9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 9th December, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Improving Education for Children Living in Poverty

Source: The post Improving Education for Children Living in Poverty has been created, based on the article “Indian school education is in need of a radical reboot” published in “Live mint” on 9th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article discusses the challenges of improving foundational literacy and numeracy in schools, especially for children living in poverty. It highlights the need for better teacher-student ratios, improved resources, better nutrition, social worker support, and a radical rethinking of curriculum and school structures. Improving Education for Children Living in Poverty

For detailed information on Challenges and Solutions of the Indian Education System read this article here

What are the challenges faced by children in poverty?

1. Children in poverty have less access to resources, care, and supervision.
2. They face poor nutrition, frequent illnesses, and higher absenteeism.
3. Stress and mental health issues caused by poverty impact learning.
4. These challenges are understood sociologically but not addressed adequately in curriculum or teaching methods.

How can schools improve educational outcomes for these children?

1. Implementing Basic Requirements: Schools need more teachers, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas, to maintain reasonable pupil-teacher ratios (PTR). The article suggests that instead of a standard 30:1 ratio, a 15:1 ratio might be more effective for schools serving impoverished communities. Corruption in teacher education needs addressing, and a supportive and empowering culture for teachers is crucial.
2. Enhancing Resources and Support: Schools should be equipped with adequate classroom spaces, toilets with running water, and sufficient high-quality learning materials. Social workers should be employed to help manage children’s individual needs and engage with their families.
3. Improving Nutrition: The nutritional content of school meals should be improved. The current budget for midday meals is very low, at ₹5.50 per meal, with some states providing additional funds for milk or eggs. A nutritious breakfast should also be provided to help children learn better.

What structural changes are needed in the school system?

1. There is need to shift from age-based classes to grouping students by learning levels, which would allow for more personalized and effective teaching.
2. Teachers could focus on building students’ knowledge based on their current learning levels.
3. Additionally, reducing the curriculum load, as recognized by the National Education Policy and the National Curriculum Framework 2023, to focus on essential learning and reduce unnecessary educational pressure.

Question for practice:

Examine how structural and resource-related challenges in schools contribute to poor educational outcomes for children living in poverty.

S. Jaishankar’s statement in Parliament on India-China relations

Source: The post S. Jaishankar’s statement in Parliament on India-China relations has been created, based on the article “A good beginning but China negotiations must continue” published in “The Hindu” on 9th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article discusses S. Jaishankar’s statement on India-China relations. It highlights the lack of clarity on disengagement details, the challenges in border management, and the need for transparency. It also calls for greater political unity in addressing India’s concerns with China. S. Jaishankar’s statement in Parliament on India-China relations.

For detailed information on India China Relations read this article here

What was the focus of the Minister’s statement in Parliament on India-China relations?

1. The Minister addressed developments in India-China relations, marking his first detailed statement since the 2020 Eastern Ladakh border tensions.
2. He highlighted China’s troop amassment in 2020 and India’s counter-deployment, which led to disengagement through negotiations.
3. He avoided using the term “buffer zones” but referred to “temporary and limited measures” in areas like Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake to prevent further friction.
4. Disengagement is declared complete, but issues like “de-escalation” and restoring patrolling rights in Depsang and Demchok remain unresolved.
5. The statement confirmed that borders remain abnormal with large-scale troop deployments for a fifth consecutive winter.

What Issues Remain Unaddressed?

1. Detailed Terms of Disengagement: The specific arrangements for troop withdrawal and terms of disengagement at various friction points like Depsang and Demchok are not disclosed.
2. Access to Patrolling Points: It’s unclear whether Indian troops can resume patrolling at traditional areas, including five points beyond Y-Junction in Depsang Plains and the Charding Nala junction in Demchok.
3. New Patrolling Concepts: The concept of “coordinated patrolling” is undefined, raising questions about the size and frequency of patrols and the extent of restrictions.
4. Status Quo Restoration: Despite disengagement, the status quo along the border has not been restored to the pre-April 2020 conditions, with China reportedly changing it unilaterally.
5. Concerns over Yangtse: Reports suggest Chinese troops are allowed to patrol Yangtse in Arunachal Pradesh, despite earlier objections from India labeling their demands “unreasonable.”

What should be done?

1. India should avoid permanent buffer zones and insist on restoring the April 2020 status quo.
2. Ensure Transparency: Share disengagement details publicly, as vague terms like “coordinated patrolling” raise questions.
3. Engage Opposition: Build bipartisan consensus, as seen in agreements on Confidence Building Measures (1996) and Political Parameters (2005).
4. Highlight Economic Security Risks: Avoid dependency on Chinese supply chains, given China’s history of weaponizing economic ties.
5. Maintain Consistent Messaging: Align Army and Ministry statements to counter China’s grey-zone tactics effectively.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of India’s approach to addressing the challenges in its relations with China post-2020 border tensions.

GS PAPER - 3

India’s claim of decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions

Source: The post India’s claim of decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions has been created, based on the article “The issue of India’s economic growth versus emissions” published in “The Hindu” on 9th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Environment

Context: The article explains India’s claim of decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights that India has achieved relative decoupling, where emissions rise slower than GDP, but absolute decoupling, where emissions decline with growth, remains a distant goal.

For detailed information on India’s Strategy for Net Zero read this article here

What is the meaning of Decoupled Economic Growth from GHG Emissions?

1. Definition: Decoupling means breaking the link between economic growth and environmental degradation. It shows a nation’s ability to grow economically without proportionally increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
2. Types of Decoupling:

• Absolute Decoupling: Economic growth occurs while emissions decrease. Example: GDP rises, but emissions fall.
• Relative Decoupling: Both GDP and emissions grow, but GDP grows faster. Example: India’s GDP grew six-fold since 1990, while emissions tripled.

3. Importance: Decoupling balances growth, reduces emissions, and addresses energy poverty, ensuring sustainable development in developing nations like India.

Has India Decoupled Economic Growth from GHG Emissions?

1. Economic Survey’s Claim: Between 2005 and 2019, India’s GDP grew at a CAGR of 7%, while GHG emissions rose at a slower CAGR of 4%, indicating relative decoupling but not absolute decoupling.
2. National Data: Since 1990, India’s GDP has increased six-fold, but emissions have only tripled. This highlights that the economy has grown faster than emissions.
3. Sector-Wise Analysis: Agriculture and manufacturing, major emission contributors, need further evaluation to confirm decoupling at the sectoral level.
4. Type of Decoupling: India has not achieved absolute decoupling (where emissions decline with growth). Instead, emissions continue to rise, though at a slower rate.
5. Challenges Ahead: As a developing nation yet to peak its emissions, achieving absolute decoupling remains a long-term goal requiring sustainable policies, renewable energy adoption, and emission mitigation strategies.

What More Needs to Be Done?

1. Emissions are expected to rise as India’s economy grows and emissions have not yet peaked.
2. Achieving absolute decoupling will require continued efforts in renewable energy, emission mitigation, and sustainable policies.
3. These steps are vital to meet India’s long-term climate goals and ensure sustainable development.

Question for practice:

Discuss India’s progress and challenges in decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Improving Skills and Jobs with Gamified Simulation-Based Learning

Source: The post Improving Skills and Jobs with Gamified Simulation-Based Learning has been created, based on the article “Gamify India’s skilling initiatives” published in “The Hindu” on 9th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Economy-growth, development and employment.

Context: The article discusses India’s unemployment problem and the need for better skilling programs. It highlights the gap between the skills of job seekers and industry needs. The article suggests using gamified and simulation-based training to improve skill development and employability. Improving Skills and Jobs with Gamified Simulation-Based Learning

For detailed information on Potential of India’s EdTech sector read this article here

What is India’s skilling challenge?

1. India needs 78.5 lakh new non-farm jobs annually until 2030 to meet workforce demands (Economic Survey 2023-24).
2. Only 21% of youth (15-29 years) received vocational/technical training (PLFS 2022-23).
3. Formal vocational training reached just 4.4% of youth in 2022-23.
4. Only 51% of graduates are employable (Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran).
5. Existing skilling programs lack quality, industry relevance, and reach.

How is Industry 4.0 affecting skilling?

1. Introduction of Advanced Technologies: Industry 4.0 (I4.0) integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, and big data into smart manufacturing.
2. Adoption by Manufacturers: Over two-thirds of Indian manufacturers are expected to adopt digital transformation by 2025.
3. Government Initiative: SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 supports digital transformation in industries.

How can gamified and simulation-based learning help?

1. Improves Engagement: Gamified learning uses points, badges, and leaderboards, making training interactive and enjoyable.
2. Better Knowledge Retention: Simulation-based learning offers hands-on practice in controlled environments, improving long-term learning.
3. Addresses Skills Gap: Only 1.5% of engineers and 40% of MSME workers have Industry 4.0 skills. Gamified methods can help bridge this gap.
4. Global Examples: Singapore and Germany have successfully integrated gamified and simulation-based training.

How can India implement these methods?

1. Platforms like SWAYAM and Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) can host gamified and simulation modules.
2. SWAYAM: Over 40 million participants, 93.45% course completions in engineering and sciences.
3. SIDH: 7.63 lakh users enrolled in 752 courses, offering 7.37 lakh minutes of digital content.
4. Custom modules can simulate professional scenarios, track trainee progress, and connect students with industry projects.

For detailed information on Skill India Digital (SID) Platform read this article here

Question for practice:

Examine how gamified and simulation-based learning can address India’s skilling challenges and enhance employability in the context of Industry 4.0.

Warren Buffet’s Philosophy on Wealth Redistribution

Source: The post Warren Buffet’s Philosophy on Wealth Redistribution has been created, based on the article “The place of charity in an unequal society” published in “The Hindu” on 9th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Context: The article discusses Warren Buffet’s philanthropy and his belief in equalizing opportunities through wealth redistribution. It questions wealth concentration, highlights policy-driven inequality, critiques reliance on private charity, and advocates state-led solutions like taxation and fair wages to address inequality. Warren Buffet’s Philosophy on Wealth Redistribution.

What is Warren Buffet’s Philosophy on Wealth?

1. Wealth for Equalizing Opportunities: Buffet believes wealth should address inequalities and provide equal opportunities for the less fortunate.
2. Role of Luck: He attributes his financial success to luck, like being born a white male in the U.S., which gave him opportunities denied to others.
3. Philanthropy in Practice: He has donated $52 billion to charitable causes, including $870 million recently transferred to foundations managed by his children.
4. Avoiding Generational Wealth Accumulation: Buffet criticizes the practice of passing wealth to descendants, calling it harmful to society.
5. Philosophical Context: His ideas align with “luck egalitarianism,” which argues inequality caused by bad luck should not persist.
6. Moral Responsibility: He emphasizes using wealth to level the playing field rather than perpetuating privilege, advocating for fairness in opportunities.

What Are the Criticisms of Private Charity?

1. Inequality in Wealth Creation: Private wealth used for charity often originates from systems that create inequality. For example, deregulation and neoliberal policies since the 1980s have increased wealth concentration among a few individuals.
2. Economic Inequality Growth: Wealth inequality surged during the Reagan-Thatcher era, benefiting the wealthy while wages stagnated for the majority.
3. Market Monopolies: Billionaires like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos gained wealth through monopolistic practices, not luck. Amazon workers faced stagnant wages and poor conditions while wealth accumulated for its owners.
4. Unfair Financial Systems: Warren Buffet’s wealth grew through financialization and policies that reduced union power and suppressed wage growth.
5. Policy Failures: Differences in opportunities stem from failed policies, not just luck. Effective state intervention is necessary to address these disparities sustainably.

What should be done?

1. Address the Root Causes of Inequality: Focus on policies that prevent wealth concentration rather than relying solely on philanthropy. Wealth inequality is not just luck but a result of poor policy choices, as seen with monopolies like Microsoft and Amazon.
2. Implement State-Led Redistribution: Introduce progressive taxation to reduce inequality. Like, Thomas Piketty advocates for redistributive taxation rather than depending on charity.

Question for practice:

Discuss how Warren Buffet’s philosophy on wealth aligns with criticisms of private charity and the need for state-led solutions to address inequality.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

National Human Rights Commission

News: Human Rights Day is observed on 10th December every year to commemorate the adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

To celebrate the Human Rights Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is organising a programme at the Plenary Hall of the Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

About NHRC

About Universal Declaration of Human Rights It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. It highlights the fundamental human rights and freedoms that should be universally protected for all people, regardless of their race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. It asserts that every individual is entitled to the same rights and freedoms , without discrimination of any kind The UDHR consists of 30 articles, covering a wide range of civil, social, political, economic and cultural rights. It is premised on the principles of non-discrimination, equality, freedom and dignity, participation in society. It is not legally binding.

PM e-Vidya

News: Recently, the Union Minister for Education launched the DTH 24×7 Channel No. 31, as a part of PM e-Vidya initiative, to provide education through Indian Sign Language for students who have hearing disabilities.

About PM e-Vidya

The scheme was launched in May 2020, as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, by the Ministry of Education.

It aims to promote inclusive, accessible and high-quality education through digital platforms to minimise learning loss, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.

The scheme aligns with the vision of the National Economic Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to provide equitable and quality education throughout the country.

The scheme utilises technology to ensure education is accessible to all students, thereby bridging the digital divide for learners across the country.

Key components of PM e-Vidya

DIKSHA: It serves as a national repository of digital content, including e-learning modules, textbooks, and teaching resources for teachers and students.

PM e-Vidya DTH TV Channels: Includes 200 DTH channels, enabling students to access educational content in multiple Indian languages for classes 1-12 across States/UTs.

SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds): A national MOOC platform providing free online courses for students from schools to university levels.

Radio, Community Radio & CBSE Podcast- Shiksha Vani: These platforms are used to deliver educational content to a broader audience, particularly in regions with limited internet connectivity.

Digitally Accessible Information System (DAISY): E content tailored for visually and hearing-impaired students such as audiobooks, sign language videos, and talking books, is available on the NIOS website and Youtube.

Sacred Groves

News: Sacred groves can preserve biodiversity and function as carbon sink, enabling India to achieve her carbon goals. Unfortunately, most of them are under threat today.

About Sacred Groves

• Sacred groves are areas of forest or woodland that are considered sacred by local communities, often due to their spiritual, cultural, or religious significance.
• They are usually preserved from human exploitation, such as logging, hunting, or farming based on traditional beliefs and rituals.
• They serve as an important site for worship, community rituals and conservation of biodiversity, often supporting rare or endangered species of plants and animals.
• They help to maintain the ecological balance by acting as vital airshed areas, protecting against soil erosion and helping to regulate local microclimate.
• India has well over 13,000 documented sacred groves, with Maharashtra, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, Rajasthan having rich abundance of groves.

Sacred Groves in different states  Kerala  The Kaavu system is prevalent in Kerala.  Some of the famous groves include Sree Deviot Kavu, Iringole Kavu, Kammadam Kavu.  Maharashtra  Sacred groves in Maharashtra are known as Devrai, meaning the forest of God.  The Sahyadri mountains in Maharashtra are home to numerous sacred groves.  Rajasthan  Sacred Groves in Rajasthan are known as Dev Van.  Sacred groves around Udaipur and Mount Abu are good examples.

UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs

News: India has been elected to chair the 68th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs

About UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs

• It is the principal policy-making body of the United Nations on drug-related matters.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
• Mandate– It is mandated to monitor global drug trends, support Member States in formulating balanced policies, and oversee the implementation of the major international drug conventions.
• The Commission on Narcotic Drugs is responsible for deciding which substances are controlled under three key international drug agreements:
  • The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, amended in 1972.
  • The 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
  • The 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
• Origin:
  • It was established by the resolution of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) IN 1946.
  • In 1991, the General Assembly (GA) expanded the mandate of the CND to function as the governing body of UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
• Membership & Bureau-The CND has 53 member states that are elected by ECOSOC. It is chaired by a Bureau including one member per Regional Group.
• The CND meets annually and adopts a range of decisions and resolutions. Intersessional meetings are convened throughout the year.
• Subsidiary Bodies– It has five subsidiary bodies: the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific and Africa, and the Subcommission in the Near and Middle East.

Significance to India

• This is the first time that India has been named to Chair this important UN body.
• This reinforces India’s growing leadership role on the global stage and its commitment to addressing international issues through established multilateral mechanisms.

Notre Dame Cathedral

News: Notre Dame Cathedral, one of France’s most iconic landmarks, recently reopened after five years of restoration following the 2019 fire.

About Notre Dame Cathedral

• It is a medieval Catholic cathedral located on an island in the Seine River in Paris, France.
• The cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• It is regarded as one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture.
• It contains important religious and historical artifacts, including the Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus during his crucifixion.
• It also houses France’s largest musical instrument, The Great Organ.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History of Cathedral

• Notre-Dame is thought to have been built on the site of a former Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter.
• The construction of Notre-Dame began in 1160 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and was mostly completed by 1260.
• During the French Revolution, its spiritual role changed significantly, as it was converted into the “Temple of Reason” and later the “Temple of the Supreme Being.”
• When Napoleon Bonaparte became ruler of France in 1801, he selected Notre-Dame for his coronation and vowed to restore it.

Architecture – Notre-Dame remains one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture , featuring soaring spires, intricate stained glass windows, and impressive flying buttresses.

About Gothic Architecture Gothic architecture is a style that emerged in Europe from the mid-12th to the 16th century. It is characterized by masonry buildings with vast, open spaces and walls decorated with detailed tracery. Key features of Gothic architecture- Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and stained-glass windows. Gargoyles and grotesques were also common, and the design often focused on light and tall, slender towers. Notable examples of Gothic architecture- Chartres Cathedral in France, Westminster Abbey in London, the Cathedral of Milan.

French architecture in India

• French architecture in India is a blend of Indian and French styles.
• The most distinctive feature of French architecture in India is the use of columns to support the roof and divide the building into sections.
• Key elements of the Indo-French architectural style include dormers, shutter windows, rounded towers or gables, sloping roofs, and chimneys.
• French Architects like Le Corbusier laid the foundations of modern urban planning in India.
• Examples of Indo-French Architecture Chandernagor, West Bengal– Governor’s House, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and the Church of St. Francis Xavier.

Laysan albatross

News: Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross and the world’s oldest known wild bird, has laid what experts believe to be her 60th egg.

About Laysan albatross

• Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is a pelagic bird found predominantly in the North Pacific Ocean.
• Approximately 99.7% of the population nests in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, with Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge serving as a critical breeding ground.
• Key Characteristics:
  • It is a medium-sized seabird with a gull-like appearance and long, slender wings for long flights.
  • It has blackish-brown backs and upper wings, with white primary feathers.
  • It primarily feeds on squid, fish, and crustaceans.
  • Laysan albatrosses are monogamous and usually mate for life, laying one egg each year.
  • Their typical lifespan is around 68 years with some individuals like Wisdom reaching 74 years.
• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened