic activities, lack of
interest in education and financial constraints.
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 The transition rate from secondary school to senior secondary and further to higher
education is very low.
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 Education policies in India are focused on inputs rather than on learning outcomes.
 Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)reflects this deteriorating quality. The
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report opines that deficits in foundational reading and arithmetic skills are
cumulative, which leaves students grossly handicapped for further education.
 Girls are eased out of schools to work in home chores or get married.
Government Initiatives:
 Government has launched Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, (BBBP), a campaign to
generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for
girls in India.

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 For ranking states based on gender disparity, Digital Gender Atlas for Advancing
Girl’s Education was launched by MHRD.
 Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat: Nationwide sub-program of SSA to improve
comprehensive early reading, writing and early mathematics program for children
in Classes I and II.
 MHRD and the National Council for Teacher Education launched the National
Teacher Platform or Diksha in 2017. It is a one-stop solution to address teacher
competency gaps.
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Way forward:
EM
 70% of the students in India study obtain education from government schools.
Facilities must be provided in these schools so that the quality of education is on
par with the private schools.
D
 The government expenditure on education as a whole and not just school education
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should be increased to at least 6% of the GDP by 2022 from the present 3%.
According to the World Bank, the world average is 4.7%.
 The state governments must take steps to develop a comprehensive mechanism to
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regulate teacher qualification, absenteeism and learning outcomes.
 Life skills and moral values must be inculcated within the school education system
S
ER
so that the students can deal with problems, failures, and stress.
Revamping India’s education system can enable us to solve all of the current problems
faced by India. This includes poverty, unemployment, intolerance, etc. The government
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must take steps to mend the existing lacunae in India’s education system so as to improve
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the lives of all Indians.

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11. Sustainable Development
‘Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs’. This most widely accepted definition of
Sustainable Development was given by the Brundtland Commission in its report Our
Common Future (1987). Sustainable development (SD) calls for concerted efforts
towards building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for people and planet.
Y
Core elements of sustainable development are economic growth, social inclusion and
environmental protection. It is crucial to harmonize them.
EM
Sustainable economic growth, achieving sustainable livelihood, living in harmony with
nature and appropriate technology are important for sustainable development.
Environmental Sustainability:
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 It prevents nature from being used as an inexhaustible source of resources and
CA
ensures its protection and rational use.
 Aspects such as environmental conservation, investment in renewable energy,
saving water, supporting sustainable mobility, and innovation in sustainable
A
construction and architecture, contribute to achieving environmental sustainability
on several fronts.
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Social Sustainability:
 It can foster gender equality, development of people, communities and cultures to
ER
help achieve a reasonable and fairly-distributed quality of life, healthcare and

education across the Globe.
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Economic Sustainability:
 Focuses on equal economic growth that generates wealth for all, without harming
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the environment.
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 Investment and equal distribution of economic resources.

 Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions.
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Global Initiatives on Sustainable Development

The Stockholm Conference,1972: It was the first step towards putting environmental
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concerns on the global agenda. It resulted in the Stockholm Declaration which contained
principles and an Action Plan containing recommendations for environmental policy.
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UNEP was set up in 1972 to serve as a catalyst in developing and coordinating an

environmental focus in the programmes of other organisations.
The Earth Summit, 1992: This was a direct consequence of the Brundtland Commission’s
Report. It was held in Rio de Janeiro. The results of the Conference were the following
documents:
 The Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
 The Convention on Biological Diversity
 The Statement on Forest Principles
 The Rio Declaration

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 Agenda 21
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

 To bring sustainable development in the mainstream United Nations (UN)
launched the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs.
 This universal, integrated and transformative agenda aims to spur actions that will
end poverty and build a more sustainable world over the next 15 years.
 There are 17 goals and 169 targets specific targets to be achieved by 2030.
Reaching the goals requires action on all fronts – governments, businesses, civil
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society and people everywhere all have a role to play.
 SDGs are not legally binding.
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SDGs and India’s Commitment
Clean Fuel
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 India introduces BS-VI petrol and diesel.
CA
 Delhi will be the first city to leapfrog from BS-IV to BS-VI.
 13 major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, etc. will make the shift from 1st
Jan 2019.
A
 The rest of the country will make the change from April 2020 next year.
No Plastics
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 India has pledged to eliminate all single-use plastic in the country by 2022.
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International Solar Alliance (ISA)

 ISA is a group of 121 solar rich countries which are situated either on or between
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the tropics.
 Aims to deploy over 1000 GW of solar energy and mobilize more than $1000
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billion into solar power by 2030.

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Climate Change
 To reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 from
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2005 level.
 To achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-
fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030, with the help of transfer of technology
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and low-cost international finance, including from Green Climate Fund.

 To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent
through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
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Challenges
As per the Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2019
 Increasing inequality among and within countries requires urgent attention.
 3 out of every 4 stunted children live in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
 Young people are more likely to be unemployed than adults.
 Barriers in achieving gender equality.
 Global hunger has been on the rise after a prolonged decline.

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 Extreme poverty declined from 36% in 1990 to 8.6% in 2018, but the pace of
poverty reduction is starting to decelerate as the world struggles to respond to
entrenched deprivation, violent conflicts and vulnerabilities to natural disasters.
 Extreme poverty is three times higher in rural areas than in urban areas.
 2018 was the fourth warmest year on record. Levels of CO2 concentrations
continued to increase in 2018.
 Natural environment is deteriorating at an alarming rate.
 Sea levels are rising.
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Way Forward
 To make the process of sustainable development feasible and operational, it is
EM
important to establish a common focus that can integrate the outlook and efforts of
various participants in development, worldwide, realising the diversity, in terms of
D
geography, society, economics, level of science and technology capabilities and
capacities and education standards/levels.
CA
 Developed countries need to change their production and consumption patterns,
including by limiting the use of fossil fuels and plastics, and to encourage public
and private investments that align with the SDGs.
A
 Environmental commons—such as the atmosphere, rainforests and oceans—must
be safeguarded as crucial sources of ecosystem services and natural resources. All
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stakeholders must work together to conserve, restore and sustainably use natural
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resources.
 The food system must undergo widespread changes to the infrastructure, cultural
and societal norms, and policies that are supporting the current, unsustainable,
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status quo.
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 The much deeper, faster and more ambitious response is needed to unleash the
social and economic transformation needed to achieve our 2030 goals.
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 A far more optimistic future is still attainable only by drastically changing

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development policies, incentives and actions.

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12. Global Warming and Climate Change

Global warming is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the temperature near the
Earth’s surface. This phenomenon has been observed over the past one or two centuries.
This change has disturbed the climatic pattern of the earth. However, the concept of global
warming is quite controversial but the scientists have provided relevant data in support of
the fact that the temperature of the Earth is rising constantly.
There are several causes of global warming, which have a negative effect on humans,
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plants and animals. These causes may be natural or might be the outcome of human
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activities. In order to curb the issues, it is very important to understand the negative
impacts of global warming.
Causes of Global Warming:
D
Man-made Causes of Global Warming Natural Causes of Global Warming
CA
Deforestation Volcanoes
Plants are the main source of oxygen. They Volcanoes are one of the largest natural
take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen contributors to global warming. The ash and
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thereby maintaining environmental smoke emitted during volcanic eruptions
balance. The forests are being depleted for goes out into the atmosphere and affects the
S
many domestic and commercial purposes. climate.
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This has led to an environmental imbalance,

thereby giving rise to global warming. Water Vapour
Water vapour is a kind of greenhouse gas.
D
Use of Vehicles Due to the increase in earth’s temperature

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The use of vehicles even for a very short more water gets evaporated from the water
distance results into various gaseous bodies and stays in the atmosphere adding
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emissions. Vehicles burn fossil fuels which to global warming.

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emit a large amount of carbon dioxide and

other toxins into the atmosphere resulting in Melting Permafrost
a temperature increase. Permafrost is there where glaciers are
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present. It is a frozen soil that has

Chlorofluorocarbon environmental gases trapped in it for several
With the excessive use of air conditioners years. As the permafrost melts, it releases
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and refrigerators, humans have been adding the gases back into the atmosphere
CFCs into the environment which affects increasing the earth’s temperature.
the atmospheric ozone layer. The ozone
layer protects the earth surface from the Forest Blazes
harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. Forest blazes or forest fires emit a large
The CFCs has led to ozone layer depletion amount of carbon-containing smoke. These
making way for the ultraviolet rays, thereby gases are released into the atmosphere and
increasing the temperature of the earth. increase the earth’s temperature resulting in
global warming.

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Industrial Development
With the advent of industrialization, the
temperature of the earth has been increasing
rapidly. The harmful emissions from the
factories add to the increasing temperature
of the earth.
Agriculture
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Various farming activities produce carbon
EM
dioxide and methane gas. These add to the
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and
increase the temperature of the earth.
D
Effects of Global Warming
CA
Following are the major effects of global warming:
Rise in Temperature
A
Global warming has led to an incredible increase in earth’s temperature. Since 1880, the
earth’s temperature has increased by ~1 degrees. This has resulted in an increase in the
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melting of glaciers, which have led to an increase in the sea level. This could have
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devastating effects on coastal regions.
Threat to the Ecosystem

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Global warming has affected the coral reefs that can lead to a loss of plant and animal
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lives. Increase in global temperatures has made the fragility of coral reefs even worse.
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Climate Change
Global warming has led to a change in climatic conditions. There are droughts at some
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places and floods at some. This climatic imbalance is the result of global warming.
Spread of Diseases
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Global warming leads to a change in the patterns of heat and humidity. This has led to the
movement of mosquitoes that carry and spread diseases.
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Decrease in the Human Population

Due to an increase in floods, tsunamis and other natural calamities, the population of
humans tend to decrease. Also, the spread of diseases leads to a decrease in the human
population.
Loss of Natural Habitat

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A global shift in the climate leads to the loss of habitats of several plants and animals. In
this case, the animals need to migrate from their natural habitat and many of them even
get extinct. This is yet another major impact of global warming on biodiversity.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) defines

‘climate change’ as a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to
human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in
addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.
The major characteristics of climate change include rise in average global temperature,
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ice cap melting, changes in precipitation, and increase in ocean temperature leading to
sea level rise. Climate change leads to Global Warming.
EM
Factors Affecting Climate Change
D
 There are many factors which either magnify or reduce the effects of the earth’s
CA
climate.
 Factors such as greenhouse gases increase the temperature of earth, while some
aerosols and volcanic eruption reduce the temperature of the earth.
A
 For example, large volcanic eruptions can eject enough ash into the atmosphere to
reduce the temperature for a year or more until the sulphur particles settle on the
S
ground. These sulphur particles reflect sunlight from the earth.
 Estimation of the effect of each gas on climate change depends on the following
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three factors:
 Concentration of gas in the atmosphere: Concentration of gas in the atmosphere is
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described in terms of parts per million (ppm). For example, at present, there are
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nearly 420 parts of carbon per million. Before Industrial revolution, concentration
of carbon was only 270 ppm. If carbon concentration increases beyond 450 ppm,
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then it is believed that Earth would face catastrophic impacts.

 Life span of gas in the atmosphere: Life span in the atmosphere varies with the
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nature of the gas. Life span of CO2 ranges from 50-200 years; methane has a life
span of 12 years; nitrous oxide has a life span of 120 years and fluorinated gas has
a life span of even more than 1000 years.
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 Global warming potential of a gas: The same quantity of methane has 21 times,
nitrous oxide has 310 times and fluorinated gases have 140 to 23,900 time’s global
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warming potential as that of carbon dioxide.
Causes of Climate Change

The amount of solar energy, its absorption, distribution, radiation and redistribution in
the atmosphere or overall the energy budget of the earth are the major factors which effect
the climate and can cause a definite change.
The change in climate can be seen as a long -term process or the short-term process.
Amongst the causes responsible for climate change the natural factors attribute to the
long-term climate change while the anthropogenic (manmade) factors attribute to the

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short-term change in the climate. The factors responsible for climate change are broadly
grouped into following categories
 Extra-terrestrial sources
 Terrestrial sources
 Anthropogenic sources
Impacts of the Climate Change:

Impact on Biodiversity
Climate change is expected to have a significant influence on terrestrial biodiversity at all
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system levels – ecosystem, species and genetic diversity.
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The changing climate will stimulate species-level changes in range and abundance, life
cycle and behaviour, and, over time, genetic evolutionary responses.
Impact on Agriculture
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According to World Meteorological Organization, climate change can adversely impact
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global environment, agricultural productivity and the quality of human life.
More importantly in developing countries, it will be difficult for farmers to carry on
farming in the increased temperatures. A
While in temperate latitudes a rise in temperature would help countries increase food
productivity, it will have adverse effects in India and countries in the tropics.
S
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Impact on Human Health

Changes in the greenhouse gas concentrations and other drivers alter the global climate
and bring about myriad human health consequences.
D
Environmental consequences of climate change, such as extreme heat waves, rising sea-
levels, changes in precipitation resulting in flooding and droughts, intense hurricanes, and
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degraded air quality have impact directly and indirectly on the physical, social, and
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psychological health of humans.

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Impact on Water Resources

Climate change will have an impact on the predictability and variability in the availability
of water and also increase in frequencies of droughts and floods.
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Worst sufferers would be farmers of the rainfed agriculture, which covers 60% of all
cultivated land in the country.
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The risk of crop failures will increase in semi-arid zones with prolonged dry seasons
forcing people to migrate, when stability of food production cannot be assured.
Lead to Sea Level Rise

The Bay of Bengal points to the sea rising 3.14 mm a year in the mangrove swamps of
‘the Sundarbans delta’ against a global average of 2 mm, threatening the low-lying area
which is home to about 4 million people.
A trend of sea level rise of 1 cm. per decade has been recorded along the Indian coast.
The major delta area of the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Indus rivers, which have large

31
populations reliant on riverine resources, will be affected by changes in water regimes,

salt water intrusions and land loss.
Steps taken by Government for mitigation:
 India’s Energy Conservation Act (Energy Conservation Act), 2001; The 2010
amendment to the S ENERGY CONSERVATION ACT created PAT scheme as a
market-based trading scheme enable industries to meet the mandatory energy
efficiency standards that had begun to be developed under the original Energy
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Conservation Act.
 PAT scheme is now India’s main effort-defining policy. It is overseen by the BEE
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and was introduced by the National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency
(NMEEE).
 Use of Renewable Energy-The Electricity Act 2003 together with the National
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Electricity Policy 2005 (NEP) and the Tariff Policy (TP) mandate promotion of
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electricity generation from renewable sources. The Electricity Act and these
policies envisage regulatory interventions for promotion of renewable energy
sources. A
 Climate Friendly Transport Sector-Transport India has taken substantial initiatives
to make the transport sector less emission intensive. One of the major initiatives
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has been upgradation of vehicular emission norms such as Bharat Stage II, Bharat
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Stage III and Bharat Stage IV. The commercial manufacture of battery-operated
vehicles has begun in India with a view to promoting low/ no carbon emitting
vehicles.
D
 Conservation of Agriculture, Forest and Water Resources- National Mission for

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Sustainable Agriculture. There are also programmes for crop improvement and
drought proofing. India has launched an ambitious Green India Mission to increase
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the quality and quantity of forest cover in 10 million ha of land. Also an incentive-
based additional special grant of US$ 1.2 billion had been announced by the central
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government to all states for sustainable forestry management.

 Forestry Sector- The National Forest Policy (1988), Participatory Forest
Management/Joint Forest Management Programme, National Afforestation
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Programme, National Forestry Action Programme and National Watershed

Development Project for Rainfed Areas.
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“Climate change is real. It is happening right now, it is the most urgent threat facing our
entire species and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.”
-Leonardo Di Caprio, Actor & Environmentalist
“We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation
who can do something about it." -Barack Obama, Former US President

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“The world is reaching the tipping point beyond which climate change may become
irreversible. If this happens, we risk denying present and future generations the right to a
healthy and sustainable planet – the whole of humanity stands to lose."
- Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of UN
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EM
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CA
A
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13. Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are
naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves,
and geothermal heat.
Renewable energy often provides energy in four important areas: electricity generation,
air and water heating/cooling, transportation, and rural (off-grid) energy services.
Based on REN21's 2017 report, renewables contributed 19.3% to humans' global energy
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consumption.
EM
Types of Renewable Energy
Wind Power: -
The development of wind power in India began in the 1990s, and has significantly
D
increased in the last few years. Although a relative newcomer to the wind industry
CA
compared with Denmark or the US, domestic policy support for wind power has led India
to become the country with the fourth largest installed wind power capacity in the world.
Solar Power: -
A
India is densely populated and has high solar insolation, an ideal combination for using
S
solar power in India. Announced in November 2009, the Government of India proposed
to launch its Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission under the National Action Plan on
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Climate Change. The program was started on 11 January 2010 with a target of 20GW
grid capacity by 2022 as well as 2GW off-grid installations, this target was later increased
D
to 100 GW by the same date by the government in the 2015 Union budget of India.
Achieving this National Solar Mission target would establish India in its ambition to be a
N
global leader in solar power generation. The Mission aims to achieve grid parity
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(electricity delivered at the same cost and quality as that delivered on the grid) by 2022.
The National Solar Mission is also promoted and known by its more colloquial name of
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"Solar India".
Biomass: -
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India is an ideal environment for Biomass production given its tropical location and
abundant sunshine and rains. The country's vast agricultural potential provides huge agro-
residues which can be used to meet energy needs, both in heat and power applications.
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Waste to Energy-
Every year, about 55 million tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) and 38 billion litres
of sewage are generated in the urban areas of India. In addition, large quantities of solid
and liquid wastes are generated by industries. Waste generation in India is expected to
increase rapidly in the future.
As more people migrate to urban areas and as incomes increase, consumption levels are
likely to rise, as are rates of waste generation.

34
It is estimated that the amount of waste generated in India will increase at a per capita
rate of approximately 1-1.33% annually.
This has significant impacts on the amount of land that is and will be needed for disposal,
economic costs of collecting and transporting waste, and the environmental consequences
of increased MSW generation levels.
Constraints in field of Renewable Energy: -

Uncertainty: -
High energy costs result in reneging on old power purchase agreements (PPAs) and erode
Y
their sanctity. This leads to uncertainty regarding power offtake and consequently
endangers further investments.
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Flexibility: -
Flexibility in generation and balance requirements for the integration of renewable energy
D
are emerging as major issues, which decreases the faith of consumers.
CA
Supply chain issue: -
There are supply chain issues in biomass power generation.

A
Low Energy efficiency: -
Limited technical capabilities, high initial capital expenditure, limited market and policy
S
issues have adversely affected efforts to achieve energy efficiency.
ER
How to remove the constraints: -?

Governance Reform: -
D
Provide a mechanism for cost-effective power grid balancing (gas-based, hydro or

storage).
N
Renewable purchase obligations (RPO) should be strictly enforced and inter-state sale of
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renewable energy should be facilitated.

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Establishing National Level Market

It is necessary to have national level markets and regulations for balancing of power.
Co-operative Federalism: -
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Central level agencies like Central Electricity Regulatory Commission or National Load
Despatch Centre should socialize the costs of balancing interstate transmission systems
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(ISTS) connected power plants, over the entire system, on the lines of the point of
connection (PoC) or a similar mechanism.
Or established a system like GST Council for regulation of Renewable energy
Decentralization: -
Decentralized renewable energy in rural areas in conjunction with the discoms’ grid can
offer reliability
Technical Enhancement: -.

35
Hybrid renewable energy systems such as solar PV + biomass should be explored.

Subsidies: -
Commercial biogas needs to be promoted by providing subsidy to consumers. As well as

government provides subsidies for installation of renewable energy equipment’s.
International Solar Alliance

 The ISA, is an Indian initiative that was launched by the Prime Minister of India
and the President of France on 30th November 2015 in Paris, France on the side-
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lines of the Conference of the Parties (COP-21), with 121 solar resource rich
countries lying fully or partially between the tropic of Cancer and tropic of
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Capricorn as prospective members.
 The overarching objective of the ISA is to collectively address key common
challenges to the scaling up of solar energy in ISA member countries.
D
 The Government of India has allotted 5 acres of land to the ISA in National Institute
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of Solar Energy (NISE) campus, Gurugram and has released a sum of Rs. 160
crores for creating a corpus fund, building infrastructure and meeting day to day
recurring expenditure of the ISA up to the year 2021-22.
A
Way Forward: -
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India is one of the countries with the largest production of energy from renewable sources.
ER
As of 2019, 35% of India's installed electricity generation capacity is from renewable

sources, generating 17% of total electricity in the country. India is also concerned for
climate change issue and supporter of sustainable development. For achieving this aim
D
India have to make more effort on Renewable Energy sector.

N
“You can’t be a first-world economy in the 21st century if you’re not on the path to a
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clean energy future.”

“The truth is that transitioning to clean energy like wind and solar will create millions of
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new, good jobs that can’t be outsourced, and spur economic growth – all while avoiding
the inevitable, significant damages our economy will suffer should we keep building more
pipelines.”
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The world must turn to Sun to power our future: PM Modi

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Vast majority of humanity blessed with generous sunlight round the year yet many are
without any source of power: PM Modi
Convergence between economy, ecology and energy should define our future: PM Modi

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14. Banking Sector Reforms
The Indian banking system in the pre-reform period largely operated according to the
needs of mixed economy in which the public sector enjoyed a commanding role. The
bank nationalization in India was geared towards meeting the unique socio-economic
needs of society afflicted by widespread poverty and gross under-development. In such a
framework, planned economic development involved enormous development
expenditure. Such expenditure was met through the government ownership of banks, the
Y
instruments like statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) and cash reserve ratio (CRR), priority
sector lending norms, administered interest rates underpinned by social concerns etc.
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Nationalisation of Banks
In a free enterprise economy, commercial banks operate like any other business and are
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mainly concerned with the maximisation of their private gains. They are divorced from
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any social purpose. They tend to divert funds to business units in which the management
has its interest leading to creation of monopolies. It also led to the concentration of
economic and political power. Consequently, it was also a causal factor in the adversity
A
faced by economic activities as priority sectors and industries were not able to get
adequate funds. Hence, it was felt that too much freedom was not in consonance with the
S
spirit of socialistic developmental goals of India to create an egalitarian society.
ER
P.J. Nayak Committee report:

Public sector banks have been in under stress and are in need of complete reboot. Hence,
D
the government set up a committee in the year 2014. The major recommendations of the
P.J. Nayak Committee report are following:
N
FI
(a) It called for radical reforms in the structure and governance of bank boards. It asked
the government to design a radically new governance structure for public sector banks to
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remedy several internal weaknesses harming their competitiveness.
(b) There is a need to upgrade the quality of board deliberation in public sector banks to
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provide greater strategic focus on key areas like business strategy, financial reports and
their integrity, risk measures, customer protection, financial inclusion and human
resources.
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(c) As the quality of board deliberation across firms is sensitive to the skills and
independence of board members, it is imperative to upgrade these skills in boards of
public sector banks by reconfiguring the entire appointments process for boards.
Otherwise it is unlikely that these boards will be empowered and effective.
(d) The Government needs to move rapidly towards establishing fully empowered boards
in public sector banks, solely entrusted with the governance and oversight of the
management of the banks.

37
Urjit Patel Committee Recommendations

The Union Budget Speech 2014-15 stressed: “it is essential to have a modern monetary
policy framework to meet the challenge of an increasingly complex economy and that the
Government will, in consultation with the Reserve Bank, put in place such a framework”.
Accordingly, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) constituted an expert committee to revise
and strengthen the monetary policy framework under the chairmanship of Dr. Urjit R.
Patel. The committee submitted its Report to RBI on January 21, 2014. The committee
has made in all 45 recommendations. Gist of major recommendations:
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RBI should adopt the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) for anchoring the monetary
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policy.
It should set the inflation target at 4% with a band of +/- 2% around it.
It sought to curb the unitary power of the RBI Governor regarding formulation of the
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monetary policy. It said that decision making regarding monetary policy should be done
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by a Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) headed by the Governor.
It asked for the discontinuance of two schemes namely the Market Stabilisation Scheme
(MSS) and Cash Management Bills (CMBs). Then, the task of government debt and cash
A
management must be taken over by the government’s Debt Management Office.
The open market operations (OMOs) should be detached from the fiscal operations.
S
Instead, they should be linked exclusively to the liquidity management.
ER
Thus, we see that the major objective of the Urjit Patel Committee revolved around
recommendations meant for strengthening the monetary policy framework to make it
transparent and predictable.
D
How to Prevent Banking Frauds?

N
The role of technology can be the bedrock of an appropriate strategy for preventing
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banking frauds. It can minimize chances of the complicity of humans and can also
impartially detect fishy financial transactions. A robust technology system will make it
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highly unlikely for individual employees to circumvent supervisory hierarchical controls.

The role of technology can also be systematically harnessed for streamlining of the
process of auditing. The bank boards and especially the audit committees should have
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clearly defined responsibilities.

Blockchain technology can also be utilized to control banking scams by making
transactions more transparent. This will be possible as the unique feature of blockchain
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technology will ensure that every link in the chain can be scrutinized publicly.
A special fraud monitoring agency can also be set up by banks with officials specially
trained to detect incipient frauds.
One member of the board can also be appointed to oversee fraud risk management.
In order to maximize the chances of detecting frauds at an early stage banks will need to
improve their human resource management policies.
The role of external actors like chartered accountants, auditors, and advocates who figure
in bank frauds should also be seriously analysed.

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India’s banking system in the pre-reform era had many of the adverse issues typical of
unreformed banking systems. The problematic situation was marked by extensive
financial repression, large re-direction of bank resources to finance the government deficit
through the imposition of high statutory liquidity ratio (SLR). The banking landscape was
also marked by the dominance of public sector banks which accounted for 90 percent of
total banking sector assets. Earlier there were two rounds of nationalization of private
sector banks first in 1969 and again in 1983. These banks were nationalized because it
was necessary to impose a developmental thrust, with particular emphasis on extending
banking in rural areas. The system was afflicted by laxity in prudential regulations,
Y
mediocre accounting practices and even weak supervision by the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI). Banking sector reforms were a significant part of the broader agenda of structural
EM
economic reforms introduced in India in 1991. The first stage of reforms was shaped by
the recommendations of the Committee on the Financial System (Narasimham
Committee), which submitted its report in December 1991. After that the East Asian
D
financial crisis in 1997 led to a magnified appreciation of the importance of a strong
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banking system. The Narasimham Committee (II) was appointed by the government in
1998 to suggest further reforms. There were other committees like the P.J. Nayak
Committee report, Urjit Patel Committee report and Nachiket Mor Committee report.
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
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15. India of My Dreams
You have to dream before your dreams can come true.

- A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Our grandfathers told us that India is a developing country, we listened to them; our
fathers told the same, we dint work on to improve; we are going to tell the same and our
children will also tell the same. When will our India can be said a developed nation?
Y
Hence, dream is to make India a developed nation, where Human Development Index
(HDI) rank is increased, meaning that life expectancy, education and income of every
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citizen in increased to significant levels. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam also envisioned India as
a developed nation in his Vision 2020 document. To make this dream reality, we Indians
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should have values: spirit of service to nation, dedication, harmony, peace, fraternity and
sense of nationalism among others. Ethical governance structure and balanced sector
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development are essence of the dream of India.
India is not just a geographical entity with 1.25 billion populations but Ancient India was
A
a land of knowledge and wealth. India was master in its culture, spiritualism and
materialism but she lost the glory thanks to foreign invasion. Modern India can attain its
S
ancient glory, if Indians can look back to the richness of ancient knowledge, and regain
ER
the position of world teacher in preaching the spiritual values as was done at Taxshila and
Nalanda Universities.
D
Modern India, from colonial times to till date, has been flourishing with diversity: multi
religious, multi lingual, numerous castes & sub-castes, ethnic tribes and different cultures
N
adding colors to India. On the flip side, these institutions or social forms have been used
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for undermining the democratic setup. Caste based politics, communal violence,
displacement of tribes, hatred between communities are such manifestations. Dream is to
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get rid of these practices and also social evils like dowry harassment/deaths, violence
against women and children (domestic violence, rape, kidnap, human trafficking, child
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labor etc). Education and Gender sensitization are the best tools/weapons to address these
issues.
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Freedom of speech and expression is the essence of democracy. This fundamental right
is abridged in recent past over some literary and theatrical works. As one western
philosopher rightly points out that “I accept your right to say what you want to say but I
may not accept what you say”, one should accept author’s work or artist’s drama
irrespective of one’s opinions on the work. Religion is something that has been deep down
to the social system, and it cannot be uprooted by one or two pieces of work.
On political front, the agenda is to have ethical politics where corruption is absent, no
dynastic politics, no criminals entering the sanctum of parliament and legislative

40
assemblies/councils, and no more caste and religion based politics. And everyone is
allowed to express his/her talent in the form of speech and/or expression, obviously within
the reasonable limits. Fellow citizens should appreciate their work, can also criticize if
required but only with democratic means.
Justice is where poorest of poor is affected most if it is expensive and delayed. Justice
should be sped up without undermining the quality of it. More number of fast track courts
can be set up and hat too at local level so as to ensure justice is done a step away if not at
door step. On the other hand, judicial accountability should be ensured so ensure the
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transparent and honest working of judiciary system.
EM
Economic sphere is one that drives nation, needs mention in Dream Project to address
some pitfall.
First, India should be appreciated because; she could grow at an annual average rate of
D
7% when many of the world economies were crumbling, thanks to strong fundamentals
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such as high domestic savings.
Infrastructure is lagging behind in India and because of which Investment inflow is not
as we expect.
A
India of my dream, would like to see growth and development takes place simultaneously
along with distribution among its people. Inflation no longer impacts common man,
S
exports increase while reducing imports.
ER
India of my dream, would like to see no violence against women and children. No human
rights violations of any kind, e.g. death penalty. India would like to be seen as crime less
D
society where everyone respects and loves each other with spirit of fraternity.
N
India of our dream is likely to be seen soon with the efforts of every individual as a citizen
of India. Our freedom fighters and constitutional makers envisioned that India would be
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sovereign, socialist, democratic, republic and secular. We would strive to keep these
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constitutional values intact, development, peace, harmony would follow. We firmly

believe that India, soon achieves the status of a ‘developed nation’.
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16. India and Neighbourhood

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India gives highest priority to her neighbours. This centrality of neighbours in India’s
foreign policy stems from the clear understanding that a peaceful periphery is essential
for India to achieve her multifarious developmental goals. Moreover, India firmly
believes that a stable and prosperous South Asia will contribute to India’s own prosperity.
Again, in the context of South Asia, India has a certain added responsibility because India
is a neighbour to all though none of the others actually share borders – except Myanmar
and Bangladesh. To that extent India has been implementing a policy of asymmetric
engagement to strengthen bridges of friendship and create new opportunities for the

41
growth, security and well-being of her neighbours both bilaterally and through the
SAARC mechanism.
What is Neighbourhood first policy?
 It is part of India’s foreign policy that actively focuses on improving ties with
India's immediate neighbours which is being termed as Neighbourhood first policy
in the media
 It was started well by inviting all heads of state/heads of government of South
Asian countries in his inauguration of PM Modi first term and later held bilateral
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talks with all of them individually which was dubbed as a mini SAARC summit.
EM
 PM Modi made his first foreign visit to Bhutan in his first term.
What is the current course of Indian foreign policy vis a vis India's neighbourhood?
 After SAARC becoming defunct (due to Pakistan's misadventure) PM Modi turned
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to the BIMSTEC, India invited BIMSTEC leaders in the swearing ceremony of PM
Modi’s second term.
CA
 Earlier BIMSTEC leaders were invited to join the BRICS summit at Goa during
2016.
A
 But India’s geopolitical thinking of neighbourhood concentrated towards the idea
of South Asia has led to subdued historic commercial ties with the maritime
S
neighbours.
ER
 So apart from focusing mainly on the land-borne neighbourhood, Indian foreign

policy has to shift its focus towards the maritime neighbourhood.
D
 Though some positive steps in this direction have taken: For example:
N
o PM Modi first foreign visit in his second term is headed towards Maldives
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and Sri Lanka.

TH
o Emphasis on SAGAR narrative

o But India needs to engage with its maritime neighbourhood more
enthusiastically as strategically important countries like Myanmar, Thailand,
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or Indonesia with whom India shared land and/or maritime boundaries were
neglected in PM Modi first term.
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What is the importance of the Maritime Neighbourhood for India?

 Geo-strategically: Indian ocean has now become the theatre of great power
rivalry:
o Growing China's assertiveness in the Indian ocean in its maritime silk road
component of BRI (Belt and road initiative) project.
o China has been also building naval bases in name of the commercial centre
like Gwadar etc., which India dubbed as its encirclement under the string of
pearls theory

42
o Citing this India has also entered into the agreement for naval cooperation
with powers like USA and France. this has triggered a base race in the Indian
ocean.
 Geo-politically: Indian ocean is one of the world’s busiest sea lines of
communication.
o It serves as an important commercial trade route but it is strategically
important too
o Citing this, from few years Sri Lanka has been persistent in claiming an
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“Indian Ocean identity” rather than a South Asian identity.
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 Geo-economically: Indian ocean harbours massive resources of the blue economy:
o Fisheries, Rare earth metals, unexplored oil and gases etc.
D
CA
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
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17. India-China
India attaches highest priority to its relations with China which is reflected today by
regular exchanges at the highest level, sustained political dialogue on all outstanding
issues, rapidly expanding economic relations and increasing cooperation on a growing
number of regional and international issues. India-China relationship is dotted with
competition, cooperation, and discord. In 2017 these played out in India’s critique of
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India’s entry into the Shanghai Cooperation
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Organisation (SCO), the dramatic crisis in Doklam, the acceleration of multilateral
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cooperation in the BRICS and attempts to foster economic engagement.
India-China Relationship: Evolution
 For thousands of years, Tibet was the buffer that kept India and China
D
geographically apart and at peace. It is only after China invaded and occupied Tibet
CA
in 1950, the two countries are sharing a common border.
 The extensive mutual historical experience was not there between the two nations
A
and each country had a poor understanding of the psyche and system of the other.
 Before the mid-20th century, India-China relations were minimal and confined to
S
some trade and exchange of pilgrims and scholars. Interactions began after India’s
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independence (1947) and the Communist revolution in China (1949).

 Nehru’s views supporting an independent Tibet gave rise to Chinese mistrust.
Nehru accepted China’s suzerainty over Tibet but wanted Tibet to remain
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autonomous.
N
Tibetan regard for India (where Buddhism originated) as their spiritual mentor and
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the holy land was a concern for China.

 China showed no concern for McMohan Line (1914 Simla Convention signed
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between the British and the Tibetan representatives) which it said was imposed by
“imperialists.”
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 Nehru and Zhou signed the Panchsheel treaty on 29 April 1954 to lay the
roadmap for stability in a region (Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai) as India acknowledged
Chinese rule in
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Tibet: Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty; Mutual
non-aggression; Mutual non-interference; Equality and mutual benefit; and,
Peaceful co-existence.
 As China tightened its grip on Tibet, India gave asylum to the Dalai Lama (1959).
 In 1962, China's People's Liberation Army invaded India in Ladakh, and across the
McMahon Line in the then North-East Frontier Agency. After the conflict, relations
were in a freeze.

44
 Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s landmark visit in 1988 began a phase of

improvement in bilateral relations. India-China relations normalized through the
regular exchange of high-level visits.
Latest Developments in India-China Relations
 In September 2014 the relationship became strained as troops of the People’s
Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly entered two kilometres inside the Line of Actual
Control (LAC) in Chumar sector. The next month, V. K. Singh said that China and
India had come to an “agreement of views” on the threat of terrorism emanating
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from Pakistan.
EM
 On 16 June 2017 Chinese troops with construction vehicles and road-building
equipment began extending an existing road southward in Doklam, a territory
which is claimed by both China as well as India’s ally Bhutan.
D
 On 28 August 2017, China and India reached a consensus to put an end to the
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border stand-off. Both of them agreed to disengage from the standoff in Doklam.
 On 18 June 2017, around 270 Indian troops, with weapons and two bulldozers,
entered Doklam to stop the Chinese troops from constructing the road. Among
A
other charges, China accused India of illegal intrusion into its territory, across what
is called the mutually agreed China-India boundary, and violation of its territorial
S
sovereignty and United Nations Charter.
ER
 In May 2018, the two countries agreed to coordinate their development

programmes in Afghanistan in the areas of health, education and food security.
D
 In 2019, India reiterated that it would not join One Belt One Road initiative, stating
N
that it cannot accept a project that ignores concerns about its territorial integrity.
 On 11 October 2019, Chinese president Xi Jinping met with Indian prime minister
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Narendra Modi at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India for a second informal

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meeting between India and China.

 On 10 May 2020, Chinese and Indian troops clashed in Nathu La, Sikkim (India).
11 soldiers were injured. Following the skirmishes in Sikkim, tensions between the
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two countries grew in Ladakh with a buildup of troops at multiple locations.

 In the initial weeks of June 2020, there was a substantial buildup of troops on both
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sides of the LAC, with both the Indian and Chinese army matching strength for
strength
 Following a high-level visit by commanding officers of both the Indian and
Chinese forces, the Chinese army on June 9th, 2020 agreed to withdraw about 2-
2.5 km away from the disputed territory, with Indian army also agreeing to
disengage at some locations. Talks for further disengagement are to continue in the
coming days.

45
 A major incident had occurred in the stand-off between India and China in Ladakh
on the night of 15th June, 2020. One Commanding Officer and two jawans of the
Indian Army lost their lives during a violent face-off with Chinese troops in the
Galwan area of Eastern Ladakh. These are the first combat deaths on the disputed
boundary since 1975.
 Army Chief Gen Manoj Naravane had taken review of the situation and announced
that further steps will be taken to de-escalate the situation while calling for restrain
from personnel of both the Armies.
Y
Recent Developments in the India-China Relations
EM
 Chinese and Indian forces clashed at Nathu La, Sikkim (India), on 10 May 2020
with 11 Indian fatalities. After the Sikkim scuffles, tensions between the two
countries rose in Ladakh, with a multi-place mobilization of troops.
D
 The initial weeks of June 2020 saw a significant build-up of troops on both sides
CA
of the LAC, with strength matching between both the Indian and Chinese armies
 After a high-level visit by commanding officers of both the Indian and Chinese
armies, on June 9th, 2020, the Chinese army agreed to withdraw from the disputed
A
territories about 2-2,5 km away, with the Indian army also agreeing to disengage
at certain places. Further disengagement talks are supposedly expected in the
S
coming days.
ER
 On the evening of 15 June 2020. One commanding officer and two Indian Army
jawans lost their lives during a violent face-off with Chinese troops in Eastern
D
Ladakh's Galwan district. These are the first deaths from the battle on the contested
N
frontier since 1975.

 On the night of June 17, a total of 20 Indian Army personnel, including a colonel,
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were killed during a violent clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan
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Valley, escalating the already volatile border standoff between the two sides.
 On June 29, India on banned 59 apps originating from China. The ban has been
enforced under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This action,
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however, is more sweeping, impacts more apps, and has been taken in a specific
strategic and national security context. It could be a warning to bigger Chinese
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businesses in India, and to China itself.
India-China Trade Relations

Since the beginning of the 21st century, trade between China and India has grown from
less than $3 billion to nearly $100 billion, an increase of about 32 times. In 2019, the
trade volume between China and India was $92.68 billion.
The Development Research Centre of the State Council of China has held 4 rounds of
dialogues with the NITI Aayog of India, reaching consensus on promoting sustainable

46
and high-quality economic development of two countries, safeguarding global

multilateral trade mechanisms, promoting the reform of the global governance system
and guarding against international economic and financial risks.
China and India have held 6 rounds of strategic economic dialogues to exchange
macroeconomic policies on infrastructure, high technology, energy conservation, and
environmental protection, energy, and medicine and promote practical economic and
trade cooperation. India-China economic relations constitute an important element of the
strategic and cooperative partnership between the two countries.
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India-China Diplomatic Relations
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There are 50 dialogue mechanisms between China and India for exchanging views on
various topics of bilateral, regional, and global concern. 20 Inter-parliamentary friendship
groups have been set up by China and India.
D
The two countries have held frequent exchanges of high-level visits. President Xi Jinping
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and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have had 16 bilateral meetings since 2014, enhancing
political mutual trust, properly managing differences, expanding practical cooperation so
as to guide a better and more stable development of bilateral ties.
A
However, border stand-off at the LAC in Ladakh, in a Doklam-like situation in the month
of April 2020 has put on some tensions between the two nations. Ministry of External
S
Affairs (MEA) clarified it will resolve the border stand-off “peacefully through dialogue”
ER
turning down the US President Donald Trump’s offers to mediate between India and
China.
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FI
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18. India-Nepal
India and Nepal enjoy a special and unique relationship rooted in shared heritage,
civilization, culture and extensive people-to-people relations. India attaches the highest
priority to its relations with Nepal and is fully committed to further enhance and expand
this relationship. A peaceful, democratic, stable, strong and prosperous Nepal is not just
in India's interest but would also contribute to the prosperity of the region as a whole.
Y
India continues to be a major trading partner of Nepal. Nearly 60% of Nepal’s foreign
trade is with India and 48% of its FDI comes from India. Around 40% of Nepal’s tourists
EM
come from India and more than 5 million Nepalese find employment in India.
 Nepal is an important neighbour of India and occupies special significance in its
D
foreign policy because of the geographic, historical, cultural and economic
linkages/ties that span centuries.
CA
 India and Nepal share similar ties in terms of Hinduism and Buddhism with
Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini located in present day Nepal.
A
 The two countries not only share an open border and unhindered movement of
people, but they also have close bonds through marriages and familial ties,
S
popularly known as Roti-Beti ka Rishta.
ER
 The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 forms the bedrock of the
special relations that exist between India and Nepal.
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Importance of Nepal:
 Nepal shares border with 5 Indian states- Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal,
N
Sikkim and Bihar. Hence an important point of cultural and economic exchange.
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 Importance for India can be studied from two different angles: a) their strategic
importance for India’s national security; and b) their place in India’s role
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perception in international politics.

 Nepal is right in the middle of India’s ‘Himalayan frontiers’, and along with Bhutan
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it acts as northern ‘borderland’ flanks and acts as buffer states against any possible
aggression from China.
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Areas of Cooperation
 Trade and economy
o India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and the largest source of foreign
investments, besides providing transit for almost the entire third country
trade of Nepal.
o Indian firms engage in manufacturing, services (banking, insurance, dry
port), power sector and tourism industries etc.
 Connectivity

48
o Nepal being a landlocked country, it is surrounded by India from three sides

and one side is open towards Tibet which has very limited vehicular access.
o India-Nepal has undertaken various connectivity programs to enhance
people-to-people linkages and promote economic growth and development.
o MOUs have been signed between both the governments for laying electric
rail track linking Kathmandu with Raxaul in India.
o India is looking to develop the inland waterways for the movement of cargo,
within the framework of trade and transit arrangements, providing additional
Y
access to sea for Nepal calling it linking Sagarmath (Mt. Everest) with Sagar
EM
(Indian Ocean).
 Development Assistance
o Government of India provides development assistance to Nepal, focusing on
D
creation of infrastructure at the grass-root level.
CA
o The areas assistance include infrastructure, health, water resources, and
education and rural & community development.
 Defence Cooperation
A
o Bilateral defence cooperation includes assistance to Nepalese Army in its
modernization through provision of equipment and training.
S
o The Gorkha Regiments of the Indian Army are raised partly by recruitment
ER
from hill districts of Nepal.

o India from 2011, every year undertakes joint military exercise with Nepal
D
known as Surya Kiran.

N
 Cultural
o There have been initiatives to promote people-to-people contacts in the area
FI
of art & culture, academics and media with different local bodies of Nepal.
TH
o India has signed three sister-city agreements for twinning of Kathmandu-

Varanasi, Lumbini-Bodhgaya and Janakpur-Ayodhya.
 Humanitarian Assistance
PA
o Nepal lies in sensitive ecological fragile zone which is prone to earthquakes,

floods causing massive damage to both life and money, whereby it remains
©
the biggest recipient of India’s humanitarian assistance.

 Indian Community
o Huge number of Indians lives in Nepal, these include businessmen, traders,
doctors, engineers and labourers (including seasonal/migratory in the
construction sector).
 Multilateral Partnership
o India and Nepal shares multiple multilateral forums such as BBIN
(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal

49
Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) NAM,

and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) etc.
Challenges
 Internal Security is a major concern for India; Indo-Nepal border is virtually open
and lightly policed which is exploited by terrorist outfits and insurgent groups from
North Eastern part of India e.g. supply of trained cadres, fake Indian currency.
 Overtime trust deficit has widened between India-Nepal because of the Indian
reputation for delaying implementation of various projects.
Y
 Nepal over the years has witnessed chronic political instability, including a 10-year
EM
violent insurgency, damaging Nepal’s development and economy.
 There is anti-India feeling among certain ethnic groups in Nepal which emanates
from the perception that India indulges too much in Nepal and tinkers with their
D
political sovereignty.
CA
 The establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China and its
growing influence in Nepal has resulted in declining traditional leverage of India
in Nepal.
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
©

50
Way Forward
 Both the countries are affected due to the misuse of open border by internal and
external forces, the responsibility of border management and regulation depends
on both.
 India should provide an alternative narrative for India-Nepal ties, one that takes
into account longstanding people-to-people ties and cultural connect.
 India should focus on fructifying the potential of hydropower cooperation, which
has remained untapped largely due to differing perceptions.
Y
 India should maintain the policy of keeping away from internal affairs of Nepal,
EM
meanwhile in the spirit of friendship India should guide the nation towards more
inclusive rhetoric.
 With its immense strategic relevance in the Indian context as Indian security
D
concern, stable and secure Nepal is one requisite which India can’t afford to
CA
overlook.
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
©

51
19. India-Bangladesh
India and Bangladesh share a unique bond and a special relationship rooted in a common
cultural heritage, shared principles and values and forged by common aspirations and
sacrifices of its peoples. India is committed to carry forward the mission of strengthening
the historic bonds and impart a vision for the future that is durable and sustainable and
conducive for the collective prosperity of the region.
Y
Some Facts about the Relationship
 India was one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh and establish
EM
diplomatic relations immediately after its independence in December 1971.
 Defence Cooperation: India and Bangladesh share the historical legacy of
D
cooperation and support during the Liberation War of 1971.Various Joint exercises
of Army (Exercise Sampriti) and Navy (Exercise Milan) take place between the
CA
two countries.
 Border Management: India and Bangladesh share 4096.7 km. of border, which is
A
the longest land boundary that India shares with any of its neighbours.
The India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) came into force
S
following the exchange of instruments of ratification in June 2015.
ER
 Cooperation over Rivers: India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers. A

bilateral Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) is working since June 1972 to maintain
D
liaison between the two countries to maximize benefits from common river
systems.
N
 Economic Relations: Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South

FI
Asia. India’s exports to Bangladesh for financial year 2018-19 (April-March) stood
at US $ 9.21 bn and imports from Bangladesh for the same period stood at US $
TH
1.22 bn.
 Cooperation in Power Sector: This has become one of the hallmarks of India-
PA
Bangladesh relations. Bangladesh is currently importing 1160 MW of power

from India.
©
Areas of Cooperation:
o The use of the Chattogram and Mongla ports in Bangladesh for movement of
goods to and from India, particularly from North-eastern India.
o Use of Bangladesh’s Feni river for drinking water supply in Tripura.
 However, no progress was reported on the long pending Teesta water
sharing agreement.

52
o Exchange of data and information to prepare a framework of interim sharing

agreements for six rivers — Manu, Muhuri, Khowai and Gomati rivers of Tripura
and Dharla river of Bangladesh and Dudhkumar river of West Bengal.
o Daudkanti (Bangladesh)-Sonamura (Tripura) inland water trade route to be
included under Protocol of the Inland Water Transit and Trade.
o Consensus on lifting restrictions on entry and exit from land ports in India for
Bangladeshi citizens travelling on valid documents.
o Implementation of the Lines of Credit (LoCs) committed by India to Bangladesh.
Y
EM
Areas of Concern:
 Failed river water sharing agreements between India and Bangladesh despite
many efforts. Chief among them is the Teesta agreement which was inked in 2011
D
but has not moved forward because of tensions between the Central and West
CA
Bengal governments.
 Pending upgradation of the Ganga-Padma barrage project, the draft
framework of interim sharing agreements for six rivers- Manu, Muhuri,
A
Khowai, Gumti, Dharla & Dudhkumar and the draft framework of interim
sharing agreement of the Feni river.
S
 Growing concerns in Bangladesh over the National Register of Citizens
ER
(NRC) in Assam and about its conflicting explanations by the Indian government.
The problem in Assam is part of the tragic legacy of the Indian subcontinent’s
D
partition in 1947 and the movement of people across the new frontiers in the east
N
since then.
 Anti-market orientation in Delhi’s economic policy poses serious problems even
FI
if India’s national strategy calls for regional integration. It shows the insensitivity
TH
of Indian economic policy makers towards the logic of interdependence and the
headache generated in Bangladesh by Delhi’s economic decisions. For example,
beef is a staple food in Bangladesh yet India does not export it which in turn
PA
increases the illegal animal trafficking at the border areas.

 Continuous delay in implementation of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal
©
Initiative (BBIN).
 Hate mongering and incidents of lynching of Muslims in India affect public
perceptions in Bangladesh.
Suggestions:
 The tasks of river water management must be taken seriously between two
countries which share 54 transboundary rivers, and which is key to
prosperity, and often a source of tensions and humanitarian disasters.

53
 As India rises and integrates with Bangladesh which is now one of the world’s
fastest growing economies, Delhi must get its economic bureaucrats to integrate
the regional dimension into their national policy thinking.
 The leaders of both nations must try to develop a long-term joint strategy that
will facilitate national identification and generate a system of work-permits for
legitimate movement of labour.
 The Land and Maritime Boundary Agreements, should be approached by
different means so that they can be of mutual benefit.
Y
EM
Way Forward
 India and Bangladesh must manage their geo-political realities through
friendship and collaborations. They should appreciate and balance regional
D
political realities for the interest of the people and should not trade off long-term
CA
interests for short-term gains.
 Pluralism has been the strength of the Indian subcontinent so that should be
kept in mind to be able to celebrate South Asia’s diversities in religion, ethnicity
A
and language.
 India and Bangladesh share a great relationship, areas of concern remain which
S
need to be looked into holistically and ratified as soon as possible so that “best of
ER
the best” of ties between the two neighbours can be sustained forever.
D
N
FI
TH
PA
©

54
20. India-Bhutan
India and Bhutan share uniquely warm and special relations founded on mutual trust and
understanding. The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty signed and ratified by the two
countries in 2007 forms the basic framework of our relations. It not only reflects the
contemporary nature of our bilateral relations but also lays foundation for their
development in the 21st century. India and Bhutan share a common perception of their
Y
strategic interests and cooperate closely on security issues and border management.
EM
Development of hydropower in Bhutan has been the centre-piece of the bilateral
cooperation. It is an exemplary win-win partnership: surplus power generated from the
D
hydroelectric projects (HEPs) is exported to India providing Bhutan a steady stream of
revenue and providing Indian an assured supply of clean power.
CA
India is Bhutan’s largest trade and development partner, and source of supplies of most
of the essential commodities imported by Bhutan. As Bhutan prepares its people for the
A
information technology age, it is reaching out beyond its traditional sectors of agriculture
and hydropower to expansion in tourism, IT, and education, and it offers considerable
S
potential for mutually beneficial economic and business partnership.
ER
Bhutan’s Significance to India

Geographical Significance:
D
 Bhutan shares border with four Indian States: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West
Bengal and Sikkim.
N
 Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan serves as a buffer between India and China.
FI
 Security of Bhutan’s present borders especially its western border is very important
for India.
TH
Economic Significance:
 Bhutan provides a market for Indian commodities and is a destination for Indian
PA
investment.
 Also for India, Bhutan is a rich source of hydropower.
©
Political Significance:
 A politically stable Bhutan is important to India. An unstable and restive Bhutan
can provide a safe haven to anti-India activities and anti-India militant groups.
Trade:
 The trade between the two countries is governed by the India Bhutan Trade and
Transit Agreement 1972 which was last renewed in November 2016.

55
 The agreement establishes a free-trade regime between the two countries and also
provides for duty-free transit of Bhutanese exports to third countries.
 India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In the period from January- June, 2018,
trade between two countries stood at Rs. 4318.59 crore.
 Major exports from India to Bhutan are mineral products, machinery and
mechanical appliances, electrical equipment’s etc. whereas major items of import
from Bhutan are electricity, ferrosilicon, Portland cement etc.
Economic Assistance:
Y
 India is Bhutan’s leading development partner. Since the launch of First Five Year
EM
Plan of Bhutan in 1961, India has been extending financial support to Bhutan’s
FYPs. India has allotted Rs 4500 crore to Bhutan’s 12th FYP.
Water Resources:
D
 India is playing an important role in development of hydro-power projects. This
CA
not only provides Bhutanese with electricity for domestic use but also revenue from
surplus electricity exported to India.
 So far, Government of India has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs)
A
in Bhutan. Currently, India is helping Bhutan in the development of power plant
on Mangdechhu River.
S
 This hydropower cooperation comes under 2006 Agreement on Cooperation in
ER
Hydropower. Under a protocol to this agreement, India has agreed to assist Bhutan
in the development of minimum of 10,000 MW of hydropower and import of
D
surplus electricity from same by year 2020.

N
 Also, there is a Joint Group of Experts (JGE) on flood management between India
and Bhutan.
FI
Border Management:
TH
 There is a Secretary-level mechanism on border management and security related

matters between the two countries.
 There is also a Border District Coordination Meeting (BDCM) Mechanism
PA
between the bordering States and the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) to
facilitate coordination on border management and other related matters.
©
Educational and Cultural Cooperation:

 A large number of college going Bhutanese students study in India. Government
of India provides number of scholarships to Bhutanese students.
 Regular cultural exchanges take place between the two countries. One of the basic
objectives of India Bhutan Foundation established in 2003 is to enhance people to
people exchange in cultural field.
Indian Community:

56
 About 60,000 Indian nationals live in Bhutan, employed mostly in the hydro-
electric power construction and road industry.
 In addition, around 8000-10,000 daily workers enter and exit Bhutan every day in
border towns.
Multilateral Partnership:
 Both India and Bhutan are founding members of South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) that deals with economic, social and cultural
development of South Asian Region.
Y
 Both of them also share other multilateral forums such as BBIN (Bangladesh,
EM
Bhutan, India, and Nepal), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation) etc.
Challenges
D
 There have been instances when India has meddled in Bhutan’s internal affairs.
CA
This has led to negative perception of India in the minds of Bhutanese.
 There is a growing feeling in Bhutan that India’s development of Bhutan’s
hydropower production is driven by self-interest as it is getting Bhutan’s surplus
A
power at relatively cheap rates.
 Bhutan’s concern regarding profitability of its Hydropower projects in the wake of
S
India’s shift to renewable sources of energy like wind, solar etc.
ER
 From internal security perspective, illicit establishment of camps by militant outfits

in the dense jungles of south-east Bhutan is a cause of concern for both the nations.
D
 China’s continuous claims to important border areas such as Chumbi valley and
N
Doklam and its continuous efforts for establishing strong diplomatic and economic
relations with Bhutan have been continuous source of concern for India.
FI
Way Forward
TH
 India needs to step up efforts to publicise the benefits that accrue to Bhutan from
Indian projects.
 India continuously needs to explore new areas of cooperation with Bhutan.
PA
Decision of setting up of ISRO’s ground station in Bhutan is a welcome step. The

station will help Bhutan in providing weather related messages to its far flung areas.
©
 India should try as much as possible to remain out of Bhutan’s internal matters,
though it can act as a mentor.
 Safety of Border from China is a concern for both nations. Therefore, both sides
need to work together on this issue. Also, it needs to be ensured that border areas
remain militants free.
 Being neighbours, it is necessary that both nations continuously recognise value of
each other. For this, regular high level visits from both the sides are necessary.

57
21. India-Sri Lanka
India greatly values its close relationship with Sri Lanka. This relationship has become
multifaceted and diverse, encompassing all areas of contemporary relevance, including
connectivity, development partnership, cooperation in agriculture, power, education,
human resource development and culture, greater economic engagement. The
relationship has been further strengthened through bilateral exchanges, including at the
Y
highest level in the recent past.
EM
Today, India and Sri Lanka enjoy a robust trade and investment relationship, with bilateral
trade growing rapidly in the last decade. Sri Lanka is currently India's largest trade partner
D
in South Asia and bilateral trade has reached nearly US$ 5 billion. India has also emerged
as the number one source country as far as Foreign Direct Investment and tourist arrivals
CA
are concerned.
Geopolitical Significance of Sri Lanka A
 Sri Lanka’s location in the Indian Ocean region as an island State has been
of strategic geopolitical relevance to several major powers.
S
 Some examples that highlight Western interests in Sri Lanka’s strategic location
ER
are the British Defence and External Affairs Agreement of 1948, and the Maritime
Agreement with USSR of 1962.
D
 Even during the J.R Jayewardene (1978-1989) and Ranasinghe Premadasa (1989-
1993) tenures, Sri Lanka was chosen to build the Voice of America transmitting
N
station (suspected of being used for intelligence gathering purposes and electronic
FI
surveillance of the Indian Ocean).

 It was the massive Chinese involvement during the Rajapaksa tenure that garnered
TH
the deepest controversy in recent years.

 China is building state of the art gigantic modern ports all along the Indian Ocean
PA
to the south of it, in Gwadar (Pakistan), Chittagong (Bangladesh, Kyauk Phru

(Myanmar) and Hambantota (Sri Lanka).
 China’s string of pearl’s strategy is aimed at encircling India to establish
©
dominance in the Indian Ocean.

 Post 2015, Sri Lanka still relies heavily on China for Port city project and for
continuation of Chinese funded infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka.
 Although the Hambantota harbour is reportedly making losses, it too has potential
for development due to its strategic location.
 Sri Lanka has a list of highly strategic ports located among busiest sea lanes of
communication.

58
 Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port is the 25th busiest container port in the world and the
natural deep water harbor at Trincomalee is the fifth largest natural harbour in the
world.
 Port city of Trincomalee was the main base for Eastern Fleet and British Royal
Navy during the Second World War.
 Sri Lanka’s location can thus serve both commercial and industrial purposes and
be used as a military base.
Issues and Conflicts
Y
 In recent years, China has extended billions of dollars of loans to the Sri Lankan
EM
government for new infrastructure projects, which is not good for India’s strategic
depth in Indian Ocean Region.
 Sri Lanka also handed over the strategic port of Hambantota, which is expected to
D
play a key role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, to China on a 99-year lease.
CA
 The opposition parties and trade unions in Sri Lanka have already dubbed the port
deal as a sell-out of their country’s national assets to China.
 China has also supplied arms as well as provide huge loans to Sri Lanka for its
A
development.
 China also invested sufficiently in the infrastructure of Sri Lanka, which included
S
building of Colombo international container terminal by China Harbor
ER
Corporation.
o However, the relation between Sri Lanka and India are improving. In order
D
to allay Indian concerns that the Hambantota port will not be used for
military purposes, the Sri Lankan government has sought to limit China’s
N
role to running commercial operations at the port while it retains oversight

FI
of security operations.
TH
 The two countries have signed civil nuclear cooperation agreement which is Sri
Lanka’s first nuclear partnership with any country.
 India is also investing into Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development in the Northern
PA
and Eastern provinces.

 India is also planning to build Trincomalee Port to counterweight the Chinese
©
developments at Hambantota Port.

Fishermen issue
 Given the proximity of the territorial waters of both countries, especially in the
Palk Straits and the Gulf of Mannar, incidents of straying of fishermen are
common.
 Indian boats have been fishing in the troubled waters for centuries and had a free
run of the Bay of Bengal, Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar until 1974 and 1976

59
when treaties were signed between the two countries to demarcate International
Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
 However, the treaties failed to factor in the hardship of thousands of traditional
fishermen who were forced to restrict themselves to a meagre area in their fishing
forays.
 The small islet of Katchatheevu, hitherto used by them for sorting their catch and
drying their nets, fell on the other side of the IMBL.
 Fishermen often risk their lives and cross the IMBL rather than return empty-
Y
handed, but the Sri Lankan Navy is on alert, and have either arrested or destroyed
EM
fishing nets and vessels of those who have crossed the line.
 Both countries have agreed on certain practical arrangements to deal with the issue
of bona fide fishermen of either side crossing the International Maritime Boundary
D
Line.
CA
Way Forward
 As both countries have a democratic setup there is scope for broadening and
A
deepening the ties.
 Both countries should try to work out a permanent solution to the issue of fishermen
S
through bilateral engagements.
ER
 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) must be signed to

improve the economic cooperation between both countries.
D
 India needs to focus more on its traditional and cultural ties to improve relations
N
with Sri Lanka.

 Starting of ferry services between India and Sri Lanka can improve people to
FI
people linkages.
TH
 Mutual recognition of each other's concerns and interests can improve the
relationship between both countries.
PA
22. SAARC current relevance, problems and

prospects
©
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established with
the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985.
 The idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first raised in November 1980.
After consultations, the foreign secretaries of the seven founding countries—
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—met for the
first time in Colombo in April 1981.

60
 Afghanistan became the newest member of SAARC at the 13th annual

summit in 2005.
 The Headquarters and Secretariat of the Association are at Kathmandu,
Nepal.
 Human Resource Development and Tourism
 Agriculture and Rural Development
 Environment, Natural Disasters and Biotechnology
Y
 Economic, Trade and Finance
EM
 Social Affairs
 Information and Poverty Alleviation
 Energy, Transport, Science and Technology
D
 Education, Security and Culture and Others
CA
The Objectives of the SAARC
 To promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and to improve their quality
of life.
A
 To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the
region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize
S
their full potentials.
ER
 To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South

Asia.
D
 To contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another’s

N
problems.
 To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social,
FI
cultural, technical and scientific fields.

TH
 To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries.

 To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on
matters of common interests; and
PA
 To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and
purposes.
©
SAARC and its Importance

 SAARC comprises 3% of the world's area, 21% of the world's
population and 3.8% (US$2.9 trillion) of the global economy.
 Creating synergies: It is the world’s most densely populated region and one of the
most fertile areas. SAARC countries have common tradition, dress, food and
culture and political aspects thereby synergizing their actions.
 Common solutions: All the SAARC countries have common problems and issues
like poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, natural disasters, internal conflicts, industrial

61
and technological backwardness, low GDP and poor socio-economic condition and
uplift their living standards thereby creating common areas of development and
progress having common solutions.
Significance for India
 Neighbourhood first: Primacy to the country’s immediate neighbours.
 Geostrategic significance: Can counter China (OBOR initiative) through
engaging Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka in development process and
economic cooperation.
Y
 Regional stability: SAARC can help in creation of mutual trust and peace within
EM
the region.
 Global leadership role: It offers India a platform to showcase its leadership in the
region by taking up extra responsibilities.
D
 Game changer for India’s Act East Policy: by linking South Asian economies
CA
with South East Asian will bring further economic integration and prosperity to
India mainly in the Services Sector.
Challenges
A
 Low frequency of meetings: More engagement is required by the member states
and instead of meeting biennial meetings should be held annually.
S
 Broad area of cooperation leads to diversion of energy and resources.
ER
 Limitation in SAFTA: The implementation of SAFTA has not been satisfactory

a Free Trade Agreement confined to goods, excluding all services like information
D
technology.
N
 Indo-Pak Relations: Escalated tension and conflict between India and Pakistan
have severely hampered the prospects of SAARC.
FI
TH
Why SAARC failed?

 Most of the smaller states and external players believe that the India-Pakistan
conflict has undermined SAARC.
PA
 The reasons for a dysfunctional SAARC:

o Bilateral issues cannot be discussed in SAARC but since the organisation
©
relies on the principle of unanimity for all major decisions, Pakistan has
often vetoed the major initiatives proposed at SAARC. For
example, SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement proposed at Kathmandu
summit, 2014.
o For India, Pakistan’s use of terror as an instrument of foreign policy has
made normal business impossible.
o Dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the Durand line, is also a
reason.

62
o Also, India’s economic position vis-a vis other SAARC countries, creates an
impression of India being a big brother rather than a strategic partner.
 Lack of Trust in Indo-Pakistan relations: After the deadly terror attack on the
Indian security forces at Uri in 2016, India refused to engage with the SAARC.
o Since then, the SAARC has become almost marginal to the regions'
collective consciousness and other organisations such as the Bay of Bengal
Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC) came into the forefront.
Y
Should India continue to neglect SAARC over BIMSTEC?
EM
The two organisations—SAARC and BIMSTEC—focus on geographically overlapping
regions. However, this does not make them equal alternatives.
 SAARC is a purely regional organisation, whereas BIMSTEC is interregional and
D
connects both South Asia and ASEAN. BIMSTEC provides SAARC countries a
CA
unique opportunity to connect with ASEAN.
 Further, the scope of BIMSTEC has been undermined by China. Thailand and
Myanmar are now economically and strategically closer to China. Apart from it,
A
Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also have extensive economic
engagement with China and are struggling to work out balancing strategies
S
between India and China.
ER
 The revival of SAARC will also facilitate India’s neighbourhood policy in meeting
the challenge of regional strategic encroachment by China through its Belt and
D
Road Initiative.
N
 Thus, insofar as their regions of interest overlap, SAARC and BIMSTEC

complement each other in terms of functions and goals. The success of BIMSTEC
FI
does not render SAARC pointless; it only adds a new chapter in regional
TH
cooperation in South Asia.
Way Forward
PA
 In a region increasingly targeted by Chinese investment and loans, SAARC could

be a common platform to demand more sustainable alternatives for development,
©
or to oppose trade tariffs together, or to demand better terms for South Asian labour
around the world.
 SAARC, as an organisation, reflects the South Asian identity of the countries,
historically and contemporarily. This is a naturally made geographical identity.
Equally, there is a cultural, linguistic, religious and culinary affinity that defines
South Asia.
 The potential of organisation to maintain peace and stability in the region should
be explored by all the member countries.

63
 SAARC should be allowed to progress naturally and the people of South Asia, who
make up a quarter of the world’s population should be offered more people-to-
people contact.
Y
EM
D
CA
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
©

64
23. NAM 2.0
A renewed state of political and military tension between opposing geopolitical power-
blocs, in the form of Cold War, is breaking out with one bloc led by Russia and China and
the other led by the United States, European Union and NATO.
At the same time, the 17th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Venezuela’s
Margarita Island proved to be a failure because only 12 heads of states attended from the
Y
120-member group. India was also represented by its Vice president instead of Head of
the government.
EM
However, the current changing global politics and major global problems like terrorism
makes NAM platform highly relevant.
D
Background: Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
The Non-Aligned Movement was formed during the Cold War as an organization of
CA
States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the United States or the
Soviet Union, but sought to remain independent or neutral.
A
It identifies the right of independent judgment, the struggle against imperialism and neo-
colonialism, and the use of moderation in relations with all big powers as the three basic
S
elements that have influenced its approach.
ER
How the term “Cold War II” gained currency and relevance?
The ‘Cold War II’ term has been used to describe on-going renewed tensions between
D
Western nations and Russia& China.

Cold War II” gained currency and relevance as tensions between Russia and the West
N
escalated throughout the 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine followed by the Russian
FI
military intervention.
The United States has identified both China and Russia as adversaries. Whereas, leaders
TH
of China and Russia are strong and determined to stand up to US President Doctrines of
ultra-nationalism and nuclear hegemony.
PA
Russia announced that it has invincible doomsday machines like an underwater drone
armed with a nuclear warhead powerful enough to sweep away coastal facilities, aircraft
©
carriers and a hypersonic vehicle.

Cuban “axis of evil” has emerged once again under Iran’s leadership. This time it is a
three-cornered Cold War, without any corner having committed countries to act together
as military allies.
Some observers judged the Syrian Civil War to be a proxy war between Russia and
the United States.

65
However, current tensions and ideologies of both sides are not similar to those of the
original Cold War. Also, today Russia is far more integrated with the outside world which
may constrain Russian actions.
Why is NAM needed?
NAM establishes itself as a deliberative and coordinating platform for the developing
countries as it deals with newly emerging problems from global warming, debt-affected
low income countries to UN reforms.
The world is more violent and big power rivalries from Middle East and North Africa to
Y
the South China Sea have increased in recent times.
EM
NAM provides an alternative medium to tackle these issues in fresh and innovative ways.
NAM declaration has several elements which developing nations need to take note of.
These included—to decisively addressing the challenges posed in the areas of peace,
D
economic and social development, human rights and international cooperation, to
CA
promote the peaceful settlement of disputes.
What is objective behind Nonalignment 2.0?
NAM is anathema today even to those who helped shape it and partied in it for years. It
A
can be observed in 17th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in 2016 which was
attended by only 12 Heads of the states from the 120-member group.
S
India was one of its leaders. India had a stake in its integrity and India worked tirelessly
ER
to keep it on the middle road. India fought to keep Egypt within it when every Arab
country wanted it to be ousted.
D
Even while building alliances with others, we availed of the NAM umbrella to promote
N
our national strategies when it suited us.

NAM was effectively used for UN Reform, where we blocked an effort by the U.S. and
FI
others to add Germany and Japan as permanent members and close the doors for further
TH
expansion.
An effort was made in 2012 to craft a ‘Nonalignment 2.0’ in the context of the new global
situation, India’s growing importance and the rivalry between the U.S. and China.
PA
The report moved the concept of nonalignment away from its origins.
It reiterated that India needed to move quickly to extend its global role and influence and
©
India must remain true to its aspiration of creating a new and alternative universality.
In a situation where the world is no longer bifurcated between two dominant powers,
nonalignment today will require managing complicated coalitions and opportunities in an
environment that is not structurally settled.
Where does India stand today?
India recently has become a defence partner of the U.S. and a member of the
“Quadrilateral”.

66
Both China and Russia, which have been identified as adversaries in the U.S. world view,
have their problems with India.
Doklam and the Maldives have shown that China is in no mood for a compromise.
In fact, China has attributed the increase of its defence budget to the formation of the
Quadrilateral, which is being seen as a direct threat to China.
Way Forward
An obvious way is to revive NAM by breathing new life into it and making it fit to deal
with the new norm to suit current multipolar world.
Y
A partnership of near equals like IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) with similar
EM
interests without any ideological conflict is probably the best model to follow.
Something on the lines of the G-15 organised by India and like-minded countries some
years ago could be put together with the objective of dealing with the issues like climate
D
change, terrorism and protectionism.
CA
The members may have links with the U.S., China and Russia, but should be able to work
together without the undue influence of the three.
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
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24. South Asian Association for Regional

Cooperation (SAARC)
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established with
the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985.The idea of regional
cooperation in South Asia was first raised in November 1980. After consultations, the
foreign secretaries of the seven founding countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Y
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—met for the first time in Colombo in April
EM
1981. Afghanistan became the newest member of SAARC at the 13th annual summit in
2005. The Headquarters and Secretariat of the Association are at Kathmandu, Nepal.
Principles: Cooperation within the framework of the SAARC shall be based on:
D
 Respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political
CA
independence, non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and mutual
benefit.
 Such cooperation shall not be a substitute for bilateral and multilateral cooperation
A
but shall complement them.
 Such cooperation shall not be inconsistent with bilateral and multilateral
S
obligations.
ER
Members of SAARC
 SAARC comprises of eight member States:
D
1. Afghanistan
2. Bangladesh
N
3. Bhutan
FI
4. India
TH
5. Maldives
6. Nepal
7. Pakistan
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8. Sri Lanka
 There are currently nine Observers to SAARC, namely: (i) Australia; (ii) China;
©
(iii) the European Union; (iv) Iran; (v) Japan; (vi) the Republic of Korea; (vii)
Mauritius; (viii) Myanmar; and (ix) the United States of America.
 Human Resource Development and Tourism
 Agriculture and Rural Development
 Environment, Natural Disasters and Biotechnology
 Economic, Trade and Finance
 Social Affairs

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 Information and Poverty Alleviation

 Energy, Transport, Science and Technology
 Education, Security and Culture and Others
The Objectives of the SAARC
 To promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and to improve their quality
of life.
 To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the
region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize
Y
their full potentials.
EM
 To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South
Asia.
 To contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another’s
D
problems.
CA
 To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social,
cultural, technical and scientific fields.
 To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries.
A
 To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on
matters of common interests; and
S
 To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and
ER
purposes.
SAARC and its Importance
D
 SAARC comprises 3% of the world's area, 21% of the world's

N
population and 3.8% (US$2.9 trillion) of the global economy.

 Creating synergies: It is the world’s most densely populated region and one of the
FI
most fertile areas. SAARC countries have common tradition, dress, food and
TH
culture and political aspects thereby synergizing their actions.

 Common solutions: All the SAARC countries have common problems and issues
like poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, natural disasters, internal conflicts, industrial
PA
and technological backwardness, low GDP and poor socio-economic condition and
uplift their living standards thereby creating common areas of development and
©
progress having common solutions.

Significance for India
 Neighbourhood first: Primacy to the country’s immediate neighbours.
 Geostrategic significance: Can counter China (OBOR initiative) through
engaging Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka in development process and
economic cooperation.
 Regional stability: SAARC can help in creation of mutual trust and peace within
the region.

69
 Global leadership role: It offers India a platform to showcase its leadership in the
region by taking up extra responsibilities.
 Game changer for India’s Act East Policy: by linking South Asian economies
with South East Asian will bring further economic integration and prosperity to
India mainly in the Services Sector.
Challenges:
 Most of the smaller states and external players believe that the India-Pakistan
conflict has undermined SAARC.
Y
 The reasons for a dysfunctional SAARC:
EM
o Bilateral issues cannot be discussed in SAARC but since the organisation
relies on the principle of unanimity for all major decisions, Pakistan has
D
often vetoed the major initiatives proposed at SAARC. For
CA
example, SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement proposed at Kathmandu
summit, 2014.
o For India, Pakistan’s use of terror as an instrument of foreign policy has
A
made normal business impossible.
o Dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the Durand line, is also a
S
reason.
ER
o Also, India’s economic position vis-a vis other SAARC countries, creates an
impression of India being a big brother rather than a strategic partner.
D
 Lack of Trust in Indo-Pakistan relations: After the deadly terror attack on the
N
Indian security forces at Uri in 2016, India refused to engage with the SAARC.
FI
o Since then, the SAARC has become almost marginal to the regions'
TH
collective consciousness and other organisations such as the Bay of Bengal

Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC) came into the forefront.
PA
Way Forward
 In a region increasingly targeted by Chinese investment and loans, SAARC could
©
be a common platform to demand more sustainable alternatives for development,

or to oppose trade tariffs together, or to demand better terms for South Asian labour
around the world.
 SAARC, as an organisation, reflects the South Asian identity of the countries,
historically and contemporarily. This is a naturally made geographical identity.
Equally, there is a cultural, linguistic, religious and culinary affinity that defines
South Asia.

70
 The potential of organisation to maintain peace and stability in the region should
be explored by all the member countries.
 SAARC should be allowed to progress naturally and the people of South Asia, who
make up a quarter of the world’s population should be offered more people-to-
people contact.
Y
EM
D
CA
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
©

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25. Large population of India: Bane or boon
According to estimates in a recently released United Nations report, India is expected to

add 273 million people by the year 2050. The report stated that in the year 2019, India
has an estimated population of 1.37 billion and China, 1.43 billion and by the year 2027,
India’s population is projected to surpass China’s, making India the most populous nation
in the world. 30 years down the line, the global population is projected to increase by
Y
another 2 billion people by the year 2050, (from 7.7 billion in 2019 to 9.7 billion). The
report has highlighted higher fertility rates, growing older population and migration as
EM
few reasons behind projections of the population growth. Health economists claim that
the major implications of population growth will be for the young population that will
D
face a situation of lack of resources in the future.
Implications of Population Growth
CA
 India is not growing uniformly. The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
indicates that the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) varies significantly across various
A
wealth quintiles:
 The poorest wealth quintile has a TFR of 3.2 children per woman.
S
 The second lowest wealth quintile has a TFR of 2.5 children per woman.
ER
 The richest wealth quintile has a TFR of 1.5 children per woman.
 This shows that population growth is more concentrated in economically weaker
D
sections of society.
 Population growth acts as a hurdle in addressing effectively the problem of poverty,
N
hunger and malnutrition and also in providing the better quality of health and
FI
education.
 SDGs 1, 2, 3 and 4 are going to be affected adversely because of India’s existing
TH
pattern of growth in the population.

 Presently, India is producing around 25 million job seekers in the country,
PA
however, the country is able to provide jobs only to 7 million. This gap of 18
million is increasing the burden of unemployment and underemployment in the
©
country, turning a demographic dividend into a demographic disaster.

 India’s population growth is not sustainable. India is only about 35-40% of China’s
landmass.
 In the 19th century, when Europe had a demographic explosion, it had occupied
America, Australia etc. India does not have another landmass to occupy and the
available landmass cannot take this population growth.
Demographic Dividend

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 India has many young people who are unskilled, unemployable, burden on services
and facilities with the minimal contribution.
 In a country, young population is a demographic dividend if the youth is
skilled, employable and contributing to the economy.
 As per NFHS-4, in 2015-16, India’s TFR was 3.2. It is likely that in the year
2019, India will achieve a replacement level fertility.
o Total fertility rate (TFR) in simple terms refers to the total number of
children born or likely to be born to a woman in her lifetime if she were
Y
subject to the prevailing rate of age-specific fertility in the population.
EM
o TFR of about 2.1 children per woman is called Replacement-level
fertility. This value represents the average number of children a woman
would need to have to reproduce herself by bearing a daughter who survives
D
to childbearing age.
CA
o If replacement level fertility is sustained over a sufficiently long period, each
generation will exactly replace itself without any need for the country to
balance its population.
A
Population-Boon or Bane?
Boon: -
S
 Population growth provides us with a more number of working population, which
ER
is needed nowadays for speed progress.

 India’s population is termed as a young population as the average age of Indian
D
population is around 25-26 years, which is considered as productive age. This kind
N
of population can help the economy to grow.

 Greater population means more consumers for industries. So many industries focus
FI
on the countries having large population to sell their products. This leads to
TH
competition and eventually fall in the prices of many things.

 Larger population provides a great manpower. If this manpower is utilized
efficiently in different sectors, it can lead the country towards prosperity.
PA
 Population explosion also provides us with people of multiple talents in the fields
such as sports, music, art etc. If a country invests well on human resources and
©
provides enough opportunities to the people, it can come up with vast pool of
talented people.
 If the number of working population is greater than kids and elders, they can
support them. This will reduce the dependency rate. As the dependency rate
decreases, savings will increase, so are the investments. This will result in hike in
the productivity, which will ultimately help the economy grow.
Bane: -

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 The increase in population puts a pressure on the several resources that we have.
This leads to the overall shortage in land, jobs, capital, housing, and health services.
 Rapid population explosion has led to the over exploitation of the natural resources
and degradation of environment.
 Environment degradation has resulted in many natural calamities that rarely
happened earlier. It has also fastened global warming. Human actions are
increasing it even more, deteriorating the situation.
 For a huge population, it becomes more difficult to provide the facilities so basic
Y
such as water, health etc. Even if provided somehow, then the quality of the
EM
facilities decreases.
 For feeding a large population, we need more production of food. Even though
new techniques of agriculture have manifold our productions many times, there is
D
still malnutrition reported in the developing and poor countries.
 Poverty is one of the reasons why people couldn’t get enough resources for
CA
themselves. Not having enough money takes a considerable toll on the availability
of services.
A
Way Forward
 India needs to invest more in the health sector. India invests only 1.3% of its GDP.
S
The family planning budget is only 4% of the entire health budget and within that
ER
India spends only 1.5% on birth spacing methods.

o Investments should be made particularly for the old people because by the
D
year 2050, India’s population of old people is going to grow almost 10 times
N
more.
 Education is very important, not only for empowering women but for fertility to
FI
decline.
TH
o Education should be made free for women till college-level.

o Better education will help women in better decision making for family
planning.
PA
o Unless women are part of the workforce, no society can bring down fertility
rates with progress. Therefore, policies must look at the whole issue
©
of declining workforce participation by women.

 India needs to focus on some areas which are socially, culturally, economically
depressed. Identification of 140 high focussed districts is the right step by the
government in this direction. However, it needs to work in the whole of Bihar,
U.P., Madhya Pradesh and Assam.
 India needs to give huge stress on declining sex ratios and the discrimination
towards girls so that people don’t have a high number of children in the hope of
having a boy.

74
 India can achieve a number of SDGs if it links them with family

planning. Family planning is a promotive and preventive method for bringing
down maternal mortality and child mortality.
Y
EM
D
CA
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
©

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26. Judicial reforms in India
An impartial and independent judiciary is needed for the sustenance of constitutionalism

and hence democracy. Democracy itself is integrally connected to the rule of law wherein
fundamental rights of people can be protected if the judiciary is able to uphold the
constitution in letter and spirit.
 According to the Economic Survey 2018-19
Y
o There are about 3.5 crore cases pending in the judicial system, especially
in district and subordinate courts.
EM
o About 87.54 per cent of the total pendency of cases is in the district and
subordinate courts.
D
o More than 64% of all cases are pending for more than 1 year.
o The average disposal time for civil and criminal cases in Indian District &
CA
Subordinate courts in 2018 was 4.4 fold and 6 fold higher respectively
when compared with the average of Council of Europe members (2016)
A
o A Case Clearance Rate of 100 percent (i.e. zero accumulation) can be
achieved with the addition of merely 2,279 judges in the lower courts, 93 in
S
High Courts and only one in the Supreme Court, which is already within
ER
sanctioned strength and only needs filling of vacancies.

 The Ease of Doing Business Report of the World Bank for 2018 and 2019 shows
D
that the time taken to decide a case has remained static at 1,445 days.
Problems in the judiciary
N
 The government is the biggest litigant.

FI
o Poorly drafted orders have resulted in contested tax revenues equal to 4.7
per cent of the GDP and it is rising.
TH
o Crowding out investment: Roughly Rs 50,000 crore are locked up in

stalled projects and investments are reducing. Both these complications have
PA
arisen because of injunctions and stay orders granted by the courts primarily
due to poorly drafted and poorly reasoned orders.
©
 Less budgetary allocation: the budget allocated to the judiciary is between 0.08
and 0.09 per cent of the GDP. Only four countries — Japan, Norway, Australia and
Iceland — have a lesser budget allocation and they do not have problems of
pendency like India.
Reforms Suggested
 For enhancing productivity in the judiciary, the Economic Survey 2018-
19 suggests:
o Increased number of working days;

76
o Establishment of Indian Courts and Tribunal Services to focus on the

administrative aspects of the legal system;
o Deployment of technology to improve efficiency of the courts, e.g. e-
courts Mission Mode Project and the National Judicial Data Grid being
rolled-out in phases by the Ministry of Law and Justice.
 Better Case and Court Management:
o About 30 percent of the life of a case is spent in something as simple as
service of notice.
Y
o For expeditious service of notice and summons, the committee of the
EM
Supreme Court launched a mobile application called National Service and
Tracking of Electronic Processes (NSTEP).
o Computerisation and Automation (e.g. Virtual Court in Delhi) to make
D
justice delivery more responsive to the needs of litigants.
CA
o Professional Court Managers as suggested by the 13th Finance
Commission. Court managers or equivalent professionals are the need of the
hour and justice delivery can improve only if the courts accept and adopt
A
professional help in their administration.
 Setting up of Tribunals, Fast Track Courts and Special Courts to dispense important
S
cases at the earliest.
ER
 Mechanisms such as ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution), Lok Adalats, Gram

Nyayalayas should be effectively utilised.
D
Way Forward
N
 There should be wide introspection through extensive discussions, debates and

consultations to identify the root causes of delays in our justice delivery system
FI
and providing meaningful solutions to improve the justice delivery system in India.
TH
 Government rules, orders and regulations should be thorough and comprehensive

after wide consultations with stakeholders to avoid unnecessary litigations.
 The recent passage of The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill,
PA
2019 that increased the number of Judges in the Supreme Court from 31 to 34,
including the Chief Justice of India, is a welcome step.
©
 Speedy Justice is not only a fundamental right but also a prerequisite of maintaining
the rule of law and delivering good governance. In its absence, Judicial system ends
up serving the interests of the corrupt and the law-breakers.
 Judicial reforms, if taken seriously, expeditious and effective justice can see the
light of day and improve India’s standing in the reports of the World Bank and
other institutions and organisations that study judicial processes.

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27. Police Reforms
Issues Related to Functioning of Police

 Political Criminalisation Nexus: Second Administrative Reforms
Commission (2007) has noted that the excessive power in the hands of police has
been abused in the past by the political executive to unduly influence police
personnel, and have them serve personal or political interests.
Y
o Further, there has been an increasing phenomenon of criminalisation of
politics.
EM
o This nexus interferes with professional decision-making by the police (e.g.,
regarding how to respond to law and order situations or how to conduct
D
investigations), resulting in a biased performance of duties.
 An Overburdened Police Force: State police forces had 24% vacancies (about
CA
5.5 lakh vacancies) in January 2016. Hence, while the sanctioned police strength
was 181 police per lakh persons in 2016, the actual strength was 137 police.
A
o This is way too low when compared with the United Nations’ recommended
standard of 222 police per lakh persons.
S
o Further, an average policeman ends up having an enormous workload and
ER
long working hours, which negatively affects his efficiency and

performance.
D
 Need to set Police accountability: In India, various kinds of complaints are made
against the police including complaints of unwarranted arrests, unlawful searches,
N
torture and custodial rapes.

FI
o To check against such abuse of power, various safeguards should be adopted,

such as accountability of the police to the political executive, internal
TH
accountability to senior police officers, and independent police oversight

authorities.
PA
 Lack of Resources: CAG audits have found shortages in weaponry with state
police forces. For example, Rajasthan and West Bengal had shortages of 75% and
©
71% respectively in required weaponry with the state police.

o Also, the Bureau of Police Research and Development has also noted a
30.5% deficiency in stock of required vehicles with the state forces.
o Further, funds dedicated to the modernisation of infrastructure are typically
not utilised fully. For example, in 2015-16, only 14% of such funds were
used by the states.
What is Prakash Singh case?

78
 In Prakash Singh Vs Union of India (2006), SC delivered a judgement instructing

the central and state governments to comply with a set of seven directives that laid
down practical mechanism to kick-start police reforms.
 The directives include,
1. Constitute a State Security Commission (SSC) to ensure that the state
government does not exercise unwarranted influence or pressure.
2. Ensure that the DGP is appointed through the merit-based transparent
process with a minimum tenure of 2 years.
Y
3. Even police officers on operational duties are also provided minimum tenure
EM
of 2 years.
4. Separation of Investigative and Law and Order functions of the police.
5. Set up a Police Establishment Board to decide on transfers, postings,
D
promotions and other service related matters.
CA
6. Set up Police Complaints Authority at state and district level to inquire into
public complaints against police officers.
7. Set up National Security Commission at the Union level to prepare a panel
A
for selection and placement of Chiefs of the Central Police Organizations.
 It also mandated a New Police Act on the basis of a Model Police Act prepared by
S
Soli Sorabjee and circulated to the States.
ER
Ways Forward
 Curbing Criminalisation of Politics: The criminal nexus with politics will have
D
to be broken and reforms must start with the political system. Thus, there is a need
N
for laws which debars persons with serious criminal cases from entering the
assemblies and the Parliament.
FI
 Revamping Criminal Justice System: There is a need to incorporate the Menon

TH
Committee and Malimath Committee recommendations for devising a national

policy paper on the criminal justice system. Some of the key recommendations
are as follows:
PA
o Creation of a fund to compensate victims who turn hostile from the pressure
of culprits.
©
o Setting up of separate authority at the national level to deal with crimes

threatening the country security.
o A complete revamp of the entire criminal procedure system.
 Independent Complaints Authority: The Supreme Court has observed that there
is a need to have an independent complaints authority to inquire into complaints of
police misconduct.

79
o The Model Police Act, 2006 requires each state to set up an authority
comprising retired High Court Judges, civil society members, retired police
officers and public administrators from another state.
 Implementing the Supreme Court’s Directive: The Supreme Court’s directions
in Prakash Singh case 2006 on police reforms must be implemented. The court
laid out seven directives where considerable work in police reforms is still needed.
Y
EM
D
CA
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
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28. Biotechnology
India is among the first countries to set up a specialized agency i.e. department of
biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology for the development of
research and human resources in the biotechnology sector in 1986. Biotechnology
harnesses cellular and bio-molecular processes to develop technologies and products that
help improve our lives and the health of our planet.
Applications of Biotech:
Y
 Heal the world
EM
 Reducing rates of infectious disease.
 Saving millions of children's lives.
 Changing the odds of serious, life-threatening conditions affecting millions around
D
the world.
CA
 Tailoring treatments to individuals to minimize health risks and side effects.
 Creating more precise tools for disease detection.
 Cleaning the ecosystem.
A
 Fuel the world
S
 Reducing the use of and reliance on petrochemicals.
 Lowering volumes of agricultural chemicals required by crops-limiting the run-off
ER
of these products into the environment.

 Developing crops with enhanced nutrition profiles that solve vitamin and nutrient
D
deficiencies.
N
Challenges faced by Biotech

FI
 Biotechnology research often requires access to laboratories with high-end

scientific infrastructure, the supply of expensive chemicals and reagents with
TH
minimum shipping time between the supplier and the user, and a disciplined work
culture and documentation practice due to regulatory and intellectual property
filing requirement.
PA
 Poor quality of research: Biotech research paper is based “publish or perish” culture
that incentivises numbers over quality.
©
 Over the years, the focus of research has slowly shifted from fundamental to
applied research. However, the fruits of applied research will only come if there is
an investment in basic research without asking for quick returns.
 Compared to the developed economies (the United States), biotechnology research
in India is mainly funded by the public exchequer.
 Unless the private sector starts supporting applied research and engages with
academic institutions, the innovation in applied and translational biotechnology
will be minimal.

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 Low wages of scientists (compared to the developed economies) and a few

institutional research base have not helped create more jobs in biotechnology.
 Biotechnology products and solutions often require ethical and regulatory
clearance, making the process long, expensive and cumbersome.
 As the nature of the work in the biotechnology sector is specialised, most jobs are
filled with experienced and skilled scientists leaving the demand for young and
inexperienced ones low.
Way Forward
Y
While continuing and increasing the share of funding in basic research, the government
EM
should encourage and incentivise the private sector to invest substantially in applied
research. In this context, initiatives like Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council (BIRAC), which aim is to play a transformative and catalytic role in building a
D
US$ 100 billion Indian bio-economy, is a step in the right direction. There is a need for
CA
sustained innovation and product development model in the biotechnology, like the one
followed by Boston and Silicon Valley in the U.S. Along with the availability of funding,
infrastructure and skilled workforce, the presence of top-notch research institutions and
A
universities in the vicinity of the Biotech industry, makes these regions the most attractive
locations for biotech start-up companies. Therefore, India needs to provide an academia-
S
industry linkage in the biotech sector. It will require a flexible policy in the institutes to
ER
allow scientists incubate start-up companies in their labs while retaining their positions.
Also, the government should let scientists from research institutions and universities take
D
unpaid leave to join the industry for a fixed period. India needs to go beyond the
N
traditional indicators such as the numbers of institutions formed, students and scientists,
trained, and the number of patents filed to judge the sector’s performance, and its impact
FI
on the economy and society as a whole. The biotech sector needs to be augmented through
artificial intelligence-based tools, applications of big data in biology and India’s strength
TH
in Information Technology.
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29. Farmer’s Issues

©
The last two years have been filled with images of farmers protests by the way of
dumping vegetables by the roadside and resorting to distress sales of grains and pulses.
Reasons
 Poor policy and Planning: In the past, Government strategy primarily focused on
raising agricultural output and improving food security rather than recognising the
need to raise farmer’s income,
 Absence of direct measure to promote farmers welfare.

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 Declining average size of farm holdings: Increasing demographic pressure,

disguised employment in agriculture and conversion of agricultural land for
alternative uses, have drastically reduced the average land holding.
 Dependence on rainfall and climate: Indian agriculture is heavily dependent on
monsoon and ever-increasing global temperature has made agriculture more prone
to extreme weather events.
 Collapsing farm prices: Low global prices have affected exports and the cheaper
imports have hurt domestic prices in the country.
Y
 Lack of easy credit to agriculture and dependence on money lenders.
EM
 Fragmented supply chains:
o Large gaps in storage, Cold chains
o Limited connectivity
D
o Absence of marketing infrastructure
CA
 Lack of Mechanisation: Introduction of latest technology has been limited due to
various reasons like accessibility for credit and low awareness.
 Crop production is always at risk because of pests and diseases.
A
 Shortage of inputs like seeds and irrigation facilities.
 Deficiencies in Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC) Act.
S
 Profiteering by middlemen.
ER
Impact
 The above factors have resulted in low income for farmers which is evident from
D
the incidence of poverty among farm households.

N
 The low and highly fluctuating farm income is causing a detrimental effect on the
interest in farming and farm investments and is also forcing more and more
FI
cultivators, particularly younger age group, to leave farming.

TH
 The country also witnessed a sharp increase in the number of farmers suicides in
the last decades.
 This can cause an adverse effect on the future of food security and the state of
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agriculture in the country.

Solutions
©
 Development initiatives including infrastructure, technological interventions,

farmer friendly policies and institutional mechanisms can increase the agricultural
growth and farmers income.
 Technology can help to reduce ‘yield gaps’ and thus improve productivity.
 The water-use efficiency can be improved significantly with better use of
technologies that include drip irrigation.
 The quantitative framework for doubling farmers income has the following seven
sources of growth:

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o Increase in productivity of crops

o Increase in production of livestock
o Improvement in the efficiency of input use (cost saving)
o Increase in crop intensity
o Diversification towards high-value crops
o Improved price realization by farmers
o The shift of cultivators to non-farm jobs
 Improvements in allied sectors: Many small farmers cannot leave agriculture
Y
because of a lack of opportunities in the non-farm sector. Hence, allied sectors like
EM
horticulture, food processing, poultry etc needs to be pushed. For instance,
government initiative like Project CHAMAN, AGRI-UDAAN programme,
Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing
D
Clusters (SAMPADA) etc. are notable.
CA
 Cooperative Farming: In this context, consolidation of land holdings also
becomes important to raise farmer incomes. Farmers can voluntarily come together
and pool land to gain the benefits of size. Through consolidation, farmers can reap
A
the economies of scale both in input procurement and output marketing.
 There is a need to make a shift from rice and wheat-centric policies to millet,
S
pulses, fruits, vegetables, livestock and fish.
ER
 The creation of a competitive, stable and unified national market is needed for
farmers to get better prices.
D
Government Steps to reduce Agrarian Distress

N
 The goal set to double farmers' income by 2022-23 is central to promote farmers
welfare, reduce agrarian distress and bring parity between the income of farmers
FI
and those working in non-agricultural professions.

TH
 In recent years, the Central government has taken various measures like the PM
Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY),
electronic National Agricultural market (e-NAM), Soil health card, Neem-
PA
coated urea etc.

 Agriculture is a major component of Priority Sector Lending (PSL), and the
©
target for bank lending to agriculture has been revised upwards every year.
 In addition to food subsidy under PDS, the government also provides fertilizer
subsidy year after year.
 In the budget of 2018 for farmers, the Union budget has announced MSPs at 50%
above the production cost.
 It also proposed to launch “Operation Greens” in the agriculture sector on the
same lines of the milk sector’s “Operation Flood”.

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 The 2019 budget announced a farm support scheme (PM-KISAN) for farmers
owning up to 2 hectares of lands.
 Some States have introduced farm support schemes, examples being the Rythu
Bandhu Scheme (Telangana) and the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and
Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme (Odisha)
Conclusion
 The ever-changing agriculture sector requires proactive policy
management which can maximize benefits for all stakeholders.
Y
 Raising the MSP, price deficiency payments or income support schemes can only
EM
be a partial solution to the problem of providing remunerative returns to farmers.
 A sustainable solution is market reforms to enable better price
discovery combined with long-term trade policies favourable to exports.
D
 For better price for farmers, agriculture has to go beyond farming and develop
CA
a value chain comprising farming, wholesaling, warehousing, logistics,
processing and retailing.
 The most effective and least distortionary way to support farmers would be
A
through direct benefit transfers.
 What is abundantly clear is that loan waivers aren’t the panacea they’re made
S
out to be politically. Those who want to help India’s farmers should be working
ER
much harder to figure out what they really need.

D
N
FI
TH
PA
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30. Technology in good governance
‘Governance’ is the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are
implemented (or not implemented). Governance can be used in several contexts such as
corporate governance, international governance, national governance and local
governance.
The World Bank defines governance as ‘the manner in which power is exercised in the
Y
management of a country’s economic and social resources for development.’ According
to a document released by the World Bank in 1992 titled, ‘Governance and Development’,
EM
good governance is an essential complement to sound economic policies and is central to
creating and sustaining an environment which fosters strong and equitable development.
D
e-Governance: e-Governance can be defined as the application of information and
communication technology (ICT) for providing government services, exchange of
CA
information, transactions, integration of previously existing services and information
portals. e-Governance originated in India during the 1970s with a focus on in-house
A
government applications in the areas of defence, economic monitoring, planning and
deployment of ICT to manage data intensive functions related to elections, census, tax
S
administration etc.
ER
Use of Technology in Governance

Striving for E-Legislature:
 The role of Parliament and many state legislatures, as an institution of debate,
D
deliberation and law-making have been disrupted due to Covid-19.

N
 These legislative bodies are an institution of public trust and need to continue its
FI
role of scrutiny of government’s actions, especially in times of crisis.

 It is here that technology-centric solutions can ensure work continuity in law-
TH
making institutions even when meetings can’t be held physically. For example:
 These online meetings of legislative bodies will help in the furtherance of debate
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and deliberation on important issues.

 The establishment of e-legislature will help in reducing the frequent use of
©
ordinances.
 Following this, Virtual parliament has been set up in the democracies like the UK,
New Zealand, etc.
Strengthening Parliamentary Committees
 It is the stoppage in the work of parliamentary committees which needs immediate
attention.

86
 These committees are smaller sub-groups of MPs which meet outside the House to
deliberate on issues of public importance. The committees play a critical role as
they are tasked with the in-depth examination of government bills.
 Thus, the use of ICT platforms will enable proper functioning of parliamentary
committees.
 Also, the added advantage could be that the committee could get to hear a wide
range of stakeholders who might otherwise find it difficult to appear in person
before the committees.
Y
Virtual Judiciary
EM
 It is obvious that normalcy in the judicial process will not resume in a short time,
even in an early period post lockdown phase. Therefore, it is an opportunity of the
judiciary to adopt Information and communication technology, so that justice can
D
reach everyone without any delay. Also, by adopting initiatives like e-courts
CA
judiciary may reduce the backlog of cases.
Promoting Participative Democracy
 There is an unprecedented opportunity for community collective choice, whereby
A
citizens who are affected by a set of governing rules can help to select and frame
S
policy, rank spending priorities, and can, in partnership with their local government
ER
representatives,
 Such Mechanism may help in strengthening Social audit. For example, citizens can
directly give suggestions to the government on myGOV platform.
D
Implementing Good Governance

N
 Information Technology has ensured that a policy decision taken by the

FI
government can be quickly executed and implemented at multiple locations, across

the length and breadth of the country.
TH
 It also ensures transparency, accountability—while assuring quick and effective

responsiveness of government to citizens’ problems and suggestions.
PA
This disruption caused by the pandemic has provided an opportunity for the public
institutions to leverage technological ability and steps up to fulfil the constitutional duty.
This will require the setting up of principles for ensuring participation, security and robust
©
technology. In order to bring in innovations and new paradigms in the administration of

justice, there is a need to focus on 6Cs of IT i.e. Computer density, Communication,
Connectivity, Cyber laws, Cost and Common sense to emerge as an effective and well-
governed country in the twenty-first century.
Digital India Initiatives
 It is an umbrella program to prepare India for a knowledge-based transformation.
 It weaves together a large number of ideas and thoughts into a single
comprehensive vision so that each of them is seen as part of a larger goal.

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 It has been launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information

Technology (Meity).
Various Initiatives Under Digital India Initiatives
 MyGov: It aims to establish a link between Government and Citizens towards
meeting the goal of good governance.
o It encourages citizens as well as people abroad to participate in various
activities i.e. 'Do', 'Discuss', 'Poll', 'Talk', ‘Blog’, etc.
 Digi Locker: It serves as a platform to enable citizens to securely store and share
Y
their documents with service providers who can directly access them electronically.
EM
 e-Hospital-Online Registration Framework (ORF): It is an initiative to facilitate
the patients to take online OPD appointments with government hospitals. This
framework also covers patient care, laboratory services and medical record
D
management.
CA
 National Scholarships Portal (NSP): It provides a centralized platform for
application and disbursement of scholarship to students under any scholarship
scheme.
A
 DARPAN: It is an online tool that can be used to monitor and analyse the
implementation of critical and high priority projects of the State.
S
o It facilitates presentation of real time data on Key Performance Indicators
ER
(KPIs) of selected schemes/projects to the senior functionaries of the State

Government as well as district administration.
D
 PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation): It has been

N
aimed at starting a culture of Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.

o It is also a robust system for bringing e-transparency and e-accountability
FI
with real-time presence and exchange among the key stakeholders.

TH
PA
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31. Cryptocurrencies
The money that we use (fiat currency) is a product of lending by institutions (commercial
banks). Its credibility comes from the backing given by the central bank of a country. Its
ubiquitous usage is because of a law passed by the legislature, which establishes that taxes
can only be paid in state-issued fiat currency. Although cryptocurrencies are intended to
function as a means of payment, unlike fiat currencies, they lack a sovereign guarantee
Y
and their source of value is not quite clear. They are more like investment instruments
like shares in the equity market and that's why they can be better-called Crypto-Assets.
EM
Blockchain technology
It is a specific kind of DLT that came to prominence after Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency that
D
used it, became popular. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin use codes to encrypt
transactions and stack them up in blocks, creating Blockchains. It is the use of codes that
CA
differentiates cryptocurrencies from other virtual currencies.
Challenges: A
challenges remain:
1. The government is wary that regulation will provide legitimacy to “what is
S
currently ambiguous,” and may lead to further rise in its valuation and end up contributing
ER
“to the investment bubble”.

2. A currency that is not based on any real economic activity, unlike a sovereign
D
currency whose value is based on the relative value of a tradeable basket of goods and
services, cannot prima facie inspire much comfort.
N
3. Bitcoin’s value, astronomical even now at about $8,300 but much below January
FI
2018’s stratospheric levels, is based on demand for a fixed supply of Bitcoins in the future
it cannot exceed 21 million in number, of which 18 million has already been mined.
TH
4. Cryptos are feared not just for their sheer speculative propensities, but also for their
capacity to undermine sovereign currencies (the latter is an exaggerated apprehension).
PA
5. Virtual currency is being traded anonymously over the Internet and used for a host
of anti-national and illegal activities, from terror funding to illicit trade of arms and drugs
©
and so on.
6. The online use of this currency, was without any border restrictions or geographical
constraints, resulting in danger to the integrity and sovereignty of the nation.
7. However, it does not make sense to go overboard and criminalise merely
adventurous crypto speculators. There are no official or other data available that point
towards misuse of cryptocurrencies for illegal ends

89
Recently, the Supreme Court struck down a circular of Reserve Bank of India, which
bans financial institutions from enabling deals in digital or cryptocurrencies. The ban that
came into force in April 2018, had crippled the Indian cryptocurrency industry.
This ban was challenged by the Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMA) in the
Supreme Court, the IAMA pleaded that dealing and trading in cryptocurrency was a
legitimate business activity and that the RBI did not have jurisdiction over it as these
assets could be classified as commodities rather than currency.
What did the judgment hold?
Y
 Economic Dimension: The judgment holds that while the RBI had the power to
EM
take note of and deal with virtual currencies, the prohibition was excessive since it
cut off the lifeline of otherwise legitimate trade.
o It also holds the RBI did not show any harm to its regulated entities as a
D
result of their facilitating virtual currency trade or any defects in the
CA
functioning of virtual currency exchanges.
 Administrative Aspect: The Supreme Court held that an outright ban on virtual
currencies would be a disproportionate measure by the government since many
A
less intrusive measures are available.
o It is worth remembering that virtual currency transactions do not operate in
S
a complete regulatory vacuum.
ER
o Several existing laws such as the Consumer Protection Act, Information

Technology Act, Foreign Exchange Management Act, PMLA, besides tax,
D
deposit-related and criminal laws apply to the virtual currency domain just
N
as they apply to any other economic activity.

o In fact, action has already been taken in India under many of these laws
FI
against errant persons and entities operating in the virtual currency domain.
TH
 Constitutional Aspect: The Supreme Court also held that the ban was
unconstitutional. It is in violation of the freedom to carry on trade guaranteed
by Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution.
PA
Why had RBI banned cryptocurrencies in 2018?

 Cryptocurrencies are a poor unit of account, as demonstrated by their frequent and
©
high fluctuation in value.

 They pose several risks, including anti-money laundering and terrorism
financing concerns (AML/CFT) for the state and liquidity, credit, and operational
risks for users.
 On the perspective of consumers, issues linked to cryptocurrencies are heightened
by the striking paucity of information on their design, use and operation and
indications of market manipulation.

90
 It is possible that the business models of commercial banks may be seriously

disrupted.
Effects of lifting this ban on Cryptocurrency
 This lifting of the ban will help in incorporation of blockchain technology.
o Blockchain technology is the underpinning technology behind many
cryptocurrencies.
o Blockchain, which was conceptualised for the verification of anonymous
peer-to-peer transactions in bitcoin, has since been adapted for many other
Y
purposes.
EM
o It creates electronic ledgers, where every transaction is recorded and is open
to verification by many persons while maintaining confidentiality.
o It quickly detects fakes and disallows duplicate transactions.
D
o Blockchain technology forms a crucial part of Industrial revolution 4.0.
CA
o It is also estimated that blockchain will generate $3.1 trillion in new business
value by 2030.
 Cryptocurrencies act as alternative investments.
A
o These currencies may enable savvy traders to hedge global volatility, as it
did during the financial turmoil of 2012-13.
S
 There is a worldwide proposal for central-bank digital currencies, which could
ER
allow for money to be transferred between users without the involvement of a third-
party (commercial bank).
D
o Allowing cryptocurrency will enable India to be part of this global deal.

N
 For India, aiming to be a digital economy powerhouse, embracing emerging

technologies like cryptocurrency and blockchain is a must.
FI
Way Forward
TH
Rather than impose bans, it would be more pragmatic to institute awareness campaigns
to alert investors to specific risks, and to monitor trades for fraud and scams. Fintech
industry needs to jointly with the RBI and the government on a constructive policy
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framework for cryptocurrencies in India. In this context:

 There is a need for RBI to formulate a detailed regulatory framework to license
©
virtual currency intermediaries like exchanges.

 These local cryptocurrency exchanges could be asked to adhere to the KYC
norms followed by stock exchanges.
 There is a need for the Fintech Industry to show that virtual currency trade can be
carried on in a safe and responsible manner with self-imposed safeguards, such as
adequate customer due diligence.

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 One immediate step that could be taken by the government is to designate virtual
currency intermediaries as reporting entities under the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act (PMLA).
 These steps should ideally be done by a new expert regulatory body with
capability in technology, economics and finance.
A vibrant cryptocurrency segment could add value to India’s financial sector. Thus, in
the face of growing technological innovation in the financial sector, it is critical to
strengthen the supporting regulatory frameworks of India that operate regardless of the
Y
nature of an instrument.
EM
D
CA
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
©

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32. Defence Research and Development

Organisation (DRDO)
DRDO works under the administrative control of Ministry of Defence, Government of

India. It is working to establish world class science and technology base for India and
provides our Defence Services decisive edge by equipping them with internationally
competitive systems and solutions.
Y
Genesis & Growth
EM
 DRDO was established in 1958 after combining Technical Development
Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical
Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation
D
(DSO).
CA
 Starting with 10 laboratories, DRDO has now grown to a network of 52 laboratories
which are deeply engaged in developing defence technologies covering various
disciplines, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering
A
systems, instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing and simulation, special
materials, naval systems, life sciences, training, information systems and
S
agriculture.
ER
 Presently, the Organisation is backed by over 5000 scientists and about 25,000
other scientific, technical and supporting personnel.
D
 Several major projects for the development of missiles, armaments, light combat
aircrafts, radars, electronic warfare systems etc are on hand and significant
N
achievements have already been made in several such technologies.

FI
Mission
TH
 Design, develop and lead to production state-of-the-art sensors, weapon systems,

platforms and allied equipment for our Defence Services.
 Provide technological solutions to the Services to optimise combat effectiveness
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and to promote well-being of the troops.

 Develop infrastructure and committed quality manpower and build strong
©
indigenous technology base.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
 IGMDP was brain child of renowned scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
 It was intended to attain self-sufficiency in the field of missile technology.
 After keeping in mind the requirements of various types of missiles by the defence
forces, the program recognized the need to develop five missile systems.
 The IGMDP formally got the approval of Indian government on July 26, 1983.

93
 It brought together the country’s scientific community, academic institutions, R&D

laboratories, industries and the three defence services in giving shape to the
strategic, indigenous missile systems.
The missiles developed under IGMDP are:
1. Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile – Prithvi
2. Intermediate-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile – Agni
3. Short-range low-level surface-to-air missile – Trishul
4. Medium-range surface-to-air missile – Akash
Y
5. Third generation anti-tank missile – Nag
EM
The Agni, which was initially conceived as a technology demonstrator project in the form
of a re-entry vehicle, was later upgraded to a ballistic missile with different ranges. Dr.
Kalam played a major role in the development and operationalisation of Agni and Prithvi
D
missiles.
CA
After achieving the goal of making India self-reliant in missile technology, DRDO on
January 8, 2008, formally announced successful completion of IGMDP.
Issues with DRDO
A
 The Standing Committee on Defence during 2016-17, expressed concerns over the
inadequate budgetary support for the ongoing projects of DRDO.
S
 The committee notes that out of total defence budget, the share of DRDO was 5.79
ER
per cent in 2011-12, which reduced to 5.34 per cent in 2013-14.

 Government’s lethargic revenue commitments towards DRDO have put major
D
projects involving futuristic technology on hold.

N
 The DRDO also suffers from inadequate manpower in critical areas to the lack of
proper synergy with the armed forces.
FI
 Cost escalation and long delays have damaged the reputation of DRDO.
TH
 Even after 60 years of DRDO formation, India still imports a large share of its
defence equipment’s. In the period 2013-17, India is the world’s largest importer
of defence equipment, accounting for 12% of the global total, according to the
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Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

 DRDO's list of successes is short- primarily the Agni and Prithvi missiles. Its list
©
of failures is much longer. The Kaveri Engine is running late by 16 years and the
cost has escalated by around 800 per cent.
 DRDO is big on promise and small on delivery. There is no accountability. Nobody
is taken to task for time and cost overruns.
Way Forward
 DRDO should be restructured in a leaner organisation as suggested by the
committee chaired by P. Rama Rao for external review of the agency in February
2007.

94
 The committee also recommended for setting up a commercial arm of the

organisation to make it a profitable entity, besides cutting back on delays in
completing projects.
 DRDO former chief V.K. Saraswat has called for the setting up of a Defence
Technology Commission as well as a bigger role for DRDO in picking production
partners for products developed by the agency.
 DRDO should be able to select a capable partner company from the outset, from
the private sector if necessary.
Y
 DRDO has taken some steps in the direction as it is considering long-term contracts
EM
with Indian information technology (IT) vendors such as Tata Consultancy
Services Ltd (TCS) to build software solutions for defence projects, shifting its
strategy of awarding deals to the lowest bidders on short-term projects.
D
 DRDO’s move to outsource is a right move and will open lot of opportunities
CA
benefiting the Indian companies.
 In Its document "DRDO in 2021: HR Perspectives’’, DRDO has envisaged a HR
policy which emphasized on free, fair, and fearless Knowledge Sharing, Open book
A
management style and Participative Management. This is a step in right direction.
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
©

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33. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
ISRO is the space agency under the Department of Space of Government of India,
headquartered in the city of Bengaluru, Karnataka. Its vision is to harness space
technology for national development, while pursuing space science research and
planetary exploration. Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL) is a Marketing arm of ISRO for
promotion and commercial exploitation of space products, technical consultancy services
Y
and transfer of technologies developed by ISRO.
Genesis
EM
 The space research activities were initiated in India under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the
founding father of Indian space programme, during 1960’s.
D
 Since inception, the Indian space programme had three distinct elements such as,
satellites for communication and remote sensing, the space transportation system
CA
and application programmes.
 The INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research) was initiated
A
under the leadership of Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Ramanathan.
 During 1975-76, Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) was
S
conducted. It was hailed as ‘the largest sociological experiment in the world’. It
ER
was followed by the ‘Kheda Communications Project (KCP)’, which worked as a

field laboratory for need-based and locale specific programme transmission in state
D
of Gujarat State.
 During this period, the first Indian spacecraft ‘Aryabhata’ was developed and was
N
launched using a Soviet Launcher. Another major landmark was the development
FI
of the first launch vehicle SLV-3 with a capability to place 40 kg in Low Earth
Orbit (LEO), which had its first successful flight in 1980.
TH
 In the experimental phase during 80’s, Bhaskara-I & II missions were pioneering
steps in the remote sensing area whereas ‘Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment
PA
(APPLE)’ became the forerunner for future communication satellite system.

 During the operational phase in 90’s, major space infrastructure was created under
©
two broad classes: one for the communication, broadcasting and meteorology
through a multi-purpose Indian National Satellite system (INSAT), and the other
for Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) system. The development and
operationalisation of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and development of
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) were significant achievements
during this phase.
India’s Manned Mission to Space

96
 In December 2018, the Indian government has announced allocation of 100 billion
rupees for first manned space mission, set to be launched by 2022. An unmanned
test launch of the project is likely scheduled for December 2020.
 Also termed as Gaganyaan, this project is part of the government's ambition to
make India a global low-cost provider of services in space.
 The launch vehicle for this mission will carry heavy payloads into space. For this
purpose, GSLV Mk-III is being developed with cryogenic engine.
 ISRO has already tested the GSLV Mk-III with experimental crew module (Re-
Y
entry & Recovery technology) and Crew Escape System (CES).
EM
 A manned space mission is very difficult to launch in terms of complexity and need
of advance technology.
Scramjet (Supersonic Combusting Ramjet) engine
D
 In August 2016, ISRO has successfully conducted the Scramjet (Supersonic
CA
Combusting Ramjet) engine test.
 The Scramjet engine uses Hydrogen as fuel and the Oxygen from the atmospheric
air as the oxidiser.
A
 This test was the maiden short duration experimental test of ISRO’s Scramjet
engine with a hypersonic flight at Mach 6.
S
 ISRO’s Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV), which is an advanced sounding
ER
rocket, was the solid rocket booster used for the test of Scramjet engines at
supersonic conditions.
D
 The new propulsion system will complement ISRO’s reusable launch vehicle that
N
would have longer flight duration

Challenges and Opportunities in front of India's Space Program
FI
 India is still is a developing country with vast developmental and security concerns.
TH
In this context it is very difficult to justify the allocations for space missions that
do not have a direct bearing on development.
 Successful launched of MOM and a planned rover onto the moon surely boosted
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the Indian space program. But India’s reliance on satellites has created military
vulnerabilities.
©
 An anti-satellite missile (ASAT) tested by China in 2007 has also elevated the
threat of a slow-moving arms race in space.
 DRDO is working on development of missile defence but it is increasingly looking
to partner with the United States and other countries.
 China has launched satellites for Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2011 and 2012
respectively. This space cooperation may become another path for China to make
inroads in South Asian countries.

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 During the starting of this decade India was highly critical of the EU effort to
develop a code of conduct for outer space but in last years it has been actively
engaged with the United States and the EU in particular in discussing a code of
conduct and other safeguarding mechanisms.
 India holds the view that reliance on the integration of outer space and cyber
capabilities will only increase in future conflicts. But now beyond the maritime
domain, India has been relying on foreign partners for many other satellite-based
communications and data services. For instance, it continues to rely on NASA for
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deep space communications.
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 Privatization may also allow India to increase its launch capacity, which is
currently at four to five per year while China does on average twenty or so
launches. India does not have an explicit space policy to guide private sector
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participation.
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 ISRO also has internal constraints on its capacity to deliver.
 The announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump in June 2018 about the
creation of a “space force” or a sixth branch of the American armed forces has
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worried many including India. While India is officially committed to PAROS, or
the prevention of an arms race in outer space, it is yet to formulate a credible official
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response to such plans. India has yet to establish a credible space command of its
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own.
 In this context China’s reaction could be much stronger than its seemingly muted
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official response and it does possess a formidable space military programme that
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far exceeds current Indian capabilities.

 Globally entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Richard Branson began talking of space
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activities as independent profitable commercial ventures that can be termed as New

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Space revolution.
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34. Lifestyle diseases
Lifestyle diseases cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and blood pressure fluctuations
have emerged as the biggest cause of deaths in India.
 Four behavioural risk factors are responsible for significant proportions of these
diseases— tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and harmful use of
alcohol
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 New data reveals that one in two deaths in country, estimated in the period 2010-
13 is due to NCD
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 Cardiovascular diseases are the biggest killers within NCDs
 In rural areas, deaths due to NCDs were much lower than urban areas
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 World Economic Forum estimated that India stands to lose $4.58 trillion before
2030 due to NCDs and mental health conditions.
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According to the India State-Level Disease Burden Study report prepared by ICMR
(Indian Council of Medical Research), the total deaths due to lifestyle diseases has
A
increased drastically from 37.09% (1990) to 61.8% (2016).
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), 15% of men (1 in 7) and 11%
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of women (1 in 10) of age 15-49 are the patients of hypertension.
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As per cancer registry data of ICMR’s, have increased drastically over the years and have
reached to around 15 lakhs in the year 2017. The estimated deaths due to cancer have
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reached to around 7 lakh people.

WHO has developed a comprehensive Global Monitoring Framework and Action Plan
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for prevention and Control of NCDs. India is the first country globally to adopt it to its
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National Context -
 National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes,
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Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke

 National Programme of Health Care of elderly
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 National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control programme

 National Programme for Control of Blindness
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 National Mental Health Programme

 National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness
The focus of addressing NCDs should be behavioural change at the family and
community levels, promoting healthy dietary practices, physical activity, prevention of
smoking, alcohol and pollution, starting early in life.
Important Lifestyle Diseases
 Obesity: The easiest way to find whether a person is under obesity is Body Mass
Index (BMI). If it is higher than 25, then an individual is in the obese category. The

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main reason for obesity is unhealthy eating habits, reduced physical activity and
stressful lifestyle. Everyone who is overweight likely to suffer from blood pressure,
breathing issues, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases etc.
 Diabetes: It develops due to poor eating habits and poor lifestyle choices. India
has the largest number of diabetics in the world, with type II at 40.9 million. This
number is increasing at a very high rate. Diabetes reduces the immune system of
the body and invites other diseases.
 Arteriosclerosis: It occurs when the arterial blood vessel loses elasticity and wall
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thickening. This usually causes chest pain, blood circulation disorders and heart
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attacks.
 Heart diseases: Any irregularity which affects the blood vessel walls and the heart
muscle can be referred to as heart disease. High cholesterol, smoking and diabetes
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contribute to its development in the body. India has the largest number of cardio
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patients, with 50 million suffering heart health issues.
 High blood pressure: High blood pressure is caused due to unhealthy eating
habits, obesity, stress etc. In India, around 100 million people in India suffer from
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high blood pressure.
 Sleep Disorders - Any disorder that disrupts, affects or involves sleep may be
S
called as a sleep disorder. This may be caused to long working, stressful life and
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less sleeping.
 Swimmer’s ear: Use headphones constantly with loud music for a long period may
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lead to swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear causes irritation, inflammation or infection

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in the ear canal or the outer ear. Constant exposure to noise may permanently
damage the hearing capacity of an individual.
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 Cancer: Due to the stressful lifestyle and poor living habits, the immune system
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of the body is decreasing, and this may lead to the attack of the virus on the body
which may cause cancer. In this disease, there may be irregular cell growth, which
can be concluded as cancer.
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 Stroke: Blockage in the supply of blood to the brain leads to the stroke.
 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: It is caused by air pollution.
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 Kidney and Liver Disease - Regular use of alcohol may lead to kidney and liver
disease. This may later convert to severe disorders like Cirrhosis or Nephritis.
Reasons for the increase in the Lifestyle Diseases
 Unhealthily Diet - The use of fast food in regular life is on the rise, and this may
invite many lifestyle diseases.
 Use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs – In today lifestyle addition of tobacco,
alcohol and other drugs are on the rise, which may lead to many lifestyle diseases
at a later stage.

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 Fatigue – it is a subjective feeling of tiredness which is caused by various reasons

like lack of good night sleep, etc. It may lead to stress and can invite many lifestyle
diseases.
 Poor physical fitness - Lack of physical activity may lead to poor physical fitness,
which in later stage may lead to lifestyle diseases.
 Poor health habits - alcohol, smoking, drug etc. are very harmful to health and may
lead to lifestyle diseases.
 Delay in early detection – Many a time the lifestyle diseases are not detected in an
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earlier stage, and hence its cure becomes more painful at a later stage.
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 Poor medical infrastructure – Most of the people in India do not have access to a
good medical facility, and hence the treatment to the disease got delayed.
Healthy lifestyle
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 A healthy lifestyle is meant to keep and improve one’s health and well-being.
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 A healthy lifestyle has a lifelong effect on every aspect of an individual.
 A healthy lifestyle includes healthy eating habits, regular physical activities,
proper sleep, stress management, weight management and regular checkups.
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 A healthy lifestyle does not have any place for fast food, alcohol, smoking,
drugs, tobacco etc.
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Government Initiative
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 The Government of India (GoI) has formulated the National Health Policy, 2017,
which aims to attain and promotes preventive as well as promotive health care
D
orientation. The policy seeks to reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular

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diseases, diabetes, cancer and other chronic diseases.

 The Government of India under the National Health Mission (NHM) has brought
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the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cancer and other
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Cardiovascular Diseases. The objective of the programme includes early detection

and referral to an appropriate level institution for treatment.
 Under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, new AIIMS and medical
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colleges have been set up for healthcare.

 Various initiatives have been made in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH,
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for prevention and control of Non-communicable Diseases.

 Jan Aushadhi stores have been set up by the government to provide generic
medicines at affordable prices.
The solution of the Lifestyle Diseases
 Healthy food habits – Healthy food is the key to good health. Fast food, chips,
packed and oily food are to be avoided.
 Regular exercise – Regular exercise keeps the blood circulation in the body and
increases the immune system of the body. It makes the body strong and fit.

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 Sufficient rest/sleep – Proper rest is must for a healthy body and mind.
 Adoption of good habits – A routine life with good habits always helps in
maintaining a healthy body and mind.
 Regular check-up – Everyone should make regular health check-up habits at least
in a year for early detection and cure of any disease if any.
 Remember, precaution is always better than cure.
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35. Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology or nanotech in short, is the technology that involves the manipulation of

matter on atomic, molecular and supramolecular scales. This includes particles of a scale
1 to 100 nanometres. As an emerging field of science and technology, it is important to
have a basic understanding of nanotechnology and its applications.
Nanotechnology Origins
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The concept behind this principle originated in a talk entitled, “There’s Plenty of Room
at the Bottom” by physicist Richard Feynman in 1959. The term nanotechnology was
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actually coined by Professor Norio Taniguchi. In 1981, the scanning tunnelling
microscope was invented which made it possible to “see” individual atoms. This, and the
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invention of the atomic force microscope (AFM) made it possible for nanotechnology
to become reality. Nanotechnology has come a long way since then and now affects many
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industries. It is an interdisciplinary field converging many streams of engineering and
science. A
What is nanotechnology used for?
Nanotechnology is used in various fields today. Some of the uses of nanotechnology are
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discussed below.
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Electronics
 Nano-RAM: It is a non-volatile RAM (Random Access Memory) based on carbon
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nanotubes deposited on a chip-like substrate. Its small size permits very high
density memories.
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 Nano optomechanical SRAM (Static RAM): This shows faster read/write time as
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compared to a MEMS memory. Also, the processes take place without interference
which further reduces time when compared to a traditional electrical enabled
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SRAM.
Healthcare and Medicine
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 Nanotech detectors for heart attack

 Nanochips to check plaque in arteries
 Nanocarriers for eye surgery, chemotherapy, etc.
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 Diabetic pads for regulating blood sugar levels

 Nanoparticles for drug delivery to the brain – for therapeutic treatment of
neurological disorders
 Nanosponges – are polymer nanoparticles coated with a red blood cell membrane,
can be used for absorbing toxins and removing them from the bloodstream
 NanoFlares – used for detection of cancer cells in the bloodstream
 Nanopores – use in making DNA sequencing more efficient

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Energy
 Solar paints or photovoltaic paints – can replace solar panels. Applying solar paints
to any surface will enable it to capture energy from the sun and transform it into
electricity. This can be used in houses and cars.
 Wind power generations – nanogenerators – these are flexible thin sheets which
when bent can generate potential power.
 Nanobatteries – these are used to help rechargeable lithium ion batteries last longer.
Agriculture and Food
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 Nanofertilisers
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 Hybrid polymers are used in packaging and to reduce spoilage
 Sensors for food-borne pathogens
 Nanoemulsions – to reduce bacteria on produce
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 Nanoparticles based on titanium dioxide – used as antimicrobial agents
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Nanotechnology in India
Research and work on nanotechnology in India started in 2001 with the formation of the
NanoScience and Technology Initiative with an initial funding of Rs. 60 crores. In 2007,
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the GOI launched a 5-year program called Nano Mission. It had a wider scope of
objectives and much larger funding. Fields involved in the mission were: basic research
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in nanotechnology, infrastructure development, human resources development and global
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collaboration. Many institutions and departments were roped in for the work such as
Department of IT, DRDO, Department of Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and
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Industrial Research (CSIR), etc. In both IIT Bombay and IISC Bangalore, National Centre
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for Nanofabrication and Nanoelectronics were established.

Results of these initiatives
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 India has published over 23000 papers in nanoscience.

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 India ranked 3rd in papers published in 2013 behind only the USA and China.
 There have been many patent applications in this field.
Concerns
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 India spends only a fraction of the amount spent by countries such as the USA,
China, Japan, etc. on nanotechnology.
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 The quality of research is also to be improved significantly. Only 16% of the papers
from India figured in the top 1% publications in 2011.
 Only 0.2% of the patents filed in the US Patent Office is from India in this field.
 There are very few students who take up this field.
 Although the target number of PhDs in nanotechnology is 10000 per year by the
Ministry of HRD, the current number is just 150 per annum.
 The contribution of the private sector is minimal in this domain. Even though there
is a lot of potential, the private sector is yet to show tremendous enthusiasm.

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 Scope for potential:

1. A team from IIT Madras used nanotechnology to decontaminate
arsenic from water.
2. A team from IIT Delhi has engineered a self-cleaning technology to
be used in the textile industry.
What are the risks of nanotechnology?
The nanotechnology may pose a potential risk to the environment, health and other safety
issues. Since this field is still at its nascent stage, the likely risks are contentious. As for
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whether or not this technology requires special government regulation, the issue is still
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debated. The regulatory authorities like the US Environmental Protection Agency and the
Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the European Commission have started
assessing the potential risks posed by the nanoparticles. The organic food sector is the
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first to be regulated so that the engineered nanoparticles are excluded from the organic
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produce. It has been implemented in Australia, UK and Canada as well as all the food
certified under the Demeter International Standards. Nanotoxicology is the study of
potential health risks of nanomaterials. The human body can easily take up the
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nanomaterials as they are small in size. However, there is a need for detailed research on
how it would behave inside an organism. The behaviour of nanoparticles based on their
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size, shape and surface reactivity must be thoroughly analysed before launching them into
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the market.
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The nanotechnology provides a bright future for the humankind. However, much is yet
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to be known about its impacts and risks. The government, before indulging in the
promotion and launch of this new technology, must invest more in the basic research to
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understand this field.

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36. Economic reforms in India.
Economic Reforms refer to the fundamental changes that were launched in 1991 with the
plan of liberalising the economy and to quicken its rate of economic growth. The
Narasimha Rao Government, in 1991, started the economic reforms in order to rebuild
internal and external faith in the Indian economy.
The reforms intended at bringing in larger cooperation of the private sector in the growth
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method of the Indian economy. Policy changes were proposed with regard to technology
up gradation, industrial licensing, removal of restrictions on the private sector, foreign
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investments and foreign trade. The essential features of the economic reforms are –
Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation, commonly known as LPG
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Economic reforms In India
 On July 23, 1991, India launched a process of economic reforms in response to a
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fiscal and balance-of-payment (BoP) crisis.
 The reforms were historic and were going to change the very face and the nature
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of the economy in the coming times.
 The reforms and the related programmes are still going on with changing emphasis
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and dimensions.
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 Back in the mid-1980s, the governments had taken its first steps to economic
reforms.
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 While the reforms of the 1980s witnessed rather limited deregulation and
‘partial liberalization of only a few aspects of the existing control regime, the
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reforms started in early 1990s in the fields of industries, trade, investment and
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later to include agriculture, were much ‘wider and deeper’.

 Though liberal policies were announced by the governments during the reforms of
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the 1980s itself, with the slogan of ‘economic reforms’, it was only launched with
full conviction in the early 1990s.
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 But the reforms of the 1980s, which were under the influence of the famous
‘Washington Consensus’ ideology had a crippling impact on the economy.
 The whole Seventh Plan (1985–90) promoted further relaxation of market
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regulations with heavy external borrowings to increase exports (as the thrust of
the policy reform).
 By now as the benefits of the reforms have accrued to many, the criticism has
somewhat calmed down, but still the reform process is considered as ‘anti-poor’
and ‘pro-rich’.
 The need of the hour is to go for ‘distributive growth’, though the reform has
led the economy to a higher growth path.

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Reform measures
The economic reform programme, that India launched, consisted of two categories of
measures:
1. Macroeconomic Stabilization Measures
 It includes all those economic policies which intend to boost the aggregate demand
in the economy—be it domestic or external.
 For the enhanced domestic demand, the focus has to be on increasing the
purchasing power of the masses, which entails an emphasis on the creation of
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gainful and quality employment opportunities.
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2. Structural Reform Measures
 It includes all the policy reforms which have been initiated by the government to
boost the aggregate supply of goods and services in the economy.
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 It naturally entails unshackling the economy so that it may search for its own
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potential of enhanced productivity.
 For the purchasing capacity of the people to be increased, the economy needs
increased income, which comes from increased levels of activities.
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 Income so increased is later distributed among the people whose purchasing power
has to be increased
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 This will take place by properly initiating a suitable set of macroeconomic
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policies.
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The LPG
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 The process of reforms in India has to be completed via three other processes
namely, liberalization, privatization and globalization, known popularly by
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their short-form, the LPG.

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 These three processes specify the characteristics of the reform process India
initiated.
 Precisely seen, liberalization shows the direction of reform,
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 Privatization shows the path of reform and globalization shows the ultimate
goal of the reform.
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Liberalization
 The ideology was the product of the breakdown of feudalism and the growth of
a market or capitalist society in its place, which became popular in economics
via the writings of Adam Smith and got identified as a principle of laissez-faire.
 Pro-market or pro-capitalistic inclination in the economic policies of an
economy is the process of liberalization.
 The most suitable example of this process could be China of the mid-1980s when
it announced its ‘open door policy’.

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 The process of decreasing traits of a state economy and increasing traits of a market
economy is liberalization.
 In the Indian case the term liberalisation is used to show the direction of the
economic reforms—with decreasing influence of the state or the planned or the
command economy and increasing influence of free market or the capitalistic
economy.
 It is a move towards capitalism. India is attempting to strike its own balance of the
‘state-market mix’.
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 It means, even if the economic reforms have the direction towards market economy
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it can never be branded a blind run to capitalism.
Privatization
 The policies through which the ‘roll back’ of the state was done included
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deregulation, privatization and introduction of market reforms in public services.
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 Privatization was used as a process under which the state assets were transferred to
the private sector.
 The root of the term privatization goes to this period which got more and more
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currency around the world once the East European nations and later the developing
democratic nations went for it.
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 But during the period several connotations and meanings of the
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term ‘privatization’ have developed. Some of them are described below:

o Privatization in its purest sense and lexically means de-nationalization, i.e.,
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transfer of the state ownership of the assets to the private sector to the tune
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of 100 per cent. This route of privatization has been avoided by almost all
democratic systems.
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o The sense in which privatization has been used is the process

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of disinvestment all over the world. This process includes selling of the
shares of the state owned enterprises to the private sector. Disinvestment
is de-nationalization of less than 100 per cent ownership transfer from
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the state to the private sector. If an asset has been sold out by the
government to the tune of only 49 per cent the ownership remains with
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the state though it is considered privatization. If the sale of shares of the

state-owned assets has been to the tune of 51 per cent, the ownership is
really transferred to the private sector even then it is termed as
privatization.
o The third and the last sense in which the term privatization has been used
around the world, is very wide. Basically, all the economic policies which
directly or indirectly seem to promote the expansion of the private

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sector or the market (economy) have been termed by experts and the
governments as the process of privatization.
Globalization
 The process of Globalization has always been used in economic terms though it
has always taken the political and cultural dimensions.
 Globalization is generally termed as ‘an increase in economic integration among
nations’.
 The concept was popularised by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and
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Development (OECD) in the mid-1980s.
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 In its earlier deliberalization, the organisation had defined globalisation in a very
narrow and business-like sense— ‘any cross border investment by an OECD
company outside its country of origin for its benefit is globalisation’.
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 The official meaning of globalisation for the WTO is movement of the economies
of the world towards “unrestricted cross border movements of goods and
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services, capital and the labour force”.
 It simply means that the economies who are signatories to the process of
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globalization (i.e., signatories to the WTO) for them there will be nothing like
foreign or indigenous goods and services, capital and labour. The world becoming
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a flat and level-playing field emerging in the due process of time
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 For many political scientists, globalization is the emergence of a situation when

our lives are increasingly shaped by the events that occur at a great distance from
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us about which the decisions are not taken by our conscious self.
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 India became one of the founding members of the WTO and was obliged to
promote the process of globalization, though its economic reforms started with no
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such obligations.
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 It is a different thing that India started the process of globalization right after the
reforms 1991.
 It should be noted here that the Indian idea of globalization is deeply and frequently
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inclined towards the concept of welfare state, which keeps coming in the day to
day public policy as an emphatic reference.
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Generations of Economic Reforms

Though there were no such announcements or proposals while India launched its reforms
in 1991, in the coming times, many ‘generations’ of reforms were announced by the
governments. A total of three generations of reforms have been announced till date, while
experts have gone to suggest the fourth generation, too.
First Generation reforms (1991–2000)

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The reforms initiated during 1991 to 2000 were termed as First Generation Reforms. The
broad coordinates of the First Generation of reforms may be seen as under:
(i) Promotion to Private Sector
 This included various important and liberalising policy decisions, i.e., ‘de-
reservation’ and ‘delicencing’ of the industries, abolition of the MRTP limit,
abolition of the compulsion of the phased-production and conversion of loans into
shares, simplifying environmental laws for the establishment of industries, etc.
(ii) Public Sector Reforms
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 The steps taken to make the public sector undertakings profitable and efficient,
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their disinvestment (token), their corporatization, etc., were the major parts of it.
(iii) External Sector Reforms
 They consisted of policies like, abolishing quantitative restrictions on import,
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switching to the floating exchange rate, full current account convertibility, reforms
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in the capital account, permission to foreign investment (direct as well as indirect),
promulgation of a liberal Foreign Exchange Management Act (the FEMA
replacing the FERA), etc.
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(iv) Financial Sector Reforms
 Several reform initiatives were taken up in areas such as banking, capital market,
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insurance, mutual funds, etc.
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(v) Tax Reforms

 This consisted of all the policy initiatives directed towards simplifying, broad
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basing, modernising, checking evasion, etc.

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 A major re-direction was ensued by this generation of reforms in the economy—

the ‘command’ type of the economy moved strongly towards a market-driven
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economy, private sector (domestic as well as foreign) to have greater

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participation in the future.
Second Generation reforms (2000–01 onwards)

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The government launched the second generation of reforms in 2000-01. Basically, the
reforms India launched in the early 1990s were not taking place as desired and a need for
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another set of reforms was felt by the governments, which were initiated with the title of
the Second Generation of economic reforms. These reforms were not only deeper and
delicate, but required a higher political will power from the governments. The major
components of the reform are as given below:
(i) Factor Market Reforms
 Considered as the ‘backbone’ for the success of the reform process in India, it
consists of dismantling of the Administered Price Mechanism (APM).

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 There were many products in the economy whose prices were fixed /regulated by
the government, viz., petroleum, sugar, fertilizers, drugs, etc.
 Though a major section of the products under the APM were produced by the
private sector, they were not sold on market principles which hindered the
profitability of the manufacturers as well as the sellers and ultimately the expansion
of the concerned industries leading to a demand supply gap.
 Under market reforms these products were to be brought into the market fold.
 But we cannot say that the Factor Market Reforms (FMRs) are complete in India.
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It is still going on.
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 Cutting down subsidies on essential goods is a socio-political question in India.
 Till market-based purchasing power is not delivered to all the consumers, it would
not be possible to complete the FMRs.
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(ii) Public Sector Reforms
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 The second generation of reforms in the public sector especially emphasizes on
areas like greater functional autonomy, freer leverage to the capital market,
international tie-ups and Greenfield ventures, disinvestment.
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(iii) Reforms in Government and Public Institutions
 This involves all those moves which really go to convert the role of the
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government from the ‘controller’ to the ‘facilitator’ or the administrative
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reform, as it may be called.

(iv) Legal Sector Reforms
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 Though reforms in the legal sector were started in the first generation itself, now it
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was to be deepened and newer areas were to be included, such as, abolishing
outdated and contradictory laws, reforms in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code
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of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Labour Laws, Company Laws and enacting suitable
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legal provisions for new areas like Cyber Law, etc.

(v) Reforms in Critical Areas
 The second generation reforms also commit to suitable reforms in the infrastructure
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sector (i.e., power, roads, especially as the telecom sector has been encouraging),
agriculture, agricultural extension, education and healthcare, etc. These areas have
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been called by the government as ‘critical areas’.
Third Generation reforms

 Announcement of the third generation of reforms were made on the margins of the
launching of the Tenth Plan (2002–07).
 This generation of reforms commits to the cause of a fully functional Panchayati
Raj Institution (PRIs), so that the benefits of economic reforms, in general, can
reach to the grassroots.

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 Though the constitutional arrangements for a decentralized developmental process

were already effected in the early 1990s, it was in the early 2000s that the
government gets convinced of the need of ‘inclusive growth and development’.
 Till the masses are not involved in the process of development, the development
will lack the ‘inclusion’ factor; it was concluded by the government of the time.
Fourth Generation reforms
 This is not an official ‘generation’ of reform in India. Basically, in early 2002, some
experts coined this generation of reforms which entail a fully ‘information
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technology-enabled’
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 They hypothesized a ‘two-way’ connection between the economic reforms and
the information technology (IT), with each one reinforcing the other.
India’s reform process which commenced in 1991 has been termed by experts
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as gradualist in nature with traits of occasional reversals, and without any big ideological
U-turns. It reflects the compulsions of India’s highly pluralist and participative
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democratic policy-making process. Though such an approach helped the country to
avoid socio-political upheavals/instability, it did not allow the desired economic
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outcome could have accrued from the reforms. The first generation of economic
reforms could not bring the expected results due to lack of some other set of reforms for
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which India goes after almost over a decade—the second generation of economic reforms.
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Similarly, the economic benefits (whatever accrued) remained non-inclusive, in absence

of an active public policy aimed at inclusion (commencing via the third generation of
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economic reforms). This created a kind of disillusionment about the prospects of reforms
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and failed the governments to muster enough public support in favour of reforms.
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37. India in a Multipolar World
The definition of a multipolar world order seems quite simple, in that, it represents a
world not populated by one great power (unipolarity), two great powers (bipolarity) but
by a number of great and potential great powers. Multipolarity is not synonymous with
power symmetry among the consequential powers. Post-Cold War, as the world has
become multipolar, India’s non-aligned credentials get questioned. However, India has
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managed to pull itself out from the tricky situation by making its foreign policy guided
by calculated ‘self-interest’. Also, when a country’s power and reputation increases in the
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global system, the world starts to expect it assumes greater responsibility. There is a
hierarchy present in the multipolar system, and how India navigates the accumulation and
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projection of power in such a system remains a primary foreign policy challenge. India,
with its growing material capabilities, is indeed, one of the significant poles of the
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emerging multipolar world order. However, when India’s national power is seen in
relation to the two prominent poles, the United States and China, the gaps remain glaring.
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Many experts on international relations consider non-theorisation of non-alignment
policy as a missed opportunity on India’s part, as it would have solidified Indian foreign
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policy even more concretely as well as making it well-defined and nuanced. The opposite
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view has been that it’s good that non-alignment remained a policy and didn’t become a
theory, because had it been theorised, it would have curtailed India’s manoeuvring
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capabilities between the bipolar bloc politics during the Cold War and even post-Cold
War as well. It was due to this manoeuvring capability or the ‘madhyam marg’ enshrined
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in our foreign policy that India could extract best benefits from both the superpowers.
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New world order has brought massive change in global power equations. India needs to
calibrated approach to fulfil its scientific and strategic goals. USA has become important
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partner in India’s trade and strategic discourse while Russia has proved to be all weather
friend. Rise of China has been seen as an aggression by most of the neighbouring
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countries. Also India’s quest towards a global leader based on its strength in democracy
and demography needs more FDI and technological and strategic partnerships with not
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just few countries like USA, Russia but also with France, Germany, Japan, Australia and
other important players. Globalization has made interdependence a reality. India cannot
afford to lose the pace of development by shying away from the cooperation in various
fields. Non-Alignment Movement started by visionary leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru has
become a philosophical reality in today’s global dynamics. Based on that principle, India
must maintain friendly relations with all global power and generate more industrial
activities which can become an economic propellant for India.

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Recently India has improved its global cooperation with Western World as well as with
Middle East. India needs to take firm stand based on its priorities and interests to deal
with long standing issues where global community does not have any consensus as yet.
This can be a path for short run, but in the long run India needs to ensure economic growth
and defence capabilities to become a formidable global leader.
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38. Making India Superpower
The economy of India is the world's seventh-largest economy by nominal GDP and the
third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). However, the country ranks poorly at
139th in per capita GDP (nominal) with $2,134 and 122nd in per capita GDP (PPP) with
$7,783 as of 2018. After the 1991 economic liberalisation, India achieved 6-7% average
GDP growth annually. Since 2014 with the exception of 2017, India's economy has been
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the world's fastest growing major economy, surpassing China. India is expected to
become one of the most powerful countries in the time to come. The Republic of India is
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considered one of the emerging superpowers of the world. This potential is attributed to
several indicators, the primary ones being its demographic trends and a rapidly expanding
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economy. In 2015, India became the world's fastest growing economy with a 7.5%
estimated GDP rate (mid-year terms). The country must overcome many economic,
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social, and political problems before it can be considered a superpower. In order to make
India a superpower following steps are necessary. A
Focus on Human Resource Development: Even though India has improved its Gross
Enrolment Number, India needs to work on quality of education and skill building.
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Employability of India graduates is still below global average. Similarly, health of
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population is very important in order to save men hour of our economy. It will also
decrease wastage of resources and propel industrial output. Education is fundamental for
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innovation which can help in improving state of R&D in India.

Focus on Manufacturing: A country which has around 50% of its population dependent
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on an agricultural sector can never be able to become a superpower. India needs to build
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a massive manufacturing industry which will provide employment to more than 10

million people every year. Only then the positive economic cycle of employment leading
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to more demand which in turn leads to more industrial activity can be ensured.
Focus on Security: India is being continuously threatened by non-friendly neighbours
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like China and Pakistan. India needs to ensure robust security architecture both for
external as well as internal security. India needs to build a capability for indigenization
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of defence equipment. ISRO in recent years have made remarkable achievements in space
technologies, it needs to be transferred in the field of military science to build a robust
architecture. In case of internal security too, India being vulnerable to terrorist’s attacks,
should invest in intelligence gathering and sharing real time data. Only technology can
help to achieve breakthrough results in this domain.
Focus on Sustainability: Climate change has started to negate achievements made in the
field of agriculture by way of green revolution. Now it is important to protect and preserve
biodiversity. All major cities of India are facing challenges of air pollution which needs

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to be addressed by way of efficient public transport, urban forestry and clean

technologies.
Global Cooperation: India has built a good relation with all the major players at global
level. Global cooperation is needed to boost economic growth, ensure strategic balance,
research and development. After all India has taught the world the philosophy of
“Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam”.
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39. Large Population of India: Bane or Boon
According to estimates in a recently released United Nations report, India is expected to

add 273 million people by the year 2050. The report stated that in the year 2019, India
has an estimated population of 1.37 billion and China, 1.43 billion and by the year 2027,
India’s population is projected to surpass China’s, making India the most populous nation
in the world. 30 years down the line, the global population is projected to increase by
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another 2 billion people by the year 2050, (from 7.7 billion in 2019 to 9.7 billion). The
report has highlighted higher fertility rates, growing older population and migration as
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few reasons behind projections of the population growth. Health economists claim that
the major implications of population growth will be for the young population that will
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face a situation of lack of resources in the future.
India’s large population is bane because:
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 It creates unemployment as the population keeps on increasing the job
opportunities keeps on diminishing. A
 India’s infrastructure won’t be able to withstand the burden of our ever growing
population.
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 Literacy rates are not in direct relation with the increase in population and this is
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resulting in people piling up below the poverty line.

 There is a major dip in the standard of living as well as in health departments as
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India has a very poorly administered population policy.

 The existing grain is getting used up at the rate of knots and the rate at which the
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population is growing it will be impossible to supply food and water to this

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increasing population.
 Awareness programs about the disadvantages of overpopulation have failed to
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make an impact on the societies as they are very few in number are restricted to
few areas only.
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 Huge unfed population can lead to criminalization of the society.

India’s Large population is boon because:
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 it would result in high income which would in turn result in higher savings, clear
indicators of economic growth.
 Our population offers us an absolute force of cheap manpower which is a very
useful tool for India.
 People turning up of government services have increased significantly which is a
very good sign for a country like ours as it would mean more social force.
 Our growing population has resulted in an increase of different options in various
fields guaranteeing more jobs.

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 India has become a nation of various talents. Larger population means a deeper
pool of domestic intelligence which can be used to good effect.
 Larger skilled population means a natural inclination of foreign companies to offer
us newer projects and yes we can do them more cost effectively.
 Larger population can be a big asset in labour based manufacturing units which can
make us a big exporter of hand made goods - every hand can become an earning
hand for the country.
Way Forward
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India needs to invest more in the health sector. India invests only 1.3% of its GDP. The
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family planning budget is only 4% of the entire health budget and within that India spends
only 1.5% on birth spacing methods. Investments should be made particularly for the old
people because by the year 2050, India’s population of old people is going to grow almost
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10 times more. Education is very important, not only for empowering women but for
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fertility to decline. Education should be made free for women till college-level. Better
education will help women in better decision making for family planning.
Unless women are part of the workforce, no society can bring down fertility rates with
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progress. Therefore, policies must look at the whole issue of declining workforce
participation by women. India needs to focus on some areas which are socially, culturally,
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economically depressed. Identification of 140 high focussed districts is the right step by
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the government in this direction. However, it needs to work in the whole of Bihar, U.P.,
Madhya Pradesh and Assam. India needs to give huge stress on declining sex ratios and
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the discrimination towards girls so that people don’t have a high number of children in
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the hope of having a boy. India can achieve a number of SDGs if it links them with family
planning. Family planning is a promotive and preventive method for bringing down
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maternal mortality and child mortality. It is important to see the issue of population
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growth not only from the national perspective but also from the state’s point of view i.e.
different states need to be encouraged to take necessary steps for containing the
population.
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40. Indian Diaspora
According to Global Migration Report 2020, India continues to be the largest country of
origin of international migrants with a 17.5 million-strong diaspora across the world, and
it received the highest remittance of $78.6 billion (this amounts to a whopping 3.4% of
India’s GDP) from Indians living abroad.
Today, the Indian diaspora is more prosperous than before and its involvement in India’s
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development is increasing. It contributes by way of remittances, investment, lobbying for
India, promoting Indian culture abroad and for building a good image of India by their
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intelligence and industry.
Significance of Indian Diaspora
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Economic Front:
Indian diaspora is one of the richest minorities in many developed countries, this helped
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them to lobby for favourable terms regarding India's interests. For example, at 2.8 million,
Indians may number just 1% of the U.S. population, but they are the most educated and
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richest minority, according to a 2013 Pew survey.
The migration of less-skilled labour (especially to West Asia) has also helped in bringing
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down disguised unemployment in India.
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In general, migrants' remittances have positive systemic effects on the balance of

payments. Remittances of $70-80 billion help to bridge a wider trade deficit.
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By weaving a web of cross-national networks, the migrant workers facilitated the flow of
tacit information, commercial and business ideas, and technologies into India.
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Political Front:
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Many people of Indian origin hold top political positions in many countries, in the US
itself they are now a significant part of Republicans and Democrats, as well as the
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government.
The political clout of India's diaspora can be estimated by the fact, the role it played in
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turning around doubting legislators into voting for the India-U.S. nuclear deal.
Foreign Policy Front:
Indian diaspora is not just a part of India’s soft power, but a fully transferable political
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vote bank as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reception at Madison Square Garden is a way of
thanking the Indian-American community members who played a big part in his
electronic campaign and election funding.
The institutionalisation of “diaspora diplomacy” is a distinct indication for the fact that a
country’s diaspora community has become considerably more important as a subject of
interest for foreign policy and associated government activities.

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Indian diaspora can provide the requisite strategic impulse, which makes it all the more
important to unlock India's potential. India should formulate a new NRI policy, the
government must immediately work with developed countries to ask that they kick back
a portion of the income tax revenues they collect from the Indian diaspora. This is fair
because these countries did not invest anything in creating this talent but benefit
immediately when the immigrant pays taxes abroad. There is a need for a strategic
diaspora evacuation policy from conflict zones in a world where crises materialise
without warnings and give very little reaction time for governments. India’s foreign
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policy aims to translate partnerships to benefits for key projects like Swachh Bharat,
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Clean Ganga, make in India, Digital India, and Skill India, the diaspora has plenty of
scopes to contribute. VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty) scheme
which seeks to formalise a rotation program wherein top NRI scientists, engineers,
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doctors, managers and professionals serve Indian public sector organizations for a brief
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period, lending their expertise- is a step in the right direction. Improvement in ease of
doing business will go long, in enabling investments from the Indian diaspora.
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41. Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an

organism’s genome using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to change the
genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species
boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. New DNA may be inserted in the
host genome by first isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using molecular
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cloning methods to generate a DNA sequence, or by synthesizing the DNA, and then
inserting this construct into the host organism. Genes may be removed, or “knocked out”,
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using a nuclease. Gene targeting is a different technique that uses homologous
recombination to change an endogenous gene, and can be used to delete a gene,
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remove exons, add a gene, or introduce point mutations.
 Genetic engineering involves the techniques to alter the chemistry of genetic
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material (DNA and RNA) and thus change the phenotype of the host organism.
 Asexual reproduction preserves the genetic information, while sexual reproduction
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permits variation.
 Traditional hybridisation procedures used in plant and animal breeding, very often
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lead to inclusion and multiplication of undesirable genes along with the desired
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genes.
 The techniques of genetic engineering which include creation of recombinant
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DNA, use of gene cloning and gene transfer, overcome this limitation and allows
us to isolate and introduce only one or a set of desirable genes without introducing
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undesirable genes into the target organism.

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There are three basic steps in genetically modifying an organism —

1. identification of DNA with desirable genes;
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2. introduction of the identified DNA into the host;

3. maintenance of introduced DNA in the host and transfer of the DNA to its progeny.
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Biotechnology: Biotechnology is technology that utilizes biological systems, living

organisms or parts of this to develop or create different products. Brewing and baking
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bread are examples of processes that fall within the concept of biotechnology (use of yeast
(= living organism) to produce the desired product). Such traditional processes usually
utilize the living organisms in their natural form (or further developed by breeding), while
the more modern form of biotechnology will generally involve a more advanced
modification of the biological system or organism.
With the development of genetic engineering in the 1970s, research in biotechnology (and
other related areas such as medicine, biology etc.) developed rapidly because of the new
possibility to make changes in the organisms' genetic material (DNA). Biotechnology
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deals with industrial scale production of biopharmaceuticals and biologicals using

genetically modified microbes, fungi, plants and animals. The applications of
biotechnology include therapeutics, diagnostics, genetically modified crops for
agriculture, processed food, bioremediation, waste treatment, and energy production.
Applications of Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering in various fields:
It is used in agriculture to develop a genetically modified crops. Genetic modification
has:
 Made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat).
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 Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops).
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 Helped to reduce post-harvest losses.
 Increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early exhaustion of
fertility of soil).
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 Enhanced nutritional value of food, e.g., golden rice, i.e., Vitamin ‘A’ enriched
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rice.
Genetic Engineering is also used for medicinal purpose:
 The recombinant DNA technological processes have made immense impact in the
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area of healthcare. It enables mass production of safe and more effective
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therapeutic drugs.
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 The recombinant therapeutics do not induce unwanted immunological responses as

is common in case of similar products isolated from non-human sources.
Gene Therapy
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 If a person is born with a hereditary disease, can a corrective therapy be taken for
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such a disease. Gene therapy is an attempt to do this.

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 Gene therapy is a collection of methods that allows correction of a gene defect that
has been diagnosed in a child/embryo.
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 Genes are inserted into a person’s cells and tissues to treat a disease.
Biotechnology in India
 The Department of Biotechnology manages most of the programmes
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of biotechnology sector in India. It is under the Ministry of Science and

Technology Its objectives are:
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o To provide services in the areas of research, infrastructure, generation of

human resource, popularization of biotechnology, promotion of industries,
creation of centres of excellence
o Implementation of biosafety guidelines for genetically modified organisms,
recombinant DNA products and biotechnology-based programs for societal
benefits.
o To establish an information network for the Bioinformatics mission of
India in the scientific community, nationally and internationally.
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 Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) (Important for Paper I)

o The GEAC functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEF&CC).
o It is responsible for the appraisal of activities involving large-scale use of
hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial
production from the environmental angle.
o The committee is also responsible for the appraisal of proposals relating to
the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the
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environment including experimental field trials.
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o GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of
MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT).
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Application of biotechnology could be a major tool for development in all countries.
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Entwined with culture and socio-ethical values, biotechnology could be utilised in solving
future problems like food and water insecurity that impede national development and
threaten peace in the developing world.
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42. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is an emerging technology that facilitates intelligence and human

capabilities of sense, comprehend, and act with the use of machines. Some of the
technologies that can allow these systems in analysing and understanding all the
information that is received are Natural Language Processing (NLP) and inference
engines. Artificial Intelligence is a system that provides action through technologies such
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as expert systems and inference engines to undertake operations in the physical world.
 It describes the action of machines accomplishing tasks that have historically
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required human intelligence.
 It includes technologies like machine learning, pattern recognition, big data, neural
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networks, self-algorithms etc.
 The origin of the concept can be traced back to the Greek mythology, although it
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is only during modern history when stored program electronic computers were
developed. A
o Example: Millions of algorithms and codes are there around the humans to
understand their commands and perform human-like tasks. Facebook’s list
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of suggested friends for its users, a pop-up page, telling about an upcoming
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sale of the favourite brand of shoes and clothes, that comes on screen while
browsing the internet, are the work of artificial intelligence.
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 A Complex Technology: AI involves complex things such as feeding a particular

data into the machine and making it react as per the different situations. It is
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basically about creating self-learning patterns where the machine can give answers
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to the never answered questions like a human would ever do.

Benefits
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 In Policing: India still has a conventional policing. AI based products open a new
window of opportunity to do predictive policing in India. With the help of AI, one
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can predict the pattern of crime, analyse lot of CCTV footage which are available
across the country to identify suspects.
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o Government is digitizing all the records, especially the crime records putting
it into one single place called CCTNS where all the data including the
image, biometrics, or the criminal history of a convict or suspect is available.
 In Agriculture: It has many uses, for example, it can help sense one how much
water the crop needs.
 For solving complex issues like efficient utilization of available resources.
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 Analysing the Data: The AI technology helps in analysing data and thus can
improve the efficiency of the systems like power management in cars, mobile
devices, weather predictions, video and image analysis.
Challenges with AI in India
 Absence of collaborative effort between various stakeholders
 Concerns on privacy and security of data, including a lack of formal regulation
around anonymization of data.
 Lack of sufficient talent to build and deploy AI systems at scale. An estimate
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claims that only 4% of AI professionals in India have worked on emerging
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technologies such as deep learning and neural networks. There is also a significant
gap in Ph.D. research scholars in the field.
 Difficulty in access to industry-specific data required to build customized
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platforms and solutions is now currently in the hands of a few major players. It is
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challenging for new beginners to provide customized services that can compete
with the existing data that includes rich incumbents such as Facebook or Google.
This phenomenon results in the creation of a virtuous cycle which reinforces the
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hegemony of the big few, creating a huge entry barrier for start-ups.
 High cost and low availability of computing infrastructure required for
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development, training, and deployment of AI-based services. Cloud infrastructure,
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though growing rapidly, has limited capability.

Steps taken by the Government
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 In 2018-19 budget, the government mandated NITI Aayog to establish

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the National Program on AI with a view to guiding research and development in

new and emerging technologies.
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o NITI Aayog then adopted a three pronged approach undertaking

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exploratory proof of concept AI projects in various areas, crafting a national

strategy for building a vibrant AI ecosystem in India and collaborating with
various experts and stakeholders.
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 On 20 March, 2019, NITI Aayog circulated the cabinet note to establish a cloud
computing platform called AIRAWAT (Artificial Intelligence Research,
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Analytics and Knowledge Assimilation Platform.

o The note circulated by NITI Aayog proposes that the government should
pump in Rs. 7,500 crore rupees over 3 years as well as set up a high-level
task force that will oversee the roll out and implementation of AI.
o The move to create cloud computing platform is part of the government’s
goal of making India a pioneer amongst emerging economies with regards
to AI and transform sectors like education, health, agriculture, urbanization
and mobility.
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 The Commerce and Industry Ministry has also set up task forces to explore the use
of AI and Big Data technologies in the country.
 In the Budget 2019-20, the government has announced setting up of a National
Sports Education Board under Khelo India to prepare youth for new age skills,
Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Big Data, 3D Printing, Virtual Reality etc.
India may appear to be relatively well-positioned to take advantage of the disruption in
the AI system through its advanced IT sector and large youth demographic potential to
establish itself as the future hub for AI-related activities. However, given the reduced
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availability of qualified faculty and researchers, this advantage could quickly change into
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a liability without urgent government interventions towards promoting access to such
skills. This is a critical component of AI development and should be a national priority.
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43. Tourism Industry in India
Tourism is a major engine of economic growth in most parts of the world. Several
countries have transformed their economies using the tourism potential the fullest.
Tourism has great capacity to create large scale employment of diverse kind - from the
most specialised to the unskilled and all of us know that generation of massive productive
employment opportunities is what India needs the most. Over the decades, tourism has
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experienced continued growth and deepening diversification to become one of the fastest
growing economic sector in the world. Modern tourism is closely linked to development
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and encompasses a growing number of new destinations. These dynamics have turned
tourism into a key driver for socio-economic progress.
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Indian Perspective:
 India attracted lot of travellers in the past due to its fabled wealth. Visit of Hieun-
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tsang, a devout Chinese Buddhist is an example of this.
 Pilgrim Travel got a boost when Emperors like Ashoka and Harsha started
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building rest houses for pilgrims.
 ‘The Arthashastra’ pointing out the importance of the travel infrastructure for
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the state, played important role in the past.
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 Post-Independence, Tourism continuously remained part of the Five Year

Plans.
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 Different forms of Tourism like Business Tourism, Health Tourism, and Wildlife
Tourism etc. were introduced in India after seventh FYP.
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Tourism: Current Situation and Prospects

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There has been significant progress in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector in the last
decade but there is much further room for improvement. India moved up 12 places from
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52nd to 40th in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index
in 2017. Foreign tourist arrivals have increased from 5.1 million in 2009 to8.8 million in
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2016; yet they account for less than 1% of global tourist arrivals. With 35 world heritage
sites, 10 bio-geographical zones and 26 biotic provinces, India has significant potential
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to increase the number of tourist arrivals.

The sector is an important contributor to national income. In 2017-18, India’s travel and
tourism sector accounted for foreign exchange earnings of USD 22.92 billion. Hotels and
tourism also accounted for USD 0.9 billion of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2016-
17, making up around 3% of total FDI between April 2000 and October 2017. Domestic
tourism plays a key role within the sector. In 2016, domestic tourist visits to all Indian
states and Union Territories (UTS) numbered 1614 million, an increase of about 13%
from the previous year.
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As a highly labour-intensive sector, tourism has the capacity to generate large-scale, good
quality employment. In 2016, it accounted for 25 million direct and more than 14 million
indirect jobs. Direct jobs in the sector made up 5.8% of India’s total employment.
Together, direct and indirect jobs accounted for 9.3% of total employment. The sector has
multiple forward and backward linkages with further job generating potential in sectors
such as agriculture, retail, transport and financial services.
Challenges
Though, tourism has interrelated with many socio-economic benefits, there are several
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constraints which present roadblock for the sector to achieve its potential at its fullest.
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 Entry/exit: Despite the introduction of an e-visa facility, visitors find the process
of applying for a visa still cumbersome. Further, awareness about the e-visa facility
remains low. In addition, medical e-visa holders face difficulties because of the
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limited number of repeat visits allowed under the visa, the number of
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accompanying persons permitted and cumbersome registration processes.
 Infrastructure and Connectivity: Deficiencies in infrastructure and inadequate
connectivity hamper tourist visits to some heritage sites
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 Tourism Segments or Circuits: India has various tourist destinations but few
circuits or segments such as the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra- Jaipur), are well
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connected.
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 Promotion and marketing: Although it has been increasing, online

marketing/branding remains limited and campaigns are not coordinated. Tourist
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information centres are poorly managed, making it difficult for domestic and
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foreign tourists to access information with ease.

 Skills: The number of adequately trained individuals for the tourism and
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hospitality sector is a key challenge to giving visitors a world class experience. A

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limited number of multi-lingual trained guides and the limited local awareness and
understanding of the benefits and responsibilities associated with tourist growth act
as constraints on the sector’s growth.
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Government's Recent Initiatives

 The Tourism Ministry has launched the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator
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Certification (IITFC) portal. It is an online programme where one can learn about
tourism at their own time, space, path and pace. The successful completion of this
programme would enable the learner to become a Certified Tourist Facilitator of
Ministry of Tourism, government of India.
 Facilitative visa regime is a prerequisite for increasing inbound tourism. Ministry
of Tourism takes the initiative with Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of
External Affairs for achieving the same.
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 The “Incredible India 2.0” Campaign of the Ministry marks a shift from the generic
promotions being undertaken across the world to market specific promotional plans
and content creation.
Sustainable Tourism
A rapid and massive movement of tourists within a shorter span of tourist season puts a
heavy pressure on tourist resources. The usage of tourist attractions is likely to be
damaged beyond repair and their life span may even get shortened. Their popularity
suffers a loss, the number of tourist arrivals gradually falls and generation of job comes
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to a halt. As we keep on taking some measures to restore the charm of tourist sites this
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stage of decline does not seem to have set in fully. But there are many hill stations,
beaches and monuments which we have not cared to see that they shine and provide some
job opportunities to the people.
D
There is the degeneration of tourist spots because of the overuse or misuse of their
CA
resources. The growth of tourist culture demands to practise tourism on sustainable basis.
A sustainable tourism allows to exploit tourist resources for a long time and never brings
a full stop to the creation of job opportunities. Sight seers in summer tourist resorts keep
A
people engaged in tourist occupations. In high altitude areas of the Himalaya, the
induction of winter tourism and keeping people occupied in replenishing the stock of the
S
cottage industry products for sale in the next peak season have offered them sustenance
ER
all the year round. To keep alive the tourist friendly activities in all tourist areas is the life
and blood of sustainable tourism. Prolonging the conservation of environmental attraction
D
by avoiding anything which is fatal to it encourages people to derive their living

N
continuously from tourist occupations.

Eco-tourism or environment friendly tourist activity forms a core segment of sustainable
FI
tourism. It requires to preserve the ecology and local cultures of an area. A good quality
TH
of air and water, well maintained biodiversity and organised human efforts are the major
components of eco-tourism. Keeping up harmonious relationship among them is the
growing need because a chain of interactions locks them together. Tourism sector the
PA
location of cement factories were started with full force in tourist regions of Himachal
Pradesh and Kashmir valley some years back. Extraction of limestone, emission of dust,
©
fumes and noise disturbed the ecological balance and were least eco-friendly in these
states depending largely on tourism.
Conclusion
As a travel destination, few other nations can offer the diversity of products and
experiences found in India. The travel and tourism industry offers significant opportunity
for fulfilment of key national growth imperatives including employment generation
across all regions of the country, and growth in the sector can contribute to overall
economic development in the country. However, tourism in India, though growing
129
consistently, is yet to realize its full potential due to several challenges that plagued the
sector. Alleviation of these challenges will be essential for the industry to realize its full
potential.
Y
EM
D
CA
A
S
ER
D
N
FI
TH
PA
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Important Essay topics

DR. PRASHANT JAGTAP

1. DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND INDIA 3

2. DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE. 5

4. INDIA'S FOREIGN POLICY 9

5. RESERVATION ISSUES IN INDIA 12

9. CAUSES OF POVERTY IN INDIA 20

10. EDUCATION IN INDIA 22

11. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 24

12. GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE 27

13. RENEWABLE ENERGY 33

14. BANKING SECTOR REFORMS 36

15. INDIA OF MY DREAMS 39

16. INDIA AND NEIGHBOURHOOD 40

21. INDIA-SRI LANKA 57

CAPF PATHFINDERS Pune/New Delhi 8530316222/5222/4222

22. SAARC CURRENT RELEVANCE, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS 59

23. NAM 2.0 64

24. SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION (SAARC) 67

25. LARGE POPULATION OF INDIA: BANE OR BOON 71

26. JUDICIAL REFORMS IN INDIA 75

27. POLICE REFORMS 77

29. FARMER’S ISSUES 81

30. TECHNOLOGY IN GOOD GOVERNANCE 85

32. DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (DRDO) 92

33. INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION (ISRO) 95

34. LIFESTYLE DISEASES 98

35. NANOTECHNOLOGY 102

36. ECONOMIC REFORMS IN INDIA. 105

37. INDIA IN A MULTIPOLAR WORLD 112

38. MAKING INDIA SUPERPOWER 114

39. LARGE POPULATION OF INDIA: BANE OR BOON 116

40. INDIAN DIASPORA 118

41. GENETIC ENGINEERING 120

42. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 123

43. TOURISM INDUSTRY IN INDIA 126

CAPF PATHFINDERS Pune/New Delhi 8530316222/5222/4222

1. Disaster Management and India

Disaster Management is a strategic planning and procedure that is administered and

looting and attacks on strategic installations. Complex emergencies include

conflict situations and war.

Pandemic emergencies- These emergencies involve a sudden onset of a contagious

economic and social costs.

CAPF PATHFINDERS Pune/New Delhi 8530316222/5222/4222

CAPF PATHFINDERS Pune/New Delhi 8530316222/5222/4222

2. Disaster Management Cycle.

Disaster management is a complex process involving international, national and local

coordinating with the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) management.

CAPF PATHFINDERS Pune/New Delhi 8530316222/5222/4222

CAPF PATHFINDERS Pune/New Delhi 8530316222/5222/4222

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Rights Act,1993 to ensure the protection of human rights.

CAPF PATHFINDERS Pune/New Delhi 8530316222/5222/4222

CAPF PATHFINDERS Pune/New Delhi 8530316222/5222/4222

4. India's Foreign Policy

Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty

Equality and mutual benefit

Let us see evolution of India's foreign Policy in phases

sovereignty, rebuild its economy and consolidate its integrity.

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The fourth phase (1991-98): Safeguarding Strategic Autonomy

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India's willingness to shape key global negotiations (such as conference in Paris on