Posts

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 09 October 2024

Contents: World Mental Health Day 2024 Atal Pension Yojana (APY) World Mental Health Day 2024 Focus: GS-II: Social Justice Why in News? The World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10. About World Mental Health Day: World Mental Health Day was first initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), a global organisation dedicated to promoting mental health worldwide.. This global observance aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health care worldwide. The importance of World Mental Health Day is underscored by the growing recognition of the profound impact mental health has on individuals, families, and communities. The theme for 2024, Mental Health at Work, highlights the critical connection between mental health and the workplace. Understanding Mental illnesses Mental illnesses include anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders and eating disorders. The majority of suicides in the world are related to psychiatric problems or to the illnesses listed above. Death by suicide is a complex phenomenon and not fully reported. Mental health may not be the primary concern in developing economies like India as there may be other communicable and non-communicable diseases which may be more prevalent. Importance of mental health: Emotional and mental health is important because it’s a vital part of your life and impacts your thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Being healthy emotionally can promote productivity and effectiveness in activities like work, school or caregiving. It plays an important part in the health of your relationships, and allows you to adapt to changes in your life and cope with adversity. Our mental health encompasses our psychological, emotional and social well-being. This means it impacts how we feel, think and behave each day. Our mental health also contributes to our decision making process, how we cope with stress and how we relate to others in our lives. Global burden of mental health will be well beyond the treatment capacities of developed and developing countries. The social and economic costs associated with growing burden of mental ill health focused the possibilities for promoting mental health as well as preventing and treating mental illness. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)  Focus: GS-II Social Justice Why in News? The total gross enrolments under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) have crossed 7 crore, with an enrolment of over 56 lakh in the current Financial Year 2024-25. About Atal Pension Yojana (APY) APY was launched on 9th May 2015 with an objective of delivering old age income security, particularly to the workers in the unorganised sector. APY envisages Government providing guarantee of minimum pension after 60 years of age. The scheme even after garnering 2.23 crores workers under the ambit of pension, still remains unequivocally relevant for addressing the challenges of rapidly increasing aging population of India. The scheme has been implemented comprehensively across the country covering all states and Union Territories with male to female subscription ratio of 57:43. APY can be subscribed by Any Indian citizen in the age group of 18-40 years having a bank account and its uniqueness is attributable to three distinctive benefits. It provides a minimum guaranteed pension ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 on attaining 60 years of age. The amount of pension is guaranteed for lifetime to spouse on death of the subscriber and lastly, in the event of death of both the subscriber and the spouse, entire pension corpus is paid to the nominee. Future of APY Going forward there is still the humongous task of increasing the pension coverage, as only five per cent of the eligible population has been covered under APY till date.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 09 October 2024

Contents: India contributes for Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine Asia’s Largest and World’s Highest Imaging Cherenkov Observatory inaugrated India eliminates Trachoma: WHO AI compute procurement norms relaxed by MeitY Government ensures universal supply of fortified rice Concerns of Maoist influx to Odisha India contributes for Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine Context: India, the sixth largest global contributor of core funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO), has now committed to give more than $300 million for the organisation’s core programme of work from 2025 to 2028. The biggest chunk of $250 million will be spent on the Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine. Relevance: GS II- Health Dimensions of the Article: What is traditional medicine? Why has the WHO felt the need to advance knowledge of traditional medicine? What is traditional medicine? The WHO describes traditional medicine as the total sum of the “knowledge, skills and practices indigenous and different cultures have used over time to maintain health and prevent, diagnose and treat physical and mental illness”. “Its reach encompasses ancient practices such as acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine and herbal mixtures as well as modern medicines,” Traditional medicine in India is often defined as including practices and therapies — such as yoga, Ayurveda, Siddha — that have been part of Indian tradition historically, as well as others — such as homeopathy — that became part of Indian tradition over the years. Ayurveda and yoga are practised widely across the country; the Siddha system is followed predominantly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala; the Sowa-Rigpa system is practised mainly in Leh-Ladakh and Himalayan regions such as Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Lahaul & Spiti. Why has the WHO felt the need to advance knowledge of traditional medicine? The WHO says 170 of its 194 WHO Member States have reported the use of traditional medicine, and these member states have asked for its support in creating a body of “reliable evidence and data on traditional medicine practices and products”. It says the Jamnagar centre will serve as the hub, and focus on building a “solid evidence base” for policies and “help countries integrate it as appropriate into their health systems”. The WHO has flagged many challenges faced by traditional medicine: For instance, national health systems and strategies do not yet fully integrate traditional medicine workers, accredited courses and health facilities. Second, the WHO has stressed the need to conserve biodiversity and sustainability as about 40% of approved pharmaceutical products today derive from natural substances. For example, the discovery of aspirin drew on traditional medicine formulations using the bark of the willow tree, the contraceptive pill was developed from the roots of wild yam plants and child cancer treatments have been based on the rosy periwinkle. Third, the WHO has referred to modernisation of the ways traditional medicine is being studied. Artificial intelligence is now used to map evidence and trends in traditional medicine. “Functional magnetic resonance imaging is used to study brain activity and the relaxation response that is part of some traditional medicine therapies such as meditation and yoga, which are increasingly drawn on for mental health and well-being in stressful times,” Fourth, the WHO has said traditional medicine is also being extensively updated by mobile phone apps, online classes, and other technologies. The GCTM will serve as a hub for other countries, and build standards on traditional medicine practices and products. -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express        Asia’s Largest and World’s Highest Imaging Cherenkov Observatory inaugrated Context: The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory has been inaugurated at Hanle, Ladakh. Relevance: GS-3 Science and Technology, Space Technology About MACE: MACE is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia. It is located at an altitude of ~4,300 m and is also the highest of its kind in the world. The telescope is indigenously built by BARC with support from ECIL and other Indian industry partners. The inaugural of MACE Observatory was a part of the Platinum Jubilee year celebrations of the DAE. Significance: The telescope will place India in the forefront of cosmic-ray research globally. It will allow us to study high-energy gamma rays, paving the way for deeper understanding of the universe’s most energetic events. The MACE project plays not only in advancing scientific research but also in supporting the socio-economic development of Ladakh. Students were encouraged to explore careers in astronomy and astrophysics. -Source: PIB India eliminates Trachoma: WHO Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has now recognised that India has successfully eliminated trachoma. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Details About Trachoma What are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)? Government’s efforts regarding NTD Details: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised India has successfully eliminated trachoma, a bacterial infection that affects the eyes, as a public health problem. India received a citation from World Health Organization South-East Asia at the 77th Regional Conference for eliminating Trachoma. India is the third country in South-East Asia Region to reach this important public health milestone. About Trachoma: Trachoma is a devastating eye disease caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Repeated infections in childhood lead to scarring of the inner side of the upper eyelids, resulting in inward turning of the eyelid margin, with the eyelashes touching the eyeball. This is a painful condition known as trachomatous trichiasis – if left untreated, it can result in visual impairment and blindness. Spread: The infection spreads from person to person through contaminated fingers, fomites and flies that have come into contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person. Environmental risk factors for trachoma transmission include poor hygiene, overcrowded households, and inadequate access to water, and sanitation facilities. Elimination: To eliminate trachoma, WHO recommends the SAFE strategy [1] to achieve elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Progress against trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases is alleviating the human and economic burden that they impose on the world’s most disadvantaged communities. The 2021–2030 neglected tropical disease road map targets the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of 21 diseases and disease groups by 2030. What are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)? Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)– a diverse group of communicable diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical conditions in 149 countries – affect more than one billion people and cost developing economies billions of dollars every year. Populations living in poverty, without adequate sanitation and in close contact with infectious vectors and domestic animals and livestock are those worst affected. Seven of the most common NTDs can be found in a number of countries—primarily in low- and middle-income countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Controlling the vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, black flies) that transmit these diseases and improving basic water, sanitation, and hygiene are highly effective strategies against these NTDs. The NTD Crisis NTDs such as dengue, lymphatic filariasis and visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar) afflict 1 billion people worldwide, and yet, are not prioritised in the public health narrative in many parts of the world. India bears the largest burden of NTDs in the world, accounting for 40 per cent of the global lymphatic filariasis disease burden and almost a quarter of the world’s visceral leishmaniasis cases. Government’s efforts regarding NTD In recent years, the government has made concerted efforts to address the nation’s NTD burden, especially visceral leishmaniasis and lymphatic filariasis which were slated to be eliminated by 2020 and 2021 respectively. India has already eliminated several other NTDs, including guinea worm, trachoma, and yaws. Measures taken include Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for lymphatic filariasis prevention in endemic districts and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) to control the breeding of sandflies that transmit visceral leishmaniasis. The Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (APELF) was launched in 2018, as part of intensifying efforts towards the elimination of NTDs. A WHO-supported regional alliance established by the governments of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal in 2005 to expedite early diagnosis and treatment of the most vulnerable populations and improve disease surveillance and control of sandfly populations (Kala-azar). -Source: The Hindu AI compute procurement norms relaxed by MeitY Context: The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has relaxed some provisions in its norms to procure computing capacity for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The relaxations was on account of a reduction in the annual turnover requirement for companies looking to set up such data centres, and on the computing capacity itself.  The decision is part of the Rs 10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: IndiaAI Mission Key Highlights of India’s Artificial Intelligence Market Challenges Anticipated for IndiaAI Mission IndiaAI Mission Overview: The IndiaAI Mission is a major initiative aimed at building a robust artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in India. It focuses on enhancing the nation’s capabilities in AI technology, improving data quality, and supporting indigenous AI development. The mission seeks to create an environment conducive to AI innovation and ethical practices while fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and startups. Key Objectives: Establish AI Computing Infrastructure: Build a high-end AI computing ecosystem with over 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Procure 300 to 500 GPUs initially to kickstart the project. Provide essential computing power to Indian startups and researchers. Development of Indigenous AI Technologies: Create Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and foundational models with over 100 billion parameters. Focus on priority sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and governance. Develop datasets covering major Indian languages. Enhance Data Quality: Develop a unified platform to provide seamless access to quality non-personal datasets. Support startups and researchers with high-quality data resources. Support AI Startups and Research: Provide streamlined funding access for deep-tech AI startups with approximately Rs 2,000 crore allocated. Foster industry collaboration and support impactful AI startups. Expand AI education with undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs, and establish Data and AI Labs in smaller cities. Promote Ethical AI Practices: Develop guidelines and frameworks to ensure responsible AI practices. Include indigenous tools for project assessment and ethical evaluation. Create an AI Marketplace: Establish an AI marketplace to facilitate resource sharing and collaboration among AI stakeholders. Financials: The Union Cabinet approved the mission with a budget of Rs 10,372 crore. Close to Rs 2,000 crore has been earmarked specifically for developing foundational models and AI infrastructure. Significance: GPU Utilization: GPUs are crucial for training large-scale AI models and are essential for advanced applications such as machine learning, modeling, media analytics, and cloud gaming. Socio-Economic Impact: The mission aims to address critical challenges in various sectors and drive large-scale socio-economic transformation through AI. Talent and Innovation: By attracting top talent and fostering industry collaboration, the mission seeks to position India as a global leader in AI technology. Key Highlights of India’s Artificial Intelligence Market Growing AI Adoption: Government Initiatives: The National AI Strategy and the National AI Portal, along with programs like AI for All by NASSCOM, are accelerating AI adoption across sectors. Sector Integration: Key sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and agriculture are increasingly integrating AI technologies. Significance of Data: Data as a Resource: Clive Humby’s assertion that “data is the new oil” highlights the importance of AI-driven data analytics. Enhanced Insights: Companies leverage AI for valuable insights, operational improvements, and innovation. Supporting Initiatives: Digital India and Make in India: Initiatives like these, along with Smart Cities Mission and GI Cloud (MeghRaj), are driving AI adoption. Global IndiaAI Summit: Hosted by India, this summit promotes AI advancements and collaboration. Active Research Community: Institutional Contributions: Institutions like IITs, ISI, and IISc are actively involved in AI research and development, contributing to the global knowledge base. Emerging AI Clusters: Major Cities: AI clusters are forming in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, and the National Capital Region (NCR). Bengaluru’s Role: Known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” Bengaluru has a thriving ecosystem with over 2,000 active startups, significant IT exports, and strong AI research, including over 400 patents annually. Investment Opportunities: Agriculture: AI-powered precision farming and crop monitoring offer significant productivity gains. Finance: AI-driven fraud detection, risk assessment, and customer service automation are in high demand. Healthcare: AI presents opportunities in predictive diagnostics, personalized treatment, and drug discovery. Retail: Technologies like recommendation engines and chatbots are transforming the retail sector. Challenges Anticipated for IndiaAI Mission Ambitious GPU Objectives: Procurement and Deployment: Building a computing capacity of 10,000 GPUs is ambitious. Timely procurement and deployment are crucial. High Costs and Availability: Cost Barriers: High costs of GPUs, such as Nvidia’s A100 chip costing up to USD 10,000, pose barriers for smaller businesses. Availability Issues: Accelerating the acquisition and integration of GPUs is essential. Dataset Limitations: Diverse Data Needs: Effective AI model training, especially for Indic languages, requires diverse and adequate datasets. Skilled Workforce Shortage: Talent Gap: There is a shortage of skilled AI professionals, and efforts are needed to bridge this gap. High Deployment Costs: Infrastructure Investments: The cost of deploying AI solutions, particularly in manufacturing, involves significant capital investments, which may hinder widespread adoption. Infrastructure Needs: Cloud Computing: Advanced cloud computing infrastructure is necessary for scaling AI applications. Current efforts like AIRAWAT are steps in the right direction, but comprehensive facilities are still lacking. Ethical and Security Concerns: Bias and Ethics: Ensuring ethical use and avoiding biases in AI models are critical. Data Security: Handling sensitive personal data raises concerns related to data security and privacy. Environmental Impact: Energy Consumption: AI and data centers significantly increase global energy consumption. Data centers currently account for 1% to 1.3% of global electricity demand, projected to rise to 1.5% to 3% by 2026. Cooling Needs: Increased data processing generates more heat, requiring powerful cooling systems. Water Usage: The demand for water resources for cooling data centers adds to environmental concerns. Geopolitical and Technological Restrictions: Export Controls: Geopolitical tensions and export control regulations can restrict access to essential AI technologies and components. -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express        Government ensures universal supply of fortified rice Context: The Government recently approved the continuation of the universal supply of fortified rice under all central schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in its present form till 2028. Relevance: GS III- Indian Economy, Public distribution system Dimensions of the Article: What is rice fortification? Need of rice fortification What are the standards for fortification? Advantages Issues with fortified food About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana What is rice fortification? The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) defines fortification as “deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in a food so as to improve the nutritional quality of food and to provide public health benefit with minimal risk to health”. The cooking of fortified rice does not require any special procedure. After cooking, fortified rice retains the same physical properties and micronutrient levels as it had before cooking. Fortified rice will be packed in jute bags with the logo (‘+F’) and the line “Fortified with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12”. Various technologies are available to add micronutrients to regular rice, such as coating, dusting, and ‘extrusion’. The last mentioned involves the production of fortified rice kernels (FRKs) from a mixture using an ‘extruder’ machine. It is considered to be the best technology for India. The fortified rice kernels are blended with regular rice to produce fortified rice. Need of rice fortification India has very high levels of malnutrition among women and children. According to the Food Ministry, every second woman in the country is anaemic and every third child is stunted. Fortification of food is considered to be one of the most suitable methods to combat malnutrition. Rice is one of India’s staple foods, consumed by about two-thirds of the population. Per capita rice consumption in India is 6.8 kg per month. Therefore, fortifying rice with micronutrients is an option to supplement the diet of the poor. What are the standards for fortification? Under the Ministry’s guidelines, 10 g of FRK must be blended with 1 kg of regular rice. According to FSSAI norms, 1 kg of fortified rice will contain the following: iron (28 mg-42.5 mg), folic acid (75-125 microgram), and vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25 microgram). Rice may also be fortified with zinc (10 mg-15 mg), vitamin A (500-750 microgram RE), vitamin B-1 (1 mg-1.5 mg), vitamin B-2 (1.25 mg-1.75 mg), vitamin B-3 (12.5 mg-20 mg) and vitamin B-6 (1.5 mg-2.5 mg) per kg. Advantages Fortified staple foods will contain natural or near-natural levels of micro-nutrients, which may not necessarily be the case with supplements.  It provides nutrition without any change in the characteristics of food or the course of our meals.  If consumed on a regular and frequent basis, fortified foods will maintain body stores of nutrients more efficiently and more effectively than will intermittently supplement.  The overall costs of fortification are extremely low; the price increase is approximately 1 to 2 percent of the total food value.  It upholds everyone’s right to have access to safe and nutritious food, consistent with the right to adequate food and the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger Issues with fortified food Fortification and enrichment upset nature’s packaging. Our body does not absorb individual nutrients added to processed foods as efficiently compared to nutrients naturally occurring. Supplements added to foods are less bioavailable. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient your body is able to absorb and use. They lack immune-boosting substances. Fortified foods and supplements can pose specific risks for people who are taking prescription medications, including decreased absorption of other micro-nutrients, treatment failure, and increased mortality risk. About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: It is considered as world’s largest food security scheme, aims at ensuring sufficient food for the poor and needy during the coronavirus crisis. It was announced as part of the first relief package during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the scheme, the food needs to be provided to all the beneficiaries under public distribution system (TPDS) for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority household (PHH) ration cardholders. As per updates, the eligible beneficiaries will receive 5kg of foodgrains and 1 kg Gram per month. Eligibility  Families belonging to the Below Poverty Line – Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) categories will be eligible for the scheme. PHH are to be identified by State Governments/Union Territory Administrations as per criteria evolved by them. AAY families are to be identified by States/UTs as per the criteria prescribed by the Central Government: Households headed by widows or terminally ill persons or disabled persons or persons aged 60 years or more with no assured means of subsistence or societal support. Widows or terminally ill persons or disabled persons or persons aged 60 years or more or single women or single men with no family or societal support or assured means of subsistence. All primitive tribal households. Landless agriculture labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans/craftsmen such as potters, tanners, weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters, slum dwellers, and persons earning their livelihood on daily basis in the informal sector like porters, coolies, rickshaw pullers, hand cart pullers, fruit and flower sellers, snake charmers, rag pickers, cobblers, destitutes  and other similar categories in both rural and urban areas. All eligible Below Poverty Line families of HIV positive persons. -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express        Concerns of Maoist influx to Odisha Context: Anti-Naxal operations in neighbouring Chhattisgarh has raised concerns of Maoist influx from Chhattisgarh to Odisha. The Odisha government has also raised three battalions of the Odisha Special Striking Force (OSSF), comprising ex-servicemen, to engage in anti-Maoist operation. Relevance: GS3- Internal Security- Left Wing Extremism Dimensions of the Article: Trend in Maoist / Naxalite insurrection Radicalization Types of Radicalisation Left Wing Extremism (LWE) What is Naxalism in India? Causes of Naxalism in India: Government Initiatives to fight LWE Way Forward Trend in Maoist / Naxalite insurrection The Maoist insurrection which began first as the Naxalite movement in the 1970s and then intensified since 2004, following the merger of two prominent insurgent groups, remains a mindless guerrilla-driven militant movement that has failed to gain adherents beyond those living in remote tribal areas either untouched by welfare or are discontents due to state repression. The Maoists are now considerably weaker than a decade ago, with several senior leaders either dead or incarcerated, but their core insurgent force in south Bastar remains intact. The recourse to violence is now little more than a ploy to invite state repression which furthers their aim of gaining new adherents. While the Indian state has long since realised that there cannot only be a military end to the conflict, the Chhattisgarh government’s inability to reach out to those living in the Maoist strongholds remains a major hurdle, which has resulted in a protracted but violent stalemate in the area. Radicalization Radicalization is a process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideals and aspirations that reject or undermine the status quo or contemporary ideas and expressions of the nation. The outcomes of radicalization are shaped by the ideas of the society at large; for example, radicalism can originate from a broad social consensus against progressive changes in society or from a broad desire for change in society. Radicalization can be both violent and nonviolent, although most academic literature focuses on radicalization into violent extremism (RVE). There are multiple pathways that constitute the process of radicalization, which can be independent but are usually mutually reinforcing. Radicalization that occurs across multiple reinforcing pathways greatly increases a group’s resilience and lethality. Furthermore, by compromising its ability to blend in with non-radical society and participate in a modern, national economy, radicalization serves as a kind of sociological trap that gives individuals no other place to go to satisfy their material and spiritual needs Types of Radicalisation Right-Wing Extremism – It is characterized by the violent defence of a racial, ethnic or pseudo-national identity, and is also associated with radical hostility towards state authorities, minorities, immigrants and/or left-wing political groups. Politico-Religious Extremism – It results from political interpretation of religion and the defence, by violent means, of a religious identity perceived to be under attack (via international conflicts, foreign policy, social debates, etc.). Any religion may spawn this type of violent radicalization. Left-Wing Extremism – It focuses primarily on anti-capitalist demands and calls for the transformation of political systems considered responsible for producing social inequalities, and that may ultimately employ violent means to further its cause. It includes anarchist, maoist, Trotskyist and marxist–leninist groups that use violence to advocate for their cause. Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Left Wing Extremism (LWE) organizations are the groups that try to bring change through violent revolution. They are against democratic institutions and use violence to subvert the democratic processes at ground level. These groups prevent the developmental processes in the least developed regions of the country and try to misguide the people by keeping them ignorant of current happenings. Left Wing Extremists are popularly known as Maoists worldwide and as Naxalites in India. What is Naxalism in India? A Naxal or Naxalite is a member of any political organisation that claims the legacy of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist), founded in Calcutta in 1969. The term Naxal derives from the name of the village Naxalbari in West Bengal, where the Naxalite peasant revolt took place in 1967. It creates conditions for non-functioning of the government and actively seeks disruption of development activities as a means to achieve its objective of ‘wresting control’. It spreads fear among the law-abiding citizens. Naxalism is considered to be one of the biggest internal security threats India faces. The conflict is concentrated the Eastern part of the country, particularly an area known as the Red Corridor spread across the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. o Some districts of Kerala, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh etc are impacted by Naxalism. Naxal violence is related to the intensity of the feeling of people of their deprivation and their commitment to take revenge against those who are believed to be responsible for such denial. Currently, the main supporters of the movement are marginalized groups of India including Dalits and Adivasis, who believe they have been neglected by the government. Further, Naxals support Maoist political sentiments and ideology. Causes of Naxalism in India: Mismanagement of Forests: It is one of the main reasons for the spread of Naxalism. It started with the British government. The monopolization of the forest started with the enactment of various forest laws. The integration with the wider world led to an influx of a new class like moneylenders. The administrative machinery became more exploitative and extortionate at functional level. Tribal policies not implemented well: Even during the post-Independence era, the government was not able to stop the process of the tribal alienation and their displacement caused by large projects. Even the issues of food security were not fully sorted out. Consequently, Naxalism made inroads in Orissa and other states. The Growing inter and intra-regional disparities: Naxalism attract people who have poor livelihood like fishermen, farmers, daily labourers and bamboo cutters. The government policies have failed to stem the growing inter and intra-regional disparities. The poor people think that Naxalism can provide solutions to their problems. Absence of proper Industrialization and lack of land reforms: The half-hearted implementation of land reforms by the government has yielded negative results. The agrarian set up has not been defined in the absence of proper implementation of survey and settlement. This further damaged the agriculture production and the rural economy. Absence of proper industrialization has failed to generate employment for rural people leading to dissatisfaction with the government. It is also one of the causes behind Naxalism. Geographical Terrain: Naxalism thrives in areas covered with forests. It helps them fight against the police and the army by waging Guerrilla warfare. Middle Class Youth: The educated youths have been the largest supporters of the Naxalist movement as the maximum of the youths involved in the movement are medical and engineering graduates. Universities have turned up to be a pitch for the creation of radical ideologies. Government Initiatives to fight LWE Greyhounds was raised in 1989 as an elite anti-naxal force. Operation Green Hunt was started in 2009-10 and massive deployment of security forces was done in the naxal-affected areas. It decreased Naxal affected areas from 223 to 90 districts in 9 years. LWE Mobile Tower Project envisioned to improve mobile connectivity in the LWE areas, the Government in 2014, approved installation of mobile towers in LWE affected States. Aspirational Districts Programme was launched in 2018, it aims to rapidly transform the districts that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas. Police Modernization Scheme plus fortification of police station in areas affected by Naxal movements. Assistance in training of State Police through the Ministry of Defence. National Policy and Action Plan 2015 is a multi-pronged strategy in the areas of security, development, ensuring rights & entitlement of local communities etc Special Infrastructure Scheme for funds to the States of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha to raise Special Task Force to combat LWE. Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: Under this the central Govt. reimburses security related expenditure to the LWE affected state Governments. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 has been amended to strengthen the punitive measures. SAMADHAN Doctrine SAMADHAN doctrine is the one-stop solution for the LWE problem. It encompasses the entire strategy of government from short-term policy to long-term policy formulated at different levels. S- Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, M- Motivation and Training, Actionable Intelligence, D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result Areas), H- Harnessing Technology, Action plan for each Theatre, and N- No access to Financing. Way Forward Good governance – Analyzing the loopholes in the present strategy and developing a coherent national strategy to end the menace. Dialogue – Between the Naxal leaders, and the government officials can be a way to work out a solution. Generate more employment and increase wages – insecure livelihood and unemployment in the areas have left the people with little option but to join the Naxals. Ending the political marginalization of weaker sections – Weaker sections of the society, the schedule castes and schedule tribes still face discrimination from the upper class making them a soft target for the Naxals. Remove disparity – Economic disparity and the growing distance between rich and the poor is one of the main problems that has contributed to the growth of Naxalism. -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express       

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 08 October 2024

Contents: India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty entered into force Voter turnout in Haryana Assembly elections higher than Lok Sabha voting India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty entered into force Focus: GS2- International Relations Why in News? The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed on 13th February, 2024 at Abu Dhabi entered into force with effect from 31st August, 2024. The enforcement of this new BIT with UAE gives continuity of investment protection to investors of both the countries The Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) between India and UAE signed in December 2013 expired on 12th September, 2024. India-UAE Relations: India and the UAE established diplomatic ties in 1972, with a significant enhancement in bilateral relations occurring during the visit of India’s Prime Minister to the UAE in August 2015, initiating a new strategic partnership. This partnership was further strengthened when the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi visited India in January 2017, leading to the upgrade of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This development spurred negotiations for an India-UAE comprehensive economic partnership agreement. Economic Ties: In terms of economic relations, bilateral trade between India and the UAE reached USD 85 billion in 2022-23, making the UAE India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. The goal is to elevate bilateral merchandise trade to over USD 100 billion and services trade to USD 15 billion within five years. Numerous Indian companies have established manufacturing units, either through joint ventures or in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), across various sectors in the UAE. Under India’s revamped Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategy, the UAE holds a prominent position as the top priority for an early harvest deal, alongside other key countries/regions such as the UK, the EU, Australia, Canada, Israel, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The UAE has also expressed its intent to pursue bilateral economic agreements with India and seven other countries. Voter turnout in Haryana Assembly elections higher than Lok Sabha voting Focus: GS II: Polity and Governance Why in News? A voter turnout of 67.9% has been recorded across the 90 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) in the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024. These figures are significantly higher voter response compared to last Lok Sabha elections which recorded 64.8% voting in the state.  Voting Stats: India has a large and diverse population, and the voter demographics can vary significantly between states. However, some general statistics about Indian voters include: Gender: As of 2021, there are around 500 million female voters and 400 million male voters in India. However, the gender gap in voter turnout has been narrowing in recent elections. Age: Around 60% of Indian voters are below the age of 35. Literacy: The literacy rate among Indian voters is around 74%. Voter turnout: Voter turnout in India has been around 66% in recent national elections. However, voter turnout can vary significantly between states, with some states having voter turnout of over 80% and others having voter turnout of less than 60%. Voter registration: As of 2021, the number of registered voters in India is around 900 million. Rural and Urban: Around 70% of Indian voters live in rural areas. It’s worth noting that the above information is based on the knowledge cut off of 2020 and the latest updates of assembly seats allocation may differ.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 08 October 2024

Contents: Regulation Role: The Impact of microRNA on Gene Expression and Disease A Re-Balancing of India’s Great Power Relations Unpacking the Centre’s Affidavit on Marital Rape Regulation Role: The Impact of microRNA on Gene Expression and Disease Context: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNAs. These small RNA molecules have revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation by playing a critical role in the control of gene expression at the post-transcriptional stage. This discovery has opened new avenues for research in understanding cellular functions and the pathogenesis of diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and more. Relevance: General Studies Paper 3 (Science and Technology) Mains Question: Discuss the role of microRNAs in gene regulation and their potential applications in medical research. How does this discovery contribute to our understanding of disease mechanisms? (250 words) Understanding Gene Regulation Before microRNAs: Before the discovery of microRNAs, gene regulation was thought to be controlled primarily by transcription factors — specialized proteins that bind to specific DNA regions to determine which genes are expressed as mRNAs. This understanding limited the scope of gene regulation to the transcriptional level. The Discovery and its Significance: The Nobel Prize-winning discovery in 1993 used a 1 mm long mutant roundworm, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), to identify microRNAs as small RNA molecules capable of regulating gene expression post-transcription. This was a breakthrough, demonstrating that gene regulation can occur after mRNA is produced, influencing which proteins are synthesized. Role of microRNAs in Gene Regulation: MicroRNAs bind to target mRNAs, inhibiting their translation or promoting their degradation. This process fine-tunes protein production, ensuring that genes are expressed at the right time, place, and level within a cell. The human genome alone codes for over 1,000 microRNAs, highlighting their broad regulatory role across various biological processes. Implications for Disease Research: Cancer: Dysregulation of microRNAs has been linked to various types of cancer. Abnormal transcription, amplification, or deletion of microRNA genes can alter cell signalling pathways, enabling cancer cells to sustain proliferation, evade apoptosis, and metastasize. Autoimmune Diseases: Dysregulated microRNAs contribute to autoimmune pathogenesis by influencing immune responses. For example, specific microRNAs have been associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets: MicroRNAs have emerged as promising biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Some microRNA-based diagnostic tools have been developed and clinically used, though they are yet to be widely commercialized. Current Research and Clinical Applications: Researchers are developing therapies that target specific microRNAs to either inhibit their function (when overexpressed) or restore their normal levels (when underexpressed). Early clinical trials are underway for using these strategies in cancer treatment. Ethical Considerations: The manipulation of microRNAs involves ethical questions regarding gene therapy, potential side effects, and the long-term impact on human genetics. Ensuring ethical compliance and patient safety is crucial for translating this research into effective therapies. Latest Data and Numbers: Number of Human microRNAs Identified: Over 1,000. Potential for Clinical Applications: Several microRNA-based diagnostics are in development, with ongoing clinical trials targeting microRNAs in cancer and autoimmune diseases. Conclusion: The discovery of microRNAs has fundamentally changed our understanding of gene regulation and its role in health and disease. As research progresses, microRNAs hold great promise for developing innovative diagnostic tools and therapies for complex diseases. However, translating these findings into clinical applications will require addressing both scientific and ethical challenges. By unravelling the complexities of gene expression, the discovery of microRNAs opens up new frontiers in medical science, paving the way for precision medicine and targeted therapies that could revolutionize treatment outcomes for a range of diseases. A Re-Balancing of India’s Great Power Relations Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in the U.S., along with the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s recent visit to Russia, reflect India’s nuanced approach to balancing its relationships with global powers. India’s foreign policy is currently navigating a complex landscape shaped by tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and China’s assertive stance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Relevance: General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations) Mains Question: Critically evaluate India’s approach to balancing its relations with major global powers in light of recent geopolitical developments. How does India’s foreign policy aim to maintain strategic autonomy? (250 words) Current Geopolitical Context: India’s diplomatic engagements are shaped by its strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific and its response to China’s increasing assertiveness along the LAC. The Russia-Ukraine war has added complexity to India’s relations with Russia, while the Quad’s (U.S., Australia, Japan, India) activities aim to ensure a rules-based order in the region. India-Russia Relations and the Impact of the Ukraine War: Russia has traditionally been one of India’s closest strategic partners, supplying military hardware and supporting India in international forums. However, the deepening ties between Russia and China, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, pose a challenge for India’s independent foreign policy. India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil and its neutral stance on the conflict have been pragmatic, aimed at preserving its energy security. Yet, maintaining this delicate balance will be increasingly difficult as the Russia-China partnership grows stronger. India’s Engagement with the Quad and the U.S.: India’s alignment with the Quad is aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. The grouping seeks to uphold a rules-based order and support regional stability. However, India is cautious about being perceived as part of an anti-China bloc, given its need to manage complex border issues with China and its economic dependencies. Strategic Autonomy and Non-Aligned Stance: India’s foreign policy is rooted in maintaining strategic autonomy — balancing partnerships without being drawn into bloc politics. This is reflected in its diverse diplomatic engagements, such as strengthening ties with the U.S., preserving historical ties with Russia, and engaging in regional mechanisms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Challenges of Rebalancing Great Power Relations: Managing Relations with Russia: India must navigate its ties with a Russia that is increasingly dependent on China. Moscow’s waning influence and deepening alignment with Beijing could reduce its strategic utility for India. Avoiding Over-Dependence on the U.S.: While India’s partnership with the U.S. is crucial for defense and economic ties, excessive alignment could lead to constraints on India’s strategic choices, particularly regarding regional issues like Iran and Afghanistan. Handling China’s Rise: India’s border tensions with China and its economic ties complicate its foreign policy. China’s assertiveness along the LAC and in the Indo-Pacific remain major security concerns. Role of India as a Peace Maker: The recent Doval-Putin meeting, during which India offered to mediate in the Ukraine conflict, illustrates India’s desire to play a larger diplomatic role on the global stage. This move is consistent with India’s traditional stance of supporting peace and stability, but the success of such an initiative depends on its ability to gain trust from both conflicting parties and international stakeholders. Future Trajectory: India’s foreign policy will need to be agile and adaptable, especially as the global order undergoes significant shifts. Engaging with regional partners, expanding defense capabilities, and promoting economic resilience will be essential for maintaining India’s strategic autonomy. Conclusion: India’s current foreign policy is a careful balancing act, aimed at preserving strategic autonomy while navigating complex relationships with major global powers. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, India must remain nimble, leveraging its partnerships to secure its national interests without compromising its independence. Latest Data and Numbers: India’s Trade with the U.S.: India is among the top five trading partners of the U.S. Defense Ties with Russia: Russia accounts for nearly 60% of India’s total arms imports. Quad Cooperation Areas: Maritime security, counter-terrorism, and technological collaboration. By carefully balancing its relationships with Russia, the U.S., and China, India seeks to establish itself as a responsible global actor, capable of navigating an increasingly multipolar world order while safeguarding its strategic interests. Unpacking the Centre’s Affidavit on Marital Rape Context: The Centre recently filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, defending the Marital Rape Exception (MRE) as outlined in Section 63, Exception 2 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Section 375, Exception 2 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860). The MRE states that ‘sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under eighteen years of age, is not rape’. This provision is currently under legal scrutiny for potentially violating constitutional rights such as equality and dignity. Relevance to GS Subject: General Studies Paper 2 (Governance) Mains Question: Critically examine the legal and constitutional arguments surrounding the Marital Rape Exception (MRE) in India. Does the exception violate fundamental rights, and how should the judiciary approach this issue? (250 words) The Legal Basis of Marital Rape Exception: The Marital Rape Exception (MRE) provides immunity to a husband for engaging in non-consensual intercourse with his wife, provided she is not a minor. The Centre argues that this distinction between married and unmarried women is valid, citing the ‘expectation’ of sexual relations within marriage. However, this raises critical legal and ethical questions. Issue of ‘Expectation’ in Marriage: The Centre’s affidavit argues that marriage creates a “continuing expectation” of reasonable sexual access, thereby justifying the exclusion of married women from the protection against rape. This argument, however, is vague and subjective. Who defines ‘reasonable sexual access’? Does this encompass consent, frequency, or the nature of sexual acts? Such ambiguities complicate the legal interpretation and enforcement. Argument on Constitutional Rights: Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees the right to equality, while Article 21 ensures the right to life and personal liberty. The exclusion of married women from protection against rape may violate both these rights, as it denies them bodily autonomy and the right to consent. It creates a discriminatory distinction between married and unmarried women, treating marriage as an implicit license for sexual coercion. Jurisdiction of the Court: The Centre contends that MRE is a “social issue” and not a “legal issue,” arguing that the decision on what constitutes a criminal offence lies within the legislative domain. However, the judiciary is empowered to assess the constitutionality of laws. Thus, determining whether the MRE violates fundamental rights is very much within the judiciary’s jurisdiction. ‘Institution’ and ‘Misuse’ Arguments: The Centre also claims that recognizing marital rape would undermine the sanctity of marriage and lead to misuse by wives filing false allegations. However, this argument lacks empirical support. No conclusive evidence shows that criminalizing marital rape destabilizes marriages or increases false accusations. Instead, the argument reflects patriarchal notions that prioritize the preservation of the institution of marriage over the dignity and rights of women. The International Perspective: India is one of the few democracies that still does not recognize marital rape as a crime. Countries like the U.K., Canada, and South Africa have already criminalized marital rape, recognizing it as a violation of human rights. The United Nations has also repeatedly urged India to align its laws with international human rights standards. Implications for Women’s Rights in India: The continued existence of the MRE undermines efforts to ensure gender justice and equal rights for women. It contradicts India’s commitments to international conventions such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Latest Data and Numbers: Global Prevalence of Marital Rape Criminalization: Over 150 countries have criminalized marital rape. Women’s Rights Violations in India: According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), over 30% of women have experienced domestic violence, highlighting the urgent need for legal reforms. Conclusion: The Marital Rape Exception is a relic of outdated legal norms that fail to protect the autonomy and dignity of married women. It is essential that the judiciary takes a proactive stance in evaluating the constitutionality of the MRE and considers its impact on women’s rights and equality. A nuanced approach that balances individual rights with social realities is needed to ensure that Indian laws reflect the principles of justice and gender equality. By acknowledging marital rape as a violation of fundamental rights, India can move closer to achieving gender justice and safeguarding the dignity of women, both within and outside the institution of marriage.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 08 October 2024

Contents: Marburg virus strains Rwanda’s healthcare system Red Panda Conservation Program Antimicrobial resistance ‘Free to Think 2024’ report Maldives signs currency swap agreement with India Rise in Population of wild asses Marburg virus strains Rwanda’s healthcare system Context: At least 46 individuals have been infected and 12 Marburg deaths reported have been reported due to the deadly Marburg virus in Rwanda. The deadly Marburg virus could overwhelm Rwanda’s fragile healthcare system as about 80% of infections are among medical workers. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Marburg virus disease: History Marburg virus and the disease Symptoms of Marburg virus disease What are the hosts for the Marburg virus? What are the challenges with Marburg virus disease? Marburg virus disease: History Marburg was discovered in 1967, when outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever occurred simultaneously in laboratories in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, as well as Belgrade, Serbia — cases that were linked to African green monkeys imported from Uganda. According to the World Health Organization, additional cases have since been discovered in Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. The cases reported in Ghana last month were the country’s first. Marburg virus and the disease The pathogen that causes Marburg virus disease in humans is the Marburg virus. According to medical experts, there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments for the disease, but hydrating patients and treating their specific symptoms can improve their chances of survival. According to WHO, the disease is clinically similar to Ebola in its spread, symptoms, and progression, despite being caused by a different virus. In the case of Marburg, fruit bats are thought to be the virus’s hosts, though researchers claim the virus does not cause illness in them. Symptoms of Marburg virus disease Marburg can cause severe viral hemorrhagic fever, which impairs the ability of the blood to clot. According to WHO, the incubation period ranges from two to 21 days, and symptoms begin abruptly with high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise. Other symptoms may include muscle aches, diarrhoea, nausea, lethargy, and bleeding from the mouth, faeces, or other parts of the body. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Marburg is not contagious during the incubation period. According to WHO, severely ill patients frequently die eight or nine days after the onset of symptoms. “Mortality is extremely high.” And there is no such thing as asymptomatic Marburg According to health organisations, a patient’s condition can be confirmed as Marburg by using antibody, antigen, and polymerase chain reaction tests. What are the hosts for the Marburg virus? Rousettus fruit bats are thought to be the virus’s natural host. According to WHO, the first human infection was caused by African green monkeys imported from Uganda. It was discovered in 1967, following simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. The disease has a 50 percent fatality rate on average. According to the WHO, it can be as low as 24 percent or as high as 88 percent, depending on the virus strain and case management. What are the challenges with Marburg virus disease? Clinically, MVD is difficult to distinguish from diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, and other viral hemorrhagic fevers. However, lab testing of samples confirms it, which, like Coronavirus and Ebola, are extreme biohazard risks. There is currently no approved antiviral treatment or vaccine for MVD. It is treatable with supportive care. Rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, as well as treatment of specific symptoms, can help prevent death, according to the WHO. -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express        Red Panda Conservation Program Context: The Red Panda Program of Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has been selected as a finalist for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Conservation Award 2024. Relevance: GS III- Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Details About WAZA Awards About Red Panda Details: Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has undertaken several habitat restoration initiatives in collaboration with various institutions and the government of India. Between 2022 and 2024, nine captive-bred red pandas (seven females and two males) were released into Singalila National Park in West Bengal. The zoo’s conservation efforts are strengthened by its Biobanking and Genetic Resource Facility, wherein gametes, tissues, and DNA of Red Pandas and other endangered species will be preserved for future use. This effort of the Zoo has led to its entry into the final list for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Conservation Award 2024. About WAZA Awards: The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world. In 2016, WAZA established its highest award for institutional commitment towards conservation, named the WAZA Conservation Award. This award is granted to an institution for an outstanding, comprehensive specific conservation programme that has clear objectives and excellent conservation outcomes. About Red Panda The Giant Panda and the Red Panda are the only two distinct panda species found in the world. It serves as Sikkim’s official animal as well. Red pandas are timid, lonely, arboreal creatures that are used as indicators of ecological change. Both (sub)species are found in India. Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani) The two phylogenetic species are split by the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh. It can be discovered in the jungles of India, Nepal, Bhutan, as well as the northern mountains of Myanmar and the southern provinces of China. Protection Status: Red Pandas: IUCN Red List: Endangered CITES: Appendix I Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I Giant Pandas: IUCN Red List: Vulnerable CITES: Appendix I -Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express        Antimicrobial resistance Contect: Telangana has become the Seventh state in India to launch action plan on antimicrobial resistance. Relevance: GS-3 Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? Concerns regarding Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) Way forward What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites to remain unaffected or survive antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials. AMR occurs when microorganisms exposed to antimicrobial drugs develop antimicrobial resistance resulting in standard treatments becoming ineffective leading to persistence of infections and spreading of infections. Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”. The misuse of antimicrobials in medicine and inappropriate use in agriculture is one of the major causes of spread of Antimicrobial Resistance. Contamination around pharmaceutical manufacturing sites where untreated waste releases large amounts of active antimicrobials into the environment also leads to spread of AMR. Basis of Antimicrobial Resistance Some bacteria due to the presence of resistance genes are intrinsically resistant and therefore survive on being exposed to antibiotics. Bacteria can also acquire resistance by sharing and transferring resistance genes present in the rest of the population, or by genetic mutations that help the bacteria survive antibiotic exposure. Multi drug resistance Multiple drug resistance (MDR), multidrug resistance or multi-resistance is antimicrobial resistance shown by a species of microorganism to multiple antimicrobial drugs. The types most threatening to public health are MDR bacteria that resist multiple antibiotics; other types include MDR viruses, parasites (resistant to multiple antifungals, antiviral, and antiparasitic drugs of a wide chemical variety). Recognizing different degrees of MDR, the terms extensively drug resistant (XDR) and pandrug-resistant (PDR) have been introduced. Concerns regarding Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) Medical procedures such as organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, diabetes management and major surgery (for example, caesarean sections or hip replacements) become very risky due to AMR. AMR increases the cost of healthcare with lengthier stays in hospitals, additional tests and use of more expensive drugs. No new classes of antibiotics have made it to the market in the last three decades, largely on account of inadequate incentives for their development and production. Without urgent action, we are heading towards a future without antibiotics and with bacteria becoming completely resistant to treatment and when common infections and minor injuries could once again kill (referred to as antibiotic apocalypse). It is putting the gains of the Millennium Development Goals at risk and endangers achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Concerns regarding AMR in India India, with its combination of large population, rising incomes that facilitate purchase of antibiotics, high burden of infectious diseases and easy over-the-counter access to antibiotics, is an important locus for the generation of resistance genes. The multi-drug resistance determinant, New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1), emerged from this region to spread globally – Africa, Europe and other parts of Asia have also been affected by multi-drug resistant typhoid originating from South Asia. In India, over 56,000 newborn deaths each year due to sepsis are caused by organisms that are resistant to first line antibiotics. Way forward  The use of antibiotics unrelated to treating human disease, such as in food and animal production, must be “optimised”. Greater action need to be taken to monitor and control infections, globally, nationally and within individual hospitals. Access to vaccines, clean water and sanitation ought to be expanded. And finally should be “more thoughtful” about our use of antimicrobial treatments —expanding access to lifesaving antibiotics where needed, minimising use where they are not necessary to improve human health and acting according to WHO’s recommendations on the same. Increasing funding for developing new antimicrobials and targeting priority pathogens such as K. pneumoniae and E. Coli and ensuring that they are affordable and accessible to most of the world. -Source: The Hindu ‘Free to Think 2024’ report Context: As per the “Free to Think 2024” annual report, India has slipped on academic freedom index. Relevance: GS2- Education Dimensions of the Article: Details Universities and Free Thought Academic Institutions and Democracy Diminishing Academic Freedom Way forward Details: According to the “Free to Think 2024” annual report published by the Scholars at Risk (SAR) Academic Freedom Monitoring Project, the decline in academic freedom is evident in India’s position. The report has looked extensively at India, Afghanistan, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Israel, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Russia, Turkiye, Sudan, Ukraine, the U.K. and the U.S. It has documented around 391 attacks on higher education communities in 51 countries between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. The report notes that India’s academic freedom slipped from 0.6 points to 0.2 points from 2013 to 2023. The report states that the most pressing threats to the academic freedom of students and scholars included the efforts to exert political control and impose a Hindu nationalist agenda on universities and university policies limiting student protest. According to the Academic Freedom Index, India now ranks as “completely restricted”, its lowest score since the mid-1940s. Universities and Free Thought: As the government’s insistence on educational institutions serving as platforms for its political agenda becomes more pronounced, the idea of universities as advocates for free thought is gradually being undermined. In the past year, there were numerous instances that sought to constrain academic freedom. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the nation’s top-ranking institute, had to cancel a discussion on the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). In March, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration initially imposed fines amounting to ₹20,000 for campus protests, a decision later rescinded. Recently, two prominent scholars resigned from Ashoka University following the publication of a paper analyzing the disproportionate share of seats won by the ruling party in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Academic Institutions and Democracy: Academic institutions serve as crucial platforms for such discussions, which are vital for a functioning democracy, irrespective of ideological differences. Imposing restrictions on expressing opinions or ideas can have detrimental effects on academic work and harm the overall research environment. The decline in academic freedom is evident in India’s position on the indices by the V-Dem Institute of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. India’s academic freedom index is in the bottom 30% among 179 countries, with a score of 0.38 on a scale of 0 (low) to 1 (high). Diminishing Academic Freedom: The diminishing academic freedom is also evident in the gradual erosion of institutional autonomy, including the selection of Vice-Chancellors and heads of academic institutes. The UGC Act of 1956 explicitly states that its core function is to monitor standards in universities “in consultation with universities.” However, it has been noted that the UGC has accumulated power and tends to function as an instrument of the ministry. University appointments are now often made based on political considerations rather than merit at both the central and state government levels. Way forward: It is suggested that global institutions can contribute by incorporating “Academic Freedom” as an indicator in university rankings. It is essential for universities to establish system-wide protections against impinging on academic autonomy and freedom of expression. Taking inspiration from the Education Act of New Zealand, where academic freedom is defined as the freedom of academic staff and students to question received wisdom, propose new ideas, and express controversial or unpopular opinions within the bounds of the law. -Source: The Hindu Maldives signs currency swap agreement with India Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has entered into a Currency Swap Agreement with the Maldives under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework 2024-27. India is extending financial support to Maldives amounting to $400 million under the US Dollar/ Euro Swap Window and ₹30 billion or $357 million under the INR Swap Window Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbors, Foreign Policies and Developments affecting India’s Interests), GS-III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What is a Currency Swap? How is this going to help? An Overview of the Relation Between India and Maldives What is a Currency Swap? A currency swap is an agreement in which two parties exchange the principal amount of a loan and the interest in one currency for the principal and interest in another currency. At the inception of the swap, the equivalent principal amounts are exchanged at the spot rate. Unlike an interest rate swap, the principal is not a notional amount, but it is exchanged along with interest obligations. In a currency swap, the parties exchange interest and principal payments on debt denominated in different currencies. Currency swaps can take place between countries. The purpose of a currency swap is to hedge exposure to exchange rate risk or reduce the cost of borrowing a foreign currency. How is this going to help? It will help RBI in its efforts to fight market volatility. The currency swap will provide liquidity to the foreign exchange market. An Overview of the Relation Between India and Maldives: Security Partnership: Collaboration in defense encompasses Joint Exercises such as “Ekuverin,” “Dosti,” “Ekatha,” and “Operation Shield” (commenced in 2021). India plays a crucial role in meeting approximately 70% of the Maldivian National Defence Force’s (MNDF) defense training needs. Additionally, India and the Maldives have signed a contract for the Addu reclamation and shore protection project, including the construction of a drug detoxification and rehabilitation center in Addu, supported by India. This center is part of India’s 20 high-impact community development projects covering healthcare, education, fisheries, tourism, sports, and culture. Economic Cooperation: India supports the Maldivian economy, primarily driven by tourism. Afcons, an Indian company, signed a contract for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) in August 2021, the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives. In 2021, India became the third-largest trade partner for the Maldives. The RBI and Maldives Monetary Authority signed a Bilateral USD Currency Swap Agreement in July 2019. However, the India-Maldives relationship faced challenges with the Maldives’ Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) with China in 2017. Infrastructure Projects: Under an Indian credit line, the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development project is adding a new terminal to accommodate 1.3 million passengers annually. The National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE), inaugurated in 2022, is India’s largest grant project in the Maldives. Greater Male Connectivity Project: This project involves a 6.74 km-long bridge and causeway link between Male and nearby islands, funded by a USD 100 million grant and a USD 400 million Line of Credit (LOC) from India. It represents the most significant infrastructure undertaking in the Maldives. Different Operations in Maldives: Historically, India has engaged in operations to assist Maldives, including Operation Cactus in 1988, Operation Neer in 2014 addressing a drinking water crisis, and Operation Sanjeevani in response to COVID-19. The Strained Relationship Between India and Maldives: Current Government’s Relation with India: Despite the immediate fallout, the underlying reasons for the strained relationship go beyond the tweets and could have a broader impact on India-Maldives relations and the regional dynamics, stemming from the change in government in Male. President Muizzu ascended to power through the PPM’s “India Out” campaign. Despite India’s disappointment with the victory of ‘anti-Indian forces,’ the Indian government sent a Minister to Muizzu’s swearing-in, and there was a Modi-Muizzu meeting at the COP28. However, Muizzu’s choice of Turkey as his first bilateral destination and his current visit to China mark a departure from the tradition of making India the first priority. Even President Yameen, who initiated the “India Out” movement and strengthened ties with Beijing, visited Delhi first in 2014. Muizzu continues to press India on the withdrawal of its military personnel, despite India’s clarifications regarding their role. Chinese Infrastructure Investments: Maldives has received substantial Chinese infrastructure investments as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including ports, airports, bridges, and critical infrastructure under the “String of Pearls” initiative. Shift in Alliances: China’s influence in Maldives, marked by significant investments, has led to a departure from its traditional alignment with India, raising concerns in India about China’s expanding presence in the region. India’s Concerns: India is apprehensive about China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean, considering the development of Chinese-controlled ports and military facilities in countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Maldives as potential challenges to regional security. -Source: Livemint        Rise in Population of wild asses Context: As per the latest report by the Gujarat government, there is a rise in the population of wild asses in Gujarat. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Details: About Wild Ass Sanctuary in Gujarat, India About Indian Wild Ass: Details: As per the 10th Wild Ass Population Estimation (WAPE) conducted by the Gujarat government, the population of wild asses in Gujarat has been estimated at 7,672. This is a rise of 26.14% in its population. In the last WAPE, done in 2020, the population was estimated at 6,082. About Wild Ass Sanctuary in Gujarat, India Location: The sanctuary is located in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India. It is the only place where the Indian wild ass, known as Khacchar locally, can be found. The sanctuary is also home to a sizeable population of Rabari and Bharwad tribes. Topology: The sanctuary can be considered a large ecotone, a transitional area between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It is a continuum of a dry area of dark silt with salt encrustation. It is dotted with about 74 elevated plateaus or islands, locally called ‘bets’. During the monsoon, large parts are flooded to depths of up to 2 meters. Flora: The sanctuary is full of dry thorny scrub, and there are no large trees except on the fringes and bets. Some of the plants and trees found in this sanctuary are Morad, Unt morad, Theg, Dolari, Khijdo, Kerdo, Mithi jar, Kheri pilu, Akado, etc. Fauna: Besides Indian Wild Ass, the other mammals found here include Blackbuck, Nilgai, Bluebull, Hare, Wolf, Foxes, Desert Cat, Indian fox, Jackal, Hyena, Wild boar, etc. There is rich birdlife, including the Houbara bustard, Sandgrouse, Pale harrier, Black-shouldered kite, Pelican, etc. About Indian Wild Ass: Distribution and Habitat: The Indian Wild Ass, a sub-species of the Asian Wild Ass, is found only in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India. Its habitat includes desert and grassland ecosystems. Characteristics: The Indian Wild Ass is characterized by distinctive white markings on the anterior part of the rump and on the posterior part of the shoulder and a stripe down the back that is bordered by white. Scientific name: Equus hemionus khur. Conservation Status: The Indian Wild Ass is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed under Appendix II of CITES. In India, the Indian Wild Ass is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). Source: Indian Express

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 07 October 2024

CONTENTS BharatGen International Day of Older Persons 2024 BharatGen Context: Recently, the Ministry of Science & Technology launched BharatGen, a generative AI initiative designed to enhance public service delivery.  Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions BharatGen BharatGen is an initiative aimed at developing core models in the domains of language, speech, and computer vision, with a focus on India’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. It stands as the world’s first government-supported project to create a Multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) specifically for Indian languages. LLMs are advanced AI models that can comprehend and generate human languages by analyzing extensive text datasets. This initiative is spearheaded by IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), working in collaboration with prestigious academic institutions, including several IITs and IIM Indore. A key focus of this project is on developing frameworks that curate India-specific datasets, giving the country greater control over its digital resources. The initiative has several defining features: Development of multilingual and multimodal models, Training based on datasets that reflect Indian languages and contexts, A commitment to using an open-source platform, Establishing a research ecosystem focused on generative AI within India. International Day of Older Persons 2024 Context: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment observed International Day of Older Persons 2024 on 1st October 2024. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions International Day of Older Persons 2024 Overview: Theme for 2024: “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.” Purpose of the International Day of Older Persons: This day honors the contributions of older adults to society and emphasizes the necessity for inclusive and age-friendly environments globally. It was officially established by the UN General Assembly on 14th October 1990, drawing from the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing (1982) and the UN Principles for Older Persons. Global Commitments and Framework: The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3), which focuses on good health and well-being. India established the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) in 1999, and it is part of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002). Elderly Population Data: As of December 2023, India has 153 million people aged 60 and above, with this figure expected to rise to 347 million by 2050, representing 20.8% of the nation’s total population. Globally, the population of older persons increased from 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021, with projections indicating this will rise to 17% of the total global population by 2050.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 07 October 2024

Contents: A Learning Curve: Evaluating the PM Internship Scheme’s Pilot Project A Defeat Foretold: Why Maoists Must Abandon Armed Struggle and Embrace Democracy A Three-Tier War in West Asia with No Endgame A Learning Curve: Evaluating the PM Internship Scheme’s Pilot Project Context: On October 3, the Centre launched an online portal for the operationalization of the PM Internship Scheme, a key initiative announced in the Budget for 2024-25. The scheme aims to provide 4.1 crore youth with internships over five years, bridging the gap between theoretical education and practical skills needed in the job market. As a pilot project, 1.25 lakh interns will be matched with companies starting December 2024, providing an opportunity to assess and refine the scheme based on real-world feedback and outcomes. Relevance: General Studies Paper 2 (Governance) Mains Question: Critically analyze the potential of the PM Internship Scheme in addressing youth unemployment in India. What challenges are expected in its implementation, and how can these be overcome? (250 words) Understanding the PM Internship Scheme: The PM Internship Scheme is part of a broader five-scheme initiative to address skill gaps and enhance youth employability. It aims to create one crore internships by March 2029, with the first phase targeting 1.25 lakh interns for a year-long, on-the-job training program. This scheme is primarily Centre-funded and seeks to match young job-seekers with companies willing to provide practical skills training. Potential Benefits of the Scheme: Bridging Skill Gaps: The program seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical job skills. By collaborating with firms, the scheme can address the issue that employers often cite: graduates lack real-world skills. Certification and Job Market Readiness: Firms will issue certifications to interns, making them more attractive candidates for future job roles. This could significantly improve youth employability, especially in sectors like manufacturing and services. Support for Job Creation: With 4.1 crore internships planned, the scheme has the potential to absorb a substantial portion of unemployed youth, reducing overall unemployment rates. Challenges in Implementation: Regional Disparities in Job Availability: Placement of interns within or near their district may not be feasible in less industrialized states such as Bihar or Jharkhand, where job opportunities are limited. This could lead to disparities in participation and outcomes. High Dropout Rates: Ensuring that interns complete their full tenure and transition smoothly into the job market will require continuous monitoring and mentorship. Soft Skills Training: Beyond technical training, modern workplaces demand soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and digital literacy. The scheme must integrate these into its design. Industry Collaboration: Sustained partnerships with private firms are essential. However, voluntary participation may limit the number of companies willing to engage, especially in low-growth sectors. Recommendations for Effective Implementation: Localized Adaptation: Tailor the scheme’s implementation strategy based on regional industrial profiles. For less-developed regions, focus on sectors like agriculture, micro-enterprises, and local industries. Incorporate Mentorship Programs: Pair interns with experienced professionals to guide them through the internship, ensuring they gain meaningful insights and skills. Monitoring and Feedback Mechanisms: Establish a robust feedback mechanism to track dropout rates, intern satisfaction, and skill acquisition, allowing for mid-course corrections. Expand Industry Involvement: Provide incentives for more companies, especially MSMEs, to participate. This could include tax benefits, reduced compliance burdens, or shared training costs. Expected Outcomes and Scalability: The pilot project’s success will be measured by the employability and retention of interns post-training. If the scheme can demonstrate value to both youth and employers, scaling it to one crore internships by 2029 will be feasible. The lessons learned from the pilot phase should be used to refine the design, ensuring that the program is sustainable and impactful. Latest Data and Numbers: Target: 4.1 crore internships over five years. Pilot Phase: 1.25 lakh internships starting December 2024. Youth Unemployment Rate: Currently higher in states like Bihar and Jharkhand, which lack industrial presence. Conclusion: The PM Internship Scheme is a timely initiative to address India’s growing youth unemployment. However, its success will depend on effective implementation, industry collaboration, and addressing regional disparities. With continuous evaluation and a dynamic approach, the scheme can be a game-changer in enhancing India’s human capital and creating a skilled, employable workforce. By ensuring a focused and adaptable strategy, the PM Internship Scheme can transform the employment landscape, making India’s youth more competitive and job-ready. A Defeat Foretold: Why Maoists Must Abandon Armed Struggle and Embrace Democracy Context: In a significant setback to Maoist insurgency in India, 31 cadres, including senior members, were killed in a security operation in Abujhmadh, Chhattisgarh — a stronghold considered the last bastion of left-wing extremism. The operation is part of intensified efforts by security forces and paramilitary groups to eliminate Maoist influence in central and eastern India. The movement’s diminishing power can be attributed to several factors, including loss of local support, strategic miscalculations, and an over-reliance on militant tactics. With weakening strength and alienation from tribal communities, the Maoists are at a crossroads where they must consider abandoning violence and engaging in the democratic process. Relevance: General Studies Paper 3 (Internal Security, Left-Wing Extremism) Mains Question: Analyze the factors leading to the decline of the Maoist movement in India. What role can democratic engagement play in addressing the issues faced by affected communities? (250 words) Background of the Maoist Insurgency: The Maoist movement, also known as Naxalism, began as an armed struggle against perceived state exploitation and neglect of tribal areas. Over the decades, the insurgency spread across several states, primarily in central and eastern India, earning the region the label of the ‘Red Corridor’. At its peak, it controlled significant territories and had considerable support among marginalized tribal communities. Current Decline and Setbacks: The recent encounter in Chhattisgarh is indicative of the movement’s ongoing decline. Coordinated operations by security forces have led to heavy casualties and numerous surrenders. The Union Home Ministry’s focused strategy, including better coordination among paramilitary units, increased intelligence inputs, and targeted operations, has significantly reduced the Maoists’ operational capability. Loss of Local Support: One of the critical reasons for the Maoists’ weakening is the erosion of support from tribal communities, who were once their primary base. Decades of violent struggle have brought little to no tangible benefits to these communities, leading to disillusionment and alienation. As tribal groups distance themselves from the movement, the Maoists are losing the grassroots support necessary for sustaining a guerrilla war. Strategic and Ideological Failures: The Maoists’ adherence to a rigid, anachronistic ideology, rooted in 1920s China, has not resonated in a diverse, democratic India. Their over-dependence on militaristic tactics, at the expense of political engagement, has alienated potential supporters. Unlike movements in other countries that adapted to political realities, the Indian Maoists have been unable to transition to a strategy of peaceful engagement. Comparative Global Examples: Similar insurgencies in countries like Peru, Colombia, and Malaysia failed when they failed to adapt to changing political landscapes. The inability to recognize democratic avenues for achieving political goals has been a common thread in the collapse of these movements. The Need for Democratic Engagement: Despite its flaws, Indian democracy provides ample space for dialogue, negotiation, and addressing grievances. By continuing to pursue violent means, the Maoists are undermining their stated objective of representing the tribal people. Entering the political mainstream would allow them to advocate for tribal rights within the framework of law and governance. Role of the State and Civil Society: While security operations are essential to curbing violence, the state must complement them with developmental initiatives and democratic outreach. Improved governance, protection of tribal rights, and local-level political inclusion are necessary to address the root causes of alienation and prevent any resurgence of extremism. Latest Data and Numbers: Recent Casualties: 31 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh operation. Current Strongholds: Limited to remote areas in states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Conclusion: The recent setbacks to the Maoist insurgency signal a critical juncture for the movement. Persisting with armed struggle will only lead to further isolation and eventual collapse. The Maoists must recognize that democratic engagement, rather than violence, is the only viable path forward for achieving the interests of the tribal communities they claim to represent. By transitioning to political participation, the Maoists can transform their struggle into a constructive movement that genuinely benefits the communities they aim to serve. A Three-Tier War in West Asia with No Endgame Context: The ongoing conflict in West Asia is characterized by a complex, multi-layered struggle involving multiple actors—Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and their respective international backers. The situation has recently escalated following Hamas’s deadliest attack on Israel in decades, leading to a brutal Israeli response. The conflict now encompasses not only the Israel-Palestine confrontation but also a broader geopolitical struggle that includes regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia and global actors such as the U.S. and Russia. Relevance: General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations) Mains Question: Analyze the evolving dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict in the context of broader West Asian geopolitics. How do the actions of regional and global powers shape the conflict, and what are the implications for peace in the region? (250 words) Background of the Conflict: The Israel-Palestine conflict is rooted in historical disputes over territory, statehood, and national identity. The recent attack by Hamas, killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 200 hostages, marked a significant escalation in hostilities. In response, Israel launched a full-scale military campaign in Gaza, triggering widespread destruction and displacement. Two Diverging Narratives: Israel perceives the conflict as an “existential war” against terrorism, aimed at securing its borders and eliminating militant threats. For Palestinians, the conflict is a struggle for liberation from Israeli occupation and recognition of their rights. The divergent narratives complicate any peace efforts, as both sides view the conflict through fundamentally different lenses. Geopolitical Dimensions: The conflict is not limited to Israel and Hamas. Iran-backed Hezbollah has ramped up its military activities in northern Israel, creating a second front. Saudi Arabia, which was on the brink of normalizing relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, has been drawn into the conflict. The U.S. is involved in supporting Israel’s military efforts, while Russia and China have been manoeuvring diplomatically to increase their influence in the region. The “Octopus Doctrine” and Iran’s Strategy: Israel’s “Octopus Doctrine” aims to decapitate Iranian influence by targeting its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. This strategy is based on the assumption that destabilizing Iran’s regional allies will weaken its broader geopolitical influence. Iran, in turn, has used Hezbollah and Hamas to keep Israel embroiled in protracted conflicts, preventing it from projecting power beyond its borders. The Regional Security Quagmire: West Asia has become a conflict loop where various actors, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, are locked in a continuous cycle of confrontation. The Abraham Accords, which sought to normalize ties between Israel and several Arab nations, have been overshadowed by the resurgence of violence. This has reinforced the perception that true peace in West Asia cannot be achieved without addressing the Palestinian issue. Implications for Global Stability: The conflict has broader ramifications for global security, particularly given its potential to draw in major powers. The U.S. has already increased its military presence in the region, and any miscalculation could escalate into a wider war involving multiple state actors. The Israeli-Hamas conflict also risks spilling over into neighboring Lebanon, Syria, and the Gulf, destabilizing an already fragile region. Recommendations for a Peaceful Resolution: Address Core Grievances: Sustainable peace will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. Involve Regional Stakeholders: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other key players must be engaged in peace talks to ensure that any agreement has regional backing. Reform International Mediation Efforts: The UN and other international bodies need to adopt a more assertive role in mediating peace, going beyond traditional diplomatic statements. Latest Data and Numbers: Casualties in Recent Hostilities: Over 1,200 Israelis killed, 200 hostages taken by Hamas. Impact on Palestinians: More than 41,000 Palestinians killed in the past year, with over 1,000,000 displaced. Conclusion: The ongoing war in West Asia is a multi-tiered conflict with no clear endgame. Without a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate hostilities and the deeper political issues, the region will remain trapped in a cycle of violence and instability. Global and regional powers must act decisively to break the deadlock, or the conflict risks spiraling into a broader geopolitical confrontation with devastating consequences. By focusing on inclusive and sustainable peace processes, the international community can hope to break the conflict loop and bring stability to a region that has seen decades of turmoil.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 07 October 2024

CONTENTS Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission Salt Pan Land Cholera Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Geographical Indication (GI) tags Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan  Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission Context: The Government will soon roll out the next version of the livelihood mission for urban poor and vulnerable sections – National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM 2.0). This will focus on six groups, including construction workers, gig workers, waste management workers, care workers, domestic workers and transportation workers. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: About Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) DAY-NULM 2.0 About Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) is a program launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs in India. Here are the key features of the mission: Implementation: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, meaning that both the central government and state governments contribute to its funding. The funding ratio between the Centre and the States is 75:25, except for the North Eastern and Special Category states, where the ratio is 90:10. Mobilization and Self-Help Groups: DAY-NULM has successfully mobilized more than 8.4 million urban poor women across India. It has formed over 831,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in over 4,000 towns as of 2023. Objectives and Focus: The mission focuses on skill development and entrepreneurship among the urban poor, particularly women. It aims to enhance their capacity to access financial services and create sustainable livelihoods. The mission aims to uplift the urban poor by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development and access to credit. Components: The mission includes various components such as skill training, self-employment, social mobilization and institution development, and street vendor rehabilitation. DAY-NULM 2.0 The DAY-NULM 2.0 (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission) is a revamped initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of the urban poor through financial support and infrastructure development. Scheme Overview: The government will help eligible urban poor individuals or groups access microcredit up to Rs 4 lakh for individuals and Rs 20 lakh for groups. This microcredit will come with a subsidised interest rate of 5%. Key Benefits: The microcredit will assist beneficiaries in: Starting small enterprises. Developing social infrastructure, like setting up labour chowks. Providing innovation grants for activities like purchasing sanitation machinery. Pilot Exercise: To launch the NULM 2.0, the government will conduct a pilot exercise in 25 cities to: Identify urban poor. Ensure the correct targeting of schemes to enhance the beneficiaries’ earnings and living standards. -Source: The Hindu Salt Pan Land Context: The Maharashtra government has issued a GR (Government Resolution) allocating 255.9 acres of salt pan land, distributed over three land parcels in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs, for the construction of rental houses in the Dharavi Redevelopment Project through a lease agreement. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: What are salt pans? What are the terms for allocation of land? What are the concerns? What lies ahead? What are salt pans? Salt pan lands are ecologically important salt marshlands. They are low-lying areas around the shore that are used for salt cultivation. They act as holding ponds and work as a sponge for the absorption of rain. They are a coastal area’s natural defence against flooding. They help intertidal activity, and are home to diverse flora and fauna. What are the terms for allocation of land? Four conditions have been put forth for the allocation of the land which will be given at a concessional rate of 25% of the prevailing rate. The State government will collect the land revenue from the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), the special purpose vehicle (SPV), and pay it to the Central government. The DRPPL will bear the cost of resettlement of the labourers working on the land, and other incidental costs for the acquisition of the land. But the court cases and other legal matters will be handled through the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), a government body. The land will be used for rental housing, slum rehabilitation, and affordable housing for economically weaker sections. The DRPPL is an SPV in which an Adani Group entity holds 80% stake and the State government has a 20% stake. The land will be leased to the Maharashtra government for a period of 99 years, and it cannot be used for commercial activities. What are the concerns? Urban planners and environmentalists say that an impact assessment study needs to be done before opening up large packs of land for intensive activities like housing. They also say that the salt pan lands on the Eastern Express Highway have played an important role in keeping the eastern suburbs free from flooding. The most important demand with respect to the Dharavi project has been for in-situ rehabilitation. Urban planners point out that handing over land parcels in different parts of the city for a developer will lead to formation of ghettos. They also say that the impact of hyperactivity on ecologically sensitive areas needs to be studied. What lies ahead? Land Transfer: The Centre will transfer land ownership to the State government. Project Approval: The State government will give the go-ahead to DRPPL once the project plans are approved. DRPPL must secure approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change before moving forward. Legal Concerns: Environmentalists anticipate potential legal challenges, suggesting the process can be contested in court. Litigation: As per a Government Resolution (GR) issued by Maharashtra, any litigation related to this matter will be handled by DRP, a government body. -Source: The Hindu Cholera Context: Recently, Cholera, a preventable and treatable disease, has experienced a resurgence, leading to approximately 4,000 deaths in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).  Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: What is cholera? Global Distribution and Burden of Cholera Factors Leading to Cholera Resurgence What is cholera? Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholera and is usually spread through contaminated drinking water or food. It causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. If left untreated, cholera can be fatal, even in healthy people. The deadly effects of the disease are due to the toxin produced in the small intestine which causes the body to secrete enormous amounts of water which results in diarrhea and a rapid loss of fluids and salts or electrolytes. Cholera bacteria might not cause illness in all the people who are exposed to them, but they still pass the bacteria in their stool, which can contaminate food and water sources. While modern sewage systems have been known to have eliminated cholera in most countries, there is a potential risk in situations of inadequate sanitation and unnatural circumstances like war and poverty. Symptoms While most people exposed to the cholera bacterium might not know they have been infected, they can still infect others through contaminated water as they shed cholera bacteria in their stool for seven to 14 days. Some of the symptoms are diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting and dehydration. Signs of cholera include fatigue, sunken eyes, dry mouth, extreme thirst, dry skin, little or no urination, low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance which can cause muscle cramps and lead to rapid loss of salts such as chloride, sodium and potassium. Global Distribution and Burden of Cholera The Global Distribution and Burden of Cholera has worsened significantly between 2022 and 2024, with a notable increase in cases and deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 22 countries experienced ongoing cholera outbreaks, and as of August 2024, 2,400 deaths had been recorded globally. Cholera’s impact primarily affects Africa and Asia, though imported cases have been seen in Europe. By 2023, global cholera cases increased by 13%, and deaths rose by 17%, totaling 4,000 fatalities. The geographic spread of cholera has shifted, with a decline in Asia but a doubling of cases in Africa, primarily due to healthcare inequities. India reported 3,805 cholera cases by August 2024 in a multi-country outbreak that affected neighboring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Factors Leading to Cholera Resurgence: Impact on Water Quality: Floods, monsoonal rains, and extreme weather events cause sewage overflows into water sources, while droughts and heatwaves concentrate cholera bacteria, leading to outbreaks. Water and Sanitation: According to UNICEF (2019), 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, and 3.6 billion have inadequate sanitation facilities, creating conditions ripe for cholera spread. Microplastic Adaptation: Research from 2023 shows Vibrio pathogens (cholera-causing bacteria) can attach to microplastics, potentially adapting to thrive in ocean environments. Conflict Zones: Areas impacted by conflict face major disruptions in health and sanitation services, increasing vulnerability to cholera outbreaks. Displaced Populations: Overcrowded conditions among displaced individuals without access to clean water increase cholera risks. Vaccine Shortages: In 2023, only 36 million doses of cholera vaccines were produced—far less than the demand. A single-dose regimen was introduced due to this shortage, replacing the usual two-dose standard. Limited Health Infrastructure: The lack of robust health services in the most affected regions severely limits effective outbreak response and containment measures. Currently, there is only one manufacturer producing Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs), resulting in a 40-million dose shortage annually. -Source: The Hindu Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Context: The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) completed its three-year journey on 27th September, aiming to revolutionize the nation’s digital healthcare ecosystem by enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in healthcare. Relevance: GS II- Health Dimensions of the Article: About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will help connect digital health solutions across the country. All Indians will get a digital health ID under this scheme. Every citizen’s health record will now be digitally secure. The health ID will be used as health account. Personal health records can be linked to this account and viewed with the help of a mobile application. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will provide reliable data, leading to better treatment and savings for patients too. The National Health Authority (NHA) will be the implementing agency of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is the flagship scheme of the Union government as a part of the Indian government’s National Health Policy. AB-PMJAY provides a health cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh a family a year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, to India’s bottom 40% poor and vulnerable population. The programme was launched in September, 2018. AB-PMJAY is under the aegis of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The PM Jan Arogya Yojana beneficiaries get an e-card that can be used to avail services at an empanelled hospital, public or private, anywhere in the country, with which they can walk into a hospital and obtain cashless treatment. The scheme has certain pre-conditions by which it picks who can avail of the health cover benefit. While in the rural areas the list is mostly categorized on lack of housing, meagre income and other deprivations, the urban list of PMJAY beneficiaries is drawn up on the basis of occupation. Key Features of AB-PMJAY PM-JAY is a health assurance scheme that covers 10.74 crores households across India or approximately 50 crore Indians. It provides a cover of 5 lakh per family per year for medical treatment in empanelled hospitals, both public and private. It provides cashless and paperless service to its beneficiaries at the point of service, i.e., the hospital. E-cards are provided to the eligible beneficiaries based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011). There is no restriction on family size, age or gender. All previous medical conditions are covered under the scheme. It covers 3 days of hospitalisation and 15 days of post hospitalisation, including diagnostic care and expenses on medicines. The scheme is portable and a beneficiary can avail medical treatment at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital outside their state and anywhere in the country. The Central government has decided to provide free testing and treatment of Coronavirus under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. -Source: The Hindu, PIB Geographical Indication (GI) tags Context: Recently, the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai has granted the GI tag to eight products from the Assam region, including traditional food items and several unique varieties of rice beer. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: About New GI Tagged Products Geographical Indications (GI) Tag About New GI Tagged Products Different Types of Rice Beer Unique in their Way: Bodo Jou Gwran: It is mainly said to contain the maximum amount of alcohol amongst Bodo rice beers, nearly 16.11%. Maibra Jou Bidwi: It is also famous as Maibra Jwu Bidwi or Maibra Zwu Bidwi; it is considered a prestige drink of welcome amongst the Bodo tribes. Half-cooked rice is taken for brewing and then fermented with ‘amao’ – a source of yeast. Bodo Jou Gishi: The fermented rice-based alcoholic beverage is traditionally fermented in a traditional Bodo way. Traditional Food Products: Bodo Napham: Fermented fish is prepared anaerobically inside a sealed container for 2-3 months, which is a favourite dish among them. Bodo Ondla: Rice powder curry preparation, aromatic with garlic, ginger, salt, and alkali. Bodo Gwkha: Known as Gwka Gwkhi, this is a traditional preparation among themselves during the time of the Bwisagu festival. Bodo Narzi: Semi-fermented food prepared with jute leaves, Corchorus capsularis, is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals. Bodo Aronai: It is a small, traditional cloth of 1.5-2.5 meters long and 0.5 meters wide, symbolizing Bodo heritage. Geographical Indications (GI) Tag Definition and Importance: Geographical Indications of Goods indicate the country or place of origin of a product. They assure consumers of the product’s quality and distinctiveness derived from its specific geographical locality. GI tags are an essential component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and are protected under international agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS. Administration and Registration: Geographical Indications registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The registration and protection are administered by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The registration is valid for 10 years, and it can be renewed for further periods of 10 years each. Significance and Examples: GI tags provide a unique identity and reputation to products based on their geographical origin. The first product in India to receive a GI tag was Darjeeling tea. Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 registered products, followed by Tamil Nadu with 39. Ownership and Proprietorship: Any association, organization, or authority established by law can be a registered proprietor of a GI tag. The registered proprietor’s name is entered in the Register of Geographical Indication for the applied product. Protection and Enforcement: Geographical Indications protect the interests of producers and prevent unauthorized use of the product’s name or origin. Enforcement of GI rights helps maintain the quality and reputation of the products associated with their specific geographical regions. Location of the Geographical Indications Registry: The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai, India. -Source: The Hindu, PIB Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan Context: Recently, the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) to tackle dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses was launched by the World Health Organisation Relevance: GS II: Health About Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP): The goals of the Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan also include reducing the global burden of diseases caused by Aedes-borne arboviral infections, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. It encourages coordination and integration in the global response for managing outbreaks. Key Components: Emergency Coordination: To provide leadership and coordination for an effective response. Collaborative Surveillance: Developing and using surveillance tools for early detection, control, and field investigations of outbreaks. Community Protection: Engaging local communities in adopting preventive measures, including mosquito population control. Safe and Scalable Care: Ensuring health services can manage and prevent deaths through necessary care. Access to Countermeasures: Promoting research and development of new treatments and vaccines. Implementation and Alignment: The plan will be implemented until September 2025. It integrates with global efforts, including the Global Vector Control Response (2017–2030) and the Global Arbovirus Initiative (2022), focused on strengthening vector control and addressing arboviruses with epidemic consequences. -Source: The Hindu

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 04 October 2024

CONTENTS Samajik Adhikarita Shivir Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan  Samajik Adhikarita Shivir Context: Recently, a Samajik Adhikarita Shivir was organised at 75 locations across India for distribution of aids and assistive devices to over 9000 pre-identified Divyangjan beneficiaries under the ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons) Scheme.  Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Samajik Adhikarita Shivir The Samajik Adhikarita Shivir (Social Empowerment Camps) is an initiative launched to assist people with disabilities and senior citizens by distributing assistive devices. It has been operational since 1981, and is organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation) and local District Administrations. Key aspects of the Samajik Adhikarita Shivir include: The scheme adheres to the definitions of various disabilities as outlined in the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Grants: The scheme provides grants-in-aid to several agencies, such as ALIMCO, National Institutes, Composite Regional Centres, and District Disability Rehabilitation Centres, for the procurement and distribution of assistive devices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also collaborate under the ADIP Scheme for distribution. ADIP Scheme: This scheme is designed to offer modern aids and appliances to individuals with disabilities, aiding in their rehabilitation. The program also supports corrective surgeries prior to the provision of these devices. The scheme was last updated in April 2024 and is set to continue until March 2026. Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan Context: Prime Minister recently launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in Jharkhand with an outlay of around Rs 80,000 crore. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions About Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan is a government initiative aimed at promoting comprehensive development in tribal villages, aiming for socio-economic upliftment. The key features of the program include: Coverage of 63,843 villages, with a focus on improving the lives of over 5 crore tribal people across 549 districts and 2,911 blocks in 30 States/UTs. The initiative seeks to address critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood through 25 strategic interventions delivered by 17 ministries. The total budget for this scheme is Rs. 79,156 crores, with Rs. 56,333 crore being contributed by the central government, while the states will provide Rs. 22,823 crore. It builds on the successes of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), launched in November 2023, focusing on the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG), with a budget of Rs. 24,104 crores.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 04 October 2024

Contents: Why Italy Matters To India An Obsession with Rankings is Harming India’s Universities Why Italy Matters to India Context: Italy and India share significant common interests in the Indo-Mediterranean region, which is vital for global trade and regional security. In recent years, Italy has increased its engagement in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), focusing on defence cooperation, maritime security, and economic collaboration. Italy’s contributions to EU-led naval operations and its strategic involvement in African development initiatives demonstrate its expanding influence in the region, making it a crucial partner for India. Relevance: General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations) Mains Question: Analyze the significance of Italy as a strategic partner for India in the Indo-Mediterranean region. How can enhanced defence and economic cooperation benefit both nations? (250 words) Geostrategic Importance of the Indo-Mediterranean Region: The region is vital for global maritime trade, linking East Africa and West Asia with Europe. Italy’s increasing role in safeguarding this region’s maritime security, especially in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Strait of Hormuz, complements India’s interests in ensuring a free and secure Indo-Mediterranean. Italy’s Defence Engagement with India: Italy’s defence ties with India have been formalized through a defence agreement signed in October 2023, paving the way for joint training, technology transfers, and defence industry collaboration. Italian companies like Leonardo and Fincantieri are already active in the Indian defence sector, co-developing technologies and enhancing India’s naval capabilities. Italy’s Naval Presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): Italy’s naval footprint in the IOR has expanded significantly. Italian ships regularly visit Indian ports for joint exercises, and platforms like the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour serve as a platform for both defence and humanitarian operations. This enhances interoperability between the Indian and Italian navies. Economic and Trade Relations: Italy is India’s fifth-largest trading partner in the European Union and a significant investor in critical sectors like automotive, industrial machinery, and renewable energy. The establishment of the Blue-Raman submarine cable system, linking Genoa with Mumbai, will boost digital connectivity between Europe and India, making Italy a crucial economic partner. Africa and the Mattei Plan: Italy’s Mattei Plan, a new strategic initiative for Africa, aims to develop sustainable projects and enhance trade across the continent. This aligns with India’s Africa strategy, opening avenues for joint development projects, particularly in infrastructure, logistics, and renewable energy. People-to-People Ties: Italy hosts the second-largest Indian diaspora in Europe, fostering robust cultural and educational exchanges. Bilateral initiatives like cultural festivals, educational partnerships, and the promotion of tourism strengthen people-to-people ties, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation. Shared Security Challenges and Response: Both nations face common threats, including piracy, terrorism, and geopolitical instability in West Asia. Italy’s involvement in NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian and the European Union’s Atalanta mission aligns with India’s maritime security priorities, making it a reliable partner in tackling regional threats. Latest Data and Numbers: Italy’s investment in Africa: €5.5 billion under the Mattei Plan. India-Italy bilateral trade: Over €9 billion (2023). Defence companies: Leonardo and Fincantieri ranked among the top 50 global arms producers. Conclusion: Italy’s strategic importance for India lies in its role as a maritime and defence partner, a key player in EU-led security initiatives, and a bridge to African and European markets. Strengthening bilateral ties through defence cooperation, joint projects in Africa, and enhancing digital connectivity will benefit both nations. As the Indo-Mediterranean becomes a focal point of global geopolitics, a strong India-Italy partnership is crucial for regional stability and economic growth. A comprehensive India-Italy partnership will not only secure mutual strategic interests but also provide a blueprint for broader Indo-European collaboration in a multipolar world. An Obsession with Rankings is Harming India’s Universities Context: The increasing focus on global and national rankings has negatively impacted the core purpose of Indian universities, shifting attention from holistic education and research to metrics-driven outputs. With the rise of global ranking agencies and India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), universities prioritize boosting research publications, citations, and quantifiable metrics at the expense of teaching quality and student mentorship. This trend undermines the multidimensional nature of higher education, transforming universities into institutions driven by superficial numbers rather than meaningful contributions to society. Relevance: General Studies Paper 2 (Education and Governance) Mains Question: Critically evaluate the impact of global and national ranking systems on the functioning of Indian universities. How can these institutions balance quality education, research, and societal contributions? (250 words) Current Scenario and Focus on Rankings: The obsession with global and national rankings has led universities to pursue metrics like research output, citations, and faculty publications. These rankings are based on narrow parameters that emphasize research quantity over quality and overlook critical aspects like teaching excellence, student support, and community engagement. Distorted Priorities in Academia: The drive for higher ranks compels universities to focus disproportionately on research, leading to a decline in the quality of teaching and mentoring. Academic positions and promotions are increasingly tied to research metrics, side-lining teachers who prioritize student development and pedagogical innovation. The Impact on Teaching and Mentoring: Faculty members are evaluated based on the number of papers published and the impact factor of journals, rather than their effectiveness in teaching or mentoring students. This has created a skewed incentive structure that rewards faculty for research productivity at the expense of teaching, leading to an erosion of the core purpose of a university — to educate and nurture critical thinking. Neglect of Broader Educational Goals: The ranking-focused approach fails to capture the true value of education, which includes fostering creativity, nurturing holistic development, and preparing students for real-world challenges. Universities become research factories, losing sight of their role as institutions that produce responsible and engaged citizens. Unintended Consequences: The pressure to perform well in rankings has led to unethical practices such as data manipulation, plagiarism, and superficial changes aimed at boosting scores rather than genuine improvements. This has created a toxic environment where quantity is valued over quality, and educational outcomes suffer. Need for a Balanced Approach: Universities should aim for a balanced approach that values teaching, research, and societal impact equally. Introducing separate career tracks for research and teaching could help recognize the contributions of both types of faculty. Additionally, ranking frameworks should be restructured to include qualitative measures such as student satisfaction, alumni success, and community engagement. Global Examples and Best Practices: Countries like Finland and Germany emphasize teaching quality and student outcomes alongside research, creating a balanced academic environment. India can learn from these models to reform its ranking parameters and focus on educational quality rather than numerical scores. Latest Data and Numbers: NIRF Parameters: Research and Professional Practice account for 30% of the NIRF score. Research Output Metrics: Indian universities published over 1.5 lakh research papers in 2023, but many lacked real-world applications. Conclusion: The obsession with rankings has skewed the priorities of Indian universities, compromising the quality of education and research. To create a truly world-class education system, Indian universities must adopt a holistic approach that values teaching, research, and social impact equally. Reforming ranking frameworks and introducing policies that recognize diverse academic contributions will be essential to achieving this goal. Building a balanced academic environment will require shifting from a narrow metrics-focused approach to one that values the true essence of education: nurturing inquisitive minds and contributing to society.

Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn TelegramGroup Website TelegramChat
Terms and Conditions Privacy Refund Policy Learning Management System by Testpress