Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

On India’s linguistic diversity – Multilingualism can be magical if it’s error-free

Source: This post on India’s linguistic diversity is based on the article “Multilingualism can be magical if it’s error-free” published in “Live mint” on 27th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

News: The article discusses the importance and benefits of multilingualism in India, highlighting the rich linguistic diversity in the country. The author also emphasizes the role of multilingualism in enhancing cognitive skills, problem-solving, and creativity.

What are the various constitutional provisions related to language in India?

Protection of Linguistic Minorities: Article 29 ensures that any section of citizens with a distinct language, script, or culture can conserve it.

Educational Rights: Article 30 grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions. State aid to these institutions cannot be discriminatory.

Language in Parliament: Article 120 stipulates that business in Parliament is transacted in Hindi or English. However, a member can address the House in his mother-tongue with permission.

Official Language: Article 343 designates Hindi in Devanagari script as the Union’s official language. English usage is allowed for 15 years from the Constitution’s commencement.

Language Commission: Article 344 mandates the constitution of a Commission to recommend the progressive use of Hindi for official purposes.

State Official Languages: Article 345 allows states to adopt any language in use in the State or Hindi for official purposes.

Communication Between States: Article 346 specifies the languages for communication between states and between states and the Union.

Language in Judiciary: Article 348 states that the Supreme Court and High Courts use English for proceedings, but with certain exceptions.

Linguistic Development: Articles 350, 350A, 350B, and 351 provide directives for redressal of grievances, primary education in mother-tongue, appointment of a Special Officer for linguistic minorities, and promotion and development of the Hindi language, respectively.

How linguistically diverse is India?

Language Landscape: India boasts an impressive linguistic diversity, with over 19,500 languages spoken throughout the nation.

Local Linguistic Varieties: Even within small regions, the linguistic richness is evident.

Daily Multilingual Exposure: People are frequently exposed to different languages, either audibly or visually, aside from the one or more used at home.
For instance, New Delhi reflects this linguistic diversity in its street signage. The city employs four scripts – English, Devanagri, Gurmukhi, and Urdu – on its street signs.

What are the benefits of being multilingual?

1) Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Multilingual individuals often display improved cognitive abilities, allowing them to process and adapt to information more efficiently.

2) Research Findings: A study had demonstrated that bilingual children could adapt and process information better than their monolingual counterparts.

3) Delay in Cognitive Decline: Elderly people who are multilingual tend to experience a slower onset of cognitive decline, safeguarding their mental faculties for longer.

4) Boost Creativity: Being multilingual can foster creativity. The mental juggling between languages enhances the mind’s ability to think divergently and convergently.

5) Subconscious Processing: For those fluent in multiple languages, shifting between them occurs subconsciously, further refining their mental agility.

6) Open-mindedness: Multilingual individuals often develop an open-mindedness to different sociocultural constructs, expanding their horizons and making them more receptive to varied perspectives.

Question for practice:

How does India’s rich linguistic diversity, as reflected in street signs and the broader cultural landscape, impact cognitive abilities and foster creativity among its multilingual population?

On India’s role in the Arctic – Breaking the ice: How India can help save the Arctic

Source: This post on India’s role in the Arctic has been created based on the article “Breaking the ice: How India can help save the Arctic” published in The Indian Express Hindu on 27^th October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Geography — Changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
GS Paper 2 International Relations — Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

News: This article discusses the impact of climate change on the Arctic and how multiple challenges are worsening its impact. It also highlights India’s upcoming role in tackling these challenges in global fora related to the Arctic.

What are the growing challenges in the Arctic due to climate change?

1) The Arctic is warming at a rate 4 times faster than the global average.

2) It is leading to an unprecedented loss of sea ice, as well as the thawing of permafrost.

3) This might lead to the escaping of vast quantities of stored carbon into the atmosphere. This can trigger multiple catastrophic and irreversible climate tipping points.

5) Impact on Global South and India: For instance, research shows an intricate correlation between the melting of Arctic sea-ice and extreme rainfall events during the Indian summer monsoon.

For more on Arctic Amplification, read: https://forumias.com/blog/arctic-amplification-what-is-causing-arctic-warming/

What are the reasons for the worsening of the impact of climate change on the Arctic?

1) Rapid pace of development: For instance, Russia is commercialising and expanding trade channels along the Northern Sea Route.

2) Geopolitical interests and conflicts: Other Arctic countries are also planning oil and gas development endeavours.

3) Failure of global governance mechanisms: The Arctic Council stands suspended due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This has made it difficult to hold countries accountable and to monitor activities.

4) Non-representative forums: The Arctic Council does not have any member from the Global South, though some, including India, have observer status.

What is the Arctic Council?

Formally established in 1996 by The Ottawa Declaration, the Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum for promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction between the Arctic States.

Members include eight countries – Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Russia, United States, Iceland, Finland, and Sweden.

Arctic Council Member Countries. Source: Britannica.

In addition to the member states, observer status is granted to non-Arctic states. India, China were given observer status in 2013.

Originally, the council’s focus was to address environmental issues and the concerns of the indigenous people in the region. Global warming, shorter sea route, hydrocarbons prospects have added on to the stakes in the region. The approach adopted by the Arctic Council is to regulate the shipping lanes, hydrocarbons prospecting and the exploitation of marine resources.

For a detailed account of Arctic governance, read: https://forumias.com/blog/governance-of-the-arctic-explained-pointwise/

What is India’s role?

1) Establishing consensus: India has shown it can balance the competing interests of the Global North and the Global South.
This capacity to generate consensus will be needed to reform Arctic governance and protect the climate.

2) Voice of the Global South: The active involvement of India as a member of the Arctic Council to voice the concerns of the Global South could help push for an end to further exploitation.

This is essential to protecting our global climate, including critically important ecosystems such as the Arctic.

Question for practice:

‘India can steer the global agenda on the Arctic’. Discuss in light of the suspension of the Arctic Council and threats to the Arctic due to climate change.

GS PAPER - 2

The T.N. experience on caste survey

Source: The post is based on the article “The T.N. experience on caste survey” published in The Hindu on 27^th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Governance – Government Policies & Intervention

Relevance: Issues associated with providing reservation to Backward Classes in Tamil Nadu

News: The Bihar caste-based survey has sparked a national debate about increasing the 50% reservation limit. But Tamil Nadu’s experience shows that a caste census alone may not be enough to provide reservation.

Read Here for other aspects related to the caste-based survey: Caste Census Significance and Challenges- Explained

When were the First and the Second Backward Classes Commissions formed by the Tamil Nadu government?

The first Backward Classes Commission was formed for the period 1969-1970. It suggested raising Backward Classes (BCs) reservation.

How did the Second BC Commission come into being?

In Jan. 1980, the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu increased the reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) from 31% to 50%.

This brought the total reservation to 68%, including 18% for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

This decision was challenged in the Supreme Court. After which the state government set up (Second Backward Classes Commission), headed by J.A. Ambasankar.

What was the finding of the Ambasankar Commission?

The Ambasankar Commission conducted a survey to enumerate and classify Backward Classes (BCs), primarily focusing on BCs without providing a comprehensive breakdown of all communities.

The survey found that BCs made up 67.15% of the state’s population. In March 1989, an exclusive quota of 20% was provided for Most Backward Classes (MBCs) and Denotified Communities (DNCs) within the total share of BCs of 50%.

What were the issues related to reservation for Backward Classes faced by the Commission?

Amount of Reservation: The Chairman wanted to reduce the quota from 50% to 32% to keep the overall quota within the 50% limit.

However, the other panel members argued that the quota should be at least 50%, since BCs made up 67% of the population.

Scope of Reservation: The Chairman insisted on maintaining two separate lists of Backward Classes (BCs): one under Article 15(4) and another under Article 16(4).

He believed that being eligible for a quota under Article 15(4) did not automatically entitle individuals to reservations in job appointments under Article 16(4).

However, the majority of panel members supported having only one list. They argued that social and educational backwardness were interconnected, and educational benefits provided under Article 15(4) were a means to achieve employment benefits under Article 16(4).

What were the recommendations given by the Commission?

The government received two sets of recommendations, one from the Chairman and the other from panel members.

However, the government retained the status quo of 50% reservation for Backward Classes and accepted the inclusion of 29 communities but did not agree to remove 24 communities from the list.

How did the 1992 Supreme Court judgment affect State reservations?

Tamil Nadu government enacted a law to protect its 69% reservation for BCs and SCs by placing it under the Ninth Schedule after the Supreme Court’s Mandal Commission judgment in 1992.

The Tamil Nadu government has also provided reservation to other groups such as Muslims, Christians, Arunthathiyars (a sub-caste of SCs), and Vanniyars.

However, the Supreme Court has struck down the law providing a separate quota for Vanniyars on the ground that the data used by the government was not contemporaneous.

What can be the conclusion drawn?

The Tamil Nadu case illustrates that conducting a survey alone is insufficient for implementing reservations for the Backward Classes. Overcoming challenges such as court intervention, political will, scope and amount of reservation is also essential in providing reservation.

Question for Practice – Critically examine the issues and challenges associated with conducting a caste-based survey and providing reservation based on it, with proper examples.

On Abortion Rights – Judges & doctors, listen

Source: The post on Abortion Rights is based on the article “Judges & Doctors, Listen– A recent SC judgment shows why Indian medical boards must be made aware of scientific evidence on the impact of forcing women to continue an unwanted pregnancy” published in “The Times of India” on 27th October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

News: The article discusses the Supreme Court’s decision to deny an abortion for a woman with mental health issues in India. Medical boards and courts often advise women to continue unwanted pregnancies and consider adoption. This neglects the mental and physical consequences for the woman.

What is abortion?

An abortion is a medical procedure to terminate a pregnancy. It uses medication or a surgical procedure to end the pregnancy. However, this medical procedure has a ‘Pro-Choice’ vs ‘Pro-Life’ surrounding it.

Pro-Choice-Support abortion rights of women. ‘Right of women to bodily autonomy’ is paramount.

Pro-Life- Oppose abortion rights of women. ‘Right to life of the foetus’ is paramount.

Read here for more details: Abortion laws in India

What are the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision to deny an abortion to a woman with mental health issues?

1) Mental Health Neglect: Evidence suggests of forcing a woman to continue an unwanted pregnancy can result in depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

2) Lack of Empathy in Medical Advice: Medical boards frequently suggest women to complete pregnancies and then give the baby up for adoption. This dismisses the impact such decisions have on the woman’s mental well-being.

3) Risks for Young Girls Ignored: For instance, in the 2018 case of a 10-year-old, the risks of a full-term pregnancy were overlooked, even though she had a congenital heart condition and other pregnancy-associated risks.

4) Contradiction with Mental Healthcare Law: The 2017 law supports mentally ill individuals making their own healthcare decisions. The recent case contradicted this.

What are the issues with the current medical view on late abortions?

Foetal Injections: These are routinely administered for late abortions in cases of foetal anomalies. This practice is aligned with the health ministry’s guidelines.

Discriminatory Gestational Limits: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act sets different gestational limits for foetal anomalies. This is seen as discriminatory as it reinforces stigma and negative attitudes towards disabilities.

Late Abortion Safety: If a late abortion is deemed safe in the case of a foetal anomaly, it raises the question of why it wouldn’t be considered safe for other unwanted pregnancies.

Paternalistic Attitudes: Women seeking late abortions often face judgment and reprimand for their delay in seeking the procedure, reflecting a paternalistic medical model.

What should be done?

1) Update Medical Training: Medical professionals’ education needs to integrate the concept of reproductive rights and ensure they understand individual agency regarding reproductive choices.

2) Exposure to International Standards: Medical practitioners should be made familiar with international standards for late abortions, ensuring they’re equipped with the recommended techniques.

3) Embedded Patients’ Rights: There’s an urgent need to include patients’ rights and ethics in medical training, emphasizing respect for patient autonomy and decision-making.

4) Redefine “Counseling”: Counseling should be genuine and respectful, not a tool to repeatedly persuade women to continue unwanted pregnancies.

Terminology used:

Reproductive rights: As per the United Nations, reproductive choice entails women’s right to make decisions about reproduction, which includes the freedom to choose whether to continue or terminate an undesired pregnancy and the ability to select their preferred family planning and contraception methods.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the Supreme Court’s recent denial of an abortion impacts women’s reproductive rights and mental health in India.

On India’s bid to host Olympics 2036 – Is India ready to host the Olympic Games?

Source: This post on India’s bid to host Olympics 2036 has been created based on the article “Is India ready to host the Olympic Games?” published in The Hindu on 27^th October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — India’s Soft Power.
GS Paper 2 Governance — Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.

News: This article discusses the opportunities and challenges in front of India in its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

A detailed account of India’s bid to host Olympics 2036 has been discussed here: https://forumias.com/blog/indias-bid-to-host-olympics-2036-explained-pointwise/

What is the process of Selection of Host Country/City for Olympics?

In the 2014 IOC session, roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, Olympic Agenda 2020, was laid out.  It dealt with a new process for host city selection, and it was called the ‘New Norm’. It is based on 3 Pillars – Flexibility, Sustainability and Cost Effectiveness.

Why does hosting an Olympics hold such great importance?

1) Pinnacle of sports: It showcases not only the nation to the world, but also soft power.

2) Political statement: India is a geopolitical power, and its standing will go up if it hosts the Games.

3) Showcasing development: Hosting the Olympics would also underscore India’s importance as a sporting nation and showcase its development.

4) Promotion of Investment and Tourism- India’s bid for hosting the Olympics can catalyse investment and tourism in the country.

What are the necessary conditions for making an Olympics successful?

1) Strong National Olympic Committee (NOC): The Games are given to the NOC, which is India’s Indian Olympic Association (IOA). It has to be governed efficiently.

2) Strong legacy: Including people’s participation, the social structure, and building of infrastructure.

3) Coordination and cohesion: Knowing how to work with one another well would be important.  All elements such as culture, hospitality, infrastructure, government, and sports bodies have to work in coordination.

What does India need to do to host a successful Olympics?

1) Games Village: You need to have a top-class village for the Games.

2) Specialists: Including marketing specialists, engineers, scientists, etc.

3) Sound ports governance: Indian sport is governed poorly. Most federations are not functioning properly.

4) Temporary movable structures: Temporary structures, instead of big stadia, can be built, and after the Games, they can be used by the community.

5) Shortlist cities and hire feasibility consultants: To report on cities that can host the Games best.

Question for practice:

‘India’s ambitious bid for 2036 Olympics has brought with it various opportunities and challenges’. Elaborate.

On India-Qatar relations – Qatar Questions

Source: This post on India-Qatar relations has been created based on the article “Qatar Questions” published in The Times of India on 27^th October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: This article discusses the recent challenge for Indian foreign policy in the wake of a Qatari court sentencing 8 former Indian navy personnel to death.

Aspects of India-Qatar bilateral relations have been discussed in detail here: https://forumias.com/blog/india-qatar-and-the-continuing-saga-of-eight-detained-ex-indian-navy-officers/

What was the reason for the sentencing?

The precise charges remain unknown.

Various news reports suggest that they were arrested for allegedly leaking classified information related to a high-value Qatari submarine project.

There is also speculation in some news reports that the receiver of the classified information was Israel.

What makes the situation challenging?

1) Secrecy of the trial: The precise nature of charges is not yet known.

2) India’s investments in bilateral relations: India has invested a lot to improve bilateral relations with Qatar, in line with India’s greater engagement with other Gulf states.

3) Qatar’s geopolitical standings: Qatar also hosts a plethora of opposition and militant movement leaders from the Islamic world, including from Palestinian Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood, and Taliban.

4) Interests of global and regional powers: Qatar houses American and Turkish military-bases and simultaneously has a working relationship with Iran.

5) Soft power: In the government-owned Al Jazeera broadcaster, Doha has an opinion-influencer in the region.

6) Fuel exports to India: India is one of the largest importers of Qatari gas.

7) Large Indian diaspora: 800,000 Indians live and work in Qatar.

India will have to tread very carefully as it tries to help the ex-navy personnel.

Question for practice:

India’s outreach in the Gulf has received a setback in the form of the recent diplomatic row with Qatar. In this context, analyse the challenges in India’s bilateral relations with Qatar.

GS PAPER - 3

On Digital Lending – RBI should step up efforts to control illegal loan apps

Source: The post on Digital Lending is based on the article “RBI should step up efforts to control illegal loan apps” published in “Live mint” on 27th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – RBI and banking system.

News: The article discusses the problem of illegal loan apps in India. The government and RBI are trying to find ways to regulate them. RBI has proposed some solutions but hasn’t implemented them all. Blockchain technology can help track valid lending partnerships.

What is digital lending?

Digital Lending refers to lending through web platforms or mobile apps by use of technology.

It utilizes automated technologies and algorithms for customer acquisition, credit evaluation, decision making, authentication, disbursements and recovery.

Not only does it lower costs but also ensures speedy disbursal.

Source: Maharashtra Government.

Read here for more details: Digital lending and its regulation

What are the guidelines of RBI related to digital lending?

Digital Lending Definition: Even if some steps involve a physical interface, lending can still be categorized as ‘Digital Lending’.

Lending Service Provider (LSP): Service providers are only designated as LSPs when the transaction falls under ‘Digital Lending’.

Grievance Redressal: LSPs interacting with borrowers must have a Grievance Redressal Officer. REs, however, are responsible for resolving complaints tied to LSPs.

Credit Card EMI Programs: Specific EMI programs on credit cards don’t fall under Digital Lending Guidelines, but other credit card loans do.

Third-party Control: No third party, including LSPs, should control the flow of funds in lending transactions.

Payment Aggregators: LSPs under Digital Lending Guidelines shouldn’t handle funds. Pure Payment Aggregators are not under this scope.

Recovery for Delinquent Loans: For delinquent loans, cash recoveries bypass the direct repayment to RE’s bank account requirement.

Salary-based Repayments: Loans repaid by employers deducting from salaries are allowed.

How is India doing in digital finance overall?

Retail Payments Growth: India witnessed significant growth, with 16% of all global real-time payments in 2022 originating from the country.

Digital Lending Surge: The digital lending sector expanded rapidly, disbursing close to 73 million loans in 2022-23.

What’s the issue with digital loan apps?

1) Harmful Effects: A BBC documentary revealed that aggressive recovery tactics of these apps have been linked to at least 60 suicides.

2) Regulation Challenges: MeitY has proposed additional KYC-like procedures for banks and finance companies, but a holistic approach might be more effective.

3) RBI’s Role: Despite its nodal role in supervising digital finance, the RBI hasn’t been proactive in direct supervision. They proposed the Digital India Trust Agency but never implemented it.

4) App Store Burden: App stores, like Google Play, face the immense task of filtering out unauthorized lenders, with the potential for errors in the process.

5) Potential for Fraud: With many banks and NBFCs, there’s a vast scope for misrepresentation of lender-app partnerships. Simple KYC might not be enough to deter bad actors.

What should be done?

RBI’s Role and Measures:

a.Direct Oversight: The RBI should assert a direct role in supervising digital lending.

b.Standardized Proof: Mandate a clear, standardized proof-of-partnership between digital lenders and regulated entities (REs).

c.Blockchain Utilization: Implement blockchain technology to validate and secure proofs of partnership, with REs issuing and tracking certificates.

Broader Perspective: Include state-level institutions and other relevant entities in the regulation process.

Consumer Awareness: Promote public education about the risks associated with unauthorized loan apps and the importance of responsible borrowing.

Strengthen Institutional Mechanisms: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders like app stores and public bodies to enhance app authenticity and safety.

Question for practice:

Enumerate and explain the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) pertaining to digital lending. How do these guidelines aim to ensure consumer protection and maintain financial stability?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Vajra Mushti Kalaga: A martial art form in terminal decline

Source: The post is based on the article “Vajra Mushti Kalaga: A martial art form in terminal decline” published in “The Hindu” on 26th October 2023

Why in the News?

Vajra mushti kalaga is a martial art form.It has gone extinct and takes place only during Dasara.

What is Vajra Mushti Kalaga?

Source: The Hindu

Specifications	Details
Vajra Mushti Kalaga	It is a Martial Art Form
Meaning	Thunderbolt Fist
Objective	Neutralize opponent and counter their weapon
Technique used	Hand-to-hand combat like grappling, wrestling, and striking
Weapon used	Knuckle Duster, a small metal weapon.
Knuckle duster Material	Made of animal horns and worn on the knuckles of the fighter
Characteristics	It is a form of wrestling different from conventional grappling. In this, two persons take a swipe at each other’s head with a knuckle duster. Whoever draws the blood from the opponent’s head first is declared the winner.
Popular During	Vijayanagar rulers (14th-17th centuries)
Significance	Noticed by medieval travelers from Portugal during Navaratri celebrations in Vijayanagar empire

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Paintings and other art forms 

World Energy Outlook 2023: Substantial cut likely in India’s CO2 emissions by 2050

Source: The post is based on the article “World Energy Outlook 2023: Substantial cut likely in India’s CO2 emissions by 2050” published in “TOI” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

The International Energy Agency(IEA) has released the World Energy Outlook 2023.

What is the World Energy Outlook 2023?

Released by: International Energy Agency(IEA)

Aim: To provide in-depth analysis and strategic insights into every aspect of the global energy system.

Key Highlights from the report:

Globally: 

1.Fossil fuel share in the global energy supply is projected to reduce from around 80% to 73% by 2030. 

2.Investment in clean energy has risen by 40% since 2020.

3.In 2020, one in 25 cars sold was electric.in 2023, this is now one in 5. 

India:

India is expected to have the highest growth in energy demand over the next three decades.

But India’s industrial sector will emit 30% less CO2 by 2030 and passenger cars will emit 25% less CO2 per kilometer driven.

This is due to the government policies in addressing climate commitments through increased efficiency and new technologies.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Renewable Energy

Gulf of Guinea: EU and India carry out joint naval exercise

Source: The post is based on the article “Gulf of Guinea: EU and India carry out joint naval exercise” published in “PIB” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

India and the European Union (EU) have conducted their maiden joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea.

The exercise was conducted with the aim to boost maritime security cooperation in the region.

Where is the Gulf of Guinea?

Specification	Details
Location	Western African Coast
Ocean	Northeastern most part of the Atlantic Ocean
Rivers	The Volta and Niger rivers are two of its primary tributaries
Known for	Oil and natural gas.
Significance	Null Island, defined as the intersection of the Equator and Prime Meridian (zero degrees latitude and longitude) is in the gulf.
Piracy	The Gulf of Guinea is also known as the world’s hotspot for maritime piracy.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Places in News

India’s green hydrogen move may worsen pollution if steps are not in place, says study

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s green hydrogen move may worsen pollution if steps are not in place, says study” published in “The Hindu” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

A study by Climate Risk Horizons(CRH) has said that India’s plans to produce ‘green hydrogen’ could lead to increased pollution without proper oversight.

Can India achieve the target setup under the National Green Hydrogen Mission?

The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.

To do this, India needs to set up renewable energy sources with a capacity of 125 gigawatts and use 250,000 gigawatt-hour units of power which is around 13% of what India currently uses for electricity.

However, as of August 2023, India’s renewable energy capacity was 131 gigawatts.

To meet this 2030 green hydrogen goal, India needs to add a similar amount of renewable energy by 2030.

This is on top of the commitment to add 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, which is part of the Paris Agreement.

In 2023, India added only 15 gigawatts of new solar and wind energy capacity, falling short of the 45 gigawatts they need to add each year to reach their 2030 target.

What are the concerns related to production of Green Hydrogen?

Specification	Details
Definition of Green Hydrogen	Green hydrogen has been defined as hydrogen with emissions of no more than two kg of carbon dioxide per kg of hydrogen.This definition leaves room for interpretation.
Source of electricity for Green Hydrogen production	Running electrolysers 24×7 could lead to reliance on coal-based power, especially during nighttime when solar power is unavailable.This would lead to increase in carbon emissions.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Renewable Energy

SC allows surrogacy, strikes down rule banning use of donor gametes

Source: The post is based on the article “‘SC allows surrogacy, strikes down rule banning use of donor gametes” published in “The Hindu” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court has allowed a woman with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome to undergo surrogacy using a donor egg.

What was the case about?

Source: The Hindu

The woman suffers from Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser syndrome.Medical records confirm her inability to produce eggs or have a uterus.

Due to this, the couple began the gestational surrogacy  process.

But the government amended the surrogacy act in 2023 which banned the use of donor gametes. It required “intending couples” to use their own gametes for surrogacy.

Against this, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court arguing that the amendment violated a woman’s right to parenthood.

The petitioner argued that the amendment contradicted Surrogacy Act, 2021 which recognised the situation when a medical condition would require a couple to opt for gestational surrogacy in order to become parents.

However, the government argued that surrogacy could only be availed if the child was “genetically related” to the intending couple.

What did the Supreme Court ruled on this?

The Supreme Court found the amendment contrary to the main provisions of the Surrogacy Act.

The court said that the Surrogacy Act recognizes medical conditions necessitating gestational surrogacy and the amendment cannot contradict this.

What is Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser(MRKH)?

Specifications	Details
Definition	It is a rare congenital disorder that affects the female reproductive system.This condition is characterized by an underdeveloped vagina and uterus.
Caused by	Incomplete development of the Müllerian duct.This structure in the embryo develops into the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and the upper part of the vagina.
Prevalence	Rare, occurring in approximately 1 in 4,000 to 5,000 female births.
Fertility	Usually unable to conceive and carry a pregnancy due to the absence of a uterus, but assisted reproductive technologies like surrogacy may be an option.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Diseases

‘Super rich’ incomes’ share ebbing amid middle-class mobility: CBDT

Source: The post is based on the article “‘Super rich’ incomes’ share ebbing amid middle-class mobility: CBDT” published in “The Hindu” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) has released data on India’s Tax base.

What are the key highlights from the CBDT’s data? 

Source: The Hindu

1.Widening Tax Base in India since 2013-14: India’s tax base has significantly expanded since 2013-14.

– The number of income tax returns filed by individuals has increased from 3.36 crore to 6.37 crore between assessment years 2013-14 and 2021-22.

2.Increased Taxpayer Diversity Across Income Ranges: The number of returns filed by individual taxpayers in various income ranges has grown.

– In the income range up to ₹5 lakh, there has been a 32% increase in the number of returns filed, including those with incomes below the taxable limit.

– For higher income ranges of ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, the number of returns filed increased by 295%.

3.Share of Top 1% Individual taxpayers: The share of the top 1% of individual taxpayers, compared to all individuals, has gone down from 15.9% to 14.6%. 

– In contrast, the share of the bottom 25% of taxpayers increased slightly from 8.3% to 8.4% during the same time.

4.Gross Total Income: The increase in average gross total income for top 1% individual taxpayers is 42% while that for bottom 25% individual taxpayers is 58%.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Taxation

Eight former Indian Navy officers get death penalty in Qatar

Source: The post is based on the article “Eight former Indian Navy officers get death penalty in Qatar” published in “The Hindu” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

Eight former Indian Navy personnel working for a company in Doha were given the death penalty by a local court in Qatar.

Why have former Indian Navy personnel sentenced to death in Qatar?

Source: Economic Times

The Former Indian Navy Personnel were working for a defence company in Qatar.

This company was involved in training Qatar’s armed forces.It also used to produce high-tech Italian-origin submarines that are known for stealth capabilities.

The former navy personnels have been charged with the offense of spying for Israel on Qatar’s advanced submarines.

What will be the impact of this verdict on India-Qatar relations?

This verdict could impact relations between India and Qatar because:

1.There are over seven lakh Indians in Qatar.

2.Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India which accounts for over 48% of India’s global LNG imports. 

3.India also imports ethylene, propylene, ammonia, urea and polyethylene from Qatar.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: International Relations: India-West Asia 

Global Tax Evasion Report 2024

Source: The post is based on the article “Global Tax Evasion Report 2024” published in “EU” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

The European Union Tax Observatory has released ‘Global Tax Evasion Report 2024’.

What is the Global Tax Evasion Report 2024?

Released by: European Union Tax Observatory

Aim: To discuss tax evasion, the Global Minimum Tax (GMT) and measures to combat tax evasion.

Note: Tax evasion is the illegal act of not paying owed taxes to the government by under-reporting income, hiding money offshore or inflating deductions to reduce tax liability.

Key highlights of the report: 

1.Tax Rates for Global Billionaires	Global billionaires often have effective tax rates as low as 0% to 0.5% due to the use of shell companies to avoid income taxation.
2.Profit Shifting by Multinational Corporations (MNCs)	In 2022, MNCs shifted around USD 1 trillion to tax havens, equivalent to 35% of their profits earned outside their home countries. – “Greenwashing the Global Minimum Tax” allows MNCs to use ‘green’ tax credits to lower their tax rates below the 15% minimum.
3.Challenges in Curbing Offshore Tax Evasion	Over the past decade, offshore tax evasion has reduced, with only 25% of previously untaxed wealth remaining. – However, challenges persist such as non-compliance by offshore financial institutions and limitations in sharing bank information automatically.

Key recommendations of the report:

1.Global Minimum Tax for Billionaires: Proposes a global minimum tax of 2% on billionaires’ wealth to increase government revenue and reduce wealth inequality.

2.Reform Corporate Taxation: Reform international agreements on minimum corporate taxation by implementing a 25% tax rate and eliminating tax competition loopholes.

3.Unilateral Measures for Tax Collection: Implement unilateral measures to collect taxes from multinational companies and billionaires if global agreements fail.

4.Global Asset Registry: Work towards establishing a Global Asset Registry to enhance the fight against tax evasion.

5.Strengthen Economic Substance and Anti-Abuse Rules: Strengthen the application of economic substance and anti-abuse rules to deter tax avoidance and evasion.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Taxation- Indian Economy

Centre launches ‘Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon 2023’ to design & prototype innovative app or software that can detect dark patterns on e-Commerce platforms

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre launches ‘Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon 2023’ to design & prototype innovative app or software that can detect dark patterns on e-Commerce platforms” published in “PIB” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

The Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with IIT (BHU) has launched Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon 2023.

What are Dark Patterns?

Dark Patterns- A dark pattern refers to a design or user interface technique that is intentionally created to manipulate or deceive users into making certain choices or taking specific actions that may not be in their best interest.

It is a deceptive practice employed to influence user behavior in a way that benefits the company implementing it.

What are the different types of Dark Patterns?

Specifications	Details
Trick Questions	It means the deliberate use of confusing or vague language to misguide or misdirect a user from taking desired action or leading consumers to take a specific response or action.
Saas Billing	It is a process of generating and collecting payments from consumers on a recurring basis in a software as a service (SaaS) business model.
Rogue Malwares	It uses ransomware to mislead/trick users into believing there is a virus on their computer.It then convinces them to pay for a fake malware removal tool that actually installs malware on their computer.
Forced action	It means forcing a user into taking an action that would require the user to buy any additional good(s) or subscribe or sign up for an unrelated service or share personal information, in order to buy or subscribe to the product/service originally intended by the user.
Confirm shaming	It means using a phrase, video, audio or any other means to create a sense of fear or shame or ridicule or guilt in the mind of the user, so as to nudge the user to act in a certain way that results in the user purchasing a product or service from the platform or continuing a subscription of a service,
Nagging	In this, the user is continuously subjected to requests, information, choices or disruptions in order to push them to make a transaction and make some commercial gains
Basket sneaking	It is used to add additional products or services to the shopping cart without the user’s consent
Bait & switch	Advertising a certain product/ service but delivering another, often of lower quality;

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Science and Technology

Anamalai Tiger Reserve panel assesses progress of tiger rewilding project

Source: The post is based on the article “ATR panel assesses progress of tiger rewilding project” published in “The Hindu” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

A committee visited the Anamalai Tiger Reserve to check the progress of the Forest Department’s first Tiger rewilding project.

What is Tiger Rewilding?

Rewilding involves the reintroduction of a captive tiger cub into the wild when it becomes clear that the tiger cub is capable of surviving in the jungle independently.

Where is Anamalai Tiger Reserve?

Specification	Details
State	Tamil Nadu
Located in	South Western Ghats
Surrounded by	Parambikulum Tiger Reserve on the East, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park on the South Western side.
Declared as a Tiger Reserve in	2007
Forest Type	It supports diverse forest types: Wet evergreen forests, semi evergreen forests, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, dry thorn and shola forests.
Flora	Around 2500 species are found
Fauna	Tiger, Asiatic elephant, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion Tailed Macaque, Great Indian Hornbill among others. It is also home to 15 of 16 species of birds endemic to the Western Ghats.
Tribes	The reserve is home to six tribes: Kadars, Malasars, Pulaiyars, Mudugars and Eravallan.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: National Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries