9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 15th October, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Sonam Wangchuk’s protest for Ladakh’s rights

Source: The post Sonam Wangchuk’s protest for Ladakh’s rights has been created, based on the article “Yogendra Yadav on Sonam Wangchuk: Delhi needs to listen to Himalayas” published in “Indian Express” on 15th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– Polity- federalism

Context: The article discusses Sonam Wangchuk’s protest for Ladakh’s rights, demanding democratic governance and ecological development. It highlights the broader issues of the Himalayan region and urges the Indian government to adopt a coherent “Himalayan policy” for addressing these concerns effectively.

For detailed information on Sixth Schedule for Ladakh read this article here

What is Sonam Wangchuk’s Padyatra and Protest About?

  1. Sonam Wangchuk led a 1,000 km padyatra from Leh to Delhi, representing the demands of Ladakh’s people.
  2. The protest demands democratic governance for Ladakh, either as a full state or a Union Territory with an elected legislature, similar to Delhi and Puducherry.
  3. Ladakh’s population is around 3 lakhs, but its area exceeds 59,000 square km, larger than J&K or several northeastern states.
  4. Wangchuk advocates for Sixth Schedule status, ensuring Autonomous District Councils for Ladakh’s diverse communities, empowering them to preserve their cultural identity.
  5. He promotes “ecological democracy,” opposing indiscriminate hydropower projects while calling for sustainable development models.

What Is the Connection to Rammanohar Lohia’s “Himalayan Policy”?

  1. Lohia, a political thinker, emphasized a coherent “Himalayan policy,” linking external and internal challenges faced by Himalayan states.
  2. He criticized India’s foreign policy for ignoring Chinese expansionism and advocated for democratic rights across the Himalayan region.
  3. Today, Wangchuk’s movement echoes Lohia’s vision of integrating the Himalayas’ needs with India’s larger governance framework.

What Vision Does Sonam Wangchuk Present?

  1. Moral Standpoint: Wangchuk sets a moral equation with the state, like Gandhiji did with the British empire. He remains firm and persistent without being aggressive.
  2. Focus on Ecological Democracy: Wangchuk promotes a model of ecological democracy that prioritizes land, jobs, and cultural rights for locals. He opposes indiscriminate development projects but advocates for sustainable growth.
  3. Democratic Governance Demand: His primary focus is on Ladakh’s political rights, seeking Sixth Schedule status for autonomous governance in eight districts.
  4. Alternative Vision: Wangchuk emphasizes a new model of development and education, rooted in local context and wisdom, as exemplified by his 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award.

What should be done?

  1. Shift the Focus from Military to Human Security: The Indian state must evolve its perspective on the Himalayas from just a military stronghold to a region rich in biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods. Prioritizing human security is essential.
  2. Develop a Coherent Himalayan Policy: This policy should address the interconnected issues of biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, and human security. The Indian state must recognize that the Himalayas are not just geographic but involve the lives and cultures of the people living there.
  3. Incorporate Local Wisdom: The government should listen to the people of the region to ensure sustainable, culturally sensitive development.

Question for practice:

Discuss how Sonam Wangchuk’s protest and padyatra highlight the need for democratic governance and ecological development in Ladakh, and its connection to Rammanohar Lohia’s “Himalayan policy.”

Controversy over a research paper on Covaxin’s side effects

Source: The post controversy over a research paper on Covaxin’s side effects has been created, based on the article “A study on side-effects of Covaxin and three lessons in public trust and research” published in “Indian Express” on 15th October is 2024

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

Context: The article discusses a controversy over a research paper on Covaxin’s side effects. The study’s flawed methodology and unsupported conclusions led to criticism from the ICMR and legal action by Bharat Biotech. It highlights concerns about research independence and editorial responsibility.

What is the controversy about the BHU research paper?

  1. The BHU research paper analyzed Covaxin’s long-term safety, published in Drug Safety in May 2024.
  2. Small Sample Size: The study had a highly localized sample of 926 participants, which is statistically insignificant compared to millions vaccinated across India.
  3. Misinterpretation of Data: The study’s claim that one-third of participants developed AESIs (adverse events of special interest) could lead to public misinterpretation, as this high percentage suggests significant risk without robust evidence to support such a claim. Although the paper didn’t claim a direct causal link, its language implied one, raising public concerns.
  4. ICMR criticized the study for flawed methodology and improper use of AESIs.
  5. Bharat Biotech filed a lawsuit against the authors, claiming it caused alarm and vaccine hesitancy.

What are the concerns about ICMR’s involvement?

  1. Conflict of Interest: ICMR co-owns Covaxin’s patent with Bharat Biotech, raising concerns about impartiality when criticizing the BHU study.
  2. Vaccine Development Role: ICMR’s National Institute of Virology provided virus strains for Covaxin, linking it closely to the vaccine’s success. Questions about ICMR’s impartiality were raised given its financial stakes in Covaxin’s success.
  3. 2021 Concerns Resurfaced: Earlier questions about ICMR’s involvement in Covaxin’s development were raised in 2021 but subsided after the vaccine’s success. The BHU paper’s controversy has reignited these concerns.
  4. ICMR’s Influence: Its criticism of the BHU study could be seen as protecting Covaxin’s reputation rather than encouraging independent research.

What are the Broader Implications?

  1. Threat to Independent Research: If defamation cases against academics become common, as seen with Bharat Biotech’s lawsuit, it will discourage research, especially on drugs and vaccines. This could hurt consumers, who depend on unbiased scientific studies for safety information.
  2. Need for Institutional Screening: ICMR and universities must see that medical research proposals are screened institutionally to avoid causing public mistrust or impacting the delivery of essential public health services, including vaccination.
  3. Practical Research Methodology: Researchers should avoid drawing impractical conclusions. Staying grounded is crucial to producing credible, actionable research in medical fields.

Question for practice:

Examine how the controversy surrounding the BHU research paper on Covaxin’s side effects highlights concerns about research independence and potential conflicts of interest.

The need for comprehensive measures to protect children from online sexual abuse

Source: The post the need for comprehensive measures to protect children from online sexual abuse has been created, based on the article “A blueprint for safeguarding children” published in “The Hindu” on 15th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– Governance-mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Context: The article discusses the Supreme Court of India’s historic judgment on online child sexual abuse. It expands the definition of crime and mandates strict actions against offenders and social media platforms, aiming to protect children and prevent exploitation globally.

For detailed information on Supreme Court rule about accessing child sexual material read this article here

What was the Supreme Court’s Historic Judgment?

  1. Correction of Madras High Court Ruling: In January 2024, the Madras High Court ruled that watching or downloading child pornography was not a crime. The Supreme Court reversed this decision.
  2. Expanded Definition: The Supreme Court expanded the crime’s scope by making the downloading and storing of Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) an offense.
  3. Mandate for Social Media Platforms: The judgment mandated strict accountability for social media intermediaries to report CSEAM to law enforcement.
  4. Terminology Shift: It reframed “child pornography” as CSEAM, marking it as a serious crime, not adult entertainment.

For detailed information on Supreme Court’s Verdict on Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) read this article here

How does CSEAM affect children and families?

CSEAM keeps child abuse images online forever. These images revictimize children and their families, causing ongoing harm. Many children are unaware that their images are being used. This makes it hard to stop their exploitation.

What should be done?

  1. Legal Measures:
  2. Define Cybercrime: Indian laws should clearly define cybercrime and include CSEAM as an organized crime.
  3. Treat AI-generated material as real: AI-generated child sexual abuse material must be treated as equivalent to real child abuse.
  4. Mandate social media reporting: Platforms should report CSEAM to law enforcement in real-time, as ordered by the Supreme Court.
  5. Technical Measures:
  6. Create forensic labs: India should establish domestic forensic labs with advanced technology to handle increased reporting of CSEAM. Currently, international agencies like Interpol flag Indian IP addresses, delaying responses.
  7. National Database of Offenders: Individuals prosecuted for CSEAM should be entered into a national database and barred from jobs involving children.
  8. Global Measures:
  9. International convention: Since CSEAM is a global crime, it needs a global solution. The UN has not addressed emerging crimes like these. An international convention is needed, and financial institutions must help track the money supporting child exploitation networks.
  10. Global database: Establish an international sex offenders’ database to improve law enforcement cooperation globally.

Question for practice:

Discuss the measures needed to address the issue of Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM).

Protest for the right to form a trade union and to collectively bargain.

Source: The post Protest for the right to form a trade union and to collectively bargain has been created, based on the article “On Samsung workers’ right to unionise” published in “The Hindu” on 15th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Governance-Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

Context: The article discusses Samsung India workers in Tamil Nadu protesting for their right to form a trade union and collectively bargain. The government formed a “workmen committee” but used police force against workers. Legal experts criticize this approach.

Why are Samsung India workers protesting?

Workers at Samsung India’s Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu are protesting for their fundamental right to form a trade union and collectively bargain for better working conditions. They want to negotiate with the company on equal terms through the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU).

What was the government’s response?

  1. The Tamil Nadu government formed a ‘workmen committee’ to address the issue.
  2. However, it used police force against the protesting workers, which led to accusations of bias towards Samsung.
  3. Legal experts argue that the trade union should have been registered before forming the committee.

What does the law say about forming a union?

  1. The Trade Unions Act, 1926 gives workers the legal right to form unions to represent their interests.
  2. A minimum of seven members can apply to register a union under Section 4 of the Act.
  3. Section 6 mandates that the Registrar should ensure the union’s rules conform to the Act.
  4. The Supreme Court in B.R. Singh vs Union of India (1989) recognized union formation as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution.
  5. Legal restrictions under Article 19(4) can be imposed only for reasons like public order and morality.

For detailed information on challenges before trade unions read this article here

What is collective bargaining and why is it important?

  1. Collective bargaining :
  2. It refers to negotiations between employees and employers to determine working conditions and terms of employment.
  3. Legal Basis: Recognised by the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Collective Bargaining Convention of 1981.

For detailed information on Collective Bargaining read this article here

  1. It’s Important:
  2. Empowerment: It allows workers to negotiate on equal terms with employers, as seen in the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU) protest in Tamil Nadu.
  3. Social Justice: The Supreme Court of India and the U.S. courts have acknowledged its role in ensuring fair working conditions. (e.g., the Karnal Leather Karmchari vs Liberty Footwear case).
  4. Legal Recognition: The refusal to bargain is considered an ‘unfair labour practice’ under both India’s 1947 Act and the U.S. Wagner Act.

What is the role of the ‘workmen committee’?

A ‘workmen committee’ should consist of equal representation from both workers and employers. According to the Industrial Disputes Act, the workers’ representatives must be chosen in consultation with their trade union. In this case, legal experts argue that SIWU should have been registered before forming the committee.

Why is Samsung opposing the use of its name in the union?

  1. Samsung objected to the inclusion of its name in SIWU, claiming it violated the Trademarks Act, 1999.
  2. However, trade unions are not business entities, and legal experts argue that this does not infringe on trademark laws.
  3. The use of Samsung’s name is for identification purposes, not for business.

Question for practice:

Examine the legal and ethical challenges faced by Samsung India workers in their attempt to form a trade union and collectively bargain, as outlined in the article.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Status of Renewable energy in India  

Source: This post on Status of Renewable energy in India has been created based on the article “India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Hits 200 GW Milestone” published in PIB on 15th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, India has achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, as the country’s total renewable energy capacity surpassed the 200 GW (gigawatt).

Status of Renewable energy in India

Source:PIB

1. Total renewable energy capacity surpassed 200 GW. Current renewable capacity stands at 201.45 GW.

2. Proportion of Renewable Energy: Renewable energy constitutes 46.3% of India’s total electricity generation capacity, which is 452.69 GW.

3. Sources of Renewable Energy:

Sources of Renewable Energy Capacity
Solar Power 90.76 GW (largest contributor)
Wind Power 47.36 GW
Hydropower a) Large Hydro: 46.92 GW
b) Small Hydro: 5.07 GW
c) Bio power: 11.32 GW

4. Leading States in Renewable Capacity:

Rajasthan: 29.98 GW
Gujarat: 29.52 GW
Tamil Nadu: 23.70 GW
Karnataka: 22.37 GW

5. Government Initiatives: Target of 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030. Key programs include National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)** schemes for solar PV modules.

6. Investment and Infrastructure: 100% Foreign Direct Investment allowed under the automatic route. Waiver of Inter-State Transmission System charges for specific projects until designated deadlines. Establishment of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks for large-scale projects.

7. Regulatory Framework: Issued Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 for net metering. Also, launched Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022 to promote renewable energy. Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding.

UPSC Syllabus: Geography 

Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG)

Source: This post on Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) has been created based on the article “Secretary (DEPwD) inaugurates “Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra’ at National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun” published in PIB on 15th October 2024.

Why in news?

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched two initial initiatives: the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) and the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV) Mission.

These initiatives aim to enhance India’s scientific research capabilities and promote advancements in the Electric Vehicle (EV) sector.

About Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG)

Aspects Description
About 1. This grant is designed to support early career researchers in advancing India’s scientific excellence and innovation.
2. It encourages young researchers to participate in India’s transformative research landscape.
3. The PM Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) reflects ANRF’s commitment to nurturing young researchers by: Investing in early-career researchers to seed and grow a strong research culture and fostering a robust ecosystem of research and innovation throughout India.
4. ANRF acknowledges the critical role of early-career researchers in advancing India’s position as a global leader in S&T by: Empowering researchers to excel and support groundbreaking discoveries and building a vibrant research environment that prioritizes excellence.
Aim It aims to foster high-quality, innovative research that:
Expands knowledge boundaries.
Drives technological progress.
Contributes to positioning India as a global leader in Science and Technology (S&T).

About Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV) Mission

Aspects  Description 
About The MAHA-EV Mission is an initiative under the Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA) Scheme by the ANRF.
 Aim It is aimed at advancing Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies to reduce import dependency, foster domestic innovation, and establish India as a global leader in EVs.
Focus area 1. Concentration on three major technology verticals:
i) Tropical EV Batteries and Battery Cells
ii) Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD)
iii) Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
2. Enhances domestic capabilities in the design and development of crucial EV components.
Mission Goals 1. It supports India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by fostering self-reliance in EV component development.
2. It is designed to facilitate collaboration across multiple institutions and disciplines to address critical scientific challenges.
3. It aligns with the government’s sustainable growth objectives and aims to establish India as a global EV component hub.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes 

SpaceX’s Starship

Source: This post on SpaceX’s Starship has been created based on the article “Why SpaceX ‘catching’ Starship booster with robotic arms is significant” published in Indian Express on 15th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, two giant robotic arms successfully caught the over 70-meter-long first stage booster of SpaceX’s Starship. This marks a significant step for Elon Musk’s company towards creating a fully reusable rocket system.

About Starship

Space craft

1. SpaceX’s Starship system is a fully reusable transportation system. It consists of both the Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy rocket.

2. It is designed for missions that extend to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

3. This system is the world’s most powerful launch vehicle, with the ability to carry up to 150 metric tonnes in a reusable configuration and up to 250 metric tonnes when expendable.

4. The Starship system is capable of transporting up to 100 people on long-duration interplanetary flights, making it ideal for crewed missions across vast distances.

5. Additionally, it supports Earth-to-Earth travel, potentially completing most international trips in under 30 minutes.

6. With a larger payload compartment than the current Falcon rockets, Starship can deliver a diverse array of payloads, including multiple satellites, large space telescopes, and significant quantities of cargo, at a lower marginal cost per launch. This makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of missions.

7. For Moon missions, Starship is designed to transport large volumes of cargo to the lunar surface, which will be crucial for building a Moon base to support future space exploration.

8. In terms of Mars colonization, Starship offers an affordable solution for transporting both crew and cargo, which is essential for establishing a human presence on Mars.

Operating at high altitudes, it avoids atmospheric friction, turbulence, and weather-related delays, providing a smoother and faster travel experience.

9. The system utilizes on-orbit propellant refilling, allowing it to carry up to 100 tonnes to Mars after being refueled in low-Earth orbit.

10. On-orbit refilling is a key feature of Starship, with specialized tanker versions of the spacecraft used to refuel the main Starship vehicle in low-Earth orbit. This allows it to transport large payloads over long distances efficiently, with the primary cost being the liquid oxygen and methane propellants, which are relatively inexpensive.

About Mechazilla

1. Mechazilla is a colossal launch tower developed by SpaceX, equipped with massive robotic arms. I

2. Its primary purpose is to catch rockets midair during landing, which aids in the rapid reusability of rockets. Standing nearly 400 feet tall.

3. This innovation is central to Elon Musk’s goal of enabling a quick turnaround for rocket launches. During testing, Mechazilla successfully caught the Starship booster, impressing onlookers and preventing it from crashing into the ocean.

4. Mechazilla aims to capture rockets in mid-flight, thereby reducing downtime between launches.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)

Source: This post on Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) has been created based on the article “What is THAAD, which US is sending to Israel; why this is significant” published in Indian Express on 15th October 2024.

Why in news?

The United States has deployed 100 troops and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) to Israel.

About Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)

Aspects  Description 
About 1. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is an advanced missile defense system designed to counter short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.
2. It is the only U.S. missile defense system capable of intercepting missiles both inside and outside the atmosphere (endoatmospheric and exoatmospheric).
Developed by Lockheed Martin Corporation
Purpose THAAD is designed to intercept ballistic missiles during the “terminal phase,” or the final stage of the missile’s flight before impact.
Features 1. A THAAD battery comprises 95 soldiers, six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors, a sophisticated radar surveillance system, and tactical fire control elements.
2. THAAD can target short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles (up to 5,000 km) during their terminal phase of flight, both within and outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
3. It employs “hit-to-kill” technology, directly striking threat missiles to neutralize them, which allows it to defend a larger area than older systems like the Patriot.
Components of THAAD 1. Interceptor: Uses force to destroy incoming missiles.
2. Launch Vehicle: Mobile trucks equipped with the interceptors.
3. Radar: Detects and tracks missile threats from distances between 870 km to 3,000 km.
4. Fire Control System: Coordinates the launch and targeting of interceptors.
Significance of THAAD Deployment in West Asia 1. Enhanced Defense for Israel: THAAD strengthens Israel’s already robust, multi-layered air defense, adding an advanced layer against potential missile threats from Iran and Iranian-aligned militias.
2. Strategic Deterrence: The presence of THAAD could act as a deterrent to further Iranian attacks, potentially stabilizing the tense situation in West Asia.
3. Risk to US Troops: The deployment requires US troops to operate the system, which increases the risk to American lives, as Iran has warned the US against deeper involvement in the conflict.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Haber-Bosch Process 

Source: This post on Haber-Bosch Process has been created based on the article “How did the Haber-Bosch process change the world?” published in The Hindu on 15th October 2024.

Why in news?

The Haber-Bosch process now removes one hundred million tonnes of nitrogen from the atmosphere and converts it into fertilizer, adding 165 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen to the soil.

About Haber-Bosch Process

1. The Haber-Bosch Process is a method used for synthesizing ammonia (NH₃) from nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) gases.

2. It was developed by Fritz Haber in the early 20th century and later industrialized by Carl Bosch.

3. The process is a critical component of the modern agricultural industry, as ammonia serves as a key ingredient in fertilizers.

4. This process has had a transformative impact on food production worldwide, enabling the large-scale manufacture of ammonia and thereby contributing significantly to global crop yields.

What is the process?

1. The Haber-Bosch Process operates under high pressure (150-200 atmospheres) and high temperature (400-500 °C).

2. The reaction takes place in the presence of an iron catalyst, which is crucial for improving the reaction rate and making the process feasible on an industrial scale.

3. The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is: N2+3H22NH3

Key Steps in the Process

1. Gas Preparation: Nitrogen is typically obtained from the air, which contains about 78% nitrogen. Hydrogen can be derived from natural gas, coal, or water electrolysis.

2. Mixing and Compression: The nitrogen and hydrogen gases are purified, mixed in a 1:3 ratio, and then compressed to the required pressure.

3. Catalytic Reaction: The gas mixture is heated and passed over an iron catalyst bed. This promotes the conversion of nitrogen and hydrogen into ammonia.

4. Cooling and Ammonia Separation: After passing over the catalyst, the gas mixture is cooled. Ammonia, being a condensable gas, liquefies and is separated from the unreacted gases.

5. Recycling of Unreacted Gases: The leftover nitrogen and hydrogen gases are recycled back into the reactor to maximize efficiency and reduce waste.

 Industrial Importance

The Haber-Bosch Process is essential for producing ammonia on an industrial scale. Ammonia is a precursor for various nitrogen-based fertilizers, which are vital for crop growth.

Environmental Impact

1. Despite its benefits, the Haber-Bosch Process is energy-intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions due to the use of fossil fuels in hydrogen production.

2. Efforts are underway to make the process more sustainable, including research into alternative hydrogen sources (such as renewable-powered electrolysis) and improved catalysts that could operate at lower temperatures and pressures.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Nobel Prize in Economics 2024

Nobel Prize in Economics 2024

Source: This post on Nobel Prize in Economics 2024 has been created based on the article “What this year’s Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded for” published in Indian Express on 15th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, The Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to economists Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their research on how societal institutions shape economic prosperity. Nobel Prize in Economics 2024.

What are the core findings?

1. Their work explains why some nations prosper while others do not, emphasising that countries with inclusive institutions characterised by democracy, rule of law, and property rights tend to experience sustained growth.

2. In contrast, nations with extractive institutions, where power is centralized and the rule of law is weak, fail to achieve similar outcomes.

3. Inclusive vs. Extractive Institutions

Inclusive Institutions: These promote economic growth by ensuring rights, legal protections, and democratic governance. They create an environment where individuals feel secure to invest in their future.

Extractive Institutions: These hinder growth by concentrating power, exploiting resources, and lacking protections for individuals’ rights. Extractive institutions deter long-term economic planning and foster inequality.

4. Colonial Influence on Institutional Development: The laureates’ research highlights how European colonial powers chose different institutional frameworks based on their goals. Where they aimed to extract resources, they established exploitative systems. In colonies where Europeans settled long-term, they set up inclusive institutions that fostered economic growth.

Under British rule, India’s economic structure shifted from thriving industrial activity to serving colonial extractive needs, leading to a decline in prosperity. This legacy underscore the lasting impact of institutional frameworks on national development.

5. Future Considerations for Democracies: According to Acemoglu, global democracies are experiencing a decline in institutional strength and public trust. There is a need to restore democratic institutions’ credibility by improving governance and ensuring they serve broader societal interests.

UPSC Syllabus: Miscellaneous

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