UPSC Key: Rural poverty, Farmers protest and Uniform Civil Code

Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries, Environment 

What’s the ongoing story: Russia officials in Crimea announced a regional emergency on Saturday, as oil was detected on the shores of Sevastopol, the peninsula’s largest city.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is a regional emergency regime?

• How do fuel oil spills affect marine ecosystems and the environment?

• How are oil spills cleaned?

• What measures can be taken to promptly address oil spills on coastlines?

• What is the significance of the Kerch Strait in geopolitics and global trade?

• What is the role of international conventions in reducing the severity of oil spills?

• Map work:  Kerch Strait, Crimea, Sevastopol, Krasnodar region,  Black Sea 

Key Takeaways:

• Fuel oil spilled out of two storm-stricken tankers nearly three weeks ago in the Kerch Strait, close to eastern Crimea – some 250 km from Sevastopol, which lies on the southwest of the peninsula.

• “Today a regional emergency regime has been declared in Sevastopol,” regional Gov. Mikhail Razvozhaev wrote on Telegram. Oil was found on four beaches in the region and was “promptly eliminated”,

• Razvozhaev’s announcement came after authorities in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region announced a region-wide emergency last week, as the fuel oil continued washing up on the coastline 10 days after one tanker ran aground and the other was left damaged and adrift on December 15. 

Do You Know:

• The Kerch Strait runs between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and separates Crimea’s Kerch Peninsula from Russia’s Krasnodar region.

• Oil spills affect marine life by exposing them to harsh elements and destroying their sources of food and habitat. Further, both birds and mammals can die from hypothermia as a result oil spills, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). For instance, oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters. It also decreases the water repellency of birds’ feathers, without which they lose their ability to repel cold water.

• There are a few ways to clean up oil spills. including skimming, in situ burning and by releasing chemical dispersants. Skimming involves removing oil from the sea surface before it is able to reach the sensitive areas along the coastline. In situ burning means burning a particular patch of oil after it has concentrated in one area.

• Releasing chemical dispersants helps break down oil into smaller droplets, making it easier for microbes to consume, and further break it down into less harmful compounds.

• Natural actions in aquatic environments such as weathering, evaporation, emulsification, biodegradation and oxidation can also help reduce the severity of an oil spill and accelerate the recovery of an affected area. But these occur differently in freshwater and marine environments, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes in a report on oil spills.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Russia clears beaches after Black Sea oil spill, declares emergency in Crimea

UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme:

(1) Which of the strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov?

(a) Sunda strait

(b) Dover Strait

(c) Strait of Otranto

(d) Kerch Strait

GOVT & POLITICS

Why Modi govt 3.0 is maintaining an arm’s length from protesting farmers

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development

Main Examination: General Studies III: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices

What’s the ongoing story: Currently, the Supreme Court is looking into this issue. Whatever directives the Supreme Court gives, will be followed, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told reporters earlier this week when asked whether he would invite the protesting farmers for talks, who have been holding a sit-in at Shambhu and Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana borders since February last year. 

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is minimum support price (MSP)?

• Why are the farmers protesting? What are their demands?

• Agriculture is part of which list under schedule 7 of the Indian Constitution?

• Which are the crops covered under MSP?

• How MSP is calculated (paid-out costs, labour, etc.) and which crops are covered under the MSP

• Know in detail about the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP). 

• How does the government fix MSPs of crops before every planting season?

• What were the recommendations of the Ashok Dalwai Committee and M. S. Swaminathan Committee on MSP?

• Read about the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and its features. 

• What are the issues and challenges associated with the implementation of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013? 

• What measures should be taken to address the issues related to theLand Acquisition Act, 2013? 

Key Takeaways:

• Chouhan’s cautious reply to queries on the continuing farmers’ protests indicates the government’s changed approach in dealing with the farm stir. Unlike its proactive engagement with the agitating farm unions in its previous term, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government 3.0 seems to be keeping an arm’s length from the issue.

• Despite the standoff, the Centre has been fighting shy of engaging with the protesting farmers demanding legal status for minimum support price (MSP) of crops and farm debt waiver, among other things.

• There could be various factors that explain the Centre’s changed tack in dealing with the farm agitation this time. One, the ongoing stir is restricted to the Punjab-Haryana border so far, with its geographical spread not as wide as the 2020-21 farm movement. Two, several leading farmer bodies including the SKM – an umbrella organisation of many farm unions from Punjab and other states — have not joined the current stir despite supporting its demands. Thirdly, while the 2020-21 movement was directed against the Centre’s three farm laws, the current protest has multiple demands including some pressed earlier.

Do You Know:

Demands being made by the Punjab protesting farmers:

• A law guaranteeing the purchase of all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers across the country, with crop prices fixed as per the recommendations of the Dr Swaminathan Commission.

• A complete debt waiver for farmers and labourers.

• Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, should be nationwide, ensuring written consent from farmers and four times compensation based on collector rates should be given before any land acquisition.

• India should withdraw from the World Trade Organization (WTO), and suspend all free trade agreements.

• Under MGNREGA, ensure 200 days of employment per year with a daily wage of Rs 700, and link MGNREGA with agriculture.

• Strict penalties and fines for companies producing fake seeds, pesticides, and fertilisers. They have also asked for measures to improve seed quality.

• Establishment of a National Commission for chilli, turmeric, and other spices.

• Implementation of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, ensuring the rights of tribal communities over water, forests, and land, and stopping the exploitation of tribal lands by corporations.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍As farmers intensify protest, here’s a look at their demands

📍Knowledge nugget of the day: Land Acquisition Act 2013

📍ExplainSpeaking: Beyond MSPs and protests, some basic facts about Indian farmers

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(2) The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the (UPSC CSE 2015)

(a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

(b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices

(c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture

(d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee

EXPRESS NETWORK 

Training sessions, assistance centres: Uttarakhand preps to roll out UCC

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Constitution of India —features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure., Government policies and interventions

What’s the ongoing story: Training of officials till January 20, a specialised app, three assistance centres with technical support, and legal aid to all stakeholders: these are among the pending tasks that the Uttarakhand government is expediting as it aims to implement the Uniform Civil Code in January, The Indian Express has learnt.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

• Know about the personal laws in India.

• What are the constitutional provisions related to UCC?

• What are the arguments for and against the implementation of UCC?

• What was the Constituent Assembly debate regarding the adoption of UCC?

• What are the important cases related to UCC?

• What are the challenges associated with the implementation of UCC?

• What has the 22nd Law Commission said about UCC? 

Key Takeaways:

• Against the backdrop of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s statements that the UCC will be implemented this month, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli is learnt to have asked officials to identify locations in their districts to conduct training sessions.

• To ensure convenience for both officials and citizens, three assistance centres will be established. ITDA will provide technical support, CSC will assist with training, and the Prosecution Department will offer legal aid to all stakeholders through these centres.

• The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution provides that both the Centre and state legislatures can legislate on matters pertaining to family laws. In pursuance of this power, the government of Uttarakhand is planning to implement its own Uniform Civil Code.

• The Code applies to residents of the state, but only to those who identify within the binary genders of male and female who are in heterosexual relationships, thus leaving most LGBT persons outside its ambit.

Do You Know:

• A Uniform Civil Code would provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities, in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, etc. 

• The framers of the Constitution recognised the need for uniform personal laws, but placed it in the Directive Principles of State Policy. Article 44 of the Constitution says that “the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India”.

• Article 44 is among the Directive Principles of State Policy. Directive Principles are not enforceable by court, but are supposed to inform and guide governance. 

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍The 360° UPSC Debate: Is Uniform Civil Code ‘unnecessary and undesirable’ or ‘justice for all communities’

📍How the Uniform Civil Code came to be included in the Indian Constitution

📍Hits and misses of Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code: What the Bill does, and does not do

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(3) Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India: (UPSC CSE 2012)

1. Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code

2. Organising village Panchayats

3. Promoting cottage industries in rural areas

4. Securing for all the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities

Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy?

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (UPSC CSE 2015)

 

ECONOMY

‘Rural poverty declines to 4.86% in FY24’

Syllabus:

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

Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Issues relating to poverty and hunger, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment.

What’s the ongoing story: Rural poverty has declined significantly to 4.86 per cent in the fiscal ending March 2024 from 25.7 per cent in 2011-12 mainly driven by government support programmes, said a SBI research released on Friday.

Key Points to Ponder:

• How is poverty defined in India?

• How is the poverty line determined in India?

• How is poverty defined by different international institutions?

• What has the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) stated about India’s poverty levels?

• Know in detail the classifications of poverty.

• What are the adverse consequences and ‘pains of poverty’ that the poor feel?

• Working Group (1962), Task Force headed by Dr. Y. K. Alagh (1979), Lakdawala Expert Group (1993), Tendulkar Expert Group (2009), and Rangarajan Committee (2014) -Know the key highlights.

• What measures have been taken by the government for poverty alleviation in India?

• Read about the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY)—Key Features.

• Terms to Know: Head-count ratio, Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE), Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE)?

Key Takeaways:

• Urban poverty too is estimated at 4.09 per cent, down from 13.7 per cent in 2011-12.

• “The sharp decline in rural poverty ratio is on account of higher consumption growth in lowest 0-5 per cent decile with significant government support and such support is important as we also find that change in food prices has a significant impact on not just food expenditures, but overall expenditure in general,” said the SBI research on consumption expenditure survey.

• The latest Household Expenditure Consumption Survey, released by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, showed that consumption inequality in rural as well as urban areas declined during the August 2023-July 2024 period as compared to a year ago. 

• The SBI research said that the Consumption Expenditure Survey reveals a remarkable decline in rural poverty estimated at 4.86 percent in 2023-24 (7.2 percent in FY23 and 25.7 percent in FY12) and urban poverty estimated at 4.09 percent (4.6 percent in FY23 and 13.7 percent in 2011-12). 

• It is possible that these numbers could undergo minor revisions once the 2021 census is completed and the new rural-urban population share is published, the research report said. “We believe urban poverty could decline even further. At an aggregate level, we believe poverty rates in India could now be in the range of 4-4.5 percent.

Do You Know:

• The terms ‘urban’ and ‘rural’ poor refer to two distinct groups of individuals experiencing poverty in different settings, namely, urban and rural areas.

• Urban Poor: The urban poor are individuals and households residing in urban areas — including metros, cities and towns; who experience poverty. Urban poverty is often characterised by challenges such as high living costs, limited access to affordable housing, and inadequate sanitation and healthcare facilities. Employment in the informal sector is common among the urban poor, which may involve jobs in street vending, construction, domestic work, or small-scale trading.

• Rural Poor: Rural poverty is often associated with factors such as landlessness, low agricultural productivity, limited access to education and healthcare, and a lack of infrastructure.  The rural poor are more constrained by traditional restraints of caste, gender and ethnicity while trying to escape poverty; than the urban poor. The rural poor often face challenges related to limited access to formal financial services, which can hinder their ability to save, invest, and manage income effectively.

• Poverty is accompanied by a range of negative consequences and hardships. These consequences can affect various aspects of individuals’ lives, including their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Here are some of the common pains of poverty that the poor experience:

1. Food Insecurity: Hunger and malnutrition are prevalent among the poor due to their limited access to nutritious food. This can lead to physical health issues, stunted growth, and cognitive impairments, especially in children.

2. Inadequate Healthcare: Poor individuals often lack access to quality healthcare, leading to untreated illnesses and chronic health problems. The cost of medical care can be a significant burden for them.

3. Limited Access to Education: Poverty can hinder access to education, limiting opportunities for personal and professional growth. Children from impoverished backgrounds may not receive a quality education, limiting their future prospects.

4. Housing Instability: Poor households may struggle to afford safe and stable housing. This can result in overcrowding, homelessness, and exposure to environmental hazards.

5. Economic Stress: The constant financial stress and uncertainty associated with poverty can lead to anxiety, depression, and mental health issues. Poor individuals may also experience a lack of control over their lives.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍UPSC Essentials | Society and Social Justice: Poverty and associated issues (Part 2)

📍Poverty is down, period

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(4) In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because (UPSC CSE 2019)

(a) poverty rates vary from State to State

(b) price levels vary from State to State

(c) Gross State Product varies from State to State

(d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (UPSC CSE 2018)

Panel for local data storage envisioned to prevent sectoral disruptions: IT Minister

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

What’s the ongoing story: A day after the draft data protection rules proposed setting up a committee which would recommend the types of personal data that would have to be localised in India, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the move is to create a central body which works with other ministries and sectoral regulators to effectively implement local storage of data without causing any disruptions to the industry.

Key Points to Ponder:

• Read about the Data Protection Act, 2023 and draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025.

• What is data localisation?

• What are the issues and challenges associated with data localisation?

• How “significant data fiduciaries” will be determined?

• What is the issue of the Right to privacy under the Data Protection Act?

• What measures should be taken to ensure data privacy and cyber security?

• What are the laws related to data governance in India?

• What are the challenges with regard to data governance in India?

Key Takeaways:

• Data localisation, a bugbear for Big Tech, that was removed from the Data Protection Act, 2023, Friday made a comeback under the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025. Data localisation relates to measures that result in restricting data flow within a jurisdiction’s boundaries.

• The draft rules propose that the Central Government will specify the kind of personal data which can be processed by “significant data fiduciaries” subject to the restriction that such personal data and traffic data related to its flow is not transferred outside the territory of India. A committee, to be formed by the government, will determine such data.

• While data fiduciaries are companies and entities which collect and process personal data, “significant data fiduciaries” will be determined on the basis of the volume and sensitivity of personal data they process, and the risks they might have on sovereignty and integrity of India, electoral democracy, security, and public order. All major tech companies including Meta, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon are expected to be classified as significant data fiduciaries.

• Under the Data Protection Act cleared in August 2023, the government had said it would simply notify the territories where personal data of Indians can not be taken to. This was seen as a big win following immaculate lobbying efforts by the tech companies against a provision in an older version of the draft law which mandated strict localisation mandates.

• The understanding is that if sectoral regulators and ministries wish to come up with their own requirements for local storage of certain kinds of personal data – like how the Reserve Bank requires for financial data – the committee could function as a common place of discussion for the government and industry.

• The draft rules are crucial for operationalising the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which is yet to be implemented despite receiving the President’s assent more than 16 months ago.

• The draft rules also allow tech companies to implement a mechanism for collecting “verifiable” parental consent before processing personal data of children. The draft rules also require that data fiduciaries – companies and entities which collect and process personal data – have to provide a clear, standalone, and understandable notice to data principals before processing their data. 

Do You Know:

• India presently lacks a comprehensive legislation specifically addressing the issue of data protection. The regulation of personal data usage falls under the purview of the Information Technology (IT) Act of 2000. The insufficiency of this framework in safeguarding personal data has been duly noted.

• In the year 2017, the central government established a Committee of Experts on Data Protection, which was led by Justice B. N. Srikrishna. The primary objective of this committee was to investigate and analyse matters pertaining to data protection within the country. The report was submitted by the Committee in July 2018.

• On August 9, 2023, the Rajya Sabha “unanimously” passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (DPDP), 2023 and drew the curtains on a journey that began roughly a decade ago. In the process, it has predictably provoked mixed reactions.

• The Act declares that for the “security of the state, maintenance of public order or preventing incitement to any cognisable offence relating to any of these, and the processing by the central government of any personal data that such instrumentality may furnish to it”, the state falls outside its scope.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Digital Personal Data Protection Act: The speedbumps ahead

📍The 360° UPSC Debate : Will Digital Personal Data Protection Bill violate privacy of citizens?

Previous year UPSC Prelims/Mains Question Covering similar theme:

(5) ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India? (UPSC CSE 2021)

(a) Article 15

(b) Article 19

(c) Article 21

(d) Article 29

On Blinkit’s 10-minute ambulance service, govt’s ‘law of land’ caution

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance and Governance

Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Issues relating to development and management relating to Health

What’s the ongoing story: A day after Zomato-owned quick commerce platform Blinkit said it was launching a 10-minute ambulance service, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal sounded caution that the firm would have to adhere to India’s “legal requirements” while offering the service.

Key Points to Ponder:

• Read about the National Ambulance Services (NAS) and National Health Mission

• What is the difference between patient transport vehicles (PTVs), advanced life support (ALS), and basic life support (BLS)?

• Why India needs more ambulances on its roads?

• What are the legal requirements for operating ambulance services in India? 

• Which particular regulations control ambulance design and construction?

• What are the infrastructure and regulatory challenges pertaining to ambulance services in India?

• What effects will private companies’ introduction of ambulance services have?

Key Takeaways:

• “As regards Blinkit with ambulance service or medicines being delivered, my only submission would be that they have to make sure that they meet the law of the land, and whatever other legal requirements should be properly taken care of. No laws of the land should be broken,” Goyal told reporters Friday.

• Experts said that Blinkit’s legal responsibilities include ensuring that its ambulance is designed and constructed as per norms laid out by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules and the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 125, which define the dimensions and structural integrity of the vehicles, among other things. For ambulances supported by the National Health Mission, the obligations of an ambulance operator depend on the memorandum of understanding between the operator and the state governments.

• The move of a major private firm introducing ambulance services raises concerns around the state’s accountability for offering basic healthcare services, even if it allows Blinkit to improve its public perception. Experts pointed out that there are regulatory gaps in enforcing current guidelines, apart from the problem of ambulance shortage in the country, which the government’s own data shows.

• Notably, the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the stark shortages of ambulances across the world, including in India, with people in need of immediate medical care struggling to find an ambulance service to a hospital. Generally, the high cost of securing ambulances in crucial times also make them inaccessible for several people.

• India’s ambulance services range from basic life support (BLS) to advanced life support (ALS) units, which are designed for specific medical needs. BLS ambulances are more useful during straightforward emergencies as the units focus on basic techniques like CPR, rescue breaths, and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to stabilise and support life functions. ALS ambulances, on the other hand, provide advanced medical interventions for critically ill or injured patients, and come equipped with advanced airway management, IV access, medication administration, and advanced cardiac life support.

• Patient transport vehicles (PTVs), take a larger share of the currently available ambulances in India. These ambulances are typically used for non-emergency medical situations, as they do not have most of the advanced systems present in an ALS ambulance. However, the share of ALS ambulances needs to increase in the country, to reduce trauma-related mortality within the critical “golden hour” timeframe.

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Ambulance Services (NAS) under the NHM. As per the ministry, An ALS ambulance is supported for an average population of 5 Lakh and a BLS ambulance is supported for over one lakh population. States are at liberty to propose the number of ambulances as per the norm to fill the gap.

Do You Know:

• As per data available with the National Health Mission, India had only 17,495 operational basic life support (BLS) ambulances until December 2023. The number of advanced life support ambulances was even lower, with 3,441 such operational vehicles. The data also showed the wide regional disparity in ambulance availability, particularly in the north eastern states, where ALS ambulances are hard to come by.

 

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