Editorials

19 years of Ethical IAS Coaching

January 2024 [Link]

1. The pivotal role of sport in an aspirational India

▪ A sound mind lies in a sound body. There is growing evidence that

sports act as a catalyst for the development of personal and social
skills among youngsters. The potential of sports to be considered
as a career option gives rise to the question of its position and
preference compared to other conventional career alternatives.
▪ Pursuing sports as a career face numerous obstacles in India,
including socioeconomic, linguistic, cultural, dietary habits,
societal taboos, and gender bias that hinder a huge chunk of
India’s young aspiring population to continue their passion for
sports.
▪ There is a need to reshape sports governance in India and look
forwards towards democratisation of sports culture.
Sports Governance in India
▪ In the early1950s, the Federal Government created the All India
Council of Sports (AICS) to apprehend the declining standards of
sports in the country.
▪ In 1982, after Asian games, the Department of Sports was
transformed into the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.
▪ In 1984, the National Sports Policy was initiated.
▪ In 2000, the Department was converted into a Ministry of Youth
Affairs and Sports (MYAS).
▪ In 2011, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports notified the National
Sports Development Code of India 2011.
▪ In 2022, the Ministry of Civil Aviation launched National Air Sport
Policy 2022 (NASP 2022) for Aerobatics, Aeromodelling,
Ballooning, Drones, Hang gliding and powered hang gliding,
Parachuting
Challenges Related to the Sports Sector in India
▪ Lack of Parental Push: In India most families pressurise their
children to outshine in academics and work hard towards becoming
an Engineer, Doctors or successful entrepreneur.
▪ The underlying feeling is that sports do not fetch a decent
livelihood or make one wealthy.
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▪ Social and Economic Inequalities: Social and economic inequalities

have a negative impact on Indian sport.
▪ Denial of access to sports infrastructure due to poverty,
concentration of stadiums and other sports avenues only in
cities, lack of encouragement to girls to participate in
sports, etc, have impaired the development of a positive
sports culture in the country.
▪ Policy Lacunae: For the development of any sector, formulation and
execution of an effective policy is a sine qua non.
▪ This is true for sports also. Till date, the sports policy planning
and implementation is centralised in the country due to the
paucity of resources, this has led to many incidents like IPL
Spot Fixing, Olympic Games bidding scam, Sexual
harassment incidents in women’s hockey teams.
▪ Corruption and Mismanagement of Sports Authorities: Corruption
has become synonymous with sports administration in India.
▪ Whether it is the most popular cricket or hockey or weightlifting,
most of the sports authorities in India have come under
attack due to corruption charges.
▪ Besides, the involvement of politicians in the
administration of sports bodies for a very long period
and controversies surrounding the 2010 Commonwealth
Games, dented the image of sports administrators in India.
▪ Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs: Use of performance
enhancing drugs is still a major problem in the sports sector. India
ranks first when it comes to Anti-Doping Rule Violations or the
World Anti-Doping Agency’s Adverse Analytical Findings.
▪ This problem still needs to be addressed effectively, despite the
creation of the National Anti-Doping Agency in the country.
▪ Empty Playgrounds: Modern technology and video games have
distracted children from playing physical games. Today many
children are on their mobile phones instead of playing with their
friends on the playground.
▪ Due to this the young children are becoming susceptible to
many diseases at an early age, like diabetes and
hypertension.
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19 years of Ethical IAS Coaching

January 2024 [Link]

Recent Government Initiatives Related to the Sports Sector

▪ Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan
▪ Fit India Movement
▪ Khelo India
▪ SAI Training Centers Scheme
▪ Sports Talent Search Portal
▪ National Sports Awards Scheme
▪ Target Olympic Podium
Looking ahead
▪ Democratisation of Sports Culture: There is a need to revive India’s
sports culture at the grass-root level by creating a strong
framework for sports governance in India.
▪ Sport has historically taken a back seat in the Indian
education system. A shift in school attitudes about sports
has the potential to reshape the sporting landscape in
India.
▪ The Fit India Movement mentions that the schools
are also allowed to include traditional and regional
games in the curriculum but making sports a
mandatory component of the curriculum needs to be
clarified.
▪ Equal Push to All Sports:It is high time the public and private
sector should come together to lift the Indian sport sector
from the present deplorable situation.
▪ Extension of Justice Lodha
Committee recommendations on BCCI to all other
sports bodies will be a right step in this direction.
▪ Promoting Gender Equality: There is a need to break down
the stereotypes that continue to make women less likely to
take up sporting activities. It also means promoting women’s
advancement as professional athletes and leaders in the sport
sector.
▪ There is also a need to close the gap in investment in
women’s sport and promote equal economic
opportunities for women and girls. BCCI''s Gender
Pay Parity initiative is a good step in this direction.
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▪ Filling Up Infrastructural Loopholes: India must invest

heavily in building modern
infrastructure with international best practices in sports
training, sport medicine, research, and analysis across all
sports institutions in order to become a leading sports nation.
▪ The quality of infrastructure can be scaled up to the
village level and regional centres should be made
available for those who are serious at taking their
sporting career to professional level.
▪ Ocean of Job Opportunities: Sports are being revolutionised
by new technological interventions like Semi-Automated
Offside Technology (SAOT), an artificial intelligence sensor
getting used inside footballs in FIFA World Cup 2022 games
to detect offsides.
▪ There are many jobs being created via this technological
revolution in sports, especially in the field of Artificial
Intelligence and Data Science. This can benefit India’s
young demographic dividend.

2. Have GM crops caused damage to the environment?

▪ Now-a-days with the rapid advance in research and development in

Agricultural Biotechnology, countries are approving
many genetically modified crops for commercial release and
agricultural production.
▪ Though, it is widely claimed that Genetic modified organisms
(GMO)offer dramatic promise for meeting some of the greatest
challenges but it also poses certain risks, because it brings
together new gene combinations which are not found in
nature having possible harmful effects on health, environmental
and non-target species.
▪ Therefore, Genetically Modified crops must be carefully
scrutinised before they can be put into production.

Genetic Modification
▪ “Genetic modification” involves altering the genes of an organism, be it
a plant, animal or microorganism.
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▪ GM technology involves direct manipulation of DNA instead

of using controlled pollination to alter the desired
characteristics.
▪ It is one the approaches to crop improvement, all of which aim
at adding desirable genes and removing undesirable ones to
produce better varieties.

Current State of GM Crop Cultivation in India

▪ Indian farmers started cultivating Bt cotton, a pest-resistant,
genetically modified version of cotton, in 2002-03.
▪ Bt modification is a type of genetic modification where the Bt gene
obtained from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is
introduced into the target crop, in this case, cotton.
▪ Bt cotton is resistant to bollworm, a pest that destroys
cotton plants.
▪ By 2014, around 96% of the area under cotton cultivation in India
was Bt cotton, making India the fourth-largest cultivator of GM
crops by acreage and the second largest producer of cotton.
▪ Apart from cotton, there are more than 20 crops under research and
development in about 50 public and private sector organisations
in India. Out of these, 13 crops have been approved for contained
limited field trials in India.
▪ In October 2022, Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
(GEAC)under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change recommended the “environmental release” of
the transgenic hybrid mustard DMH-11 for seed production.

Regulation of Genetic Modified Crops in India

▪ In India, strict regulations are in place to control threats to animal
health, human safety, and biodiversity at large during the processes
of development, cultivation and transboundary movement of GM
crops.
▪ Acts and rules that regulate GM crops in India include:
▪ Environment Protection Act, 1986 (EPA)
▪ Biological Diversity Act, 2002
▪ Plant Quarantine Order, 2003
▪ Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
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▪ Drugs and Cosmetics Rule (8thAmendment), 1988

▪ Broadly, the rules cover:
▪ All activities related to research and development of GMOs
▪ Field and clinical trials of GMOs
▪ Deliberate or unintentional release of GMOs
▪
Challenges Associated with GM Crops
▪ Ecological Concerns: Gene flow due to cross pollination can result
in development of tolerant or resistant weeds that are difficult to
eradicate.
▪ GM crops could lead to erosion of biodiversity and pollute
gene pools of endangered plant species.
▪ Genetic erosion has already occurred as the farmers have
replaced the use of traditional varieties with monocultures.
▪ Loss of Nutritious Value: As genetic modification focuses more on
increasing crops'' production, extending their lifespan,
and deterring pests, some crops'' nutritional value has sometimes
been compromised as well.
▪ It has been reported that some genetically modified foods
drastically lacked nutritional value when compared with
the original variety.
▪ Threat to Wildlife: Altering the genes of plants can also have serious
effects on wildlife. For example, genetically modified plants, such as
tobacco or rice, used to make plastic or pharmaceuticals, can pose
a threat to mice or deer that eat crop debris after harvesting.
▪ Risk of Toxicity: Due to the nature of the product changes after
genetic modification it becomes an alien for human metabolism.
▪ Sometimes, newer proteins in transgenic crops that are
not consumed as food can become allergens and pose a risk
of toxicity.
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19 years of Ethical IAS Coaching

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Looking ahead
▪ Curbing Illegal Cultivation of GM Seeds: In order to curb the illegal
cultivation of GM seeds, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal
Committee (GEAC)should:
▪ Collaborate with state governments and launch a nation-wide
investigation drive.
▪ Take action on threats of deliberate GM crop cultivation.
▪ Investigate and prosecute those involved in the illegal
supply of GM Seeds.
▪ Encourage organic farming along with the GM crops.
▪ Indigenous Gene Banks: Native varieties should be preserved due to
their ability to adapt to diseases and nutritional value. Gene
banks can be established to assist various research institutions in
conducting research and to help conserve indigenous varieties.
▪ Blending Modern and Traditional Technology: Supporting precise
agriculture technologies with regulatory measures that preserve
indigenous methods of farming is essential for agricultural
sustainability in India.
▪ Promoting investment will motivate all technology
developers to take interest in crops that are relevant to
India and using technologies for which there is a clear
regulatory framework.
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January 2024 [Link]

▪ Comprehensive Move Towards Sustainability: To create better food

options and sustainable crop management, genetic modifications
must be combined with improved farming credit, better use of
water, and reduced waste.
▪ Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA):Compulsory Environmental Impact Assessment must be
carried out by regulatory bodies in collaboration with independent
environmentalists to assess the long-term impact of GM crops on
ecology and health.

3. What are Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and how do they work?

▪ Electric vehicles have been increasingly getting popular in

India over the past year. Other than the multiple consumer-oriented
two wheelers and four wheelers that have launched lately, we have also
seen many public transport vehicles like city buses go electric in
cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
▪ However, while the electric revolution continues, many issues that
stop consumers from getting into electric vehicles or EVs continue
to exist. One of these is the lack of a widespread charging
infrastructure, which potentially handicaps EV users from taking
longer trips to more remote areas. To deal with these issues, brands
have been coming up with hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)– cars that
club the benefits of both petrol engines and electric motors, while
aiming to negate the cons of both.

What are Hybrid vehicles?

▪ To understand hybrid vehicles or HEVs, let’s have a quick recap
of how petrol and electric vehicles work. Petrol vehicles work on
petrol engines and use combustion to power the vehicle.
Here, controlled burning of fuel inside the car releases energy in
the form of both heat and motion, the latter of which is converted to
the spinning of the wheels, via a complex mechanism of pistons,
shafts, gears and axles.
▪ In an electric caron the other hand, there is no engine and there are
no gears. The power comes from a rechargeable battery, and the
vehicle moves with the help of an electric motor. All the energy
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involved here is electric, which also means there aren’t a lot of moving
parts that require regular servicing. However, the battery itself does
gradually lose its ability to retain the same amount of charge over time.
Also, the range of most EVs available today in India is also limited.
▪ In hybrid vehicles, there are multiple types of mechanisms that
power cars. The two most common ones are series-hybrid
and parallel hybrid.

Series Hybrid cars

▪ As the name suggests, these cars use an electric motor, connected
with a petrol engine in series. In such mechanisms, the combustion
engine has no contact with the wheels of the vehicle, except via
the electric motor. The working here relies on the petrol engine
burning fuel and creating energy, but instead of creating kinetic and
heat energy, a generator converts the energy from the petrol
engine directly to electricity, which powers the electric motor,
giving power to the car.
▪ Most series hybrid vehicles, while they rely on an electric motor,
cannot be charged externally like conventional electric cars. They
must be fuelled, as only the petrol engine can create the power to
generate electricity for the electric motor.
▪ These vehicles are great for regions like India, where the
infrastructure of electric charging remains scarce. Users still rely on
fuel, but end up getting much better efficiency as the converted electric
energy is more efficient than the combustion powering the vehicle
directly. Additionally, mechanisms are also in place to recharge the
electric motor every time you brake, resulting in further savings.

Parallel Hybrid cars

▪ With parallel hybrid cars, there is a common transmission in the
vehicle that can pull power from both the electric motor and the
fuel engine, both of which are connected in parallel. Such cars can
be completely automatic, manual, or even CVT (Continuous
Variable Transmission) based on the make and the mode a user
drives in.
▪ In such a mechanism, the electric motor itself can only be recharged
from regenerative braking, while the fuel you put in the car will
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January 2024 [Link]

power the engine. Since both the motor and the engine can power the
wheels, users have more control for when they want to drive efficiently
versus when they want more responsive, sporty driving at the cost of
fuel efficiency. As a result, wheel power keeps switching between
the engine and the motor based on driving conditions.
▪ Parallel hybrid designs are used by a number of brands like Toyota,
Hyundai, Ford, Honda, etc. They are also more popular over series
hybrid cars majorly for one reason – better performance.

Series Parallel Hybrid cars

▪ While they may not be as common, cars that implement both a series
and a parallel hybrid architecture in the same vehicle also exist.
These cars, like the Toyota Prius, combine the benefits of a series
connection and a hybrid connection.
▪ The wheels can now be powered by both the electric motor and the
fuel engine, but power delivery is now in the hands of the user who
can choose to power the vehicle completely by the electric motor
(series)or the engine (parallel). This works via a power switch that can
choose where the wheels get their power from.

Which Hybrid cars are available in India?

▪ While there are not a lot of Hybrid vehicles to choose from in India,
manufacturers like Toyota and Honda have already entered the
segment with cars like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the
Honda City eHEV. Meanwhile, you also have options from brands like
Maruti Suzuki, MG Hector and more expensive options from brands
like Lexus and Porsche.

4. Astronomers spot 'planet killer asteroid': Is it a threat to Earth?

▪ A team of astronomers has discovered three massive near-Earth

asteroids hiding in the glare of the Sun. Of these, one called 2022
AP7is believed to be the largest planet killer-sized asteroid to be
spotted in nearly a decade, and is “potentially hazardous” to Earth.
▪ According to a study published in The Astronomical Journal, the three
asteroids are from a group that is found within the orbits of Earth
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and Venus. However, they are tough to spot as the brightness of the
Sun shields them from telescope observations.
▪ In an interview with CNN, the lead author of the study, Scott S
Sheppard, an astronomer at the Earth and Planets Laboratory of
the Carnegie Institute of Science in Washington DC, said an asteroid
like 2022 AP7could have “a devastating impact on life as we know
it” and could potentially lead to a “mass extinction event”.

So, how did they spot the asteroids?

▪ Since they were concealed by the Sun’s glare, the astronomers
conducted their observation during twilight hours— a brief but
favourable 10-minute window every night. They used a Dark
Energy Camera at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in
Chile.
▪ With the high-tech camera, a programme of the US’ National Science
Foundation’s (NSF’s) NOIRLAB, they were able to capture large
swathes of the sky with immense sensitivity. The camera was originally
built to carry out a Dark Energy Survey, conducted by the US
Department of Energy and the NSF between 2013 and 2019.
▪ Apart from dealing with the glare of the Sun, the astronomers also
had to tackle another major issue — since the asteroids are close to
the horizon, they are blurred and distorted by the Earth’s
atmosphere.

Asteroids that are further away from the Sun are easier to detect.
What do we know about the asteroids?
▪ Scientists have so far discovered only around 25 asteroids with their
orbits within Earth’s orbit.
▪ Of these, Sheppard’s team has now discovered three. “We have
found two large near-Earth asteroids that are about 1 kilometre
across, a size that we call planet killers,” Sheppard said, speaking
about two of the three discovered asteroids. The two — 2021
LJ4and 2021 PH27 — have orbits that are safely constrained inside
the limits of Earth’s orbit. At less than a kilometre in diameter, 2021
LJ4 is the smallest in size. The asteroid, 2021 PH27, is the closest
known asteroid to the Sun. Due to this; its surface gets hot enough
to melt lead.
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What about the 2022 AP7 asteroid?

▪ Among the three asteroids, one in particular stands out — the 5-
kilometre-wide 2022 AP7 asteroid has an orbit that may someday
put it on a collision course with our planet. At present, researchers
have little information about the asteroid, including further details
on its possible trajectory and its composition.

Is there an immediate threat to Earth?

▪ At present, the asteroid only crosses the Earth’s orbit while it is on
the opposite side of the Sune., when the Sun comes between the
Earth and the asteroid. This will continue for several centuries as it
takes the asteroid about five years to orbit the sun, according to a CNN
report.
▪ An asteroid of this size could have a “devastating impact”, Sheppard
said, as the Earth’s atmosphere would be inundated with dust and
pollutants for years, preventing sunlight from entering.
▪ Over time, its orbital movement will slowly evolve to be more in
sync with Earth’s. As of now, however, Sheppard has said it will “stay
well away from Earth”, according to CNN.
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5. To infinity and beyond: Indian space startups

▪ The Space domain is expanding as never before, with rapidly

increasing investment from both the public and private
sectors and an accelerated pace of technological innovation,
pioneering The New Space Age.
▪ India’s Space Economy is likely to be worth nearly USD 13 billion by
2025, with the satellite launch services segment set to witness the
fastest growth due to increasing private participation.
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▪ The successful launch of Vikram-S, India’s first privately built

rocket from start-up Skyroot, has focused welcome attention on
the opening up of space to private enterprise.
▪ While it affords many opportunities, it also poses distinct
challenges that need to be examined to develop holistic perspectives
of New Space and move towards peaceful and Sustainable
Development in the Space sector.

Vikram S
▪ Vikram S is a rocket developed by Indian Space
Technology startup Skyroot It is named after Vikram Sarabhai, the
founder of India’s space programme.
▪ It is a single-stage sub-orbital launch vehicle that would carry three
customer payloads.
▪ It has been built using advanced technologies including
carbon composite structures and 3D-printed components.

Development in the Space Sector Important

▪ Positive Carryover to Other Sectors: Space avenue is
an integration of the aerospace, IT hardware and telecom
sectors. It is thus argued that investment in this arena would
foster positive carryover effects to other sectors as well.
▪ Connect the Unconnected: As for connectivity, satellite
communication can reach more remote areas where conventional
networks would require a heavy complimenting infrastructure.
▪ The World Economic Forum had stated (in September 2020)
that satellite communication can help connect 49% of the
world’s unconnected population.
▪ Tackling Climate Change: Satellites provide more accurate
information on weather forecasts and assess (and record) long-
term trends in the climate and habitability of a region.
▪ For example, by monitoring the long-term impact of climate
change at regional, territorial, and national
scales, governments would be able to devise more pragmatic
and combative plans of action for farmers and dependent
industries.
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▪ Additionally, they can also serve as real-time monitoring and

early-warning solutions against natural disasters such
as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, wildfires, mining etc.
▪ Real-time tracking can also serve multiple purposes in
defense.

Challenges Related to Outer Space

▪ Small Window for Private Entry: Approximately 15,000 crore is
earmarked for ISRO''s annual budget, most of which is spent on
building rockets and satellites. Also, the private sector has a
relatively small window of opportunity.
▪ Due to this, India’s space economy is small, and its potential
has not been fully realized.
▪ Influence of China in Space: Due to the successful launch of its own
navigation system, BeiDou, China has established a strong presence
in space.
▪ A strong position for China will be solidified if Belt Road
Initiative (BRI) members contribute to or join China’s space
sector. Emerging space powers like India face a serious
challenge in this regard.
▪ Rise of Space Debris: Increasing space exploration is causing
more space debris to accumulate in the outer solar system, which
can damage ongoing and future space missions due to high orbital
speeds.
▪ Space Debris can also lead to ozone depletion.
▪ Increasing Global Trust Deficit: An arms race for weaponization of
outer space is creating an environment of suspicion, competition,
and aggressiveness across the globe, potentially leading to conflict.
▪ It would also put at risk the entire range of satellites as well
as those involved in scientific explorations and
communication services.
▪ Unregulated Commercialisation: Commercialization of outer
space is accelerating due to the development of satellite
expeditions to provide Internet services (Starlink-SpaceX) and for
space tourism (Jeff Bezos).
▪ If no regulatory framework is in place, rising commercialisation
could lead to monopolization of space.
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Looking ahead
▪ Legislative Backing to Private Entities: As per the Economic
Survey 2020–2021, over 40 funded start-ups are working in India in
the space segment and the number is likely to increase in the coming
years.
▪ The current and emerging scenario justifies the need
for casting the rights and obligations of private entities in
legal certainty through a National Legislation on private
space activities in India.
▪ It would also support India to effectively discharge its
obligations under UN Treaties on Outer Space activities.
▪ Enhancing Space Self-Defense Capacities: As space becomes a
fourth battlefield, India needs to enhance its space capabilities.
The Kilo Ampere Linear Injector (KALI) is being developed as a
possible response to incoming missiles intended to disrupt the
country’s peace is a good step in this direction.
▪ Defending India’s Space Assets: In order to effectively defend its
space assets, including debris and spacecraft, India needs reliable and
accurate tracking capabilities.
▪ Project NETRA, an early warning system in space to detect
debris and other hazards to Indian satellites is a good step
in this direction.
▪ Space 4Women in India: India can replicate The United Nations
Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)’ Space 4Women project to
promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in space.
▪ Space awareness programmes should be established in rural
areas in India, and college-ISRO internships can be
developed specially for female students to introduce them to
the possibility of extending their wagons beyond our planet.
▪ Permanent Seat in Space: India should take the initiative to
cooperate with international bodies and plan for a planetary defense
program and joint space missions in the long term.
▪ Also, with the Gaganyan mission, ISRO has begun to focus
on manned space flight as part of its rethinking of India’s
space presence.
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6. Spoilt soils erode food security

• Nearly 3.7 million hectares suffers from nutrient loss in soil (depletion
of soil organic matter or SOM).
• Soil degradation affects around 29% of India’s total land area.
• Depending on climate and vegetations it takes 200-400 years to form 1
cm of soil.
• United Nations sustainable development goals aims to reach having
75% healthy soils by 2030.
• In order to realise such goals, several global efforts have been made to
spread awareness on adverse impacts of soil degradation including the
celebration of world soil day.

Soil and its significance

• Soil is second largest carbon sink after the oceans.
• It supports healthy plant growth and hence enhances nutrition.
• It supports water percolation and thus maintains groundwater levels.
• It helps to regulate climate of earth by storing carbon.
• It helps maintaining landscape that is more resilient to the impacts of
droughts and floods.

Degradation of soil and its consequences

• Soil degradation is the physical, chemical and biological decline of soil
quality.
• It is caused by-
• Loss of organic matter and decline in soil fertility.
• Structural condition and burning of crop residues.
• Erosion, runoff, leaching and excessive flooding.
• Adverse changes in salinity, acidity or alkalinity.
• Effects of toxic chemicals, pollutants, fertilizers and pesticides.
• Irrigation with contaminated wastewater.
• Nutrient loss and pollution are biggest threat to soil.
• It undermines global nutrition and food security.
• Contributors to soil degradation- industrial activities, mining, waste
treatment, agriculture, fossil fuel extraction
• It threatens-
• Agricultural productivity,
• In-situ biodiversity conservation,
• Water quality,
• Socio-economic well-being of land dependent communities.

Indian Government’s efforts to tackle soil degradation

• Five-pronged strategy outlined by PM:
• It includes:
• Making soil chemical-free.
• Saving soil biodiversity.
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• Enhancing SOM (soil organic matter).

• Maintaining soil moisture.
• Mitigating soil degradation and preventing soil erosion.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana:
o It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2015.
o It aims to prevent soil erosion, regeneration of natural vegetation,
rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table.

Soil Health Card (SHC)

• It was launched by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers'' Welfare in
2015.
• SHC is used to assess the current status of soil health and after some
time- determine changes in soil health.
• It contains status of soil with respect to 12 parameters-
• Macro-nutrients -Nitrogen, Potassium, phosphorus.
• Secondary- nutrient -Sulphur.
• Micro – nutrients- Zinc, iron, copper, manganese, boron monoxide.
• Physical parameters- pH, EC, OC.
• SHC recommends fertilizer and soil amendment required for the farm.
• Scheme is implemented by- Department of Agriculture of all the State
and Union Territory Governments.
• Earlier, farmers lacked information related to soil type, soil deficiency
and soil moisture content.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

• It has various schemes that promotes traditional practices such as
organic farming and natural farming.
• This reduces dependency on chemicals and other Agri-inputs.
• This decreases the monetary burden on smallholder farmers.
• It is one of the eight Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate
Change (NAPCC).

Programmes under NMSA

• Rainfed Area Development (RAD) will promote- Soil health card based
nutrient management practices, farmland development, resource
conservation and crop selection according to local agro climatic
condition.
• Sub-Mission on Agroforestry encourages tree plantation on farm land
“Har Medh Par Ped”, along with crops/ cropping system.
• National Bamboo Mission aims to boost cultivation of bamboo to ensure
proper supply for industry.
• Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Monitoring, Modelling
and Networking provides climate change related information and
knowledge by piloting climate change model projects under climate
smart sustainable management practices suitable to local agro-climatic
conditions.
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• Soil Health Management (SHM) will promote location and crop specific
soil health management like Residue management and Organic
farming.
• This will be done by creating soil fertility map, appropriate land use,
judicious application of fertilizers and minimizing soil degradation.
• Food and Agriculture Organisation of United Nations’ effort for soil
conservation

• It will develop forecasting tools using data analytics to aid vulnerable

farmers to make decisions on crop choices, particularly in rainfed areas.
• It will work with National Rainfed Area Authority and Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW).
• It will support Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods
Mission’s (DAY-NRLM) Community Resource Persons-.
• Aim-to increase capacity in on-farm livelihoods for adoption of
sustainable and resilient practices, organic certification and Agri-Nutri-
gardens.
• Deendayal Antyodaya yojana was launched by Ministry of Housing and
Urban poverty alleviation in 2016.
• It works for boosting crop diversification and landscape-level planning.
• Target eight States- Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan,
Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab.
• In Andhra Pradesh, FAO supports farmers in sustainable transitions to
agro-ecological approaches and organic farming.
• It will work with the State government and Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR).

World Soil Day

• In 2002, International Union of Soil Sciences proposed world soil day to
raise awareness about the degrading condition of the soil.
• It was drawn under leadership of Kingdom of Thailand.
• In June 2013, the FAO Conference endorsed World Soil Day and
requested its official adoption at 68th United nations General Assembly.
• The UNGA designated December 5 2014 as the first official World Soil
Day.

World Soil Day (WSD) 2022

• Theme- “Soils: Where food begins”.
• It will raise awareness on the importance of maintaining healthy soils,
ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing
challenges in soil management, encouraging societies to improve soil
health and prescribing the sustainable management of soil.
• Looking ahead

• Better soil health is a key to end hunger problems striving in World and
India particularly. It will help ensure reaching the goals of United
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nations sustainable development under-Goal 2: Ending Hunger, Goal

3: Good Health and Wellbeing, Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 15:
Reducing Desertification of Soils. In this regard, there is a strong need
to strengthen policy at Government level and create enough awareness
amongst farming communities, construction industry and similar
stakeholders to ensure soil of health remains at an optimal level.

7. Acting East: India in the Indo-Pacific

▪ The concept of Indo-Pacific is a recent one; about a decade old.

However, it has risen to significance quite rapidly. One of the reasons
behind the popularity of the Indo-Pacific region is the shift in
the center of gravity of geopolitics towards
▪ The world’s largest economies are located in the Indo-Pacific region
namely, China, India, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand,
Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia and
▪ India’s "Look East" and "Act East" policies also entered the phase
of Indo-Pacific policy and strategy in 2018. The northeastern
region of India is immensely significant from strategic as well as
economic point of view when it comes to strengthening India’s ties with
the southeast and east Asian nations which are also a part of the Indo-
Pacific.
Look East and Act East Policies
▪ Look East Policy:
▪ In order to recover from the loss of the strategic
partner USSR(end of the Cold war 1991), India sought to build
up a relationship with the USA and allies of
the USA in Southeast Asia.
▪ In this pursuit, former Prime Minister of India P V Narasimha
Rao launched Look East policy in 1992, to give a strategic
push to India’s engagement with the South-East Asia region,
to bolster its standing as a regional power and
a counterweight to the strategic influence of China.
▪ Act East Policy:
▪ The ‘Act East Policy’ announced in November 2014 is the
upgrade of the Look East Policy.
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▪ It is a diplomatic initiative to promote economic, strategic and

cultural relations with the vast Asia-Pacific region at
different levels.
▪ It involves intensive and continuous
engagement with Southeast Asian countries in the field
of connectivity, trade, culture, defense and people-to-
people-contact at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.
NER Connects India with Indo-Pacific Region
▪ Strategic Significance:
▪ North-East India is the gateway to South-East Asia and
beyond. It is India’s land-bridge to
▪ India’s Act East Policy places the northeastern states on the
territorial frontier of India’s eastward engagement.
▪ Economic Importance: Investments in NER states basically have two
fronts:
▪ The strategic location of the region connects the product
markets of the larger Indian geography with the robust South
and Southeast Asian markets.
▪ The existence of potent input market catalysts such
as social(diversity, cultural richness), physical (potential
energy supply hubs), human (inexpensive, skilled labour) and
natural (minerals, forests) capitals in the region.
▪ Infrastructure Development:
▪ Japan has been engaged for decades in the development and
modernization of infrastructure, particularly road connectivity,
across states in the region.
▪ The country is presently involved in the construction of
the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge across the Brahmaputra River.
Challenges in Connecting NER with Indo Pacific
▪ Serious Non-Traditional Threats: It includes the pernicious
phenomena of smuggling, drug trafficking, transnational border
crime, rebel activity, and the inflow of refugees from Myanmar.
▪ China’s Malicious Activities: China has been known to play a pivotal
role in the India’s border tensions in the Northeast region such
as Doklam conflict and in exacerbating the above-mentioned serious
non-traditional threats.
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▪ Militant groups in northeastern region are getting funding

from China such as United Liberation Front of Assam
(U.L.F.A.) in 1979.
▪ Internal Security Concerns: Extremist and insurgency groups that
have international links in escaping security forces, using of hideouts
in neighbouring countries like Myanmar, and the alleged presence
of international intelligence agencies like ISI that operate in
the NER are other major concerns that hinder the optimum
utilization of NER''s potential.
▪ Growth and Developmental Challenges: Isolation from the rest of
India, lack of efficient infrastructure, poor road connectivity and slow
pace of industrial growth are major causes of the NER’s backwardness.
Develop NER
▪ Act-East from Northeast: Comprehensive implementation of Act East
policy is relevant to the entire country but particularly important for
the long-term growth of the NER.
▪ The agenda for its implementation must be prepared in active
association with the State Governments of NER.
▪ Managing Border and Connectivity Issues: Connectivity drives
commerce, air links to the NER should be a priority. The
development of road and railway projects should also be in
accordance with disaster-resilient measures.
▪ A fair assessment shows that there is plenty of room for
future border management and road connectivity. that is
both functional and people-focused.
▪ Japan has been India’s major partner in development of NER;
such partnerships need to be leveraged with other countries
too.
▪ More Employment Opportunities: Thousands of graduates are
produced by local universities of NER. To uplift their living standard,
creation of appropriate jobs and employment opportunities are need of
the hour.

8. Bhagwan Birsa Munda: The Lord who created a Kingdom

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▪ Birsa Munda was a tribal leader and the creator of an alternative faith
called ''Birsait'', who belonged to the Munda tribe in the Jharkhand
region, the then Bengal Presidency. Munda’s death anniversary is
observed on June 9 every year.
▪ He was the first tribal freedom fighter, considered a significant figure
in India’s struggle for tribal identities and rights since independence.
He died in prison after getting arrested for revolting against the British.
Rejecting Christianity
▪ One of the lesser-known facts about Birsa Munda was his rejection of
Christian Missionaries and conversion activities in tribal areas. He was
an exemplary student, so his father Sugana Munda put him in the
German Mission School, where he was converted to Christianity and
named Birsa David.
▪ When the seeds of freedom against the British erupted in the late
1800s, Birsa’s father withdrew him from the school and left
Christianity, and they went back to their traditional tribal religion.
Anuncios As Birsa was negatively affected by Christianity, he offered
an alternative faith called ''Birsait''. He was shocked at the British
government and Christian Church’s forced religious conversions.
Many tribal people converted to his religion, and he became the
representative of their tribal religion and was considered a healer.
Fighting For Tribal Roots
▪ The Munda tribe inhabited the Chota Nagpur region of today’s
Jharkhand. When Birsa Munda was born in 1875, the British were
attempting to establish control over and exploit forest lands, disrupting
the tribal way of life. This was done in part by allying with local
zamindars, who helped force the tribals into bonded labour.
▪ A feudal zamindari system was introduced, destroying the tribal
“Khuntkatti” agrarian and land ownership system that was more
community-based. The Raj brought in outsiders — moneylenders and
contractors, as well as feudal landlords — to aid them.
▪ Munda received his early education under the guidance of his
teacher Jaipal Nag. Influenced by him, Birsa converted to
Christianity in order to join the German Mission School. He, however,
opted out of the school after a few years.
▪ With the impact of British rule in the region, as well as the activities
of Christian missionaries, many tribals became critical of the British
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and missionaries’ presence. From 1886 to 1890, Birsa Munda spent

a large amount of time in Chaibasa, which was close to the centre of
the Sardari agitation. The Sardars’ activities had a strong impact on
him and he became a part of the anti-missionary and anti-
government programmes. By the time he left Chaibasa in 1890, Birsa
was strongly entrenched in the movement against the British
oppression of the tribal communities.
▪ Birsa soon emerged as a tribal leader who brought people together
on fighting for these issues. He became a God-like figure, with him
leading the faith of ‘Birsait’. Soon, members of the Munda and Oraon
communities started joining the Birsait sect and it turned into a
challenge to British conversion activities.
▪ The alienation of tribals from their land and livelihood enraged Birsa
Munda. Anuncios Birsa announced himself as the Prophet for the
Munda tribe and vowed to fight. He wanted to establish a kingdom for
the tribals called ''Munda Raj''.
Ulgulan movement
▪ The Ulgulan movement of 1899also involved the use of weapons
and guerrilla warfare to drive out foreigners. Munda encouraged the
tribals to refuse following colonial laws and paying rent. He encouraged
changes in the social sphere too; challenging religious practices to fight
against superstition, and became known as ‘Bhagwan’
(God) and ‘Dharati Aba’ (Father of the earth) by his followers.
▪ But the British were soon able to halt the movement. On 3 March
1900, Munda was arrested by the British police while he was
sleeping with his tribal guerilla army at Jamkopai forest in
Chakradharpur.
▪ It is believed he died in Ranchi jail due to an illness on 9 June 1900,
at the young age of 25. Though he lived a short life and the movement
died out soon after his death, Birsa Munda is known to have paid a
significant role in mobilising the tribal community against the British
and forcing the colonial officials to introduce laws protecting the land
rights of the tribals.

9. From SAARC to BIMSTEC

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▪ Since 2014, no SAARC summit has taken place which makes the
organisation dysfunctional.
▪ The 19th SAARC summit of 2016 was planned to be held
in Islamabad, Pakistan but got cancelled after an attack on an
Indian army camp in Kashmir.
▪ Increasing hostility between India and Pakistan also has made
SAARC ineffective.
▪ As the Revival of SAARC in the current scenario is extremely difficult,
one of the options that India has is to focus on other regional grouping
such as BIMSTEC.
SAARC
▪ On 8 December 1985 in Bangladesh, SAARC was established by
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri
Lanka.
▪ Since then, December 8 is commemorated as SAARC Charter
Day.
▪ Afghanistan later joined the SAARC.
▪ It is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to
promote economic growth in South Asia.
Significance of SAARC
▪ It is coherent with government’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy.
▪ SAARC is only intergovernmental organisation with a pan-South Asia
reach.
▪ India can judiciously use SAARC to serve its interests in South Asian
region.
Challenges and drawbacks of SAARC
▪ SAARC has failed to accomplish most of its objectives.
▪ Charter of SAARC functions on the principle of unanimity.
▪ It gives each of the eight member-countries a veto power.
▪ Pakistan is obstructing work of SAARC by
repeatedly vetoing several initiatives like motor vehicles
agreement.
▪ Motor vehicles agreement was aimed at
improving regional connectivity.
▪ South Asia is still extremely poor and least integrated region in the
world.
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▪ Intraregional trade (less than 5%) and investment in South

Asia are lower than other regional blocks like- Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Sub-Saharan Africa.
▪ Deterioration in India-Pakistan relations has led to incapacity of
SAARC.
▪ Weak SAARC will weaken other regional institutions like South Asian
University (SAU).
▪ South Asian University is important to strengthen India’s
soft power in the region.
Counties adopting ‘bilateralism’ due to failure of SAARC
▪ Due to SAARC’s failures, member countries have turned to
bilateralism, which in turn has adversely affected SAARC.
▪ Bilateralism is an easier option since it calls for dealings between only
two countries, whereas SAARC requires one country to deal with seven
countries.
▪ Thus, bilateralism decreases the countries’ dependence on
SAARC to achieve their objectives.
Should countries rely on ‘bilateralism’ or ‘regionalism’?
▪ Regionalism can deliver prosperity in the South Asian region.
▪ Regionalism has brought immense success in other parts such
as East Asia and Africa.
▪ Looking at ASEAN’s success in regional integration, lawyers Julien
Chaisse and Pasha L. Hsieh have developed the concept of a new
regional economic order.
▪ It is a process through which developing countries search for
a trade-development model, based on incrementalism and
flexibility.
▪ This is different from the neoliberal model laid down by
the Washington Consensus.
▪ In recent years, BIMSTEC has gained popularity among South Asian
countries as a platform for regional cooperation.
BIMSTEC
▪ It is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1997.
▪ It comprises five South Asian nations- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal,
India and Sri Lanka and two ASEAN countries- Myanmar and
Thailand.
▪ Pakistan is not a BIMSTEC member.
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▪ In recent years, India is concentrating more

on BIMSTEC than SAARC.
▪ Result -After 25 years, BIMSTEC has adopted its Charter in
2022.
▪ BIMSTEC Charter is better than the SAARC Charter.
▪ Example: Article 6 of the BIMSTEC Charter is related
to Admission of new members to the group.
▪ This will help in addition of countries such as the Maldives.
Loophole in BIMSTEC
▪ BIMSTEC charter lacks flexible participation scheme for economic
integration similar to ASEAN Minus X formula.
▪ It allows two or more ASEAN members to initiate negotiations
for economic commitments.
▪ No country enjoys veto power to thwart economic integration
between willing countries.
Suggestions to revive BIMSTEC
▪ India should initiate- flexible ‘BIMSTEC Minus X’ formula in
the BIMSTEC Charter.
▪ This can
allow India and Bangladesh or India and Thailand to conduct
their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) under BIMSTEC.
▪ This could strengthen BIMSTEC by enabling gradual
expansion of these binding commitments to other members.
▪ A high-quality FTA that offers better economic integration will be an
ideal step.
▪ India should explore legal ways to move successful SAARC
institutions such as SAU to BIMSTEC.
▪ BIMSTEC should adopt New regional economic order model and
imbibe it in its Charter.
Regionalism can deliver prosperity in South Asian region
when multilateralism is weakening. Since, South Asia cannot
abandon regionalism so reviving SAARC by making political changes into it
and updating its Charter is an ideal way forward. Stronger BIMSTEC will
help India in maintaining influence over South Asian region and will
increase economic prosperity of the overall region.

10. Food safety net must be expanded without any delay

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▪ The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, through the Public
Distribution System (PDS), provides a crucial safety net for roughly
800 million people.
▪ In response to the humanitarian crisis, the Government doubled the
entitlements of the 800 million who were already covered by the
PDS (from five kilograms per person per month, to 10kg). But that does
nothing for those without ration cards.
▪ The humanitarian crisis resulting from the COVID-19 lockdown, made
it apparent that too many were still excluded from the PDS.
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013:
▪ The issue of ''food security'' at the household is continuously being
addressed by the Government since long, through the Public
Distribution System and the Targeted Public Distribution System.
▪ The enactment of the National Food Security Act, (NFSA) 2013 on
July 5, 2013 marks a paradigm shift in the approach to food security
from welfare to rights based approach.
▪ The Act is being implemented in all the States/UTs, and on an all India
basis, out of maximum coverage of 81.34 crore persons, around 80
crore persons have been covered under NFSA at present for receiving
highly subsidized food grains.
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Features of NFSA 2013

▪ Coverage and entitlement: Up to 75% of the rural population and
50% of the urban population are covered under the Targeted Public
Distribution System (TPDS), with a uniform entitlement of 5 kg per
person per month.
▪ Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households-35 kg per household per
month
▪ Subsidised prices: Food grains under TPDS are made available at
subsidised prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per kg for rice, wheat and coarse grains.
▪ Identification of Households: It is done by States/UTs.
▪ Eldest woman of the beneficiary household (18 years or above) is
considered as ''Head of Family'' to issue ration cards.
▪ Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Grievance redressal mechanism at
the District and State levels.
▪ Maternity Benefit: Pregnant women and lactating mothers are also
entitled to receive maternity benefits of not less than Rs. 6,000.
▪ Transparency and Accountability: Provisions have been made for
disclosure of records relating to PDS, social audits and setting up of
Vigilance Committees to ensure transparency and accountability.
Issues Involved
▪ Government during COVID -19 doubled the entitlements of the 800
million who were already covered by the PDS (from five kilograms per
person per month, to 10kg. However, it does not cover those without
ration cards.
▪ The Exclusion Problem: This could be because the NFSA coverage
ratios were too low to start with, or due to the ‘freeze’ in coverage in
absolute terms (around 800 million).
▪ Between the last Census in 2011 and today, population increase has
not been accounted for in determining the number of ration cards.
▪ The 2021 Census has been postponed indefinitely. This means that
even a decadal update has not happened.
Problems and Miseries of Migrant Labourers Case
▪ The Supreme Court agreed that the prayer to increase
coverage “seems to be genuine and justified”.
▪ It directed the Union of India to “come out with a formula so that the
benefits under NFSA are not restricted as per the census of 2011.
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▪ Supreme Court said that the Government could consider “projection

of population increase” to resolve this issue.
▪ Response by the Government:
▪ Any change or revision in the number of beneficiaries would
necessitate an amendment in the Act. As Section 9 of the
NFSA requires that coverage be determined on the basis of the
latest census published.
▪ On the basis of NITI Aayog’s view, the Government responded
that the “prime concerns” while fixing the ceiling at the time
of enactment of the NFSA was that “as standard of living of
people would improve over a period of time, the coverage may
be reduced.
Issue with the Government’s Response
▪ The Government relies on logic: As per capita income has increased,
the vulnerable population “would have gone down considerably”.
However, an increase in the average does not necessarily imply an
increase for everyone.
▪ Government attempts repeatedly to shift the blame to State
governments but States are responsible for identifying people for
PDS ration cards.
Coverage by States
▪ Several State governments have used their own resources for instance
states such as Chhattisgarh and Odisha expanded coverage beyond
the centrally determined quotas.
▪ There were 809 million (in 2020) NFSA PDS beneficiaries supported
by the central government. An additional 90 million people got benefits
through their State governments. States were subsidising another 51
million people, but their entitlements were less than those of NFSA
beneficiaries.
Looking ahead
▪ Robust procurement trends and a comfortable food stocks position
make an expansion affordable.
▪ Adjusting for population increase, as directed by the Supreme Court,
will increase coverage by roughly 10% (from 800 million to 900
million).
▪ This is nothing when compared to the doubling of food
subsidy resulting from the “double ration” (10 kg per person per
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month) provision granted as COVID-19 relief to 800 million existing

ration card beneficiaries.
▪ The Government should not delay any further in providing the
additional coverage of roughly 100 million across States.
▪ Government should make sure that poor people should not pay the
price for the state’s failure in conducting the 2021 Census.

11. The perils of undoing the framework of reservation

▪ From last two decades, India has witnessed growth without

proper employment and increased economic insecurity.
▪ All India Debt & Investment Survey (AIDIS-2019) survey of 2021
shows the trend of increasing caste inequality for wealth in India.
▪ AIDIS collects information of- land, livestock, buildings,
agricultural machinery, transport equipment, shares, deposits
and amount receivable by the household.
▪ About 55% wealth in top quintile is controlled by upper
castes followed by 36% OBCs, 5% SCs and 3% tribals.
▪ Due to such inequalities, 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act had
introduced 10% reservation for the economically weaker
sections (EWS) in education and employment among those groups
that do not come under any community-based reservation.
▪ The decision was based on the principle that each individual
regardless of caste and ethnicity should get their share
of welfare entitlement.
▪ However, concerns have been raised on whether such benefits should
be given to a specific community based on their economic
backwardness.
▪ Such caste neutral policy can reverse positive changes
brought by caste-based reservation so far.
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Concerns over the EWS ruling

▪ Disadvantage experienced by some groups are unique to them and
their deprivations require specific resolutions.
▪ Thus, reservation should not solely be based on economic
criteria like in EWS.
▪ Group-based differences in economic and social conditions
are inherited and not due to difference
in ambition, ability and effort.
▪ These inherited inequalities- economic, cultural and social
capital are passed to successive generations.
▪ This leads to intergenerational
inequality of wealth prominently among caste.
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How does wealth inequality is inherited in India?

Inequality on caste- basis was rising in India between 1990 and 2020
particularly in the early 2000s.
This was severe in the case of wealth, followed by income and consumption
inequality.
Gini index of wealth inequality has rose from 0.62 in 1992, 0.63 in 2002
and 0.67 in 2012 to 0.68 in 2019.
It is in contrast with available consumption of 0.37 and income of 0.54 in
2012.
Gini index-is a measure of income inequality ranging from 0(perfect equality)
to 1(perfect inequality).
Average per capita of wealth among upper castes was ₹8,03,977 in 2019
against ₹4,09,792 for OBCs, ₹2,28,388 for Dalits and ₹2,32,349 for tribals.
On average, the upper castes own more wealth than thrice of Dalits and
twice of OBCs.
They hold 45% of the total wealth of country followed by OBCs holding 40%,
Dalits 10% and Adivasis 5%.
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It is not income or saving behaviours of individuals that have generated

wealth inequality but it is due to historical institutional exclusion of certain
caste groups.
If we disaggregate wealth, then land and building constitute large part of it-
60% and 22%. Respectively, which is then followed by 7% financial assets.
Land and buildings are mostly inherited.
The land inequality started from British colonial era.
Colonial intervention assigned land ownership to some castes at expense of
others.
This was continued in post-colonial India.
India’s land reform did not alter this legacy.
The real estate boom post 1990s helped owners of land and buildings to
consolidate their wealth as land value increased due to speculation.
According to World Inequality Report 2022- Ratio of private wealth to
national income increased from 290% in 1980 to 555% in 2020.
This was fastest increase in the world.
This was because India has zero taxation on wealth and inheritance.
Challenges in current policies
Caste-neutral policy such as EWS ruling promotes inequality.
Such policies cannot address the historical legacies of inequalities.
They are insufficient to decrease magnitude of caste gap in wealth.
Reservations are singular policy instrument to address caste-based
inequality in India.
Despite achievements in improving access to education, jobs and enhanced
earnings, it failed to address structural inequalities.
Improvement in education and access to jobs through EWS quota alone will
not decrease gap of generational wealth.
Reversing existing framework of reservation by substituting caste with
economic criteria will reverse gain made so far and will increase structural
inequality.
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Global experience
▪ Loss of social and cultural status has caused anxieties
among middle classes are increasing in many countries
where affirmative action has taken place.
▪ In United States gains brought by affirmative action for Black
Americans had received ‘White backlash’ or ‘White rage’.
▪ It is similar to anti-reservation action by introducing the EWS
quota in India.
▪ It is not able to withstand differences
in histories of caste and race- both are durable
institutions of inequality.
▪ Legacies of these institutions will raise demand
for neutral policies like caste-neutral policy in India.
Summing up
Emergence of opinion for a social policy based on universal basis of
deprivation on the basis of economic backwardness will increase already
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existing inequalities. This degree of inequality in any society is a political

choice. A just society requires creating a level-playing field that alters legacy
of inherited wealth and caste that block life opportunities and choices.

12. Making Democratic Decentralisation Work in India

Democratic decentralisation is often founded upon the notion it

empowers local political bodies to create institutions that are more
accountable to local citizens and more appropriate to local needs and
preferences.
The passing of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments was a crucial
step in this direction identifying Panchayati Raj Institutions
(PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as agents of self-governance and
giving them the responsibility for preparing plans for promoting economic
development and social justice. Next year, India will celebrate
the 30th anniversary of the enactment of these constitutional
amendments. A lot remains to be done to have truly decentralised local
bodies in the country.
▪ Democratic Decentralisation is the process of devolving the
functions and resources of the state from the Centre and State to
the elected representatives at the lower levels so as to facilitate
greater direct participation of citizens in governance.
▪ The73rd and 74th Amendments, by constitutionally
establishing Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India, mandated
the establishment of panchayats and municipalities as elected local
governments.
▪ The11th Schedule of the Constitution contains the powers,
authority and responsibilities of Panchayats.
▪ The12th Schedule of the Constitution contains the powers,
authority and responsibilities of Municipalities.
Impact of Democratic Decentralisation on Governance
▪ Enhances Transparency: It also enhances the transparency of
government, and the flow of information between government and
citizens (in both directions).
▪ Transparency increases because a much larger number of
people than before can see how the government works, and
what is happening within the policy and political processes.
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▪ Responsible Government: When democratic decentralisation works

well, it makes the government more responsive. The speed and
quantity of responses (actions, projects) from the government
increase.
▪ Political and Civil Pluralism: Civil society is galvanised by local
governance, and the more people join, the more active and competitive
the governance will become. This strengthens political and civic
pluralism.
▪ Alleviate Poverty: Decentralised systems can help to reduce
poverty that arises from inequalities between regions or
localities because it tends to provide all arenas with equitable
representation and resources.
Challenges Related to Decentralisation in India
▪ Infrastructural Loopholes: Many Gram Panchayats (GPs) lack a
building of their own and share spaces with schools, anganwadi, and
other entities.
▪ While some have their own building, they lack basic facilities
such as toilets, drinking water, and electricity.
▪ Although Panchayats have internet connections, they are
not always functional. Panchayat officials have to visit Block
Development offices for any data entry purposes, which
delays the work.
▪ Lack of Sufficient Financial Resources: Both rural local bodies
(RLBs) and urban local bodies (ULBs) across the country are
under financial stress. Urban local governments and panchayats rely
heavily on grants-in-aid from state consolidated funds.
▪ Taxes collected by the urban bodies are not sufficient to
cover the expenses of the services provided. Also, unlike
the Centre and the States, no distinction is made between
revenue expenditure and capital expenditure at the local
government level.
▪ Lack of Accurate Data on Finance: The State Finance
Commissions(SFCs) are not presented with accurate and updated
data on the finances of the local bodies.
▪ No rigorous fiscal analysis is possible without disaggregated
fiscal data for the PRIs and ULBs.
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▪ In the absence of data, in a significant number of

cases, recommendations by SFCs tend to be the ad-hoc
opinion of the chairperson, which is not grounded in data.
▪ Downgraded Role of Local Government: Local governments are
merely acting as an implementation machinery rather than
an active policy-making body for local development.
▪ Corruption and Criminalisation of Politics: Many
times, decentralisation has simply empowered local elites to
capture more public resources at the expense of the poor,
and political power at the local level assists criminals in
legitimising their activities.
▪ Ceremonial Status to Mayor: The 2nd Administrative Reform
Commission noted the Mayor in the Urban Local Government in
most states enjoys primarily a ceremonial status.
▪ In most cases, the Municipal Commissioner, appointed by
the State Government, has all the powers and the elected
Mayor ends up performing the role of the subordinate.
▪ Irregular Elections: Elections in PRIs (Panchayati Raj
Institutions) are still irregular. Recently, several states conducted
local bodies elections just because the Union Finance Commission
recommended grants only for the “duly constituted local
governments”.
▪ Rule of Proxy: One-third of seats in local government bodies–in
panchayats and municipalities are reserved for
women. However, male candidates use their wives as pawns and
dictate from behind, which leads to the perennial problem of Rule by
Proxy.
Looking ahead
▪ Organisational Strengthening: It is imperative that
the organisational structures of local governments be
strengthened with sufficient manpower. Efforts should be made to
hire support and technical staff so that panchayats can function
smoothly.
▪ The2nd ARC had also recommended that there should be a
clear-cut demarcation of functions of each tier of the
government.
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▪ Fiscal Prudence: For the ULB to be independent and financially

secure, fiscal decentralisation is very crucial. It should
be accompanied by fiscal accountability that can provide a long-
term solution.
▪ Audit committees may be constituted by the State
Governments at the district level to exercise oversight of the
integrity of financial information, adequacy of internal
controls, compliance with the applicable laws and ethical
conduct of all persons involved in local bodies.
▪ Local E-Governance: Urban local bodies and Panchayats should be
provided with suitable digital infrastructures to maximise e-
participation of citizens and include various social categories and
in decision-making and following bottom-up approach in policy-
making in real sense through the use of new technologies.
▪ Grievance Redressal Mechanism: ULBs and Panchayats can
establish a technology-enabled platform to register complaints, which
will make city governments responsive to the needs of citizens.
▪ Through this mechanism, citizens should also be allowed to
provide feedback and close complaints.
▪ Addressing these structural and architectural problems of
urban governance will ensure effective service delivery in cities,
improving the quality of life for its citizens.
▪ Sustainable Decentralisation: For sustainable decentralisation,
transparency and accountability in the governance process is
necessary, and for transparency there needs to be active citizen
participation.
▪ To ensure this, ULBs can create functional, decentralised
platforms such as area sabhas and ward committees, which
facilitate discussion and deliberation between elected
representatives and citizens.

13. Financially starving local bodies

▪ Decentralization can encourage competition among state

governments to produce the most benefit for the society.
▪ However, current intergovernmental competition in India
is destroying basic tenets of decentralisation.
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▪ In many states, there has been no local body for long period of
time.
▪ Next year, India will celebrate 30th anniversary of enactment
of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments.
▪ However, Elections in PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions) are
still irregular.
▪ 73rd constitutional amendment act states about establishment
of Panchayati Raj system in rural areas.
▪ 74th constitutional amendment act states about establishment
of Municipality system in urban areas.
▪ Several states conducted local bodies (LBs) elections just
because Union Finance Commission recommended grants for only
“duly constituted local governments”.
Issues faced by local government
▪ There is inadequate devolution of powers between State
government and local government.
▪ There is also a challenge of Proxy vote which goes against the very
concept of a secret ballot as one has to disclose his or her preference
to another individual, who in turn has to vote on his or her behalf.
▪ There is no guarantee that the proxy will vote for the candidate
preferred by the voter, thereby vitiating the object of free and
fair elections.
▪ Both rural local bodies (RLBs) and urban local bodies (ULBs) across
the country are under lack of financial resources.
▪ RLBs are exclusively dependent on grants from State Finance
Commissions (SFCs) or Union Finance Commission (UFC).
▪ They are rarely able to generate their own revenue.
▪ It is responsibility of SFCs to devolve resources
between State and local body.
▪ But, SFCs in some states are
either defunct or attention is not given to SFCs’ reports.
▪ SFCs should recommend measures for local bodies to raise their own
tax and non-tax revenues.
Issues with SFCs
1. No establishment of SFCs properly:
▪ Article 243I of Constitution warrants States-
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▪ To constitute SFCs to review financial

position of RLBs and ULBs.
▪ Make suggestions to Governor about-
▪ Distribution of taxes between State and LBs.
▪ Determination of taxes, duties, etc., which may be
assigned to or appropriated by LBs.
▪ Grant in aid to LBs by the State.
▪ As per constitution, States should have constituted their first SFC
by April 1, 1994, and subsequent FCs after expiration of
every five years.
▪ By now, Most States should have constituted at least their 5th FC.
▪ However, some States have not even constituted
their third and fourth SFCs.
▪ Several states do not adhere to Constitution unless asked
by courts.
2. Lack of proper resources and Infrastructure:
▪ SFCs are non-permanent bodies.
▪ Lack of proper office space is one of the reasons to
seek extension for submitting SFC’s report.
▪ For example, 4th SFC of Haryana should have submitted its
report by April 30, 2011.
▪ But SFC sought extension and submitted its report by June
30, 2014, due to lack of infrastructural facilities.
▪ SFC’s report include financial position of local bodies and
recommendations to improve the condition.
3. Lack of data
▪ SFCs are not presented with accurate and updated data on
the finances of local bodies.
▪ In the absence of data, recommendations by SFCs are ad-hoc
opinion of the chairperson of SFC formed without any relation to
data.
▪ No rigorous fiscal analysis is possible without disaggregated fiscal
data for the PRIs and ULBs.
4. Action taken report (ATR)
▪ Under Article 243I (4)- Once the SFC submits its report, States
are constitutionally bound to lay the report that explains the action
taken before state legislature.
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▪ There are cases where states failed in placing ATR before the
legislature or took several years to do so.
▪ For example, 2nd SFC
reports of Karnataka and Maharashtra and 3rd SFC
reports of Gujarat were neither considered nor placed in the State
legislature for many years.
▪ Action taken report by Kerala government was not submitted
after placing 2nd SFC report in state legislature.
5. Failure to accept recommendations given by SFCs
▪ In Union Finance Commission, Union Government accepts nearly all
recommendations.
▪ But State Government rejects even basic requests of SFCs.
▪ Even when recommendations are accepted, States fail to implement
them.
▪ Example: Bihar government failed to
release Devolution and Grant of FY 2015-16.
Finances at the Union level are under the democratic scrutiny. However, some
states contravene the Constitutional provisions to finance local government
repeatedly without facing any repercussions. States
should devolve more powers and resources to local
bodies. Intergovernmental competition should trigger better responses to
local government to make progress possible from grassroot level.
Aiyar Report on PR to empower Gram Sabhas
▪ Gram Sabha should be empowered to monitor and make decisions
on all social sector schemes — Central and State.
▪ Example- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005 scheme and BRGF
(Backward Regions Grant Fund) model are implemented by
PRIs.
▪ Central Government should draft model Gram Sabha law to
motivate State legislation.
▪ Freeze rotation of reserved seats for two or three terms
to incentivise good work and facilitate capacity building of
panchayat leadership.
▪ Incentivise PRIs for transparency and accountability and State
Government to devolve some power and finance.
▪ Reorient outlook of bureaucracy at lower level towards panchayat.
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▪ Strengthen collateral and institutional measures like electronic

tagging of funds, setting up of a National Commission for Panchayat
Raj

14. The Science of volcanic eruptions

• Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, erupted after 38 years on
27 November 2022, spewing ash and debris, and covering the night sky
of Hawaii’s Big Island in an incandescent red hue.
• Aerial images showed molten lava flowing out of the volcano, whose
name translates to “long mountain” in the native Hawaiian language.
Mitch Roth, mayor of Hawaii County, was quoted as saying by NPR that
the eruption does not appear to be threatening any downslope
communities.

Why do volcanoes erupt?

• The deeper one goes under the surface of the Earth towards its core,
the hotter it gets. The geothermal gradient, the amount that the Earth’s
temperature increases with depth, indicates heat flowing from the
Earth’s warm interior to its surface. At a certain depth, the heat is such
that it melts rocks and creates what geologists call ‘magma’.
• Magma is lighter than solid rock and hence it rises, collecting in magma
chambers. Chambers which have the potential to cause volcanic
eruptions are found at a relatively shallow depth, between six to ten km
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under the surface. As magma builds up in these chambers, it forces its

way up through cracks and fissures in Earth’s crust. This is what we
call a volcanic eruption. The magma that surfaces on the Earth’s crust
is referred to as lava.

Why are some volcanic eruptions explosive and some not?

• While the typical image of a volcano is that of a fountain of lava spouting
high in the air from the mouth of the volcano, eruptions vary in intensity
and explosiveness, depending on the composition of the magma.
• In simple terms, runny magma makes for less explosive volcanic
eruptions that typically are less dangerous. Since the magma is runny,
gasses are able to escape, leading to a steady but relatively gentle flow
of lava out of the mouth of the volcano. The eruption at Mauna Loa is
of this kind. Since the lava flows out at a slow pace, people typically
have enough time to move out of the way. Geologists are also able to
predict the flow of the lava depending on the incline and exact
consistency it has.
• If magma is thick and sticky, it makes it harder for gasses to escape on
a consistent basis. This leads to a build-up of pressure until a breaking
point is reached. At this time, the gasses escape violently, all at once,
causing an explosion. Lava blasts into the air, breaking apart into pieces
called tephra. These can be extremely dangerous, ranging from the size
of tiny particles to massive boulders.
• This sort of eruption can be deadly: as thick clouds of tephra race down
the side of the volcano, they destroy everything in their path. Ash
erupted into the sky and fell back to Earth like powdery snow. If thick
enough, blankets of ash can suffocate plants, animals, and humans.
Further, when the hot volcanic materials mix with nearby sources of
water, they can create mudflows that have been known to bury entire
communities alive. Mount Vesuvius, which obliterated the city of
Pompeii, is an example of an explosive volcano.
• The Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI)is a scale used to measure the
explosivity of a volcano. It has a range of 1 to 8 with a higher VEI
indicating more explosivity. While the VEI of the current eruption at
Mauna Loa is not known yet, the previous eruption in 1984 was deemed
to have a VEI of 0. The highest VEI ever recorded in Mauna Loa has
been 2 (in 1854 and 1868).

Some famous volcanoes

• Any volcano that has erupted within the Holocene period(in the last
11,650 years) is considered to be “active” by scientists. “Dormant”
volcanoes are those active volcanoes which are not in the process of
erupting currently, but have the potential to do so in the future. Mauna
Loa was a dormant volcano for the last 38 years. “Extinct” volcanoes are
ones which scientists predict will never face any further volcanic
activity. Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, is an extinct volcano.
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Here are some famous volcanoes in the world.

Krakatoa, Indonesia
• One of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions ever occurred in
Krakatoa in 1883 (VEI 6). The volcano released huge plumes of steam
and ash. The explosions were so brutal they were heard 3,100km away
in Perth, Western Australia. According to the Dutch colonial authorities,
Krakatoa’s eruption and the consequent tsunamis caused 36,417
deaths, though modern estimates peg the number to be much higher.

Mount Vesuvius, Italy

• In 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted (VEI 5), in one of the deadliest
eruptions in European history, killing as many as 16,000 and
destroying the town of Pompeii. According to scientists, the explosion
released 100,000 times the thermal energy that was released with the
atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is said to have instantly
boiled the blood of all those who were too close to it. The explosion was
described by Greek writer Pliny the Younger, who was present nearby,
as being “sometimes bright and sometimes dark and spotted… more or
less impregnated with earth and cinders.”

Mount Fuji, Japan

• A defining image of Japan, Mount Fuji towers over the countryside with
its snow-capped peaks and barren surface. It last erupted in 1707-1708
(VEI 5) and had a devastating effect on the local population. The tephra
release led to significant agricultural decline, leading to widespread
starvation in the Edo (now Tokyo) area. Although this eruption itself did
not directly kill a lot of people, its subsequent impact proved deadly.

Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
• Sometimes referred to as E15, it is one of the many volcanic features of
Iceland. In 2010, a relatively small eruption (VEI 4) managed to bring
air traffic in Europe to a complete standstill. 20 countries closed their
airspace, impacting approximately 10 million travellers.

Kīlauea, Hawaii
• Adjacent to the Mauna Loa, this is one of the most active volcanoes on
the planet. It has been erupting intermittently since recorded history,
with its eruption lasting from 1983 to 2018 being the longest
continuous eruption ever recorded. It is a major tourist attraction, with
the earliest hotel built at the edge of the volcano in the 1840s.

15. Civil Service Values & Ethics In Public Administration

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“It is not merely bigger government that ultimately matters: what is

significant is that morality in administration alone could ensure better
government. One would not doubt that the morality in administration is
sustained by patience, honesty, loyalty, cheerfulness, courtesy and like
traits.”
– Paul H. Appleby

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION:
• The word “Administration” originated from Latin word
“administrationem”, Ad+Ministrare. It literally means to serve, to help,
to cooperate Public administration means, to serve the public. It
basically deals with functions performed by Bureaucracy.
• Bureaucracy was a French word which was originated from two words,
Bureau means Desk or office and Cratie as rules or government power
which literally called as Rules by govt. A bureaucrat is an official who
implements such rules and performs functions of the Bureaucracy.
• Public administration as a discipline gained so much importance and
relevant to the modern society. It plays crucial role in policy
formulation, implantation and monitoring. But in India public
administration suffering from colonial attitudes and traditional
bureaucratic attitudes such as rigid hierarchy, too much importance to
rules & regulations, means but not end important etc.
• Therefore, traditional bureaucratic paradigm needs to be changed and
reformed and suited to the contemporary context of Indian
bureaucracy.

MAX WEBER’s LEGAL-RATIONALITY MODEL OF BUREAUCRACY

• Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy is one of the pioneer studies in
organisational models. Max Weber’s concept of bureaucracy is closely
related to his ideas on “legitimacy of authority”.
• Since Weber believed that authority could be exercised as long as it is
legitimate, he divided the authority in to three types based on sources
of legitimacy for each authority. They are:
• Traditional authority – Hereditary, monarchy
• Charismatic authority – Powerful leadership and his followers
• Legal-rational authority

LEGAL-RATIONAL AUTHORITY:
• For Weber, this model of authority is best suited for any democratic
form of government. The model of legal-rational bureaucracy described
by Weber has the following features:

• Official business is conducted on a continuous, regulated basis

• An administrative agency functions in accordance with stipulated rules
and is characterised by three interrelated attributes:
• the powers and functions of each official is defined in terms of
impersonal criteria
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• the official is given matching authority to carry out his responsibility

• the means of compulsion at his disposal are strictly limited and the
conditions under which their employment is legitimate are clearly
defined
• Every official and every office is part of the hierarchy of authority. Higher
officials or offices perform supervision and the lower officers and
officials have the right to appeal.
• Officials do not own the resources necessary for rendering the duties,
but they are accountable for use of official resources. Official business
and private affairs, official revenue and private income are strictly
separated
• Offices cannot be appropriated by the incumbents as private property
• Administration is conducted on the basis of written documents

FEATURES OF OFFICIALS:
• Weber also discussed in detail, as a part of his model of bureaucracy,
the features of officials. They are:

• The staff members are personally free, observing only the impersonal
duties of their offices
• They are appointed to an official position on the basis of the contract
• An official exercises authority delegated to him in accordance with
impersonal rules, and his loyalty is expressed through faithful
execution of his official duties
• His appointment and job placements depend upon his professional
qualifications
• His administrative work is full time occupation
• His work is rewarded by regular salary and by prospects of career
advancement
• There is a clear-cut hierarchy of officials
• He is subjected to a unified control and disciplinary system

BUREAUCRATIC MORALITY:
• Max Weber felt that bureaucracy should be designed according to a
rational principle. According to him, bureaucrats should be guided by
rules and regulations which should override moral and ethical norms of
personal conscience.
• If he given chance to skip rules and regulations he might resort to
misuse of power while awarding contracts. A bureaucrat acts as a
facilitator only. Hence, the bureaucrats should not use his discretion in
public administration and their actions should be guided by standard
operating procedures (SoP) set by political executives.
• However, from Indian perspective, the Weberian model of bureaucracy
won’t help in achieving rapid socio-economic change. Weber’s theory is
suitable for developed countries like France, Germany. However,
developing countries like India need to undertake various socio-
economic challenges like Poverty, Malnutrition, Caste inequality etc.
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and for this, what’s imperative is values/ethics in administration such

as empathy, equity, compassion, integrity, non-partisanship,
impartiality, etc.
• For example, poor old man without a valid document may not get his
pension under the Weberian model of bureaucracy, on the other hand,
there’ll be special provisions like positive discrimination to help the
vulnerable sections of society under the “Development Bureaucracy.”
• Personal conscience is indispensable in personal life as well as
bureaucracy. However, as Weber said, certain limitations must be laid
on discretion of bureaucracy so that they do not misuse their power and
could avoid ethical erosion and conflict of interest.
• We cannot think of the implementation of all the welfare and
developmental programmes without the help of bureaucracy. The
voluntary organisations and other forms of people’s organisations can
only supplement the bureaucracy, but they cannot substitute the
bureaucracy.
• In the context of developing countries, people look to the bureaucracy
for their day-to-day requirements. Hence, the bureaucracy of Weberian
type continues to find its relevance even today.
• Bureaucracy is the backbone of Indian administrative system. Its
complexion is changing with the change in the socio-cultural and
economic scenario.
• It must reinvent itself in the light of changing norms of neutrality and
commitment, accent on NPM, Good Governance and New Public Service.

• TRADITIONAL BUREAUCRACY
• CONTEMPORARY BUREAUCRACY
• Based on Weberian Model of Bureaucracy
• Based on developmental model of Bureaucracy
• Hierarchy, rules & regulations, Specialisation are the characteristic
features

• Cooperation, Public service values and moral values, Distributive

justice are the characteristic features

• Bureaucratic morality overrides personal conscience and ethical values

• Personal conscience, ethical values like empathy, compassion towards

weaker section of people, integrity, honesty, accountability and
transparency plays equal role along with rules and regulations

• Centralisation of power

• Decentralisation of power and delegated legislation

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• Some of the problems of this model are Red-tapism, corruption,

Opaqueness, Political interference, gradual erosion of public service
values etc

• Right to Information, Good governance as well as New Public

Management, Digitalisation and transparency so gradual reduction of
political interference, Enhancing public service values

ADMINISTRATIVE ETHICS:
• “In the happiness of his subjects lies the happiness of the king” –
Kautilya.
• Public administration is a profession that offers and unusually array of
opportunities to make moral or immoral decisions, to make ethical or
unethical choices, to do good or evil things to people. Ethics provide a
framework for accountability between the public and administration.
Ethics and values have key role in smooth functioning of public
administration system.

SIGNIFICANCE/IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION:

• Public resource utilization: ethical use of resources ensures the efficient
and effective development of society without corruption. It makes the
one holding public office accountable for his/her actions.
• The ethical standards of Impartiality and objectivity bring merit into
organization. thereby, increasing predictability, which improves
economic efficiency.
• Outcomes for society are better when the decisions of public office
holders are made fairly and on merit and not influenced by personal
and private interests. Commitment and dedication to work improves the
administration.
• Public trust and assurance: every section of public irrespective of race,
religion, caste must be treated equitably and ethics ensures just and
fair administration.
• Social capital: a just and ethical administration will have credibility and
ensures citizen participation in administration. The trust thus
generated makes the administration easier and synergetic.
• Curb corruption: Improving efficiency and break the unholy nexus
between the administration and the anti-social elements.
• Adding the component of compassion to day to day works makes a lot
of difference to the lives of vulnerable sections.
• The administration becomes responsive to the needs and aspirations of
the public. For instance, creation of a separate public market for road
side vendors before their evacuation in west Bengal.
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• Ethical administration also helps in building rapport in international

relations and economy.
• To provide guidelines and rules which can harmonize the relationship
between civil servants and political executive. Thus, promoting the non-
partisanship and impartiality in civil servants.
• To inculcate high moral standards in public servants and their ensure
translation into actions.
• Absence of ethics results in authoritarianism, suppression of minority
rights, high corruption and impoverishment of the poor and the
vulnerable. Historically it has only been disastrous whether it is the
colonial administration or the authoritarian governments like that of
Hitler/Stalin.

• VALUES IN ADMINISTRATIVE ETHICS:

• The salient ‘values’ envisaged in the draft ‘Public Service Bill’ are:

• Allegiance to the various ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the

Constitution
• Apolitical functioning
• Good governance for betterment of the people to be the primary goal of
civil service
• Duty to act objectively and impartially
• Accountability and transparency in decision-making
• Maintenance of highest ethical standards
• Merit to be the criteria in selection of civil servants consistent, however,
with the cultural, ethnic and other diversities of the nation
• Ensuring economy and avoidance of wastage in expenditure
• Provision of healthy and congenial work environment

• NOLAN COMMITTEE (1994) on Standards in Public Life:

• Selflessness – Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the

public interest.
• Objectivity – Holders of public office must act and take decisions
impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without
discrimination or bias.
• Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable to the public
for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the
scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
• Openness – Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an
open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from
the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
• Honesty – Holders of public office should be truthful.
• Leadership – Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in
their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly
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support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour

wherever it occurs.
• Dedication – The quality of remaining committed to public cause and
citizen welfare even in face of hardships, threat and temptation.
• Empathy and compassion– Empathy is about being able to accurately
hear out and understand the thoughts, feelings and concerns of others,
even when these are not made explicit. Compassion goes beyond
empath and arouse an active desire to alleviate the suffering of others.
• Tolerance– It is a permissible attitude towards others especially when
they have an opinion or view point opposite to one’s own opinion.
• Integrity– Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under
any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately
to influence them in their work.

16. Earth's Oxygen might have originated from this unexpected source

• A study published in the journal Nature Geoscience has now said that
Earth’s early oxygen has come from a tectonic source via the movement
and destruction of the Earth’s crust.
• The study noted that as far back as the Neoarchean era 2.8 to 2.5 billion
years ago — oxygen was almost absent. Twenty-one per cent of the
atmosphere consists of this life-giving element, the study states. Here
are snippets from the study to understand where Oxygen originated
from
• The Archean Earth

• The Archean eon represents one third of our planet’s history, from 2.5
billion years ago to four billion years ago. A significant aspect of the
Earth during this period was the tectonic activity.
• On modern Earth, the dominant tectonic activity is called plate
tectonics, where oceanic crust — the outermost layer of the Earth under
the oceans — sinks into the Earth’s mantle (the area between the
Earth’s crust and its core) at points of convergence called subduction
zones.
• One feature of modern subduction zones is their association with
oxidized magmas. These magmas are formed when oxidized sediments
and bottom waters — cold, dense water near the ocean floor — are
introduced into the Earth’s mantle. This produces magmas with high
oxygen and water contents.
• The identification of such magmas in Neoarchean magmatic rocks could
provide evidence that subduction and plate tectonics occurred 2.7
billion years ago.
• The experiment

• We collected samples of 2750- to 2670-million-year-old granitoid rocks

from across the Abitibi-Wawa sub province of the Superior Province —
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the largest preserved Archean continent stretching over 2000 km from

Winnipeg, Manitoba to far-eastern Quebec. This allowed us to
investigate the level of oxidation of magmas generated across the
Neoarchean era.
• Measuring the oxidation-state of these magmatic rocks — formed
through the cooling and crystallization of magma or lava — is
challenging. Post-crystallization events may have modified these rocks
through later deformation, burial or heating.
• So, we decided to look at the mineral apatite which is present in the
zircon crystals in these rocks. Zircon crystals can withstand the intense
temperatures and pressures of the post-crystallization events. They
retain clues about the environments in which they were originally
formed and provide precise ages for the rocks themselves.
• Small apatite crystals that are less than 30 microns wide — the size of
a human skin cell — are trapped in the zircon crystals. They contain
sulphur. By measuring the amount of sulphur in apatite, we can
establish whether the apatite grew from an oxidized magma.
• We were able to successfully measure the oxygen fugacity of the original
Archean magma — which is essentially the amount of free oxygen in it
— using a specialized technique called X-ray Absorption Near Edge
Structure Spectroscopy (S-XANES) at the Advanced Photon Source
synchrotron at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois.

Creating oxygen from water?

• We found that the magma sulphur content, which was initially around
zero, increased to 2000 parts per million around 2705 million years.
This indicated the magmas had become more sulphur-rich.
Additionally, the predominance of S6+ — a type of sulphur ion — in the
apatite suggested that the sulphur was from an oxidized source,
matching the data from the host zircon crystals.
• These new findings indicate that oxidized magmas did form in the
Neoarchean era 2.7 billion years ago. The data show that the lack of
dissolved oxygen in the Archean ocean reservoirs did not prevent the
formation of sulphur-rich, oxidized magmas in the subduction zones.
The oxygen in these magmas must have come from another source, and
was ultimately released into the atmosphere during volcanic eruptions.
• We found that the occurrence of these oxidized magmas correlates with
major gold mineralization events in the Superior Province and Yilgarn
Craton (Western Australia), demonstrating a connection between these
oxygen-rich sources and global world-class ore deposit formation.
• The implications of these oxidized magmas go beyond the
understanding of early Earth geodynamics. Previously, it was thought
unlikely that Archean magmas could be oxidized, when the ocean water
and ocean floor rocks or sediments were not.
• While the exact mechanism is unclear, the occurrence of these magmas
suggests that the process of subduction, where ocean water is taken
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hundreds of kilometres into our planet, generates free oxygen. This then
oxidizes the overlying mantle.
• Our study shows that Archean subduction could have been a vital,
unforeseen factor in the oxygenation of the Earth, the early whiffs of
oxygen 2.7 billion years ago and also the Great Oxidation Event, which
marked an increase in atmospheric oxygen by two per cent 2.45 to 2.32
billion years ago.
• As far as we know, the Earth is the only place in the solar system —
past or present — with plate tectonics and active subduction. This
suggests that this study could partly explain the lack of oxygen and,
ultimately, life on the other rocky planets in the future as well.

17. Indian astronomers play key role in rare Black Hole discovery

▪ A Himalayan telescope in Ladakh and a group of Indian astronomers

have alerted the world about the death screams of a dying star,
which was torn apart by a supermassive Black Hole at a distance
of 12.5 billion light years away - more than halfway across the
Universe.
▪ Though the rare cosmic event that generated the most powerful
flash from the farthest ever detected – it is more than 1,000 trillion
times more luminous than the Sun – was observed by a network of
telescopes in four continents and from space, it was the GROWTH-
India telescope at Hanle that gave the first heads-up on the unusual
nature of the flash to the astronomy community around the world
within days of it being spotted.
▪ The story began with California-based Zwicky Transient
Facility detecting a new source of a bright flash in the sky in the
second week of February. Named AT2022cmc, it brightened rapidly
and was fading fast.
▪ “We immediately jumped into action and started obtaining daily
observations with the GROWTH-India Telescope”, said Harsh Kumar,
a PhD student at IIT Bombay. “Our data showed that the object was
fading at a unique, unexpected rate that set it apart from dozens of
other sources we study daily”.
▪ This led to a string of follow-up observations by more than 20
telescopes around the world and in the sky including India’s
GMRT and Astrosat observatory.
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▪ The astronomers observed the last tango of a dying star, which was
being gobbled by a supermassive black hole, giving them ideas on
what happens when a dying star flies too close to a supermassive
Black Hole.
▪ “It doesn’t end well for the star”, said Varun Bhalerao, an
astrophysicist at IIT Bombay and a team member. “The star gets
violently pulled apart by the black hole’s gravitational tidal forces.
The shreds of the star form a spinning disc around the black hole,
and are eventually consumed by it. Such events are called Tidal
Disruption Events, or TDEs.”
▪ Before AT2022cmc, the only two previously known jetted TDEs were
discovered through gamma-ray space missions, which detect
the highest-energy forms of radiation produced by such jets. The
last such discovery was a decade ago.
▪ Since the Big Bang happened 13.8 billion years ago, what scientists
observed happened in a young universe. “It is hard to estimate the
details of the star that died (it became bright only because it was
already torn apart), but it was probably a normal star, perhaps similar
to even the mass of the Sun. Also, it did something weird," Bhalerao
told DH.
▪ A part of the stellar material was released as “relativistic jets” - beams
of matter travelling close to the speed of light -directed towards the
Earth.
▪ “Our alerts led other astronomers to carry out follow-up observations,”
said G C Anupama, former dean of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics,
Bengaluru. Two Pune-based groups from IUCAA and NCRA were also
a part of the study.
▪ India’s uGMRT and Astrosat, as well as the VLA and Hubble Space
Telescopes, were among the instruments that were used to study the
celestial event. The results appeared in two research papers in Nature
and Nature Astronomy.
▪ “The GROWTH India data showed us that the source was special.
Without such data we would probably not have undertaken these
observations which revealed the extreme nature of this object,” said
Igor Andreoni, University of Maryland astronomer and one of the lead
authors of the study.
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18. What is Uttarakhand's bill on horizontal reservation for women?

▪ The Uttarakhand Assembly on 30 November 2022 passed a Bill to

provide 30 per cent horizontal reservation to local women in state
government services. This comes weeks after the Supreme Court
lifted an Uttarakhand High Court stay on a 2006 order of the
government, providing the same benefit.
▪ The Uttarakhand Public Services (Horizontal Reservation for
Women) Bill, 2022 has now been sent for the Governor’s signature.
What does Bill say?
▪ In the Bill’s statement of objects and reasons, the government says
that due to Uttarakhand’s geographical structure, people living
in remote areas lead a difficult life, especially the women. Because
of this, their standard of living is below the women of other states.
Also, women have very little representation in the state’s public
services.
▪ The Bill proposes to plug these gaps by providing women with 30 per
cent horizontal reservation in public services and posts, in addition
to the existing quotas applicable in the state. The beneficiaries need
to be women with a domicile certificate of Uttarakhand.
▪ The reservation will be applicable for posts in local authorities,
Uttarakhand co-operative committees in which the holding of the state
government is not less than 51 per cent of share capital, board or
corporation or legal body established by any central or Uttarakhand
State Act which is under the ownership or control of the state
government, and any educational institution under the
ownership and control of the state government or which receives
grants in aid from the state government.
▪ If enough women are not available to fill the reserved seats, they
will be filled with qualified male candidates in the order of proficiency.
What is horizontal reservation?
▪ In December 2020, the Supreme Court clarified the position of the
law on the interplay of vertical and horizontal reservations. A
decision by a two-judge Bench in the case of Saurav Yadav versus
State of Uttar Pradesh dealt with issues arising from the way different
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classes of reservation were to be applied in the selection process to fill

posts of constables in the state.
▪ In simple terms, while a vertical reservation applies separately for
each of the groups specified under the law, the horizontal quota is
always applied separately to each vertical category, and not across
the board.
▪ Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other
Backward Classes is referred to as vertical reservation. Horizontal
reservation refers to the equal opportunity provided to other
categories of beneficiaries such as women, veterans,
the transgender community, and individuals with disabilities, cutting
through the vertical categories.
▪ For example, if women have 50 per cent horizontal quota, then half
of the selected candidates will have to necessarily be women in each
vertical quota category — i.e., half of all selected SC candidates will
have to be women, half of the unreserved or general category will have
to be women, and so on.
How did the issue end up in court?
▪ In July 2006, Uttarakhand issued a government order to provide
30 per cent horizontal reservation to women domiciled in the
state, irrespective of their caste, creed, place of birth, place of origin,
and social status.
▪ The order was in operation till this year before being challenged in the
Uttarakhand High Court by Pavitra Chauhan, Ananya Attri and
others. These were women from outside the state belonging to the
unreserved category who had appeared for the state civil examination.
They pleaded that despite securing higher marks in the preliminary
tests than the cut-off for women candidates with state domicile, they
were denied the chance to appear for the main examination.
▪ They challenged the GOs on the ground that they provide horizontal
reservation in the examination conducted for the Uttarakhand
Combined Service and Senior Service of the State Public Service
Commission on the basis of women’s domicile status. The
Uttarakhand High Court stayed the order and said the quota should
be construed as a horizontal reservation for women irrespective of
their domicile or place of residence.
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▪ The matter then went to the apex court. Challenging the High Court,
the state’s standing counsel pleaded that the state’s terrain and
climate forced its youth to migrate elsewhere in search of livelihood,
leaving the responsibility to run the household and raise children on
women. The standing counsel defended the decision to provide quota
in public employment to such women, and in November, a bench of
Justices S Abdul Nazeer and V Ramasubramanian lifted the HC stay.

19. Excess imports, sluggish exports — makes India’s current account

deficit more challenging.

▪ Current account balance is essentially the difference between what a

country pays and what it is paid in exchange for goods and services. A
country is said to be facing a current account deficit when its import
bill is higher than its export bill, and is said to be in surplus when its
exports exceed imports.
▪ According to Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) data on Balance of
Payments, CAD climbed to Rs 1.8 lakh crore by the quarter ending
June 2022 — the highest in the past decade in absolute terms, and
comparable only to the third quarter of FY 2012-13 when it had surged
to Rs 1.7 lakh crore or 6.75 per cent of India’s GDP in that quarter.
▪ This time though, the deficit is higher in absolute terms, nearly half in
terms of percentage of GDP.
Trade deficit & China
▪ A good look at the current account — inflow and outflow of goods,
services and remittances earned or paid by a country — shows that a
majority of India’s deficit can be attributed to a negative balance in the
merchandise account. India usually runs a surplus in services and
remittances, but incurs a deficit in trade of merchandise or tangible
goods.
▪ In the first three months of FY 2022-23, India’s trade deficit — excess
of imports over exports of merchandise — was about USD 68
billion. This deficit was somewhat mitigated by export of services
which reported a surplus of USD 31 billion, besides secondary incomes
amounting to USD 22.9 billion, comprising mostly remittances from
abroad.
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▪ Data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry shows that by the
second quarter of FY 2022-23, India’s trade deficit almost doubled,
compared to the same quarter in the previous year.
▪ In the first two quarters of FY 2021-22, India reported a trade deficit
of USD 76 billion, which jumped to USD 148 billion in the first two
quarters of FY 2022-23.
▪ This was because India’s imports rose by 38.5 per cent and exports by
only 17 per cent in the first two quarters of the current fiscal year. At
the same time, the surplus earned by services rose only by 19 per cent
(from USD 51.4 billion to USD 61.3 billion) — not enough to
compensate for the extra dollars spent in footing the bill for
merchandise imports.
▪ A large chunk of this deficit can be attributed to trade with China,
which experts find concerning.
▪ “A disaggregated view of India’s trade shows that the deficit from China
contributed almost 40 per cent of the overall merchandise trade deficit
in 2021-22,” said Radhika Pandey, a senior fellow at the Delhi-based
National Institute of Public Finance and Policy. “Dependence on a
single country for a large part of imports is a cause of concern. The
deficit owing to trade with China shot up from USD 38 billion in 2020-
21 to USD 73 billion in 2021-22.”
Surging Current Account Deficit: Need to increase Exports
▪ India has reached USD 418 billion dollars of manufacturing
exports in the fiscal year 2022 (FY22)with rapid growth over the
last 2 years. Despite having the fifth-largest economy in the world,
contributing to 3.1% of the GDP, India’s export contribution to global
trade is still only 1.6% that includes a variety of factors like rising
protectionism and deglobalisation, lack of basic
infrastructure and low market penetration in high-income countries.
▪ Therefore, it calls India to look forward towards expediting Free
Trade Agreements, lowering tariffs and addressing supply-side
bottlenecks would help in addressing export challenges.
Major Sectors that Contribute to Indian Exports
▪ Petroleum Products: It contributed in a major way to India’s exports,
amidst crude oil prices rising due to the pandemic and made worse
by geopolitical tensions due to the Russia- Ukraine war.
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▪ India exports USD 55.5 bn worth of petroleum products, a

massive rise of 150% over last year.
▪ Engineering Goods: They registered a 50% growth in exports,
at USD 101 bn in FY22. Currently, all pumps, tools, carbides, air
compressors, engines, and generators manufacturing MNC
companies in India are trading at all-time highs and shifting more
production units to India.
▪ Jewellery: Made up USD 35.3 billion of India’s exports in With the
reduction of import duty on cut and polished diamonds in this
year’s budget, this is only going to rise.
▪ Agriculture Products: Agricultural exports were buoyed by the
government’s push to meet global demand for food amid the
pandemic. India exports rice worth USD 9.65 bn, the highest among
agricultural commodities.
▪ Textile and Apparels: India’s textile and apparel exports (including
handicrafts) stood at USD 44.4 billion in FY22, a 41% increase on
a YoY basis.
▪ Government’s schemes like Scheme for Integrated Textile
Parks (SITP) and Mega Integrated Textile Region and
Apparel (MITRA) Park scheme are giving a strong boost to this
sector.
▪ Pharmaceuticals and Drugs: India is the third-largest producer of
medicines by volume and the biggest supplier of generic drugs.
▪ India supplies over 50% of Africa’s requirement for generics,
around 40% of generic demand in the US and 25% of all
medicine in the UK.
Challenges Related to Indian Export Growth
▪ Rising Protectionism and Deglobalisation: Countries around the
globe are moving towards protectionist trade policies due
to disrupted global political order (Russia-Ukraine War) and
weaponization of supply chain, that is in way shrinking India’s export
capacities.
▪ Lack of Basic Infrastructure: India’s manufacturing sector lacks
sufficient manufacturing hubs; internet facilities and transportation
are costly when compared to developed nations which is a huge
deterrence to Industries.
▪ Uninterrupted power supply is another challenge.
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▪ Lack of Innovation Due to Low Spending On R&D: Currently,

India spends about 0.7% of GDP on research and
development. This prevents the manufacturing sector from evolving,
innovating and growing.
▪ Specialisation versus Diversification: Indian exports are
characterised by high diversification combined with low
specialisation, implying that India’s exports are spread thin over
many products and partners, resulting in lack of competitiveness
compared to other countries.
Looking ahead
▪ Exploring Joint Development Programmes: Amidst a wave
of deglobalisation and slowing growth, exports cannot be the sole
engine of growth. India can also explore joint development
programmes with other countries in sectors
like space, semiconductor, solar energy to improve India’s
medium-term growth prospects.
▪ Dedicated Export Corridors: The economic policy should also strive
to promote export dynamism and product specialisation alongside
product diversification through Dedicated Export Corridors to
offer the best of the best service across the globe and propel the Indian
economy to the path of long term sustained economic growth.
▪ Promoting Acquisitions Abroad: Indian entrepreneurs can be
incentivised to sign joint venture undertakings abroad for building
up an export potential for their products especially in developing
countries where there is a favourable political climate and a demand
for Indian products.
▪ Front lining MSME Sector: MSMEs account for 29% of GDP and
40% of international trade, making them key players in achieving
ambitious export targets.
▪ It is important for India to link Special Economic Zones with
the MSME sector and incentivize small businesses.
▪ Filling Up Infrastructural Gaps: A robust infrastructure network
- warehouses, ports, testing labs, certification centres, etc. will
help Indian exporters compete in the global market.
▪ It also needs to adopt modern trade practices that can be
implemented through the digitisation of export
processes. This will save both time and cost.
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20. The GM mustard debate

▪ The debate over the use of genetically modified crops is raging again,
with familiar arguments and objections being made. Recently, the
government had cleared the ‘environmental release’ of a genetically
modified (GM) variety of mustard, DMH-11, developed by
the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) at
Delhi University. ‘Environmental release’, involving seed
production and field testing, is the final step before the crop can be
cultivated by farmers.
▪ The government decision was met with expected opposition from
activists who oppose any use of GM technology in agriculture.
Predictably, the matter has reached the courts. On previous
occasions, this has ended with the decision being put on indefinite
hold.
▪ Previous attempt
▪ In fact, DMH-11had reached quite close to being approved
for environmental release in 2017 as well, but then had to be
stopped under pressure from activists and NGOs. The decision to
revisit this issue has come in the wake of steadily rising import bills
on edible oils. The availability of mustard, commonly used
affordable cooking oil, has emerged, more than ever before, as a food
security issue. Increased yields of mustard can reduce the
dependence on other countries for a critical food item, as well as save
foreign currency worth tens of billions of dollars every year.
▪ In fact, the government is treating mustard as a special case among
all the GM crops awaiting approval. It has maintained that approving
the mustard variety would not mean opening the floodgates for all
other transgenic crops. In the case of mustard, there is a compelling
economic and food security argument, which puts it in a separate
category. There has been no movement, for example, on Bt brinjal,
which, like DMH-11, has passed all the safety tests and regulatory
processes, but whose release has been on hold since 2010.
▪ Activists, however, not just dispute the ability of GM mustard to
increase yield, but question biosafety data and claim that it will
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harm human and soil health, cause environmental damage,

and threaten the existence of other species, like honeybees. These
arguments are in line with the opposition to genetically modified crops
in general.
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Concerns around the crop

▪ The opposition to GM crops broadly rests on the ‘precautionary
principle’, which argues that in the absence of scientific
consensus and adequate information, new innovations likely to have
severe adverse impacts on human or environmental health must be
treated with extreme caution.
▪ The principle is criticised, even though it is invoked fairly regularly in
a variety of circumstances. The sole reliance on this principle
for decision-making is often seen as a hurdle to scientific progress,
or a justification for inaction. GM crops have been under cultivation
for three decades now, in different parts of the world, and there is little
evidence to suggest that the apocalyptic dangers that are often talked
about have appeared anywhere.
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▪ Over 25 countries grow genetically modified crops,

including developed nations like the United States and
Canada, middle income countries like Brazil and South Africa,
and India’s neighbours like Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Even in India, Bt cotton, the only GM crop to have been allowed in
the country, has been under cultivation for the last 20 years. None of
the grave apprehensions that were raised when Bt cotton was being
approved have come true.
▪ In fact, a substantial portion of imported edible oils, as well as some
other crops, are of genetically modified varieties. Many Indians
have, thus, already consumed genetically modified food without any
harm.
▪ It is true that a scientific consensus on the use of GM technology
in agriculture is still elusive. But it is difficult to have complete
consensus on any emerging area of science. After three decades of
use, the weight of scientific opinion seems overwhelmingly in favour
of GM technology. In fact, while endorsing DMH-11, the National
Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the main academic association of
agricultural scientists, had said that most of the opposition to GM
crops was based on distortions of scientific data.
▪ “The broad conclusion is that almost all the negative reports on GM
mustard, appearing on websites, newspapers, and letters to the
ministers and PMO are fallacious, wilfully distort scientific data and
have been made with the sole intention of scuttling the use of
technology which could be of great interest and value to the country,”
the NAAS had said in 2017 after DMH-11 was put on hold.
▪ Scientists also lament the fact that the uncertainties inherent in any
new technology are exaggerated to either call for a complete ban on
GM, or fresh round of safety tests.
▪ “There is a constant shifting of goalposts. A certain requirement is
asked to be met, and when that is done, new demands are put
forward. This is an endless cycle. The fact is that GM mustard,
and GM technology in general, has been put through the most
robust scientific scrutiny possible. It is being used in several countries,
including India where GM cotton is being cultivated for two
decades now,” Vibha Dhawan, director general of Delhi-based The
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Energy and Resources Institute, and herself an agriculture

biotechnologist, said.
▪ “We see very absolutist positions being taken on GM technology by
those who oppose it. Every small potential risk is cited to argue
against its use. We have to understand that nothing is risk-free. All the
available scientific evidence suggests that genetically modified crops
are safe for human consumption. But we hear arguments that the
harmful impacts can manifest in the second, or fourth or fifth
generation of consumers. There can be no answer to this,” she said.
▪ The opposition to GM crops so far has overcome the broad political
agreement on the subject. Both the Congress as well as BJP at the
Centre have tried to push for these crops. On the state level, there is
less consensus, with many state governments expressing reservations
over this technology.

21. Where did the Earth’s oxygen come from? New study hints at an
unexpected source

▪ A study published in the journal Nature Geoscience has now said

that Earth’s early oxygen has come from a tectonic source via
the movement and destruction of the Earth’s crust.
▪ The study noted that as far back as the Neoarchean era 2.8 to 2.5
billion years ago — oxygen was almost absent. Twenty-one per cent
of the atmosphere consists of this life-giving element, the study
states. Here are snippets from the study to understand where Oxygen
originated from
The Archean Earth
▪ The Archean eon represents one third of our planet’s history,
from 2.5 billion years ago to four billion years ago. A significant
aspect of the Earth during this period was the tectonic activity.
▪ On modern Earth, the dominant tectonic activity is called plate
tectonics, where oceanic crust — the outermost layer of the Earth
under the oceans — sinks into the Earth’s mantle (the area between
the Earth’s crust and its core) at points of convergence
called subduction zones.
▪ One feature of modern subduction zones is their association
with oxidized magmas. These magmas are formed when oxidized
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sediments and bottom waters — cold, dense water near the ocean
floor — are introduced into the Earth’s mantle. This produces magmas
with high oxygen and water contents.
▪ The identification of such magmas in Neoarchean magmatic
rocks could provide evidence that subduction and plate tectonics
occurred 2.7 billion years ago.
The experiment
▪ We collected samples of 2750- to 2670-million-year-old granitoid
rocks from across the Abitibi-Wawa sub province of the Superior
Province — the largest preserved Archean continent stretching over
2000 km from Winnipeg, Manitoba to far-eastern Quebec. This
allowed us to investigate the level of oxidation of magmas generated
across the Neoarchean era.
▪ Measuring the oxidation-state of these magmatic rocks — formed
through the cooling and crystallization of magma or lava — is
challenging. Post-crystallization events may have modified these
rocks through later deformation, burial or heating.
▪ So, we decided to look at the mineral apatite which is present in
the zircon crystals in these rocks. Zircon crystals can withstand the
intense temperatures and pressures of the post-crystallization
events. They retain clues about the environments in which they were
originally formed and provide precise ages for the rocks themselves.
▪ Small apatite crystals that are less than 30 microns wide — the size
of a human skin cell — are trapped in the zircon crystals. They contain
sulphur. By measuring the amount of sulphur in apatite, we can
establish whether the apatite grew from an oxidized magma.
▪ We were able to successfully measure the oxygen fugacity of the
original Archean magma — which is essentially the amount of free
oxygen in it — using a specialized technique called X-ray Absorption
Near Edge Structure Spectroscopy (S-XANES) at the Advanced
Photon Source synchrotron at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois.
Creating oxygen from water?
▪ We found that the magma sulphur content, which was initially
around zero, increased to 2000 parts per million around 2705
million years. This indicated the magmas had become more sulphur-
rich. Additionally, the predominance of S6+ — a type of sulphur ion —
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in the apatite suggested that the sulphur was from an oxidized

source, matching the data from the host zircon crystals.
▪ These new findings indicate that oxidized magmas did form in the
Neoarchean era 2.7 billion years ago. The data show that the lack of
dissolved oxygen in the Archean ocean reservoirs did not prevent
the formation of sulphur-rich, oxidized magmas in the subduction
zones. The oxygen in these magmas must have come from another
source, and was ultimately released into the atmosphere
during volcanic eruptions.
▪ We found that the occurrence of these oxidized magmas correlates
with major gold mineralization events in the Superior Province
and Yilgarn Craton (Western Australia), demonstrating a connection
between these oxygen-rich sources and global world-class ore deposit
formation.
▪ The implications of these oxidized magmas go beyond the
understanding of early Earth geodynamics. Previously, it was thought
unlikely that Archean magmas could be oxidized, when the ocean
water and ocean floor rocks or sediments were not.
▪ While the exact mechanism is unclear, the occurrence of these
magmas suggests that the process of subduction, where ocean water
is taken hundreds of kilometres into our planet, generates free oxygen.
This then oxidizes the overlying mantle.
▪ Our study shows that Archean subduction could have been a vital,
unforeseen factor in the oxygenation of the Earth, the early whiffs of
oxygen 2.7 billion years ago and also the Great Oxidation Event,
which marked an increase in atmospheric oxygen by two per cent 2.45
to 2.32 billion years ago.
▪ As far as we know, the Earth is the only place in the solar system —
past or present — with plate tectonics and active subduction. This
suggests that this study could partly explain the lack of oxygen and,
ultimately, life on the other rocky planets in the future as well.

22. POCSO not meant to criminalise consensual relationships

▪ India enacted the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act

(POCSO Act) in 2012 to plug the legislative gaps concerning sexual
violence against children under the age of 18.
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▪ However, the act does not recognise consensual sexual behaviour of

older adolescents above 16 years.
▪ This in gross oversight of their normative sexual
behaviour and bodily integrity and autonomy.
▪ Thus, there is need to reform the POCSO act in order to maintain the
balance between the protection from exploitative sexual activities
and right to dignity and privacy.
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012
▪ It deals with the sexual assault, pornography, sexual
harassment against children below 18 years.
▪ It also defines “penetrative sexual assault”, “sexual assault” and
“sexual harassment”.
▪ If it is committed by public servant, police officer, staff at remand
home, protection or observation home, jail, hospital or educational
institution or by member of arm forces then it will be considered
graver.
▪ It criminalises all sexual activity for those under the age of 18,
regardless of whether consent is factually present between the two
minors in a particular case.
▪ It safeguards child and incorporates child friendly process at every
stage such as reporting, reporting of evidence, investigation, and
speedy trial.
▪ Section 39: Requires state governments to prepare guidelines
for NGOs, professional experts or person to assist child in pre-
trial and trial stage.
▪ Section 44: Empowers National commission for child rights
(NCPCR) and state government to implement provisions of this act as
prescribe.

Challenges of POCSO Act

Lack of recognition of consensual sexual behaviour of older adolescents
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▪ As per National Family Health Survey-5, 39% of women in the age

group of 25-49 years had their first sexual intercourse before the
age of 18 years.
▪ Many High Courts have recognised that adolescent relationships
are normal and criminalisation of such acts affects both parties.
▪ Vijayalakshmi case (2021): Madras High Court said that
“adolescent romance is an important developmental marker for
adolescents’ self-identity, functioning and capacity for
intimacy”.
▪ However, POCSO act ignores the possibility of consensual sexual
activity among or with older adolescents above 16 years.
▪ A Recent study by Enfold Proactive Health Trust shown that between
the age of 16 to 18 almost half of the cases (46.6%) under POSCO
are ‘Romantic Cases’.
▪ Romantic cases can be broadly defined as victim, her family or
any prosecutorial witness admitted the romantic relationship or
the court concluded it was romantic.
▪ It also found out that 87% of romantic cases
girl admitted being in romantic relationship with accuse
during investigation or evidence stage or both.
▪ Romantic cases constitute 24.3% of total cases registered and
disposed between 2016 to 2020 in special courts of Maharashtra,
West Bengal, and Assam.
Undermines the bodily integrity and dignity of adolescents
▪ By equating consensual and non-exploitative sexual acts with rape
and penetrative sexual assault, the law undermines the bodily
integrity and dignity of adolescents.
▪ It casts adolescent girls as victim rendering them voiceless.
▪ They’re institutionalised in children’s home when they refuse to
go back to home or to parents.
▪ Adolescent boys are treated as in conflict with the law even tried as
adults.
▪ Such treatment violates sexual development, sexual
development, bodily integrity and autonomy, and violates
their right to life, privacy, and dignity.
▪ Act provisions also impedes adolescents’ right to barrier-free access to
sexual and reproductive health services and information under
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the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (National Adolescent

Health Programme).
Adverse impact on justice delivery:
▪ Investigation of consensual and non-exploitative sexual acts results
in wastage of time and resources.
▪ The median time between the lodging of the FIR and the
disposal of such romantic cases was 1.4 years in Assam and
2.3 years each in Maharashtra and West Bengal.
▪ As per Crime in India, 2021, 92.6% of cases under the POCSO Act
were pending disposal.
▪ Most of these pending cases are related to Consensual acts.

Other challenges
▪ Mandatory reporting obligation under the Act and fear of partner being
reported to police forces girls towards unsafe abortions.
▪ Often misused by parents to curtain sexual expression of a girl
to safeguard family honour.
▪ A criminal investigation and inquiry for the violation of the act could
have an adverse impact on the adolescents’ development,
education, self-esteem, social reputation, and family life.
▪ Long-term consequences of a conviction for statutory rape
are incarceration and inclusion in the sex offender’s
registry.
Suggestions
▪ Need for an amendment in POCSO act decriminalising consensual
acts involving adolescents above 16 years.
▪ Amendment should also ensure their protection by
criminalising non-consensual acts, against their will, or where
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consent obtained through fear of death or hurt, intoxication or

accused in a position authority.
▪ Comprehensive sexual education needed to fulfil knowledge gap.
▪ Spreading awareness about health and dignity.
▪ It is required to build skills and attitudes to enable to make informed
decisions and navigate through interpersonal relationships.
▪ Efforts are also needed in direction towards imparting knowledge,
skill and attitude to vulnerable groups like children with disabilities
or those out of group.
It is important to safeguard the children below 18 from sexual abuse but also
making sure about their own right to life with dignity and bodily privacy.
Thus, creating a child friendly environment and making them aware about
health, dignity and sexual education is need of today.

23. The High Cost of Cancer Drugs and What We Can Do About It?

▪ According to recent estimates, globally cancer cases will increase

from 19.3
million to 28.4 million by 2040.
▪ In, India tobacco use accounts for almost 50% of all cancers.
▪ High incidence of tobacco related cancer was found in the north
eastern region.
▪ In this context, it is important to keep check on availability of
prevention and affordable treatment options.
High cost of Cancer treatment
Cost of cancer care
▪ Cancer care facilities in private is thrice costlier than the public
facilities.
▪ About 40% of cancer hospitalization cases are financed mainly
through borrowings, sale of assets and contributions from friends
and relatives.
▪ As per WHO, cost associated with medical care and intervention and
supportive care is more unaffordable in developing countries.
Example: Cost of breast cancer treatment
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▪ In case of standard treatment for breast cancer: The cost is

equivalent to about 10 years of average annual wages in India and
South Africa and 1.7 years in US.
▪ In case of other medical (such as radiotherapy) and supportive
care: The cost of medicine is completely unaffordable.
▪ For the treatment of breast cancer, one of the three drugs,
Ribociclib, Palbociclib and Abemaciclib is required for lifetime.
▪ Current monthly cost for patient in India for such drug
is between 47,000 to 95,000 INR.
Reason for such high prices
1. High R&D Cost
▪ Pharmaceutical companies argue that they spend over $3 billion in
bringing a new molecule to the market.
▪ WHO report mentioned that spending on R&D may bear little
or no relationship to how pharmaceutical companies
set cancer medicine prices.
2. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
▪ IPR allows companies to sustain their high profit margins, which
results into high prices.
▪ Example: Pfizer’s holds rights of Palbociclib till 2023, while
Novartis’s Ribociclib and Elly Lilly’s rights on Abemaciclib will
end between 2027 and 2029.
▪ Till then, no Indian company can manufacture these
medicines.
Recommendation for reduction in cancer treatment
Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PM-JAY)
▪ PM-JAY beneficiaries’ get yearly 5 lakh health cover for secondary and
tertiary health care.
▪ It should be expanded to include diagnostic tests and other services
for cancer care.
Reduction in margins
▪ National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) fixes, revises and
monitors the prices of scheduled drugs under National List of
Essential Medicines (NLEM).
▪ Government should reduce profit margins from 16% as it is high or
provide subsidy.
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▪ Also 10% annual increment allowed in the prices of non-

scheduled drugs should be reduced to 5%.
Granting Compulsory Licenses
▪ Under Section 84 and 92 of Patents Act, government should grant
compulsory license (CLs) to Indian companies for domestic production
of high-priced medicines.
▪ It overrides patent rights and enables domestic manufacturing
of generic alternatives of patented high price medicines.
▪ Government can invoke Section 100 which empowers any entity to
use patented invention without authorisation of patent holder.
Other Recommendation
▪ Focusing on complaint against tobacco consumption.
▪ Formulate strategies to stop the teenage population from
getting addicted to tobacco.
▪ Raise awareness about cervical cancer.
▪ Include Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine against
cervical cancer in governments vaccination programme.
Cancer cases will increase from 19.3 million to 28.4 million by 2040. Thus, it
is important to provide cancer care and medication in affordable price
otherwise it impacts on the life of a patient which violates the ‘Right to life
with dignity’ under Article 21 of the constitution.

24. New tech can create more jobs

▪ India is implementing big way of emerging technologies such as 5G,

artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, blockchain, cloud and
quantum computing, digital mechanisms etc. to improve the living
conditions of its people.
▪ However, several international agencies highlight reduction in job
opportunities due to innovative technologies that can replace
human labour.
Positive Impact of new technologies
Financial Sector
▪ Application of new tech will formalize the economy so it will be easier
for government to track financial activity till the last mile.
▪ This record will help to finance existing unorganised manufacturing
and traditional sector at nominal rate.
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▪ It will help to reduce their cost of production and deliver their

products at a competitive rate.
▪ It will enhance their income, the multiplier effect of which will
lead to more employment opportunities.
Manufacturing Sector
▪ Using advance robotics auto manufacturing can be done easily.
▪ Although still it will require professional, skilled and semi-
skilled labour in India.
Telecom Sector
▪ It has wide range of new opportunities for new tech including its 5G
services across the country.
▪ It will generate significant employment for the youth as per the
projection of Telecom Sector Skill Council.
Agriculture Sector
▪ Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things
(IoT), farmers can improve their yield and reduce asymmetries.
▪ It will result in increasing their income.
Travel and Tourism Sector
▪ It can be enhanced using blockchain technology coupled with
innovative digital strategies and apps.
▪ It can create positive disruption for allied sectors such
as medical and virgin tourist destinations.
Other sectors
▪ Cloud computing in Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) offers flexibility for greater collaboration with work teams, better
control of documents, work from anywhere environment leading to
increase in productivity, and innovation offering positive externalities
and employment across the sector.
▪ Legal sector is witnessing application of disruptive technologies giving
employment opportunities for ICT and data analytics professionals.
▪ Micro-technologies, especially in digital banking, connectivity and
transport services may improve labour productivity.
Startup ecosystem in India
▪ It is world’s third largest startup ecosystem.
▪ It has more than 60,000 startups across 642 districts.
▪ It has generated 65 unicorns across various industries.
▪ Unicorn: A startup company with value over 1 billion USD.
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▪ These startups are specialized in emerging technologies such as in

fintech, e-commerce, supply chain logistics, internet and software
services and ed-tech.
▪ It provides scope for entrepreneurial ventures and self-
employment.
▪ Indirectly it will result in to employment generation in the country.
▪ It may witness substantive shift from wage employment to
self-employment adding to the formal sector.
Challenges
Construction Sector
▪ It may not witness adoption of advanced technologies as it may not
be able to compete with the cheap labour available
Agriculture Sector
▪ Most of the labour force in India is in agriculture traditionally and new
tech will disrupt their wages.
Unskilled Workforce
▪ To acquire employment in new tech requires specific skilled person.
▪ In India mostly people are working in unorganised sector are unskilled
or not familiar with the technology.
Unemployment in transition phase
▪ During the shift from traditional to new tech jobs in between many
people will lose their employment due to not having proper guidance.
Suggestions
▪ There is need for government to carry out upskilling
programs for skill development.
▪ Proper management of work force transition is required.
▪ It is required that currently employed go under training or re-
training to get comfortable with new technologies.
▪ It is also required to develop skills such as empathy, imagination or
creativity, which will underpin jobs in more social sectors.
In India, new technological developments will bring challenges, but they also
present an opportunity for us to upskill our workforce in order to emerge as
a foreign investment destination and grow Indian startups for economic
growth.
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25. Goa Liberation Day 2022: History and significance

▪ President Draupadi Murmu tweeted her greetings to the nation on

19 December, marking Goa Liberation Day. The day is celebrated
annually to mark the success of ‘Operation Vijay’ undertaken by
the Indian armed forces to defeat Portuguese colonial forces and
liberate Goa in 1961.
▪ “On Goa Liberation Day, I convey my greetings to all fellow citizens,
especially the people of Goa. We pay homage to the freedom fighters
who fought for liberation of Goa from colonial rule. We salute our
armed forces for their valour. My best wishes to the people of the
state,” Murmu tweeted.
What is the history of Goa’s colonisation by European powers?
▪ The Portuguese colonial presence in Goa began in 1510,
when Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the ruling Bijapur king with
the help of a local ally, Timayya, and subsequently established
a permanent settlement in Velha Goa (or Old Goa).
▪ Over the following centuries, the Portuguese fought frequent
battles with the Marathas and the Deccan sultanates. During
the Napoleonic Wars, Goa was briefly occupied by the British between
1812 and 1815. In 1843, the capital was moved to Panjim from Velha
Goa.
▪ Goa was Portugal’s most prized possession in India and the biggest
territory in Estado da India Portuguesa or the Portuguese empire in
India. Portuguese colonial rule also saw the advent and growth of
Christianity in Goa. Over time, the Portuguese lost most of the
territories in the Estado but retained Goa until well after India itself
had thrown off the yoke of the British Raj.
What was the movement for Goa’s independence?
▪ By the turn of the twentieth century, Goa had started to witness
an upsurge of nationalist sentiment opposed to Portugal’s colonial
rule, in sync with the anti-British nationalist movement in the rest of
India. Leaders such Tristão de Bragança Cunha, celebrated as
the father of Goan nationalism, founded the Goa National Congress
at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress in 1928.
▪ In 1946, the socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia led a historic rally
in Goa that gave a call for civil liberties and freedom, and eventual
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integration with India, which became a watershed moment in Goa’s

freedom struggle.
▪ On the other hand, the Azad Gomantak Dal, co-founded
by Prabhakar Sinari, was willing to try more aggressive methods. But
a variety of factors prevented Goan independence from happening
immediately.
▪ “The trauma of Partition and the massive rupture that followed,
coupled with the war with Pakistan, kept the Government of India
from opening another front in which the international community
could get involved. Besides, it was Gandhi’s opinion that a lot of
groundwork was still needed in Goa to raise the consciousness of the
people, and the diverse political voices emerging within should be
brought under a common umbrella first,” Prof Rahul Tripathi of the
Department of Political Science in Goa University, wrote in The Indian
Express earlier.
How was independence achieved?
▪ Post-1947, Portugal refused to negotiate with independent
India on the transfer of sovereignty of their Indian enclaves. Prime
Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was keen that Goa should be integrated by
diplomatic means. After Portugal became part of the US-led Western
military alliance NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) in
1949, Goa too became part of the anti-Soviet alliance by
extension. Fearing a collective Western response to a possible attack
on Goa, the Indian government continued to lay stress on diplomacy.
▪ In his 1955 Independence Day speech, Nehru was critical of
the satyagraha movement in Goa. However, the Indian government
reacted sharply to an incident of firing on satyagrahis, and snapped
ties with Portugal. Scholars have pointed out that as India
aggressively championed the Non-Aligned
Movement, decolonisation, and anti-imperialism as pillars of its
policy, the continuation of colonial rule in Portugal became
increasingly unsustainable.
What was ‘Operation Vijay’?
▪ The Indian government finally declared that Goa should join India
“either with full peace or with full use of force”. 18 and 19
December 1961 saw a full-fledged military operation termed
‘Operation Vijay’, which was carried out with little resistance and an
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instrument of surrender was signed, leading to Goa’s annexation by

India.

26. DNA Technology Regulation Bill: Concerns on data privacy, dependence,

and bias

▪ The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was
introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Science and Technology,
Harsh Vardhan on JULY 8, 2019. The sole purpose of the bill was to
create a legislative base for the use of revolutionary DNA technology
for various forensic as well as investigative purposes in India. The bill
provides for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, DNA data
Banks on National and regional level, DNA laboratories and protection
of information and penalties in case of violation of confidential
information.
▪ DNA which stands for ''Deoxyribonucleic Acid'', is a data center of the
building blocks of our body, the tiniest cells. It is a complex chain of
molecules where all the specific information for the formation of
particular cells are stored. These molecules inside cells contain the
genetic information for the growth and function of an organism. The
genetic information is carried by DNA, from generation one to the next.
DNA has a double helix like structure, made up of nucleotides. DNA is
a nucleic acid, composed of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group
and a nitrogen base. Deoxyribose sugar with a phosphate group links
the nucleotides together and forms each strand of DNA. Here
nitrogenous bases are a group of Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine
(G) & Cytosine which resembles a twisted ladder. DNA was first
discovered by the Swiss biologist Johannes Friedrich Miescher in
1869. DNA fingerprinting, Mutation, Gene therapy, Replication
processes are some important functions of DNA technology.

Features of DNA Technology Regulation Bill 2019

The 9 chapters bill was introduced to allow Law enforcement agencies and
investigative bodies to collect DNA samples, for DNA profiling, and making
DNA data banks specifically used for identification of persons and not for any
other uses. Let’s know about the key features of the bill.
▪ DNA Regulatory Board
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As per the bill, a 12 member National DNA Regulatory body, headed by the
Secretary of Biological department, is to be formed to advise, supervise and
permit the establishment of DNA data Banks, DNA laboratories. Setting
regulations, privacy protocols for DNA data and ensuring their proper
execution, allowing the access of DNA data for investigation purposes are the
main functions of the regulatory board.
▪ DNA Data Banks
National DNA data Bank and Regional DNA data Banks are proposed to be
formed by the bill. DNA profiles from DNA laboratories and regional data
banks will be stored in the National DNA data bank. Data banks are required
to create 5 indices to store DNA profiles; 1. A crime scene index, 2. A suspect’s
or undertrial’s index, 3. An offender’s index, 4. A missing person’s index, 5.
An unknown deceased person’s index. Global Shield Initiative COP 27:
▪ Protection of Information
The board ensures the security and confidentiality of DNA profiles stored in
the National DNA Data bank or DNA laboratories. The advanced security
measures would be taken care of by the board for this purpose.
▪ Offenses and Penalties
The bill has listed certain matters in which the investigation should be done
by DNA testing. It also mentions penalties like fine up to Rs. 2 lakh and
imprisonment of 5 years in case of using DNA samples without official permit,
unlawful access of DNA data bank, destruction, alterations, contamination or
tampering with biological evidence etc.
▪ Need For The DNA Regulation Bill, 2019
Although DNA based evidence started to be admitted internationally in the
1990s, in India, there is no specific legislation for use of DNA data as evidence.
Even in the Indian Evidence act 1872 and Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,
there is a lack of such provisions. The 2019 bill intends to provide for the
regulations of use and application of DNA Technology to fulfil the purposes of
establishing identity of certain types of persons including the victims,
offender’s, suspect’s, undertrials, missing etc.
▪ DNA Technique in Judicial Arena
The Malimath committee report, 2003 suggested that forensic evidence
should also be given weightage while balancing the scale of evidence. Also,
the Orissa High Court’s case of Thogorani Alias K. Damyanti 2004 has held
the, ''DNA evidence is now a predominant forensic technique for identifying
criminals when biological tissues are left at the scene of crime. Such testing
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not only helps to convict but also serves to exonerate.'' DNA Regulation bill
2019, isn't converted into law as it’s still under consideration due to certain
privacy threats.
Concerns Relating DNA Bill 2019
Issues with the bill can be understood in the following points.
▪ The Standing Committee of Parliament states, "the risk with a National
data Bank of crime scene DNA profile is that it will likely include
virtually everything since DNA left at the crime scene before and after
the crime by several persons who may have nothing to do with the
crime being investigated."
▪ Another major concern is the violation of privacy. By using DNA data,
important information viz. disease, allergies, genetic behavior, and
even Advent diseases could be detected, misuse of which, certainly is
a matter of concern.
▪ Also, as the nature of work is technical the bill has neglected the
training part of these persons who will operate such DNA Data Banks.
▪ Another major concern is of consent under clause 21 stating that no
bodily substances shall be taken from the person who is arrested for
an offense without his consent in the writing for taking the same,
however there are some exceptions too in some cases.
▪ The DNA Bill does not possess standard data safety protocols per say
the rule 3 of Information Technology rules 2011. All these points need
to be considered, to fulfil the legislative objectives of the DNA Data
Regulation bill, 2019.
Suggestions
▪ Individual privacy – use of DNA Technology Bill should not depend
on launching a personal data protection bill and, in its absence, should
create further clarifications on privacy guidelines.
▪ Reliability – In addition, to make DNA profiling more reliable, the
account must be enhanced with specific guidelines to address the use
of DNA technology in combination with other tools used in the justice
system to avoid a future miscarriage of justice.
▪ Role of stakeholders – The document needs to define how different
stakeholders will apply the legislation in the aforementioned areas.
▪ Role of judiciary – The Bill highlights the need for court approval in
civil matters, consent of individuals in criminal investigations, and
identifying missing persons.
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▪ Consent– the Bill still needs to outline the necessary consent

requirements for use in civil cases, taking agency away from those who
may be involved in civil disputes.
▪ Accountability – With regard to video evidence, FRT, linkages of
forensic data to surveillance systems need immediate oversight as lack
of accountability can add to existing concerns on privacy.
▪ Holistic evidence – DNA evidence can place suspects at the location
of the crime; this, in isolation, is not enough to mandate their
conviction. Thus, other evidence, such as geotagged evidence, mobile
records etc., will be needed to approach the case holistically.
▪ In addition, the combination of digital and biological data digitised and
maintained on a database further induces privacy concerns.
Looking ahead
▪ Thus, if combined with existing data biases in law enforcement, the
DNA profiling bill can contribute to data that can be misused for caste-
based or community profiling in the country, especially in cases where
minority groups are disproportionately criminalised.
▪ The eventual extension of DNA profiling in other cases beyond sexual
assault can be included as part of changes.

27. 2023: the Year of Millets

▪ 2023 has been declared as the “International Year of Millets” by

the United Nations, after a proposal from India in 2019. On 20
December 2022, to raise awareness on millets and prepare for
2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with fellow
parliamentarians across party lines, enjoyed a sumptuous
lunch where millets were front and centre.
▪ The menu for the feast, as shared by ANI, included Bajra soup, Ragi
dosa and roti, Foxtail millet Bisibelebath and Joladha roti among
other items. For dessert, Ragi halwa, Jowar halwa and Bajra kheer
were three of the offerings.
What are millets, India’s indigenous foodgrains?
▪ The term millet is used to describe small-grained
cereals like sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), foxtail millet
(kangni/ Italian millet), little millet (kutki), kodo millet, finger
millet (ragi/ mandua), proso millet (cheena/ common
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millet), barnyard millet (sawa/ sanwa/ jhangora), and brown top

millet (korale).
▪ Millets were among the first crops to be domesticated. There is
evidence for consumption of millets in the Indus-Sarasvati
civilisation (3,300 to 1300 BCE). Several varieties that are now
grown around the world were first cultivated in India. West
Africa, China, and Japan are also home to indigenous varieties of
the crop.
▪ Millets are now grown in more than 130 countries, and are
the traditional food for more than half a billion people in Asia and
Africa. Globally, sorghum (jowar) is the biggest millet crop.
The major producers of jowar are the United
States, China, Australia, India, Argentina, Nigeria,
and Sudan. Bajra is another major millet crop; India and some
African countries are major producers.
▪ In India, millets are mainly a kharif crop. During 2018-19, three
millet crops — bajra (3.67%), jowar (2.13%), and ragi (0.48%) —
accounted for about 7 per cent of the gross cropped area in the
country, Agriculture Ministry data show.
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Where are millets produced (and consumed)?

▪ Jowar is mainly grown in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan,
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and
Madhya Pradesh. In 2020-21, the area under jowar stood at 4.24
million hectares, while production was 4.78 million
tonnes. Maharashtra accounted for the largest area (1.94 Mn
ha) and production (1.76 million tonnes) of jowar during 2020-21.
▪ Bajra is mainly grown in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana,
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Of the
total 7.75 Mn ha under bajra in 2020-21, the highest (4.32 Mn ha)
was in Rajasthan. The state also produced the most bajra in the
country (4.53 million tonnes of the total 10.86 million tonnes) in 2020-
21.
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▪ The consumption of millets was reported mainly from these

states: Gujarat (jowar and bajra), Karnataka (jowar and
ragi), Maharashtra (jowar and bajra), Rajasthan (bajra),
and Uttarakhand (ragi).
Why are millets “good”?
▪ Millets are eco-friendly crops – they require much less water than
rice and wheat, and can be grown in rainfed areas without
additional irrigation. According to a 2019 study, “wheat and rice
have the lowest green water footprints but the highest blue water
footprints, while millets were exactly opposite.” Green water
footprint refers to water from precipitation whereas blue water
refers to water from land sources. Thus, millets require the least
amount of irrigation to be grown.
▪ They are also highly nutritious. On 10 April 2018, the Agriculture
Ministry declared certain varieties of millets as “Nutri Cereals” for the
purposes of production, consumption, and trade. These
include Jowar, bajra, ragi/ mandua, the minor millets — kangani/
kakun, cheena, kodo, sawa/ sanwa/ jhangora, and kutki — and the
two pseudo millets, buckwheat (kuttu) and amaranth (chaulai).
▪ The Story of Millets published by the Karnataka State
Department of Agriculture in association with ICAR-Indian
Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, says, “Millets contain 7-
12% protein, 2-5% fat, 65-75% carbohydrates and 15-20%
dietary fibre… Small millets are more nutritious compared to fine
cereals. They contain higher protein, fat and fibre content.”
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2023: the Year of Millets

▪ On 3 March 2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
adopted a resolution to declare 2023 as the International Year
of Millets. The proposal, moved by India, was supported by 72
countries. Several events and activities, including conferences and
field activities, and the issuing of stamps and coins, are expected as
part of the celebrations aimed at spreading awareness about
millets, inspiring stakeholders to improve production and quality,
and attracting investments.

28. What are JDAMs?

▪ An American weapon first dropped by stealth bombers over Kosovo

in 1999 and then during combat in the post-9/11 wars will soon be
used by Ukrainian pilots flying Russian-made jets to kill Russian
soldiers.
▪ The weapon, called the Joint Direct Attack Munition, consists of
a kit that turns a cheap unguided bomb into a highly
accurate, GPS-guided weapon. It is usually referred to as JDAM. The
Biden administration announced recently that the weapons would be
part of a new $1.85 billion military aid package, giving Ukraine a
precision-guided bombing capability, it has never had.
▪ When dropped from higher altitudes, the bomb can travel about 15
miles to its target before exploding.
▪ With the right kind of equipment, Ukrainian jets could carry
multiple JDAMs on a single mission, just like U.S. and NATO
warplanes do.
What are these weapons?
▪ Technically speaking, JDAM refers to a kit that is bolted onto the U.S.
military’s general purpose Mark-80-series bomb and turns it into
a GPS-guided weapon.
▪ The Mark-80 warhead, which was developed soon after World War II,
was designed to be easily fitted with a variety of tail fins and fuses
for use in a range of situations. Over decades, different attachments
have been fielded - for low-level bombing, and to turn them into land
and sea mines, and finally into various types of guided weapons.
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▪ It typically comes in three sizes ranging from 500 to 2,000 pounds.

However, which model or models will be provided to Ukraine is unclear.
▪ Since their first combat use in the late 1990s, JDAMs have been
improved and new capabilities have been added. They can work with
a variety of fuses that control whether they explode above the
ground, on the surface or after burrowing into the ground. One
updated kit adds a pair of wings that open after the bomb is
dropped, allowing it to fly more than 40 miles to a target.
▪ They are also relatively inexpensive, in the Pentagon’s math. A
Navy fact sheet updated in 2021 put the basic JDAM kit’s average
price at just over $24,000 apiece.
Where did they come from?
▪ JDAM was born out of the frustration that pilots and Air Force
leaders had with a different kind of guided bomb during Operation
Desert Storm in 1991.
▪ First used in small numbers toward the end of the Vietnam War, that
bomb was called the Paveway II. At the time, the idea was considered
revolutionary: An expensive kit fixed to the nose and tail of a Mark-
80 could make the otherwise unguided bomb maneuverable along
the path of a laser shone from the ground or from a plane above. But
in Iraq, sandstorms and smoke often disrupted the path of the laser
beams, causing the bomb to miss its target.
▪ Months after that war ended, the Air Force decided that military
pilots needed a kit that would not cost more than Paveway II and
could guide bombs in all weather conditions. A new constellation of
GPS satellites offered a solution, continuously beaming radio signals
that could guide bombs night and day, rain or shine.
▪ Air Force leaders accelerated work on a similar device to produce
what ultimately became JDAMs, which are now made by Boeing at a
factory in St. Charles, Missouri.
Why did the U.S. wait to give these bombs to Ukraine?
▪ Unlike some U.S.-provided weapons, the issue is not the length of
training or the cost of maintenance. A few fundamental hardware
and software problems had to be solved: JDAM kits were not designed
to be used with Ukraine’s Russian-made bombs, and the country’s
Russian warplanes cannot carry American-made bombs, nor can
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Russian flight computers communicate electronically with American

guided munitions.
▪ Since Poland, a former satellite of the Soviet Union, joined NATO,
some of its Russian MiG-29 warplanes have been converted to carry
Western munitions, but that required replacing their Soviet-designed
computer systems and some wiring with Western-made gear. A faster
approach was needed for Ukraine.
▪ The Pentagon has said little about how it made that work.
What is the problem that needed to be solved?
▪ It took some MacGyvering, but the problem here was not unlike the
one shown in the movie "Apollo 13," when NASA engineers had to fit
different parts together in order to save the lives of astronauts in
space - figuring out how to "put a square peg in a round hole," as the
story went. This year, engineers had to essentially do that, and much
more, to make JDAMs work on Russian jets with the minimal
modifications.
▪ The standard bombs used by the United States and Russia are very
different in design, as are the devices used to attach them to warplanes
and drop them over targets.
▪ American-made bombs have two small steel lugs that secure them
to racks designed to hold them snugly at high speeds and to quickly
push them clear of the plane’s fuselage when a pilot presses a button
to drop. By comparison, many Russian bombs have only one
suspension lug, and the racks that drop them are incompatible with
U.S.-made weapons.
▪ The U.S. military solved the hardest part of this problem months
ago, when Ukrainian pilots first started shooting the American-
made high-speed anti-radiation missile, or HARM. An adapter was
created to connect a device called a pylon and other parts that hold
the weapon to the jet.
▪ At Ramstein Air Base in Germany, a U.S. Air Force and Air National
Guard team called Grey Wolf provides support to the Ukrainian air
force, including on tactics and techniques, a military spokesperson
said.
Is there more to it?
Yes, quite a bit.
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▪ Carrying the bomb securely is one thing, but there are other
problems. The electrical signal generated when a pilot presses the
button to drop that bomb has to be converted to one that American-
made devices recognize. And before being dropped, a JDAM needs
data on the aircraft’s position and velocity as well as the target’s
location fed into it electronically while the plane is in flight. Newer
types of American bomb racks and pylons offer solutions. One
"smart" pylon used with the HARM missile is now in service with
Ukraine’s air force.
▪ The final piece is to transfer data from the cockpit to the pylon once all
other conversions and adapters have been figured out, said Mike
Pietrucha, a retired Air Force colonel who spent decades flying as a
weapons officer on F-4G and F-15E fighters.
▪ More than a decade ago, he said, the U.S. military developed a
system to adapt an American-made GPS-aided weapon on a foreign
aircraft using a laptop with a GPS device that connected to the smart
pylon via Bluetooth.
▪ "Today, the same function could probably be accomplished using a
tablet with a GPS attachment, and perhaps commercial flight
software," he added. "From there, the pylon would transfer the data to
the bomb itself."
How many have been built?
▪ Boeing says on its website that it has made more than 500,000
JDAM kits for the United States and allied countries.
▪ How many are headed to Ukraine has not been made public, although
it is likely that 500-pound JDAMs will be provided to start with. It
marks a significant increase in Ukraine’s precision-guided munition
capabilities.
▪ "It’s very important," said Andriy Zagorodnyuk, a former Ukrainian
defense minister who advises the government.

29. Focus on Africa, the heart of the Global South

▪ After the independence, India chooses to be neutral and lead Non-

Aligned Movement (NAM) to represent the voice of developing
countries or global south at various international institution.
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▪ Africa is sum of 54 countries and most of them are developing

or least develop.
▪ India will be hosting two major summits in 2023 where it has
opportunity to represent the South at G20 and Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
▪ However, to truly represent the South, it is essential for India
to grasp the mood and changes in Africa, especially in its
external partnerships.
Washington summit
▪ Recently, 2nd Us-Africa summit was held in Washington.
▪ It was between 49 African countries, African union (AU) chair and
President of USA.
USA’s announcement towards Africa during the summit
▪ It deliberated on ways to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and future
pandemics, respond to the climate crisis, promote food security and
deepen diasporic ties.
▪ US announced support for AU to join G20 as a permanent member.
▪ It can be implemented immediately with cooperation with India.
▪ US said it fully support reforming UN security council (UNSC) to
include permanent representation of Africa.
▪ However, this support is vague as it is unclear when or if UNSC
reform will happen.
▪ It announced investments worth $21 billion to International
Monetary Fund to provide access to necessary financing for low-and
middle-income countries.
▪ To boost security capacity with African partners, it will run
pilot programme worth $10 million.
▪ US planned to invest $55 billion in Africa over the next three
years.
China’s Prescence in Africa
▪ China has emerged as largest trading partner of Africa ahead of
USA.
▪ U.S.-Africa trade (2021): $44.9 billion
▪ China-Africa trade (2021): $254 billion
▪ It is fourth largest investor in African continent.
▪ U.S. investment in Sub-Saharan Africa (2020): $30.31 billion,
▪ China’s investment in Africa (2020): $43.4 billion.
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Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

▪ It was established in 2000.
▪ It is composed of ministers and leaders of Africa and China.
▪ Its summits are organised in every three years on alternative basis
between China and any African capital.
▪ China has full-fledge inner ministerial mechanism to ensure
timely implementation of FOCAC decisions.
▪ Last meeting was at Dakar (Capital of Senegal) in 2021.
▪ It expressed support for the Chinese agenda: One-China
Principle, the Global Development Initiative, the Belt and
Road Initiative, and the vision of a community with a shared
future.
▪ It also applauded the decision by the 2018 FOCAC summit in
Beijing to build “a China-Africa community” that strives for
“win-win cooperation.”
India–Africa Relations
Historic Ties
▪ India’s equity in Africa is older than China and US.
▪ India-Africa both share civilisation and historic links, anti-colonial
sentiments political and emotional, diasporic goodwill, and embedded
feeling of south-south cooperation.
India-Africa Trade Relation
▪ India is fourth largest trading partner of Africa.
▪ It has now reached US$ 89.5 billion in 2021-2022 compared
with US$ 56 billion the previous year.
▪ India mostly export Petroleum products followed by pharmaceutical
products, vehicles, and cereals.
Indian Investments in Africa
▪ It is US$73.9 billion between period of April 1996 to March 2022.
▪ Its top destinations: Mauritius, Mozambique, Sudan, Egypt and
South Africa.
Suggestions to improve India-Africa relations
African representation in G20
▪ India is a host to G20 in 2023.
▪ India should ensure that African union becomes the permanent
member of G20.
▪ Aim: To reflect firmly Africa’s Agenda 2063 for development.
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India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)

▪ Forth IAFS should be held in 2024.
▪ Third summit was held in 2015.
▪ It is necessary to hold IAFS constantly to ensure good relations with
African countries.
International Solar Alliance
▪ It can be utilized to fund green projects to develop clean energy
infrastructure in Africa.
▪ Idea is to find innovative ways to sustainably harness its
existing resources to meet its growing demand for energy.
▪ Africa only accounts for 3.8 percent of global greenhouse gas
emissions, in contrast to China’s 23 percent, the United States’ 19
percent, and the European Union’s 13 percent.
Digital penetration
▪ India has expertise in digitization of country through various
initiatives.
▪ Example: Digital India, Bharat Net, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan
Yojana, India Stack etc.
▪ It can be useful with a targeted approach towards skills development,
if these Indian initiatives are implemented properly in African
countries.
▪ It will benefit their economies greatly and could also help young
Africans become more employable.
African healthcare needs
▪ In the areas where India has experience and remedies, it could adapt
them to African Healthcare needs.
▪ It is an opportunity for Indian private investors to invest in
development of secondary and tertiary hospitals and labs.
▪ For this purpose, India-Africa Health Fund worth US$10 million in
IAFS in 2015 needs to be utilized properly.
India-US cooperation in Africa
▪ To fund sustainable projects in Africa and countering
China’s growing presence in Africa, both nations should cooperate in
Africa.
India and African countries share the same historic colonial rule and path to
21st century. So, it is an opportunity for India in 2023 to enhance its ties with
African countries through various multination institution
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30. A Debate on Criminalising Marital Rape

▪ The term marital rape (also referred to as spousal rape) refers to

unwanted intercourse by a man on his wife obtained by force, threat
of force or physical violence or when she is unable to give consent. The
words unwanted intercourse refers to all sorts of penetration (whether
anal, vaginal or oral) perpetrated against her will or without her
consent.
Status of marital rape in India
▪ In India, the definition of rape under section 375 of Indian Penal
Code does not include marital rape as a criminal offence.
▪ Exception 2 to Section 375: This section provides that sexual
intercourse by a man with his own wife(provided that wife is over
the age of 18) would not amount to the offence of rape. This is based
on the premise that all sex within marriage is consensual (perpetual
consent). This exemption allows a marital right to a husband who can
with legal sanction exercise his right to consensual or non-
consensual sex with his wife
▪ Marital Rape is only covered under the definition of domestic
violence which is defined under the Protection of Women from
Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The Domestic Violence Act is a civil law
and it only provides for civil remedies to the wife. Under Section
376-A in the IPC, 1860, rape of judicially separated wife was
criminalized. Nonetheless, the Justice Verma committee constituted
in 2012 strongly recommended that the exception under the IPC be
removed.
Cases associated with marital rape
▪ Exception two of Section 375 is also under challenge before the
Gujarat High Court on the grounds that it undermines consent of a
woman based on her marital status.
▪ Similarly, the Karnataka HC has recently allowed the framing of
marital rape charges against a man despite the exemption in law.
▪ Nimeshbhai Bharatbhai Desai vs State of Gujarat (2017)case: In
this case, the Gujarat High Court elaborately dealt with the issue of
marital rape. The Court stated that “making marital rape an offense
will remove the destructive attitudes that promote the marital
rape”. However, due to the non-recognition of marital rape as a crime,
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the Court held that the husband is liable only for outraging her
modesty and unnatural sex.
▪ Independent Thought v. Union of India (2017)case: In this case,
the SC has criminalised sexual intercourse with a minor wife aged
between 15 and 18 years. But the SC refused to delve into the question
of marital rape of adult women while examining an exception to Section
375.
Marital rape should be criminalized, because
▪ First, marital rape abuses, humiliates, degrades and violates the
dignity of woman thereby undermining their bodily integrity and
violating Article 21e Right to Life.
▪ Second, it is against the right to equality (Article 14) to apply
different criminal provisions on women based on their marital status.
Also, if the husband is accused of gang-rape of his wife, then he will
not be punished thereby undermining equal treatment of between all
accused persons.
▪ Third, it is a severe form of sexual violence that is punishable in many
civilized society as a symbol of gender justice.
▪ Fourth, decriminalizing marital rape simply means concretizing the
patriarchal mindset in the society, under which husbands believe
that wife is their property and they can do anything with them.
▪ Fifth, the civil remedies for marital rape include protection orders,
judicial separation and monetary compensation. Thus, the 2005 Act
only provides a recourse to the woman to remove themselves from the
violent and dangerous situation and does not do anything to deter
the violent behavior of husbands.
▪ Sixth, giving immunity to marital rape erodes women’s power to
negotiate contraception, to protect themselves against sexually
transmissible disease and to seek an environment of safety.
▪ Seventh, it has a deep psychological impact on the victim women.
According to one study, women victims of marital rape are twice as
likely to experience depression.
Challenges associated with criminalization of marital rape
▪ First, some experts believe that the institution of marriage is
sacrosanct in society which needs to be upheld at all costs and all
procreative sex within marriage is legitimate.
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▪ Second, it will further increase the threat to a woman’s life by her

husband and her in-laws. Any attempt to go against them may lead to
further atrocities and an attempt on her life.
▪ Third, dissatisfied, angry, vengeful wives might charge their innocent
husbands with false cases of marital rape. Further, it will be difficult
for husbands to prove their innocence.
▪ Fourth, there are issues as these crimes are committed in a space
where there are no eyewitnesses. But this is the same for other crimes
of Rape and POCSO.
Looking ahead
▪ First, Even though the Court has delivered a split verdict, its
intervention moves the needle in favour of doing away with the marital
rape exemption in law. One of the Judges’ opinion takes the
conversation forward on the subject, and sets the stage for a larger
constitutional intervention before the Supreme Court.
▪ Article 142 grants exceptional powers to SC. Under this, SC has the
equivalent power of a lawmaker. So, in failure of Parliamentary
legislation, the Courts can strike down the exception to Section
375.
▪ Second, the laws alone cannot be used to fight marital rape
issues, societal change is pivotal. Societal change is important, as
there is a need to challenge not just the issue of patriarchy, but the
very notion of perpetual consent under marriage.
The principle of equality and non-discrimination is important, and it is
enshrined in our Constitution. This should permeate through each law of the
country including Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code. It is high time that
India realizes that a marriage license cannot be a substitute for a woman’s
consent.

31. India’s FTA imperative

▪ While the Covid-19 pandemic has made the world realise the
importance of secure and reliable supply chains, there have been
concerns regarding economic self-interest and slowdown in global
trade.
▪ Recovering from the pandemic, India has undertaken a slew of
measures to facilitate trade with the aim of manufacturing
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for export and positioning itself as a global supply chain

hub (PLIs, Gati Shakti master plan, faceless and paperless cargo
clearance, etc.).
▪ However, realigning its policies to seek global market access by
partnering with like-minded countries through Free Trade
Agreement (FTA)s is most crucial towards this aim.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
▪ Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)are agreements between two or more
countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers on a
wide range of goods and services.
▪ India has entered into a number of FTAs with other countries in
order to expand its trade and boost its economic growth.
Benefits of Realignment Towards FTAs
▪ FTA aids integration with the global value chain as a reliable supply
hub, which is important in the post-pandemic world where businesses
look for safe and cost-efficient trading routes.
▪ They also provide deeper market access for Indian value-added
exports for the consuming markets of the West.
▪ They ensure the removal of existing non-tariff barriers to goods and
services exports with fair and reciprocal trade terms.
▪ And finally, they are important to leverage better opportunities vis-
à-vis regional competitors who already have preferential access.
Challenges w.r.t. India’s FTAs
▪ Market Access: One of the main challenges in India’s FTAs is the
lack of market access for its products in other countries.
▪ Many Indian products face high tariffs and other barriers to
entry in other countries, which makes it difficult for Indian
businesses to compete in those markets.
▪ Intellectual Property Rights: Another challenge is the protection
of intellectual property rights (IPR) in other countries.
▪ India has a large number of small and medium enterprises
(SMEs)that rely on the protection of their IPR in order to
compete in international markets. However, many countries
have stronger protections for IPR, which can make it difficult
for Indian businesses to sell their products in those markets.
▪ Trade Deficit: India has a trade deficit with many of its trading
partners, which means it imports more goods and services from
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those countries than it exports. This can be a challenge for India’s

economy, as it relies on exports to drive growth.
▪ India has accounted for a trade deficit of USD 16 billion in
2020-21 with ASEAN countries. At the same time, the trade
deficit with Japan remained USD 5 billion in 20-21.
▪ Impact on Agricultural Sector: The agricultural sector is a key part
of India’s economy, and many farmers in India rely on exports to
make a living.
▪ However, India’s FTAs with other countries have often led to an
increase in imports of agricultural products, which can be a
challenge for Indian farmers.
▪ Lack of Transparency: Most FTAs are negotiated behind closed
doors without much information on the objectives and processes
involved.
▪ Moreover, there are no institutional mechanisms to
scrutinise the actions of the executive during and after the
FTA has been signed.
Looking ahead
▪ Scrutiny of FTAs: Legislative oversight of FTAs should be handled
by the Committee on Commerce, by discussing different aspects of
agreements and negotiations, in a way maintaining executive
accountability to the legislature.
▪ Boosting Domestic Production India needs to strengthen its
domestic manufacturing base in value-added products like
engineering goods, electronic products, drugs and
pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture machinery, that could be
used to boost exports.
▪ Developing a Comprehensive FTA Strategy: India should develop
a comprehensive strategy for its FTA negotiations, including clear
goals and objectives, and a plan for how to achieve them.
▪ This should involve consultation with key stakeholders, such
as businesses, trade unions, and civil society groups.
▪ Reviewing and Updating Existing FTAs: India should regularly
review its existing FTAs to ensure that they are still providing benefits
to the country and its trading partners.
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▪ This may involve negotiating updates or amendments to the

agreements to address changing economic conditions or other
factors.
▪ Linking FTAs with India’s Act East and Neighbourhood Policy:
India should consider negotiating regional FTAs with countries in
its immediate region, such as those in South Asia or Southeast
Asia.
▪ This could help to increase trade within the region, boost
economic development in the area through increased
connectivity and economic diplomacy.