UPSC Key: No-confidence Motion, DHARINI Brain Atlas and Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav

Calling him Govt voice, Opp for no-trust against V-P; Chair is disrespected: BJP

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

Mains Examination: General Studies II: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

What’s the ongoing story: Accusing Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar of being “explicitly partisan” in conducting the proceedings of the House and acting as an “impassioned spokesperson” of the government’s policies at public fora, the Opposition INDIA bloc on Tuesday submitted a notice for bringing a resolution for removal of the Vice-President from office, making it the first such action in India’s parliamentary history.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is meant by no confidence motion?

• Why is it called no confidence motion?

• What does it take to remove the Rajya Sabha chairman from his position?

• What happens after the notice for impeachment is given?

• How did Article 67 come to be in the Constitution?

• What are the Constitutional provisions vice president?

Key Takeaways:

• The Opposition move is seen as a symbolic exercise to make a political point since they don’t have the numbers to ensure the passage of the resolution, in either House, in the event of it being accepted.

• In 2020, the then Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had rejected the Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, saying it was not in a proper format and that the 14-day notice period was not followed.

• According to 67(b) of the Constitution, “a Vice-President may be removed from his office by a resolution of the Council of States passed by a majority of all the then members of the Council and agreed to by the House of the People; but no resolution for the purpose of this clause shall be moved unless at least fourteen days’ notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution”.

• The Opposition notice specifically mentions the events of December 9, in the House, when Dhankhar reportedly called some NDA MPs to speak even after rejecting their Rule 267 notice seeking to raise the “rising threats to national security due to alleged nexus between a political party and some organisations working against India”.

• The Opposition notice is learnt to also accuse Dhankhar of unfairly using privilege motions to silence Opposition MPs, and of disparaging expression of dissent against the government.

Do You Know:

• Under Article 64 of the Constitution of India, the Vice President “shall be ex officio Chairman of the Council of the States”.
—Since the Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairperson must be the same individual, the process for their removal is also the same and is laid down under Article 67.
—Under this provision, the Vice President “shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office” unless the Vice President resigns before that by sending a letter to the President, or is removed from office.

• The requirements for removing or impeaching the Vice President are provided under Article 67(b).
—It states that the Vice President may be removed if a majority “all the then members of the Council (Rajya Sabha)” passes a resolution for his removal, which must then be “agreed to” by the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
—Under this provision, “no resolution…shall be moved unless at least fourteen days’ notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution”.

• Upon the expiry of the 14-day period, Rajya Sabha will take up the resolution for discussion. The procedure outlined in Article 67(b) will then follow.
—In the present case, it is unclear if the resolution will be taken up by the House. This is because the Winter Session of Parliament is scheduled to conclude on December 20, which is less than 14 days away. There are no precedents to determine whether this same resolution can be considered in the next Session of the House.
—In any case, given the arithmetic in Parliament, it is almost certain that the resolution will be defeated. This is largely a symbolic move of protest by the Opposition that alleges the Vice President is unfair and partisan in the way he conducts the House.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Opposition moves no-confidence motion against RS Chair – what is the procedure, and why the attempt is unlikely to succeed

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
1. A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which (2020)
(a) all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government
(b) the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it
(c) the Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them
(d) the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term
2. Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India: (2014)
1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
2. A motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:
📍To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (2021)

IIT researchers take rare look inside foetal brain— one slice at a time

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: General Science

Mains Examination: General Studies III:  Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

What’s the ongoing story: Researchers at IIT Madras have unveiled a cutting-edge tool — a detailed 3D map of five developing baby brains from the second trimester. This map, now the most detailed high-resolution 3D representation of the foetal brain, shows how it undergoes rapid growth during this critical stage and can detect possibilities of brain disorders like autism.

Key Points to Ponder:

• Why is this brain map significant?

• How was the mapping done?

• Discuss the significance of the DHARINI brain atlas developed by IIT Madras in advancing neuroscience and healthcare research.

• “The DHARINI brain atlas opens new frontiers in understanding human brain development.” Critically analyse its potential in addressing developmental disorders like autism and cerebral palsy.

• Explain the technological innovations used in the development of the DHARINI brain atlas. How do such innovations enhance the quality of research in neuroscience?

• Evaluate the ethical considerations involved in using still-born brains for research. How can researchers balance scientific progress with ethical sensitivities?

• Compare the DHARINI brain atlas with the brain atlas created by the Allen Institute for Brain Science. Highlight the advantages and challenges of the indigenously developed technology at IIT Madras.

• “The intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence is key to understanding and replicating human intelligence.” Discuss how advancements like the DHARINI brain atlas can contribute to AI research.

• Analyse the challenges and opportunities in integrating brain atlas data into public healthcare systems. How can this data be used to
improve diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders?

• The DHARINI brain atlas represents India’s growing capabilities in scientific research and innovation. Discuss the role of such projects in fostering global collaboration and enhancing India’s scientific reputation.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr J Kumutha, dean and professor of Neonatology at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital which collaborated on the project highlighted that this data could provide crucial insights into developmental disorders like autism, which remain poorly understood and managed. “It may also help explain why some children suffer permanent damage and develop cerebral palsy after hypoxia (a lack of oxygen) while others recover without lasting effects,” she said. Additionally, the findings could shed light on changes in the adult brain linked to mental health conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder.

• To capture the complex structures of the brain at a cellular level, researchers from IIT Madras used the brains of five still-borns in the second trimester — at 14, 17, 21, 22 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. The brains were frozen and thinly sliced, enabling scientists to see the structures.

• These thin slices, which become transparent, are then stained and microscopically imaged in extreme detail. Once digitised, these slides are put together to create a 3D map.

Do You Know:

• Called DHARINI, this brain atlas is the largest of its kind and the only one that captures the developing brain at such an early stage. It uses advanced technology to map over 5,000 brain sections and more than 500 brain regions. It will be completely free for anyone to access, opening up new possibilities for understanding how our brains grow.

• “This is groundbreaking research for clinicians — it will help us study how the human brain develops in the womb. For instance, we’ve discovered some surprising differences in timelines; what we previously thought occurred at 14 weeks may actually happen at 17 weeks,” said Dr J Kumutha, dean and professor of Neonatology at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, which collaborated on the project.

• The brain atlas created by IIT Madras is not only the largest dataset in the world, it is also the only one that has been able to capture the growing brain in foetuses. The only other publicly available brain atlas such as this was released by US Allen Institute for Brain Science in 2016. It captured the brain of an adult woman in 1,356 plates.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Atlas of developing human brain created; to help localise, advance neurological treatment

UPSC Practice Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
3. The DHARINI brain atlas developed by IIT Madras is significant because:
(a) It focuses on adult brain imaging for understanding neurological disorders.
(b) It provides the first dataset capturing foetal brain development in the second trimester.
(c) It exclusively studies genetic influences on brain development.
(d) It is a collaborative project with the Allen Institute for Brain Science.

GOVT & POLITICS

Dissanayake to arrive on Dec 15, his first overseas visit as Lanka President

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies II: India and its neighbourhood- relations.

What’s the ongoing story: SRI LANKA announced on Tuesday that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a two-day visit to India from December 15, in his first overseas visit after assuming office.

Key Points to Ponder:

• Analyse the significance of the first overseas visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. How can this visit shape the future of India-Sri Lanka relations?

• Discuss the challenges and opportunities in India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations in light of regional security concerns and the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region.

• “India-Sri Lanka relations are defined by cultural ties, strategic proximity, and economic interdependence.” Examine the scope of these relations under the new leadership in Colombo.

• Evaluate the role of the National People’s Power (NPP) government in reshaping Sri Lanka’s domestic and foreign policy. What implications does this have for India?

• The Tamil minority issue has historically been a sensitive aspect of India-Sri Lanka relations. Discuss how India can engage with the new Sri Lankan government to ensure equitable rights and integration of the Tamil minority.

• Discuss the significance of Sri Lanka’s assurance to India regarding the non-utilization of its territory against India’s security interests. How can India leverage this for regional stability?

• Examine the impact of parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka on the country’s political landscape and its relations with India. What lessons can be drawn for India’s neighbourhood diplomacy?

• With China’s increasing presence in Sri Lanka, how should India recalibrate its strategic engagement with Colombo to safeguard its interests in the Indian Ocean region?

Key Takeaways:

• The December 15-17 visit is Dissanayake’s first overseas visit since being elected the island nation’s president in September.

• Dissanayake will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando, said
Jayathissa, also the Minister of Health.

• During his visit, Dissanayake will meet PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayathissa said in Colombo.

• The visit by AKD — as he is popularly called — is expected to give an opportunity to review ties between the two countries and look at the future prospects under the new leadership in Colombo.

• Dissanayake’s visit was on hold until the completion of the parliamentary election in November when his NPP recorded a historic win, gaining absolute control of the 225-member Parliament.

Do You Know:

• THE NEW Sri Lankan President is a relatively new player, as India has always engaged with the traditional political parties ruled by the elite politicians. Since his victory, AKD has made positive signals for better ties with India. His visit can be an opportunity for the top leadership in Delhi to get a better understanding of his priorities.

• This will be an opportunity for India to hear about Dissanayake’s plans — first hand — on Indian investments, views on regional security and his approach towards Tamil minority rights in the country among other issues.

• The invitation to visit New Delhi was extended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who visited Colombo less than a fortnight after Dissanayake’s victory.

• Jaishankar was the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka since the National People’s Power (NPP) government led by Dissanayake came to power on September 23.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Why India should not be worried about Sri Lanka’s new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
4. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE, 2020)
1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Who is ‘Telangana Thalli’, why Revanth govt facing flak over her statue

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

Mains Examination: General Studies I: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

What’s the ongoing story: Tempers are on the rise again in Telangana politics as the A Revanth Reddy-led Congress government prepares to unveil the newly designed statue of “Telangana Thalli (mother of Telangana)” at the state secretariat on Monday, even as a Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) worker has moved the Telangana High Court against its installation.

Key Points to Ponder:

• “The Telangana Thalli statue is not just a cultural symbol but a reflection of the state’s identity and aspirations.” Discuss the significance of such symbols in regional politics and their potential to influence public sentiment.

• Examine the implications of redesigning cultural symbols like the Telangana Thalli statue on political narratives and party identities in regional politics.

• Analyse the role of cultural and historical symbols in political movements, with specific reference to the Telangana statehood agitation.

• “Identity politics plays a crucial role in shaping regional political landscapes.” Critically evaluate this statement with examples from the Telangana Thalli controversy.

• Discuss how the intersection of culture and politics can either unite or divide societies, with reference to recent political developments in Telangana.

• Examine the challenges faced by political parties in balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with their efforts to redefine political narratives. Use the Telangana Thalli redesign controversy as a case study.

• The Telangana Thalli statue has been at the centre of a political debate between the BRS, Congress, and BJP. How do such controversies reflect larger issues of governance, cultural preservation, and political competition?

• Analyse the impact of controversies surrounding public symbols like statues on the electoral prospects of political parties, particularly in states with strong regional identities like Telangana.

Key Takeaways:

• ‘Telangana Thalli’ is a symbolic figure for the people of Telangana, the statue was first designed by B Venkataramana, a resident of Nirmal district, and installed at the BRS (then the TRS) headquarters in Hyderabad in 2003.

• Venkataramana claimed he drew inspiration from the statehood agitation led by former Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao, popularly known as KCR. The BRS chief felicitated him in 2015, a year after the state of Telangana was formed.

• The Telangana Thalli was an important part of the statehood agitation and was compared to the Telugu Thalli, also known as “Andhra Mata”. During the agitation, the pictures of Telangana Thalli adorned almost all protest groups and the Goddess was often cited to drill home the point of statehood.

• The statue earlier had a crown and held maize in one hand, reflecting the prosperity of the region. On her other hand was a Bathukamma pot, the cultural symbol of Telangana’s biggest festival.

• The Telangana Thalli was dressed in a pink silk saree meant to represent the famous silks of Gadwal and Pochampalli while the toe rings, symbolic of married women, signified the filigree ornaments of Karimnagar. She wore a gold waistband.

• The new statue does not have a crown and the Bathukamma pot too has been done away with, giving way to an open palm. The colour of the saree has been changed to green. The waistband has also been omitted from the new design.

Do You Know:

• Regionalism is an ambiguous concept that has both positive and negative connotations. In a positive sense, it denotes people’s appreciation for their culture, language, region, etc. with a view to maintain an independent identity. In a negative sense, it implies excessive attachment to one’s region, which may pose a threat to unity and integrity of the nation.

• In both cases, regionalism reflects a shared sense of identity among people in a specific geographical area. It often originates among groups in particular areas due to distinct ethnic, linguistic, economic and cultural consciousness. Sanjib Baruah argues that, like nations, regions are ‘contested constructs’. Both the nation and the region are territorial projects, which can create potential tensions between the two.

• The roots of regionalism in India can be traced back to the colonial period. While British rule imposed unity on colonised India, it also deepened regional disparities across the country. The British exploited these regional disparities to advance their “divide and rule” strategy.

• Later on, the creation of the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand in 2000, the formation of Telangana state separated from Andhra Pradesh in 2014, and the revocation of statehood from Jammu and Kashmir are some of the recent chapters in the trajectory of regional movements in India.

• The phenomenon of regionalism in India emerged primarily from the heterogeneous character of the nation. Regional demands for autonomy stem from various factors, including feelings of neglect towards particular areas, unequal distribution of resources, and the importance of cultural, ethnic, religious or linguistic identity. Additionally, ideologies and manipulation of popular sentiments in favour of a specific region or identity can sustain regionalist aspirations.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Understanding regionalism: India’s approach to managing diverse identities

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:
📍Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (2020)

THE EDITORIAL PAGE

Making her work count

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development

Mains Examination: General Studies III: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

What’s the ongoing story: Farzana Afridi Writes: Two characteristics of India’s labour force are striking — the low rate of participation of the working-age population in the workforce and the almost stagnant structure of labour force participation.

Key Points to Ponder:

• “India’s labour force faces a dual challenge of low participation and stagnant structure.” Discuss the structural characteristics of India’s labour force and suggest measures to improve worker productivity and job quality

• Analyse the factors contributing to the rise in informality of work in India’s self-employed sector. How can government policies address these challenges to improve the quality of self-employment?

• The low level of vocational training is a major obstacle to enhancing the quality of self-employment in India. Discuss the role of skill development programs in addressing this gap, with specific reference to ITIs and the PM Mudra Yojana.

• Examine the barriers to access to formal credit markets for self-employed workers in India. How does this impact entrepreneurship and the overall quality of self-employment?

• “Administrative and legal inefficiencies hinder the growth of informal enterprises into formal establishments.” Critically evaluate this statement in the context of India’s unincorporated enterprises.

• Discuss the gender disparities in self-employment in India. What specific challenges do women face, and how can policy interventions bridge these gaps?

• Evaluate the role of education and vocational training in transforming India’s labour force, particularly in the context of self-employment. What steps can be taken to make vocational training more effective and accessible?

• “Ease of doing business has improved, but starting a formal enterprise remains challenging in India.” Discuss the steps required to simplify administrative and legal processes for entrepreneurs to enhance job creation and economic productivity.

Key Takeaways:

• India has a much larger share of workers who are self-employed and a smaller proportion of wage and salaried workers than most other middle-income economies. This structure has not shifted much in decades.

• The predominance of the agricultural sector and the relative shift towards the services sector, bypassing manufacturing, has a significant role to play in the continued high levels of self-employment.

• Of the working population, over half are categorised as self-employed — almost 60 per cent in rural areas and about 40 per cent in urban areas, with an uptick in this statistic between 2017-18 and 2023-24, particularly in rural areas and for women.

• There is a stark compositional difference in the self-employment of men and women. For males, the category of own-account worker dominates, while most self-employed women are “helpers in household enterprises”. Although the gender gap in the proportion of own-account workers has declined between 2017-18 and 2023-24, the proportion of self-employed females in the category of “helpers” has increased between 2017-18 and 2023-24.

• The criteria used in most economies to define formal jobs — coverage by the social security system; entitlement to paid annual or sick leave, and written employment contract — are missing for the self-employed.

• Two other features of self-employment are notable — low earnings and significant underemployment. Not only are the earnings of the self-employed barely above those engaged in casual labour, the gender gap in self-employed earnings has increased between 2017-18 and 2023-24, with the gap expanding more in rural areas.

• The majority of self-employment work is also of poor quality and probably a fall-back option when better work opportunities are unavailable, particularly in rural areas and for women.

• Low education and skills, poor access to formal credit and legal support stand out as the main limitations. While these impinge on all self-employed workers, they are often particularly binding for self-employed women.

Do You Know:

• Education and vocational training: The proportion of self-employed with grade XII or above education was only 17 per cent in 2017-18 and has increased only marginally to 20.6 per cent in 2023-24.

• Education levels are particularly low for self-employed women – 9 per cent of these women had completed high school or beyond in 2017-18, which has inched to just 11.4 per cent in 2023-24. The proportion of all self-employed with any formal or vocational training is abysmal at 3 per cent.

• Vocational training can be transforming in enhancing the quality of self-employment and entrepreneurship, broadening choices and expanding work opportunities.

• A recent NITI Aayog report on overhauling ITIs states that “hardly any ITI arranges for tie-ups with financing institutions to make credit accessible to ITI passouts for starting an enterprise.

• Access to formal credit: Lack of access to formal credit markets limits the size and scope of self-employment, entrepreneurship and the ability to create establishments that generate employment.

• Although the ease of doing business has been steadily improving in India, starting a formal enterprise remains challenging even when the entrepreneur has the technical know-how and access to credit. The administrative and legal landscape is often complex. The WDR 2024 notes that because their time and talent are limited, (firm) owners are compelled to manage firms through their families which inhibits their ability to grow. By some estimates, the lack of professional managerial support could account for 11 per cent of the difference in per capita incomes between India and the US.

• Inadequate legal access entails friction in contract enforcement, which lowers the aggregate productivity of establishments. Studies show that the efficiency of courts in India matters for future growth in the formal manufacturing sector. According to the ASUSE, a majority of the unincorporated enterprises that are proprietary or partnerships are run by minorities.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍India’s employment conditions continue to be poor: Report

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
5. According to the article, which government initiative aims to support self-employed individuals, including small manufacturers and artisans, with access to credit?
(a) PM Mudra Yojana
(b) Stand-Up India Scheme
(c) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
(d) Startup India

THE IDEAS PAGE

A prelude to unfriending

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

What’s the ongoing story: C. Raja Mohan Writes: One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the formation of the so-called “alliance without limits” between Moscow and Beijing. Announced by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in February 2022, just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this alliance emphasises their commitment to strategic cooperation across security, economic, and political domains, without restrictions on their collaboration.

Key Points to Ponder:

• “The ‘alliance without limits’ between Russia and China signifies a strategic shift in global geopolitics.” Discuss the key drivers and limitations of this alliance, along with its implications for the international order.

• Examine the challenges faced by the Russia-China alliance in achieving a post-Western global order. How have their efforts shaped US foreign policy in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia?

• “A stronger America poses a significant challenge to Sino-Russian ambitions for global dominance.” Critically evaluate this statement in light of recent geopolitical developments.

• Analyse the potential impact of the US’s efforts to divide the Russia-China alliance on India’s foreign policy, particularly in the context of a multipolar Asia.

• Discuss the historical oscillation between alignment and betrayal in the Russia-China relationship over the past eight decades. How do these patterns inform the current dynamics of their alliance?

• The formation of alliances such as the Quad and AUKUS represents a shift in the geopolitical landscape of Asia. Discuss their role in countering China’s influence and maintaining regional stability.

• “Betrayal is inherent in statecraft, where self-interest often supersedes alliance commitments.” Critically analyse this statement with reference to the potential fragility of the Russia-China alliance.

• With global power dynamics shifting, discuss the implications of a potential reconciliation between the US and Russia on European security and the geopolitical stability of Asia.

Key Takeaways:

• While strategic ties between Moscow and Beijing have strengthened since the early 2000s, the February 2022 declaration marked an unprecedented level of anti-American solidarity.

• The conviction that the US-dominated world order is crumbling has been a long-held belief for both leaders, particularly since the 2008 global financial crisis, fuelled by a surge of “declinist” literature in America and apparent political dysfunction during the Obama and Trump administrations.

• The growing global interest in BRICS and the perceived rise of the Global South seemed to confirm the decline of the US-led international system.

• The US economy has shown remarkable resilience, outpacing both the European Union and China in growth and technological innovation. The US continues to attract significant investment, maintaining a dynamic business environment, while Europe faces structural challenges such as declining population, high unemployment, and slower economic growth. China’s economy, though still growing, is decelerating due to demographic shifts, rising debt, and trade tensions.

• The prospect of China overtaking the US in GDP terms now seems unlikely in the near term. Projections for 2024 estimate the US GDP at $29 trillion, compared to China’s $19 trillion and the Eurozone’s $16 trillion, with Russia lagging at around $2.5 trillion.

Do You Know:

• What began as Russia’s brief “special military operation” in Ukraine is approaching its third year. Despite some recent territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, Russia has suffered significant losses in personnel and resources; its political and economic position in Europe has taken a big dent.

• In the Middle East, Iran, a key partner in the Sino-Russian alliance, is now on the defensive. Iranian proxies in Gaza and Lebanon have suffered setbacks, and Bashar al-Assad has fled to Moscow for refuge.

• Israel has battered Iran’s much-feared “axis of resistance”. The narrative has shifted from Iran’s ambition to overthrow US dominance to concerns about the survival of the Islamic Republic amid significant adversity.

• In Asia, Beijing’s efforts to displace the US and assert dominance have suffered setbacks. The US has revitalised its alliances, formed new partnerships, and established institutions like the Quad and AUKUS. Trump is poised to intensify economic pressures on China, which, coupled with its slowing economy, will force Beijing to reconsider its strategies towards its neighbours and Washington.

• Within the Republican foreign policy establishment, there are strong sentiments advocating an emphasis on countering China in Asia rather than expending valuable military resources in Ukraine.

• Historically, Russia and China have oscillated between alignment and betrayal over the past eight decades. In the 1950s, they were ideological allies against American imperialism, but by the 1970s, both sought separate deals with the US, accusing each other of betrayal. By the late 1990s, they had rekindled their partnership to counter Washington.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Expert Explains: How the prospect of Trump 2.0 has created two warring factions within China

Speaking for ourselves

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies I: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

What’s the ongoing story: Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav, a week-long celebration from December 4, to mark our diverse linguistic heritage and to commemorate the birth anniversary of the revered Mahakavi Subramania Bharati on December 11, is underway in all states and Union Territories.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav?

• Discuss the significance of conferring the status of Classical Languages on regional languages in strengthening Bharat’s linguistic heritage and national identity.

• Examine the impact of colonial policies, such as Macaulay’s Minute on Indian Education, on Bharat’s linguistic and cultural roots. How can contemporary initiatives address these historical disruptions?

• Critically analyse the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in fostering education in mother tongues. How does this policy contribute to preserving linguistic diversity while ensuring holistic learning outcomes?

• ‘Linguistic pride lies at the core of Bharat’s civilizational ethos.’ Elaborate on this statement in the context of the Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav and its role in promoting unity in diversity.

• Language serves as a medium to preserve cultural heritage and foster intellectual development. Discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to integrate language into education as a tool for socio-cultural and economic advancement.

• The multilingual fabric of Bharat is both a challenge and an opportunity in the pursuit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.” Discuss.

Key Takeaways:

• Eighty per cent of Bharat’s population identifies itself as non-English, native language speakers. Mother tongue lies at the core of deep learning, because our languages are not just tools of communication — they are repositories of history, tradition and folklore, preserving the collective wisdom of generations and offering a unique worldview.

• Children, brimming with creativity and emotional intelligence, flourish when their education begins in their native language.

• A primer in their mother tongue builds a seamless bridge from the home to the classroom, guiding them from “mother” tongue to “other” tongue — transitioning from speaking to writing, vocabulary to semantics, and language to subject comprehension. As Rabindranath Tagore noted, “A child learns to speak not from textbooks, but from his mother.”

• Education in the mother tongue fosters a natural progression from basic understanding to complex thought. Bharat’s linguistic diversity is a treasure-trove of both intellectual and cultural wealth. From the snow-capped peaks of Kashmir to the sun-drenched shores of Kanyakumari, and from the arid expanses of Kachchh to the verdant hills of Kohima, our languages encapsulate the inner essence of our people.

• Teaching children in their mother tongue not only preserves their connection to heritage but also equips them for the future. By laying down a robust foundation in native languages, we can empower children to master other languages and subjects with greater ease and comprehension.

Do You Know:

• On October 3, the Union Cabinet, made history by conferring the status of Classical Languages on as many as five languages — Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali — thus expanding the ambit of a category that already included six other languages: Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia.

• On February 2, 1835, Thomas Babington Macaulay presented a memorandum, known as “Macaulay’s Minute on Indian Education” to the Governor General of India, prioritising English over native tongues, with the intention of creating a class of Indians loyal to British interests, alienating generations from their cultural and linguistic roots.

• The NEP 2020 necessitates equitable access to high-quality teaching and learning materials in various Indian languages for greater learning outcomes. It puts a strong emphasis on the fusion of technology with education, particularly in the context of preserving and promoting the nation’s diverse linguistic heritage. There have been concerted efforts to create a robust ecosystem for promotion of Indian languages so as to make education inclusive
—the Bhasha Sangam programme;
—Machine Translation Centre of the National Council of Educational Research and Training;
—the Anuvadini app-based translation of books, including technical books in multiple Indian languages by the All India Council for Technical Education;
—Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing (ASMITA) initiative by the University Grants Commission
—the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍New additions to classical languages list: Yet another divide-and-rule strategy

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
6. Consider the following languages: (2014)
1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu
Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language/Languages’ by the Government?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

ECONOMY

S Africa, Namibia, Turkey back India in opposing China-led WTO pact: Official

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

What’s the ongoing story: The China-led Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement has gained the support of 128 countries at the World Trade Organization (WTO) but India, along with South Africa, Namibia, and Turkey, will continue to oppose the initiative due to its potential to undermine the policy space of weaker nations, a central government official said on Tuesday ahead of the WTO General Council meeting in Geneva on December 16-17.

Key Points to Ponder:

• Discuss the significance of the China-led Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement at the WTO. Why does India oppose it, and what are the potential implications for developing nations?

• “The IFD agreement highlights the challenges of balancing global investment facilitation with the policy autonomy of developing countries.” Critically analyse this statement in the context of India’s stance at the WTO.

• Examine India’s proposal for a “per capita distribution of subsidies” in the context of fisheries subsidies at the WTO. How can this approach address concerns of overfishing while safeguarding livelihoods?

• Analyse the potential impact of the US-China trade war on global investment flows, particularly in the ASEAN region. How does this influence India’s trade and investment strategy?

• “India’s opposition to the IFD agreement reflects its commitment to preserving policy space for economic sovereignty.” Discuss this statement in light of the economic and geopolitical implications of the agreement.

• Evaluate the challenges associated with disciplining fisheries subsidies within the WTO framework. How does India’s approach differ from that of developed nations, and what are its implications for sustainability and livelihoods?

• The WTO plays a critical role in regulating global trade. Analyse the significance of India’s advocacy for intensity-based subsidies in fisheries and its broader implications for equitable trade policies.

• The IFD agreement has garnered support from a majority of WTO members but faces criticism from some developing nations. Discuss the limitations of multilateral agreements in addressing the concerns of weaker economies.

Key Takeaways:

• “There is tremendous pressure and momentum from China. They have secured support from 128 out of 166 WTO members, including Pakistan. Four nations—India, South Africa, Namibia, and Turkey—are opposing it. The US is not opposing it but has opted to stay out of the agreement,” the official said. Notably, Pakistan was initially not part of the IFD.

• This comes at a time when investment flows are increasingly shifting away from China due to a possible US-China trade war and a weakening consumer demand in China. These investments are increasingly moving to ASEAN countries as Chinese firms have increased their overseas assets to record levels.

• The official emphasised that India believes many nations supporting the IFD are under the wrong impression that it will benefit them. “For developing countries, this agreement will impact their policy space. While more members may join, India will continue to oppose it,” the official said.

• The IFD claims to improve the global investment climate and foster international cooperation to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) flows among WTO members, particularly benefiting developing and least-developed countries, a WTO note said.

Do You Know:

• Proposed in 2017 by China and other nations reliant on Chinese investments, the agreement is supported by countries with substantial sovereign wealth funds. However, experts argue the pact could harm India’s interests and restrict its policy space on FDIs.

• Separately, the official noted that India has advocated for a “per capita distribution of subsidies” criterion to address concerns about overfishing and overcapacity within the WTO framework.

• India informed the WTO that its annual fisheries subsidy amounts to $35 per fisher, significantly lower than the $76,000 provided by some European nations. India has submitted a document, ‘Designing Disciplines for the Overcapacity and Overfishing Pillar: A Case for Intensity-Based Subsidies Approach’, which will be discussed at the WTO General Council meeting in Geneva.

• The WTO is negotiating an agreement to discipline subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity. In 2022, member countries finalised a pact to curb subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. “Adopting a per capita distribution of subsidies criterion could provide a more accurate and fair basis for managing overfishing and capacity issues, addressing both stock sustainability and livelihood concerns,” India stated. It added annual aggregate fisheries subsidies cannot be an accurate measure, as they include both beneficial and subsistence subsidies linked to livelihoods, which do not contribute to overcapacity or overfishing.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍India opposes China-led investment facilitation proposal at WTO, terms it non-trade issue

Female labour force participation rate rose during 2017-18 to 2022-23

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.

Mains Examination: 

• General Studies I: Social empowerment

• General Studies II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

• General Studies II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

• General Studies‐ III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment

• General Studies III: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it

What’s the ongoing story: Female labour force participation rate (LFPR) increased in almost all states in India during 2017-18 to 2022-23, with rural areas seeing larger gains than urban areas, a new working paper released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) stated.

Key Points to Ponder:

• Examine the inter-state variations in female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in India and analyse the socio-economic factors contributing to these disparities.

• Discuss the trends in rural and urban female LFPR in India during 2017-18 to 2022-23. How do these trends reflect the changing socio-economic dynamics of rural and urban areas?

• Critically analyse the role of government schemes such as Mudra loans, Drone Didi, and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana in enhancing female LFPR in India. What further steps can be taken to ensure sustainable women-led development?

• Marriage significantly reduces female LFPR, especially in urban areas. Discuss the underlying reasons and suggest policy measures to address this issue.

• “Female LFPR forms a bell-shaped curve, peaking at 30-40 years of age and declining sharply thereafter.” Analyse this phenomenon in the context of age and gender-specific challenges in the Indian labour market.

• How does the increase in unpaid family work contribute to the rise in female LFPR? Discuss the implications of this trend for women’s economic empowerment in India.

Key Takeaways:

• The female labour force participation rate (LFPR) in India remains among the world’s lowest. Female LFPR declined by 14.4 percentage points (compared to 8.1 percentage points for males) between 2000 and 2019. The trend reversed thereafter, with female LFPR rising by 8.3 percentage points (compared to 1.7 percentage points for male LFPR) between 2019 and 2022.

• There is a considerable gender gap — women’s LFPR (32.8%) in 2022 was 2.3 times lower than men’s (77.2%).

• India’s low LFPR is largely attributed to the low female LFPR, which was much lower than the world average of 47.3% in 2022, but higher than the South Asian average of 24.8%, as per ILO data.

• There has been a reversal of the slow transition towards non-farm employment after 2018-19. The share of agriculture in total employment fell to around 42% in 2019 from 60% in 2000.

• This shift was largely absorbed by construction and services, the share of which in total employment increased to 32% in 2019 from 23% in 2000.

• The share of manufacturing in employment has remained almost stagnant at 12-14%. Since 2018-19, this slow transition has stagnated or reversed with the rise in the share of agricultural employment.

• There has been a rise in youth employment, but the quality of work remains a concern, especially for qualified young workers.

Do You Know:

• According to India Employment Report 2024’, there has been concerns about poor employment conditions: the slow transition to non-farm employment has reversed; women largely account for the increase in self-employment and unpaid family work; youth employment is of poorer quality than employment for adults; wages and earnings are stagnant or declining.

• The ‘employment condition index’ has improved between 2004-05 and 2021-22. But some states — Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and UP — have remained at the bottom throughout this period, while some others — Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat — have stayed at the top.

• The index is based on seven labour market outcome indicators: (i) percentage of workers employed in regular formal work; (ii) percentage of casual labourers; (iii) percentage of self-employed workers below the poverty line; (iv) work participation rate; (v) average monthly earnings of casual labourers; (vi) unemployment rate of secondary and above-educated youth; (vii) youth not in employment and education or training.

• Informal employment has risen — around half the jobs in the formal sector are of an informal nature. Self-employment and unpaid family work has also increased, especially for women. Almost 82% of the workforce is engaged in the informal sector, and nearly 90% is informally employed, the report said. Self-employment remains the primary source of employment — 55.8% in 2022. Casual and regular employment accounted for 22.7% and 21.5% respectively.

• The share of self-employment remained almost stable around 52% between 2000 and 2019, while regular employment increased by almost 10 percentage points, to 23.8% from 14.2%. This reversed by 2022, with self-employment increasing to 55.8%, while the share of regular employment declined to 21.5%. Casual employment consistently declined to 22.7% in 2022 from 33.3% in 2000.

• Regular employment is generally seen as providing better-quality jobs due to the regularity of employment and associated social security benefits, while casual work is linked with relatively poor-quality jobs due to its irregular nature and lower daily earnings.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍India’s employment conditions continue to be poor: Report

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
7. Which of the following gives ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world? (2017)
(a) World Economic Forum
(b) UN Human Rights Council
(c) UN Women
(d) World Health Organization
Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:
“Empowering women is the key to control the population growth.’’ Discuss. (2019)

EXPLAINED

Why Centre wants states to make snakebites notifiable disease

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development

Mains Examination: General Studies II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

What’s the ongoing story: The Union Health Ministry has urged states to make snakebites a notifiable disease — a disease that is legally required to be reported to the government by both private and public hospitals.

Key Points to Ponder:

• Discuss the key reasons why snakebites are notifiable diseases.

• Evaluate the potential benefits of making snakebites a notifiable disease for public health management.

• Examine the role of healthcare infrastructure and antivenom availability.

• Discuss the importance of setting up zonal venom collection banks and the associated challenges.

• Suggest strategies to integrate modern medical practices with culturally sensitive awareness campaigns for snakebite treatment.

Key Takeaways:

• Snakebites are a major public health challenge in the country. Some three to four million cases of snakebites are reported every year, and an estimated 58,000 persons die because of them annually, according to the 2020 Indian Million Death Study, a largescale study that examined the causes of premature death in India.

• Earlier this year, the government launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) with the aim of halving snakebite deaths by 2030. NAPSE recommended that snakebites should be made a notifiable disease.

• Usually, infections that are likely to cause an outbreak, lead to deaths, and those that need to be investigated quickly to take appropriate public health measures, are declared as notifiable diseases.

• While the list of notifiable diseases differs from state to state — state governments are responsible for bringing out the notification — most of them consider infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis among others to be notifiable.

Do You Know:

• Snakebites can lead to acute medical emergencies that require immediate care. They can cause severe paralysis that can prevent breathing, can lead to a fatal haemorrhage, and damage different tissues.

• There are more than 310 species of snakes in India — 66 of them are venomous and 42 are mildly venomous. Twenty-three snake species are considered to be of medical importance as their venom can kill. However, almost 90% of snakebites in the country are caused by the ‘Big Four’ — the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper.

• Making snakebites notifiable is expected to lead to proper surveillance, and to help determine the precise numbers of snakebite cases and deaths across India.

• The government can then use this information to effectively manage, prevent, and control cases of snakebites. Adequate antivenoms can be provided to various regions, and proper training can be imparted in areas where snakebites are frequent.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Centre declares snakebites a ‘notifiable disease’ in India

 

PRELIMS ANSWER KEY

1. (b)  2. (C) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (a) 6.(C) 7.(a)

 

 

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