9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – April 19th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Our new digital rules must ensure online child safety

Source: The post is based on the article “Our new digital rules must ensure online child safety” published in Live Mint on 19^th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Issues Related to Children

Relevance: concerns associated online child abuse and measures required

News: The article discusses the threats associated with the use of the internet to children and measures needed to address those.

How are children vulnerable to the internet?

Over the last few years and especially post-pandemic, access to the internet for children has increased for education, learning, and entertainment.

Due to which, online sexual abuse of children has increased by 400 times. 

Therefore, the government is trying to revamp India’s Information Technology Act, 2000 and provide safe harbour to child safety.

Why is a safe harbour important for child safety?

Safe harbour ensures that users can benefit from an open, free and safe internet, and protects people from the dangers of mass censorship by intermediaries.

The current IT Act provides safe harbour protection to online intermediaries whereby platforms are liable to take down user-generated content on receiving ‘actual knowledge’ of its illegality through a court or government order.

Therefore, increasing the accountability of online intermediaries is important.

However, overarching restrictions on civil rights and dilution of safe harbour can impact user safety, as seen in the case of SESTA-FOSTA legislations of the US.

Five years after its enactment, numerous reports came up suggesting that these laws had endangered the lives of sex workers. It made it difficult to gather evidence to investigate and prosecute traffickers.

Therefore, the IT Act should be amended in such a way that it serves the purpose.

What changes can be made to the IT Act 2000?

Adopting Tech-Based Solutions: The new IT Act must focus on expanding affirmative technology-based solutions to tackle child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and establish community hotlines for swift remedial measures. The Supreme Court of India also recommended these measures in the Prajwala case of 2018.

Moreover, public-private partnerships to incentivize the growth of privacy-enabling technologies must be encouraged.

Tech companies must use cutting-edge technologies, adopt global best practices such as end-to-end encryption and build new ways to identify and take action against perpetrators.

Greater responsibility sharing and capacity enhancement: The new law should focus on deploying streamlined grievance redressal processes that intermediaries must adopt to efficiently respond to online harm.

A process should be adopted for grading grievances according to the degree of harm and those related to CSAM proliferation should be addressed on an immediate basis.

Intermediaries should also make their terms of service easily comprehensible for children and create easily accessible mechanisms for them to lodge complaints.

Furthermore, improving law enforcement authorities’ capacity to conduct efficient investigations and prompt prosecutions.

Sensitization and collaboration: Children should be included as equal participants in the fight against online child abuse. For instance, the Australian government is instituting a Youth Advisory Council, which will provide the administration feedback on online safety issues and measures to counter cyber-harm.

Many countries are also making efforts through their engagement of school systems to raise public awareness on the issue. It could be helpful to adapt such practices to Indian educational systems as well.

India @75, Looking at 100: Accessibility is for everyone

Source: The post is based on the article “India @75, Looking at 100: Accessibility is for everyone” published in The Indian Express on 19^th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Vulnerable Sections of the Society

Relevance: concerns of accessibility with the disadvantaged groups

News: The article discusses issues of accessibility with the disadvantaged group and measures needed to address those.

What is accessibility and why is it needed?

Accessibility is a fundamental human right, but it’s often overlooked in our daily lives. Therefore, there is a need to see beyond physical differences and treat everyone with empathy and respect.

This includes learning how to interact with people with reduced mobility and understanding their needs. For instance, not misusing parking or sitting areas or using toilets designated for people with reduced mobility.

There is also a need to prioritize accessibility to the needy such as wheelchair users, pregnant women, or children, and help make public spaces more accessible for all.

When people have the freedom to choose how they want to live their lives, they become more productive and contribute more to society and the economy.

What are some of the concerns with accessibility in India?

The proportion of elderly (over 60 years old) people in India is expected to increase from 8.6 per cent in 2011 to 12.5 per cent by 2030 and almost 20 per cent by 2050. 

Currently, due to inadequate infrastructure, elderly individuals who expect to enjoy their lifelong savings are unable to do so. They are unable to enjoy themselves due to unexpected challenges like temporary injuries, etc.

However, as India turns 100 in 2047, it could proactively address accessibility issues.

How can India address the accessibility issues by 2047?

Making India accessible by 2047 for everyone requires collective effort.

India should prioritise accessibility in its infrastructure development, transport and policies. This will provide equal opportunities for all and ensure full participation in society.

India is the world’s largest democracy, and it has a unique opportunity to lead the world in making accessibility a fundamental human right and position itself to become a superpower.

A judgement that upholds the Constitution

Source– The post is based on the article “A judgement that upholds the Constitution” published in “The Hindu” on 19th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Judiciary

Relevance: Issues related to working of the judiciary

Context- The Supreme Court (SC) judgement in the Media One case requires a political reading and not merely a legal one.

What is the importance of the judgement?

It is a landmark judgement on the freedom of expression. It endorses the citizen’s right to question the state by distinguishing the government from the nation.

What are recent criticisms against SC?

It has postponed hearings on important cases such as electoral bonds and the dilution of Article 370. It has also upheld the draconian provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

SC has taken a stand against constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. It stayed the Bombay High Court order that directed the release of physically challenged activist G.N. Saibaba.

How is SC going for course correction?

In Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India, SC took away the power of appointment of Election Commissioners from the sole domain of the executive. It directed the constitution of a committee to select them.

Media One judgment has underlined the institutional capacity of the court to uphold the rights in troubled political times.

How is the media one judgement different from other judgements that uphold the important constitutional principles?

In the Bommai case, it holds that federalism and secularism are the basic features of the Constitution. However, it failed to address the real issue of dissolution of a few State governments, as elections were held in those States subsequently.

In the Puttaswamy case, the Supreme Court only provided details of the idea of privacy and related concepts at a doctrinal level. It did not go for a direct and immediate encounter with the executive.

On the other hand, in the Media One case, the court directly confronted the Centre.

It directed it to renew the licence of the media house. It considered all the major doctrinal issues such as the right to fair hearing, proportionality standard and public interest claims and issued directives to the Centre in concrete terms.

What are the challenges faced by the judiciary across the world?

Populist autocracies try to crush the judiciary with their majoritarian impulse.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to interfere with the independence of the judiciary.

In Bolivia, judges have been arbitrarily dismissed in the last few years.

Poland lowered the retirement age of judges. The regime sent out older judges and inducted new persons who are loyalists of the government.

The executive in India delays making judicial appointments as suggested by the collegium. There is sometimes even public criticism of the judiciary by the executive in India.

How has the Supreme Court balanced its judgments?

It shows the judiciary’s effort to resist majoritarian overtones. However, it has also distanced itself from the role that the Opposition is supposed to play.

It is because the task before the court is not to uphold the Opposition’s politics, even when it might be legitimate.

Therefore, recently, the apex court rightly dismissed a plea by Opposition parties, which alleged arbitrary use of central probe agencies against them. The grievance is genuine. But the issue needed a political solution, not an adjudicatory resolution.

This is how the court’s constitutional duties vary from the Opposition’s politics. It cannot pose a political check, which can only happen by way of mass movements or electoral decisions.

The future of India’s civil society organizations

Source- The post is based on the article “The future of India’s civil society organizations” published in “The Hindu” on 19th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Development Processes and the Development Industry

News– The article deals with changing landscape of civil society in India.

What are the challenges faced by civil society in current times?

CSOs lobbying for greater constitutional and civic freedoms are facing many challenges.

The access of funds to CSOs has been restricted by cancelling Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act clearances, revoking licenses, imposing retrospective taxes, and pressuring private companies and philanthropists to redirect funding.

Civil society is being vilified as disruptive to India’s development trajectory — and therefore anti-national.

Some specific CSOs are the primary recipient of government patronage and also the principal beneficiary of Corporate Social Responsibility funds.

What are the issues with the working of CSOs?

Instead of reorientation of their operational methodologies, CSOs still follow outdated tactics whose overall utility is fast diminishing. For example, sanctioned protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Town Hall in Bengaluru or Azad Maidan are not useful in the present scenario.

Similarly, articles, speeches at think tanks/conferences, and petitions/open letters do not shame governments into any substantive course correction.

Even lobbying legislators to raise issues is ineffective as it has become easy to hinder or ignore Parliamentary functions.

Progressive CSOs fail to blend socio-cultural values with welfare/constructive work or calls to protect constitutional values. They are unable to reshape hearts and minds, and guide mass consciousness.

Vast sections of society have been radicalized. This is a major shortcoming of progressive civil society.

Evidence from various States suggests that local communities secure benefits from progressive CSOs, but ideologically align with the ruling government. This dichotomy has resulted in psychological fatigue among key activists.

What are the options for civil society?

CSOs need some financial sustenance because of financial constraints. Without sustained support, CSOs cannot mould public discourse.

Young activists could be inducted into political parties, either within the party organisation or in an aligned body. This could create an institutionalised moral force within the parties. This would afford parties a layered systemic approach to thorny issues.

Currently, many parties consciously avoid direct exposure to difficult issues that could adversely impact them electorally. This includes communal disturbances, atrocities against Dalits and women, and advocating for Adivasi rights or civic and political freedoms.

If an aligned civil society organisation took up such issues, it would ensure that a party remains connected to genuine community problems. There is a precedent to this, when the Congress Movement complemented the Congress system.

What is the way forward for CSOs?

CSOs will need to urgently collaborate with other progressive stakeholders. They will need to shed their studied aversion to each other and political parties.

We need to find structural solutions to structural problems. This is our historic responsibility.

Private philanthropies and companies need to realise that they are the only lifeline for progressive CSOs today. It is infinitely easier to support organisations that work on ‘soft’ issues that may not invite the wrath of the powers. But inaction today will directly contribute to the extinction of civil society.

Conscientious Indians must find the courage to work together and silently devise new methods of collaboration.

A message for the planners in dealing with the Dragon

Source- The post is based on the article “A message for the planners in dealing with the Dragon” published in “The Hindu” on 19th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements

Relevance– India and China bilateral relationship

News– Recently, China remanded 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh. There was also denial of visas to some Indian media personnel who the Chinese consider to be ‘unhelpful’ in their reporting.

Why does China need to be taken seriously?

Some experts consider China’s President Xi Jinping as less of a Sun Tzu follower. He is close to Mao who believes in power flowing through the barrel of a gun.

Some experts argue that Xi Jinping should be taken seriously when he says that he is preparing China for war.

He has called for working together, dare to fight, break out of dependence on foreign technologies and rally behind the People’s Liberation Army to make China great again.

There have been border talks with China and post-talks statement of ‘working together to maintain peace’. Such long drawn out negotiations appear to be purely tactical positions. But it needs to be viewed through a strategic prism.

What are the issues with the capability of the Indian armed forces?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, in its March 2023 report has shown the shortcomings in defence hardware and equipments with Indian armed forces

The committee has commented adversely on the slow production rate of the Tejas fighter by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It noted that the IAF’s urgent need to make up its dwindling squadron numbers through the 114 Multi Role Fighter Aircraft project.

Similar observations have been made for hardware procurement for the Indian Army. The committee has acknowledged that funds are scarce. It has recommended that allocation for defence should be 3% of GDP to maintain India’s deterrent posture.

The ongoing one-year-plus Russia-Ukraine conflict has shown that power is not just about possessing capability but also about the capacity-to-last-the-distance too. India’s acquisition plans must be oriented accordingly.

IITs need to make science empathetic and inclusive

Source- The post is based on the article “IITs need to make science empathetic and inclusive” published in “The Indian Express” on 19th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues related to development and management of education

Relevance– Issues faced by institutions of higher education in India

News– The IITs are in the news again for a spate of suicides.

What are the reasons for differences across various social groups at IITs?

There exists a gap in capabilities. For JEE Advanced 2022, the cut-off for admission for general category candidates was much higher compared to SC candidates. The median score of eligible SC candidates was very low.

There are many cultural reasons and some material ones. The Census 2011 data for Maharashtra tells us that 76% of the general population had had latrines at home in comparison to 57% of SC families. The fraction of SC households with a scooter was 14% while that for the general category it was 24%

This inequality persists in other basic amenities as well. Thus, reaching school or college or even finding time for it is harder for SC students.

But this inequality is not only about social class. There are inequities in the access to water too.

What is the best approach to learning at academic institutions?

The material inequality in society should be intensely studied by universities. Students of all disciplines should conduct field and community studies to understand its causes and provide insights.

Engineers can design robust solutions and social scientists would ensure that these indeed work.

Professors would transmit this knowledge to government agencies and companies so that this inequality reduces.

For students, such interdisciplinary field work will bring a shared experience of the realities of their society. They will engage in an open and honest discussion about its problems.

This will help students to develop mutual respect, empathy and a collective understanding of how the state and the market work. Such a constructive engagement by the university can make higher education empathetic.

Diversity is important in this scheme. Only a diverse student and faculty body will be able to uncover facts and design more effective and sustainable solutions. More equitable societies will produce better professionals and citizens and a diverse set of role models.

How will this approach be helpful for IITs?

The above approach can easily bring change for the IITs. Faculty members can work with district administrations to address these issues and involve both IIT and local college students.

This will prepare an ecosystem of higher education that satisfies its institutional as well as cultural roles.

For the IITs, such an approach will certainly improve the social environment within the student body. It will reduce competitive stress and increase collaboration and teamwork.

Students will also appreciate the great diversity of backgrounds and understand the adversities many among them have had to face. It will show them that for most real-life problems, unlike the JEE.

It will inculcate in them the true spirit of science of empathy, exploration and teamwork —where the laboratory is the wide world outside.

What are other issues with academic institutions in India?

The socio-economic problems require the sustained engagement of the smartest people and the most innovative companies and enterprises. Elite institutions have failed to convert our problems into opportunities and solutions.

That has resulted in a shortage of jobs and the lottery of competitive exams. The IITs now are merely the marketplace for the few good jobs.

What is the way forward for more inclusive learning in higher educational institutions?

It is also time for the students from IIT to reject this market-based approach.

Sustainability is now the core concern of state agencies and national and international companies. They need a science which is free, a science which probes and explores all issues of knowledge and society.

There is a need for training in this science of empathy and diversity. Indian science needs to become more democratic. Then universities will become more empathetic and society more equal and prosperous.

Express View: A campus that is safe and free

Source: The post is based on the article “A campus that is safe and free” published in the Indian Express on 19th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS – 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Relevance: About DU’s advisory for students.

News: Recently, the University of Delhi has issued a 17-point advisory to be implemented by colleges and departments when organising festivals and other events. These include mandatory NOC from the police, concertina wires on boundary walls. CCTVs at all gates, etc. The advisory has come in the wake of alleged security lapses in a college event.

What is the rationale behind DU’s advisory?

Security lapses have occurred in colleges in the past. Apart from the recent instance, three women’s campuses have also faced security lapses in recent times. Hence, there is a need for greater safety of students. This makes it more necessary for authorities to issue this advisory.

What are the concerns associated with DU’s advisory?

a) Cameras in classrooms and police permission to organise routine events encroach on the privacy of students, b) Enable censuring of students and hamper students exploring new ways of being, c) Hampers study and socialisation of students in an enabling environment.

What should be done?

The need for greater safety should not be achieved at the cost of students’ freedom. Securitisation and surveillance in the name of students’ safety should be tolerated. The college should talk to the students, sensitise them to the challenges and support them in critical times. It is the only way to ensure that security does not mean having to step back from freedom.

Tweak The Tech – MNREGA’s process change to reduce corruption is hurting those who need jobs. GoI must have a relook

Source: The post is based on the article “Tweak The Tech – MNREGA’s process change to reduce corruption is hurting those who need jobs. GoI must have a relook” published in The Times of India on 19th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS – 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes.

Relevance: About the process ‘improvements’ in MGNREGA.

News: The app-based attendance and Aadhaar-enabled payments were introduced in MGNREGA. But these process ‘improvements’ in MGNREGA have hampered the interface for the poor and deterred people from seeking work.

About the process ‘improvements’ in MGNREGA

Last year, the government introduced a national mobile monitoring software. The software can record attendance in real-time, with geotags and photographs. The move was intended to minimise corruption and provide oversight. But, the software has also made the MGNREGA work inaccessible to many poor households.

Must read: MGNREGA: Issues and Significance – Explained, pointwise

How do process ‘improvements’ in MGNREGA hamper access to the poor?

a) wage payments are delayed, b) only 43% of MNREGA workers qualified for the new Aadhaar-based payment system. This is because they have not been able to fill in their details, c) workers losing wages because of errors in the attendance system, d) worksite supervisors having to buy smartphones to use the app, d) connectivity and app errors are also associated with the system.

Read more: What could be the govt’s calculations behind the slashing of the MGNREGA budget

What should be done?

Digitisation has been one of India’s success stories. But, when it comes to using tech in public services proper alternatives should be provided.

GS PAPER - 3

Heat strokes in India: Reasons and Impacts – Explained, pointwise

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Introduction

In India, heat strokes in India are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Recently, thirteen people have died from an apparent heatstroke while attending a government award function in an open space in Navi Mumbai. This is possibly the biggest-ever heatwave-related death toll from a single event in the country.

Some areas like Gangetic West Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar are currently affected, and heat strokes are becoming a significant public health issue. These rising temperatures can impact public health, social and economic conditions, and even the overall development of India.  

What are heat strokes?

Heat strokes, also known as sunstrokes, are severe heat-related illnesses that occur when the body overheats due to exposure to high temperatures and humidity or from continuous physical activity in those conditions. Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.  

During a heat stroke, the body’s temperature-regulating mechanisms fail, causing the body temperature to rise rapidly. Symptoms of heatstroke include high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.  

Must read: Winter Heatwaves – Explained, pointwise

How can heat strokes be fatal?

High temperature in itself is not fatal. The combination of high temperature and high humidity is referred to as the wet bulb temperature. This makes heat waves deadly. 

High moisture content in the atmosphere makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate and bodies to cool down. This increases internal body temperature and is often fatal. When the body temperature reaches 104°F (40°C) or higher, it can lead to dehydration, organ damage, and even death if left untreated.

Must read: Wet Bulb Temperature: Explained: India Heatwaves and the role humidity plays in making them deadly

What are the reasons for increasing heat stroke events in India?

Reasons for Increasing Heat Strokes in India  

Climate Change: Global warming and climate change contribute to rising temperatures in India, making heat waves more intense and frequent. For instance, in recent years, temperature records have been broken in various parts of India, leading to more cases of heat strokes as people are exposed to extreme heat.  

El Nino effects: The end of the La Nina phase is expected to make this year’s summer very hot. El Nino, which has the opposite effect, may begin by May to July, increasing heat further. This could also potentially reduce rainfall during India’s monsoon season.  

Urban Heat Island Effect: Concrete structures and lack of greenery in urban areas trap heat, raising the temperature in cities. For example, Delhi, a densely populated city with limited green spaces, experiences higher temperatures than its surrounding rural areas. This increases the risk of heat strokes for its residents.  

Lack of Awareness and Preparedness: Many people are not aware of the risks associated with heat strokes or how to prevent them, leading to an increase in heat stroke cases. For instance, during the recent Mumbai event, almost a million people gathered on uncovered ground, leading to heat stress for over 120 people, resulting in 13 deaths and 18 hospitalizations.  

Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of access to cooling facilities like air conditioning or proper ventilation in buildings can exacerbate the risk of heat strokes.  

Read more: Do not let increasing heatwaves sap worker productivity in India

What are the various initiatives undertaken to mitigate heat strokes?

Initiatives to Mitigate Heat Strokes  

Heat Action Plans: Governments and local authorities implement heat action plan to raise awareness and prepare communities for heat waves.  For example, Ahmedabad introduced a heat action plan that includes sending heatwave alerts, opening cooling centers, and training healthcare workers to deal with heat stroke cases.  

Preparation of national guidelines for heat-wave management: In 2016, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued comprehensive guidelines to prepare national-level key strategies for mitigating the impact of heatwaves.  

Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments and NGOs run campaigns to educate people about the risks of heat strokes and how to prevent them. Example: A local NGO in Hyderabad conducted workshops in schools to teach children about the importance of staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, and seeking shade during hot weather.  

Urban Greening Initiatives: Planting trees and creating green spaces in urban areas help reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.  For example, the city of Bengaluru initiated a project to plant one million trees across the city to increase green cover and reduce temperatures, thus decreasing the risk of heat strokes.  

Access to Cooling Facilities: Governments and organizations work to provide access to cooling facilities, such as air conditioning or public cool spaces, for vulnerable populations.  

Building Design and Policies: Incorporating heat-resilient building designs and enforcing policies to ensure adequate ventilation and insulation can help prevent heat strokes. The government introduced building codes requiring better insulation and ventilation in new constructions, reducing indoor temperatures and the risk of heat strokes.

Read more: Without action plans, India’s poorest will continue to bear brunt of heatwaves: study

What are the challenges in heat stroke mitigation?

Challenges in Heat Stroke Mitigation include,

Limited Awareness: Many people are not aware of the risks, prevention measures, and treatments associated with heat strokes, leading to insufficient preparedness. For example, in rural areas, lack of awareness may cause farmers to work during peak heat hours, increasing their risk of heat stroke.  

Inadequate Infrastructure: Inadequate urban planning and infrastructure, like the lack of green spaces and poorly designed buildings, contribute to higher temperatures in cities. For instance, Slums in Mumbai often lack proper ventilation and shade, making residents more vulnerable to heat strokes.  

Insufficient Healthcare Facilities: Limited healthcare facilities and trained professionals in rural and remote areas make it difficult to provide prompt treatment for heat stroke victims.  

Climate Change: Increasing global temperatures and extreme weather events due to climate change are exacerbating the frequency and severity of heat waves, making heat stroke mitigation more challenging.

For example, unprecedented heatwaves in recent years have strained the capacity of communities and healthcare systems in India to effectively respond to heat stroke cases.  

Climate-related injustice: Poverty, lack of access to resources, and limited education can hinder individuals’ ability to take preventive measures against heat strokes. Example: Low-income families in urban areas may not be able to afford proper cooling solutions or take time off work during peak heat hours, increasing their risk of heat strokes.  

What should be done?

Actions to Combat Heat Strokes include

Need for Climate Literacy: Educate people on the risks, prevention measures, and treatments related to heat strokes through campaigns, workshops, and public service announcements. Example: Government agencies can run campaigns in local languages to reach a wider audience and improve awareness about heat stroke prevention.  

Improve Infrastructure: Design urban spaces and buildings to be more resilient against heatwaves, by promoting green spaces and using heat-resistant construction materials. Such as encouraging the planting of trees in urban areas to create shaded spaces and reduce the overall temperature.  

Enhance Healthcare Facilities: Ensure the availability of healthcare facilities, especially in rural and remote areas, and train medical professionals to handle heat stroke emergencies.

Such as, allocatung funds to establish health centers in vulnerable areas and provide training to local healthcare workers on managing heat stroke cases.  

Implement Heat Action Plans: Develop and implement heat action plans at local and national levels to improve preparedness and response during heatwaves.  

Address Climate Change: Take active steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change that contribute to extreme heat events. For instance, implement policies that promote renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce the country’s carbon footprint and help combat climate change.  

Support Vulnerable Communities: Focus on providing resources and assistance to socio-economically disadvantaged populations to help them take preventive measures against heat strokes. Such as establishing cooling centers in low-income neighborhoods or providing subsidies for energy-efficient cooling solutions to reduce the financial burden on vulnerable families.  

Other initiatives: The Labour department on its part should sensitise and encourage employers to shift outdoor workers’ schedules away from peak afternoon hours during heat alert. Efforts should be made to ensure all amenities to children appearing for examinations in addition to prioritising maintenance of power to all critical facilities like hospitals and drinking water supply schemes. 

Must read: Marine heatwaves and its ecological impact

Source: Indian Express (Article 1 and Article 2), The Hindu, The New Indian Express, Financial Express, NDTV and Livemint

Syllabus: GS 3: Disaster Management: Disaster and disaster management.

Two Apples Of Our Eye – Manufacturing vs services is a false binary for India. We need both. But why we need them is not properly understood

Source: The post is based on the article “Two Apples Of Our Eye – Manufacturing vs services is a false binary for India. We need both. But why we need them is not properly understood” published in The Times of India on 19th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS – 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

Relevance: About the reasons to prefer manufacturing or services.

News: The India visit of Apple boss and two recent data points have re-ignited a simmering debate on manufacturing vs services. India has seen a dramatic 55% increase in the exports of electronics finished products.

On the other end, there has been a significant rise in the export of services not only from the IT sector alone but also from legal, medical, and MNC back-offices. So, experts have said India should focus more on services. This raises debate on what India should focus on, manufacturing or services?

Why India should prefer manufacturing or services?

Manufacturing is not a massive job-creator like Services: China, the largest factory in the world, with a manufacturing output of $5 trillion, employs around 83 million workers in manufacturing. In China, despite its monster manufacturing capacities, half of its workers are employed in services.

In contrast, India, with a manufacturing output of around $500 billion, employs between 27 million and 62 million workers.  A study has found that manufacturing employment declined from 51 million in 2016-17 to 27 million in 2020-21.

Another study found that hi-end jobs, especially in the hi-tech sectors, have a much bigger multiplier effect on jobs created than low-tech jobs. In short, services industries tend to create more hi-tech jobs than relatively low-tech, low-skilled manufacturing assemblies.

Manufacturing is crucial to keep the trade deficit low: High-performing services and limited manufacturing will lead to the trade deficit. This is because most services are non-tradable in nature and the country will depend on imports largely for manufactured items. So, countries that have limited manufacturing capacities also tend to have structural current account deficits (CAD).

For example, The UK and the US. Since they are developed they have enormous access to a reserve currency and more policy options to deal with structural CAD. But this is not feasible for emerging markets (EM) like India. CAD forces a trade-off between economic stability and income growth.

What India should prefer, manufacturing or services?

India needs both manufacturing and services. This is because,

To reduce CAD: India’s CAD has been a perpetual policy constraint for the country since its independence. Despite the record growth in service exports and the spectacular emergence of electronics exports, India ended 2022-23 with a CAD of around 2% of GDP.  So, India needs to have larger manufacturing capacities with market access to do away with CAD constraints.

To reduce risks of supply chains: India’s high dependence on China for API (a key ingredient in pharmaceutical manufacturing) or rare earth minerals (critical for a range of industries) or industrial intermediates for strategic electronic products presents large, un-diversifiable risks. Even during Covid, the developed countries ringfenced vaccine supplies. Hence, India should focus on manufacturing along with the focus on services.

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