Society Current Affairs Updates for UPSC IAS Prelims 2025 Examination
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Society Current Affairs Updates for UPSC IAS Prelims 2024 Examination

On this page you will find all the updates related to the subject Society for UPSC IAS Prelims 2024 examination.

  • Understanding Internal Migration Trends and Challenges

    Source: The post Understanding Internal Migration Trends and Challenges has been created, based on the article “Migration: A dream or a nightmare?” published in “Business Standard” on 8th January 2025

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society-population and associated issues, poverty and

    developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies.

    Context: The article discusses internal migration in India, highlighting its historical roots, challenges, and trends. It emphasizes the need for better urban planning, data monitoring, and policies to support migrants, viewing migration as crucial for economic growth and national integration.

    For detailed information on Internal Migration in India and associated challenges read this article here

    What is the Historical Background of Internal Migration in India?

    Internal migration has been a longstanding feature of India’s history.

    1. In the 19th century, Marwaris from Rajasthan became prominent businessmen in eastern India.
    2. Marathas migrated as warriors to northwestern and southern regions.
    3. Bengalis, Tamils, and Telugus moved for employment under the East India Company and British rule.
    4. Such migration patterns highlight India’s historical movement of people across regions for trade, war, and jobs.

    How Has Internal Migration Changed Recently?

    1. Internal migration has accelerated due to economic growth, education, and a youth-dominated population.
    2. The COVID-19 lockdown exposed its scale, with migrant workers walking home due to transportation issues.
    3. From 2011 to 2023, internal migrants decreased from 456 million (37.6% of the population) to 402 million (28.9%), as reported in 400 Million Dreams.
    4. India’s annual inter-state migration (9 million) is lower compared to China’s 77 million and the US’s 7.9 million (2021), despite its larger population.

    What Challenges Do Migrants Face?

    1. Urban Infrastructure Issues: Migrants face challenges with accommodation, water supply, sewerage, sanitation, education, and healthcare.
    2. Psychological Impact: Moving from villages to chaotic urban centers causes emotional stress and difficulties in adjusting.
    3. Urban Planning: Unplanned cities worsen the migrant experience, highlighting the need for better policies.

    Why is Migration Important?

    1. Migration helps balance economic growth across regions, improves labor market efficiency, and promotes national integration.
    2. Encouraging migration to better-planned cities is crucial for improving living standards and achieving collective goals.

    How does India compare with other countries?

    1. India vs China: From 2011 to 2016, only 9 million people migrated annually between Indian states, while 77 million Chinese workers migrated to different provinces in 2016. China’s migration rate is significantly higher.
    2. India vs USA: In 2021, 7.9 million people moved between states in the US (population 340 million), comparable to India’s 9 million migrants annually despite India’s population being over four times larger.
    3. Global Migration Context: In 2005, 12% of the global population (763 million people) lived outside their birth regions, highlighting India’s slower migration compared to global trends.

    Question of practice:

    Discuss the historical trends, recent changes, and challenges of internal migration in India, and compare it with global migration patterns.

  • Controversy over surveying religious places

    Source: The post controversy over surveying religious places has been created, based on the article “It is for historians to dig for tell-tale remains, not bigots” published in “The Hindu” on 21st December 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society – secularism

    Context: The article discusses the controversy over surveying religious places like mosques to find evidence of earlier temples, questioning its legality under the Places of Worship Act, 1991. It argues such actions violate secularism, Article 26 rights, and promote communal tensions.

    For detailed information on Controversy with the Places of Worship Act read this article here

    What Does the Places of Worship Act State?

    1. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits the conversion of a place of worship from one religion to another.
    2. It maintains that the religious character of a place as on August 15, 1947, must remain unchanged.
    3. Any suits or appeals pending in courts regarding such conversions as of the Act’s commencement are to abate immediately.
    4. New legal suits or proceedings for altering the religious character of places of worship are barred after the Act’s enforcement.
    5. The Act was enacted during heightened tensions around the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, to prevent violence and communal unrest.
    6. The Ayodhya judgment of the Supreme Court hailed this Act for protecting secularism.

    What Was the Observation of the Former Chief Justice of India?

    1. In 2022, then-CJI D.Y. Chandrachud made an oral observation in the Gyanvapi mosque case.
    2. He stated that “a survey may not necessarily fall foul of the Places of Worship Act.”
    3. This observation caused confusion, as it was not part of a formal judgment but was misinterpreted by lower courts.
    4. Following this, courts in Uttar Pradesh ordered surveys of mosques to determine their religious character, violating the 1991 Act.

    Why Are Such Surveys Considered Problematic?

    1. Violation of the Places of Worship Act, 1991: The Act bars altering the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, and prohibits related surveys. Surveys contradict this law by trying to reopen settled matters.
    2. Potential for Communal Violence: For example, surveys in mosques led to violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in loss of lives. Such actions risk heightening communal tensions.
    3. Legal Misinterpretation: Lower courts ordered surveys based on oral observations by former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud in 2022. However, these observations lacked legal standing.
    4. Violation of Article 26: Article 26 guarantees religious groups the right to manage their worship practices. Surveys interfere with these rights and can be deemed unconstitutional.
    5. Secularism at Risk: The Act, upheld in the Ayodhya judgment, is seen as protecting secularism. Surveys undermine this principle, fueling religious disputes.

    Question for practice:

    Examine how the Places of Worship Act, 1991, seeks to uphold secularism and whether surveys of religious sites align with its provisions.

  • Ambedkar’s Legacy and Dalits’ Ongoing Struggle

    Source: The post Ambedkar’s Legacy and Dalits’ Ongoing Struggle has been created, based on the article “Don’t invoke Babasaheb Ambedkar selectively” published in “Indian Express” on 20th December 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society-Social empowerment

    Context: The article discusses the ongoing political controversy over Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy, highlighting how politicians, especially from dominant castes, exploit it without addressing caste-based discrimination. It stresses that Dalits fight for dignity, equality, and opportunities, not just identity, and emphasizes Ambedkar’s vision for the nation.

    What Is the Current Political Controversy over Ambedkar?

    1. Politicians, mostly from dominant castes, are debating Ambedkar’s legacy without addressing caste discrimination.
    2. Congress historically resisted Ambedkar’s initiatives, opposing reservation and the Mandal Commission recommendations.
    3. The party treated Dalits as a poor class (“gareeb janta”) rather than addressing caste realities.
    4. Dalits still face issues in education, health, and employment, similar to 50-60 years ago, despite budget allocations.

    How Has the Government Addressed Dalit Issues?

    1. The government has introduced initiatives like the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, focusing on women’s empowerment.
    2. It emphasized Dalit dignity by creating panch teerth sites to honor Ambedkar’s legacy.
    3. Programs such as GYAN (gareeb, yuva, annadata, nari) aim to empower marginalized groups, including Dalits.
    4. Dalit representation in the BJP has significantly increased in recent years.
    5. Despite these efforts, caste-based discrimination persists, with incidents like a Dalit man being urinated upon.

    What is the Role of Babasaheb Ambedkar Today?

    1. Babasaheb Ambedkar remains a revered figure, central to Dalit aspirations for dignity and equality.
    2. His legacy extends beyond Dalits, influencing broader discussions on discrimination and nation-building.

    What are Dalits Fighting for Today?

    1. Dalits seek equal opportunities, equity in governance, and respect for their aspirations beyond mere identity politics.
    2. Their struggle encompasses broader themes of aspiration and national inclusivity.

    Question for practice:

    Examine the current political controversy surrounding Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy and its impact on the fight for Dalit dignity and equality.

  • India’s Digital Growth and Women’s Safety Challenges

    India Digital Growth and Women Safety Challenges

    Source: The post India’s Digital Growth and Women’s Safety Challenges has been created, based on the article “The digital frontier of inequality” published in “The Hindu” on 16th December 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society-Social empowerment

    Context: The article discusses India’s progress in digital transformation and its challenges. It highlights tech-facilitated gender-based violence, government initiatives to combat it, and the need for stricter laws, digital literacy, tech industry collaboration, and survivor support systems for safer online spaces. India Digital Growth and Women Safety Challenges.

    For detailed information on The stage has been set for gender equity in Digital India read this article here

    What is the context of India’s digital revolution?

    1. India is undergoing a digital revolution, recognized globally for its digital public infrastructure.

    1. It has 1.18 billion mobile connections, 700 million Internet users, and 600 million smartphones. 3. Women hold 55.6% of Jan Dhan accounts, benefiting from digital services.
    2. Rural India boasts 20% more Internet users than in urban areas (2021 Nielsen report)

    What are the risks of digital transformation for women?

    1. Digital transformation exposes women to tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
    2. Urban women in public roles face harassment like cyberstalking and trolling.
    3. Many rural women lack digital literacy and awareness of their rights, making them more vulnerable.
    4. TFGBV includes cyberstalking, trolling, sharing intimate images without consent, and impersonation.

    What steps has India taken to combat TFGBV?

    1. Legal frameworks: The IT Act, 2000, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2024.
    2. Reporting: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal enables anonymous complaints.
    3. Awareness: Programmes like Digital Shakti educate women on online safety.
    4. Support Systems: Helplines like TechSakhi provide information and assistance to survivors.
    5. Campaigns: Launched “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” to address gender-based violence.
    6. International commitment: India signed agreements like the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women to promote safe ICT environments.

    What are the solutions to ensure safer online spaces?

    1. Stricter laws and accountability: Enforce stronger penalties for online violence and hold social media platforms accountable.
    2. Expand digital literacy: Educate rural women and integrate safe practices into school curriculums.
    3. Community involvement: Conduct workshops to involve men and boys as allies.
    4. Tech collaboration: Work with tech companies to enhance safety features and use AI for detecting abuse.
    5. Support systems: Strengthen helplines like TechSakhi and offer counselling and legal aid for survivors.

    Question for practice:

    Examine the challenges posed by India’s digital transformation for women and the measures taken to address tech-facilitated gender-based violence.

  • How caste system affects India’s social capital

    How caste system affects India social capital

    Source: The post how caste system affects India’s social capital has been created, based on the article “Caste salience in Indian society must fall for social capital to rise” published in “Live mint” on 16th December 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society

    Context: The article discusses India’s lack of social capital, linking it to the caste system, which creates divisions and distrust. It suggests promoting inter-dining, protecting inter-caste marriages, universal public schooling, and early childhood exposure to diversity as solutions. How caste system affects India social capital?

    For detailed information on Caste based Inequalities in India read this article here

    Why Does India Lack Social Capital?

    1. Caste System: India’s caste system divides people into thousands of communities (jatis), preventing inter-marriage and inter-dining. As David Reich notes, India is “an extremely large number of small populations.” This creates trust within communities but distrust across them.
    2. Fragmented Society: M.N. Srinivas observed that caste divisions strengthened through democratic politics, making social unity difficult. B.R. Ambedkar called castes “anti-national” and a barrier to nation-building.
    3. Public Interest vs. Private Gains: Lack of shared community causes neglect of public spaces. Cities face problems like traffic congestion, leading to frustration and distrust.
    4. Economic Barriers: Caste limits access to credit, keeping small businesses small.

    What are the solutions?

    1. Promote Inter-Dining: Establish common canteens in educational institutions and workplaces to encourage different communities to share meals. Introduce public food courts and communal feasts on national holidays to foster a sense of unity.
    2. Support Inter-Caste Marriages: Protect inter-caste couples from societal coercion, emphasizing the state’s role in ensuring their safety.
    3. Leverage Technology: Use digital payment systems and platforms like the Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN) to provide fair financial opportunities, reducing economic disparities linked to caste.
    4. Universal Public Schooling: Implement inclusive education from the kindergarten level to promote early exposure to diversity, aiming to instill egalitarian values in children.
    5. Influence Parenting and Early Childhood Experiences: Encourage diverse, multicultural environments for raising children to develop comfort with various racial and ethnic backgrounds, reducing bias and fostering inclusivity from a young age.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss how India’s caste system impacts social capital and suggest solutions to overcome these challenges.

  • Judicial Evasion

    Judicial Evasion

    Source: This post on Judicial Evasion has been created based on “Sambhal and the perils of judicial evasion” published in The Hindu on 11th Dec 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus topic : GS 1 Society – Secularism

    Context: The article critically examines the Supreme Court of India’s reluctance to take decisive action on sensitive legal and constitutional matters, particularly in cases involving communal and religious disputes. Judicial Evasion

    What is the concept of ‘judicial inactivism’?

    Judicial inactivism refers to courts’ failure to fulfill their “adjudicative duty” to decide cases. Judicial inaction can have consequences as significant as judicial overreach and is often harder to detect, making it more worrisome.

    What is the issue in the Sambhal Masjid case?

    1. The Supreme Court of India recently deferred a decision in the Sambhal Masjid case (Uttar Pradesh).
    2. The Court directed that the matter, concerning a survey of the mosque, be put on hold and referred the issue to the Allahabad High Court.
    3. While this order brought temporary relief, it is an example of judicial deferment, which avoids addressing the core issue.

    Why is judicial deferment problematic in this case?

    1. Judicial deferment is concerning because it perpetuates uncertainty, particularly in cases involving communal issues.
    2. The Sambhal Masjid case is tied to a larger failure by the judiciary to address the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which seeks to preserve the religious character of places of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.
    3. The Act is being violated by ongoing legal challenges, and the Supreme Court has failed to decisively address its validity.

    How has the Supreme Court handled similar cases in the past?

    The Supreme Court has exhibited a pattern of judicial deferment in recent years:

    1. Shaheen Bagh Protest (2020): The Court formed a committee to mediate between protesters and the government without addressing the legal challenge to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
    2. Farm Laws (2021): The Court formed an expert committee to mediate between protesting farmers and the government without deciding on the laws’ validity. Ultimately, the farm laws were repealed due to public protests, not judicial action.

    In these instances, the Court avoided its duty to decide, leading to uncertainty and political unrest.

    How does the Sambhal case relate to earlier judicial failures?

    1. In the Sambhal Masjid case, the Court failed to address the central issue—the validity of the Places of Worship Act, 1991.
    2. This mirrors past cases, such as the Ayodhya dispute (2019), where the Court avoided decisive action on legal principles, instead offering a compromise that ignored the constitutional values embedded in the Act.
    3. The Court’s reluctance to uphold the Act or even adjudicate the validity of such legal challenges only perpetuates uncertainties.

    What was the Supreme Court’s stance in the Ayodhya judgment?

    1. The Supreme Court, in the Ayodhya case (2019), acknowledged the importance of the Places of Worship Act, stating it reflects India’s commitment to secularism and equality of all religions.
    2. The Court also recognized that the Act prevents historical grievances from being used to stir up present-day religious tensions.
    3. However, the judgment allowed the construction of a temple at the Babri Masjid site, which indirectly contradicted the very principles the Act sought to uphold.

    What is the role of judicial will in such cases?

    1. Judicial will is crucial for upholding constitutional values and ensuring legal stability.
    2. In the Sambhal Masjid case, the Court’s failure to assert the validity of the Places of Worship Act reflects a lack of judicial will.
    3. The upcoming hearing on December 12 offers the Court another opportunity to rectify this and decisively address the legal issues, including the legality of the ongoing challenges to the Act.

    What is the broader implication of judicial inaction in such matters?

    1. Judicial inaction undermines the rule of law and allows political and communal forces to exploit legal uncertainties for their own agendas.
    2. By avoiding decisive action on matters like the Places of Worship Act, the Court risks perpetuating divisiveness, rather than ensuring the protection of secularism and social harmony as envisioned by the Constitution.
  • India’s Population Growth and Its Wide Impacts

    India Population Growth and Its Wide Impacts

    Source: The post India’s Population Growth and Its Wide Impacts has been created, based on the article “Why scrutiny of lower fertility rates isn’t the answer to the delimitation crisis” published in “Indian Express” on 4th December 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society-population and associated issues

    Context: The article discusses India’s population growth and its political, economic, and social impacts. It highlights the consequences of varying fertility rates among states, suggesting solutions like freezing delimitation, addressing demographic change, promoting economic growth, and focusing on reducing fertility in high TFR states. India Population Growth and Its Wide Impacts.

    What is India’s population scenario?

    1. India’s population is expected to peak at 170 crores by 2070 and decline afterward.
    2. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is 2, slightly below the replacement level of 2.1.
    3. About two-thirds of India’s population lives in states with replacement or lower fertility rates.
    4. Five states have a TFR above 2.1, requiring focused intervention.
    5. TFR varies significantly, from 1.5 in some states to 3.0 in others (as per NFHS-5).
    6. Population reduction efforts must focus on empowering women and improving reproductive health services in high-TFR states to ensure balanced growth.

    For detailed information on UN Report on India’s Population Growth read this article here

    How has delimitation been addressed politically?

    1. Freezing of Delimitation: Delimitation of Parliamentary seats based on population was frozen in 1976 for 25 years and extended again in 2001 for another 25 years.
    2. Rationale for Freeze: This measure prevents penalizing states that successfully reduced fertility rates.
    3. Extension Proposal: Extending the freeze for another 25 years is suggested to maintain fairness.
    4. Alternative Solutions: Proposals like allocating seats based on vote share were discussed but deemed impractical.
    5. States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, with low fertility rates, might lose Parliamentary representation without this freeze.

    How does population affect resource distribution?

    1. The Finance Commission allocates resources based on population.
    2. Before its 14th edition (constituted in 2013 for 2015-2020), calculations were based on the 1971 population.
    3. From the 14th Finance Commission onward, calculations shifted to using current population figures (2011 Census data).
    4. To offset disadvantages to states with low fertility rates, a “demographic change” variable was introduced.
    5. In the 15th Finance Commission, population was weighted at 15%, and demographic change at 12.5%.
    6. States with higher populations benefit more, while states reducing fertility rates receive less unless adjustments are made. This approach balances fairness and supports population control efforts.

    For detailed information on Challenges of delimitation in India read this article here

    Why is increasing fertility in low-TFR states unwise?

    1. Low Fertility Rates Reflect Progress: States with low Total Fertility Rates (TFR), like 1.5 (NFHS-5), have achieved this by understanding the hardships of large families.
    2. India is Overpopulated: The population will peak at 170 crores by 2070, requiring high economic growth for a decent standard of living.
    3. Behavioral Patterns Are Hard to Change: Residents in low-TFR states may resist efforts to increase fertility due to their existing mindset.
    4. Impracticality: Raising TFR where it is already low contradicts the goal of reducing overall population pressure.

    What should be done?

    1. Enhancing Women’s Empowerment: Empowered women tend to have fewer children.
    2. Improving Reproductive Health Services: Better services help couples plan smaller families.
    3. A multi-pronged approach, including freezing delimitation, improving health services, empowering women, and supporting lagging states economically, is necessary for harmonious relations and balanced development.

    Question for practice:

    Examine how India’s population dynamics influence political representation, resource allocation, and the need for targeted interventions in high TFR states.

  • Challenges of a Three-Child Norm in India

    Challenges of a Three-Child Norm in India

    Source: The post Challenges of a Three-Child Norm in India has been created, based on the article “Reversing family planning: A three-child norm is regressive” published in “Business Standard” on 3rd December 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society-population and associated issues

    Context: The article discusses India’s declining fertility rate, highlighting concerns about population policies. It critiques Mohan Bhagwat’s suggestion for a three-child norm, emphasizing its negative impact on women and societal progress. It advocates improving education, healthcare, and welfare instead of encouraging larger families. Challenges of a Three-Child Norm in India

    For detailed information on Population control measures in India read this article here

    What is the Current Fertility Rate in India?

    1. India’s total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen from over five births per woman in 1965 to 2.01 in 2022.
    2. This rate is now below the replacement rate of 2.1.
    3. A study by Lancet predicts that by 2050, India’s TFR could drop to 1.29.

    What are the Concerns with a Three-Child Norm?

    1. Impact on Women’s Rights: Women will bear the disproportionate burden of having and raising children, reversing progress in education and employment.
    2. Low Female Labour Participation: India’s female labour participation rate is already low at 37%, and this policy may worsen it.
    3. Negative Effects on Poor Families: Women from poorer and conservative families will be the most affected, further entrenching gender inequality.
    4. Administrative Challenges: India lacks the socio-economic progress and welfare efficiency seen in Scandinavian countries, which successfully support larger families through incentives like equal paternity leave.

    What are the Implications for Southern States?

    1. Andhra Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has removed a two-child limit for candidates in local elections and is considering incentives for larger families. Telangana might follow this example.
    2. Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which have effectively controlled their population growth, worry about negative impacts on financial awards from the Finance Commission and reduced parliamentary representation. These concerns suggest a need for national policy adjustments.

    For detailed information on What is “Maharashtra’s two-child norm” for govt employees?  read this article here

    What Should Be the Way Forward?

    1. Encouraging larger families would harm social progress.
      2. Instead, India should focus on strengthening education and healthcare.
      3. This would ensure balanced development and avoid burdening women or reversing societal gains.

    Question for practice:

    Evaluate the potential social and economic impacts of implementing a three-child norm in India, as discussed in the article.

  • Religious nationalism threatens democracy and minority rights

    Religious nationalism threatens democracy and minority rights

    Source: The post Why Manual Scavenging Still Exists in India has been created, based on the article “Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: Why the South Asian neighbourhood is on edge” published in “Indian Express” on 3rd December 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society-Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

    Context: The article discusses the rise of religious nationalism in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It warns that this ideology harms democracy, increases sectarian violence, and threatens minorities. It argues that religious nationalism will lead to authoritarianism and destroy both human rights and democratic values in these countries. Religious nationalism threatens democracy and minority rights

    For detailed information on Threat of Majoritarianism to Indian and US Democracies read this article here

    What is the main issue in South Asia?

    South Asia, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, is witnessing rising religious nationalism. This threatens democracy, peace, and human decency. These countries show similar symptoms of communalism, with state policies increasingly targeting minorities and fostering religious conflicts.

    What is happening in Bangladesh?

    1. Loss of Legitimacy: Sheikh Hasina’s government faces declining legitimacy. Political rivalry between the Awami League and its opponents dominates Bangladesh’s political history.
    2. Rise of Islamism: Islamist groups are gaining influence, creating risks for minorities, especially Hindus.
    3. Communal Targeting Denials: The elite deny Hindu targeting, citing reasons like collateral damage or performative secularism. India often exaggerates the situation for political gains, worsening the issue.

    What role does India play?

    1. Concerns About Minorities: India claims concern for minorities in Bangladesh but uses it politically to stoke communalism domestically.
    2. Internal Majoritarianism: India is normalizing hate speech, lynching, and prejudice. For example, actions like mosque claims and Waqf Board issues escalate communal tensions.
    3. Ayodhya Effect: The Ayodhya dispute’s outcome fuels further Hindu nationalist agendas rather than resolving communal issues.

    What is Pakistan’s situation?

    1. Religious Identity Crisis: Pakistan’s state identity, based on religion, puts minorities like Ahmadiyyas and Shias at risk. Recent Shia-Sunni violence, such as in Kurram, highlights this problem.
    2. Perpetual Crisis: The military’s weakening legitimacy and religious benchmarking contribute to ongoing instability.
    3. Lessons for Others: Pakistan demonstrates how state-enforced religion leads to authoritarianism and violence, influencing Hindutva ideologies in India.

    What is the key lesson?

    1. The identities of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh remain tied due to their shared history of partition and current communal politics. Each uses the other’s turmoil to justify its actions, worsening the regional crisis.
    2. State-sponsored religious nationalism always leads to authoritarianism, undermines democracy, and causes humanitarian crises.
    3. Examples include the communal targeting in Bangladesh, India’s majoritarian politics, and Pakistan’s religious identity crisis.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss how religious nationalism in South Asia threatens democracy and minority rights in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

  • Decline in male sterilisation (vasectomy) rates in India

    Decline in male sterilisation rates in India

    Source: The post decline in male sterilisation (vasectomy) rates in India has been created, based on the article “Indians need to share contraceptive responsibility” published in “The Hindu” on 30th November 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society-population and associated issues

    Context: The article discusses the decline in male sterilisation (vasectomy) rates in India, highlighting gender disparities in family planning. It suggests improving awareness, offering incentives, and learning from other countries to increase male participation in sterilisation to achieve gender equality and better family planning outcomes. Decline in male sterilisation rates in India.

    Why is Male Sterilisation Declining in India?

    Declining Rates: Male sterilisation rates fell from 80.5% in 1966-70 to 0.3% by NFHS-4 (2015-16) and remained constant in NFHS-5. Female sterilisation dominates, accounting for 37.9%.

    Barriers:

    Social beliefs: Men often think sterilisation is a woman’s responsibility.

    Economic concerns: Fear of losing wages discourages men from undergoing the procedure.

    Misconceptions: Myths about libido and masculinity prevent acceptance.

    Lack of awareness: Women and men are unaware of cash incentives for vasectomies.

    Service gaps: Rural areas lack skilled providers and awareness among community health workers.

    What should be done?

    1. Improve Service Delivery: Train more healthcare providers, especially in rural areas, to perform no-scalpel vasectomies. Strengthen national health systems to align with goals.
    2. Awareness campaigns: Peer-group discussions in schools and sustained communication can break myths and destigmatise vasectomies.
    3. Cash incentives: Enhance monetary benefits for men undergoing vasectomies, as seen in Maharashtra’s 2019 study where incentives boosted uptake. Madhya Pradesh’s 50% increase in incentives in 2022 is an example to replicate nationwide.
    4. Learn from Other Countries:
    5. South Korea: High vasectomy rates due to progressive norms and gender equality.
    6. Bhutan: Government-led vasectomy camps and quality services increased uptake.
    7. Brazil: Mass media campaigns raised awareness, boosting rates from 0.8% to 5% over decades.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss the reasons for the decline in male sterilisation rates in India and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.

  • Women’s representation in politics

    Women Representation in Politics

    Source: The post women’s representation in politics has been created, based on the article “It’s 2024 — we need more women in politics” published in “Indian Express” on 13th November 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society-Social empowerment

    Context: The article discusses women’s representation in politics, emphasizing their growing influence in shaping policies and elections. It highlights India’s progress, including the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, and advocates for women’s active participation to advance democracy and gender equality. Women Representation in Politics.

    For detailed information on Political Empowerment of Women read this article here

    What is the Significance of Women’s Representation in Politics?

    1. Women’s participation in politics is crucial for a vibrant democracy.
    2. It ensures that the interests and issues of half the population are represented and addressed.

    Why Do Symbolic Gestures Fail to Gain Voter Support?

    1. Symbolic actions often lack substantive outcomes, leading voters to prioritize value-based decisions over superficial gestures.
    2. In the U.S., Kamala Harris’s historic nomination symbolized diversity but failed to resonate with all voters; many African Americans and White women voted for Donald Trump.
    3. In India, voters focus on impactful policies like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, showing a preference for meaningful change over mere representation.
    4. Voter behavior reflects a demand for action-oriented politics.

    How Are Women Transforming Electoral Politics in India?

    1. Women in India have moved beyond symbolic representation to actively shape electoral politics and policies.
    2. Programs like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Jan Dhan Yojana have empowered women and made them key contributors to policy formulation.
    3. Women-centric policies have enhanced skills, employability, and empowerment, driving social and electoral change.
    4. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Bill, passed in a special session of Parliament, demonstrates India’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in governance.
    5. Women leaders in the past, like Uda Devi Pasi and Dakshayani Velayudhan, played critical roles in India’s independence and constitution-making.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss the significance of women’s representation in politics and how it has transformed electoral politics in India.

  • Redevelopment plan for the Musi River

    Source: The post redevelopment plan for the Musi River has been created, based on the article “The Musi’s clean-up: The ‘revitalisation plan’ flows away from fixing the issue of severe pollution” published in “The Hindu” on 9th November 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- society-developmental issues

    Context: The article discusses Telangana’s Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s plan to redevelop Hyderabad’s polluted Musi riverfront. It highlights evictions of long-time residents, inadequate rehabilitation, lack of consultation, and failure to address pollution sources like untreated sewage and industrial effluents.

    What is the redevelopment plan for the Musi River?

    1. Telangana’s Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, proposed an ambitious plan to redevelop Hyderabad’s Musi riverfront.
    2. The plan aims to replicate London’s Thames riverfront.
    3. Features include high rises, promenades, shopping complexes, and multiple bridges.

    What is the current state of the Musi River?

    1. The Musi River is heavily polluted and toxic. It carries 2,000 million litres of sewage daily, with over 60% untreated. Industrial effluents, mainly from Hyderabad’s generic drug industry, worsen the pollution.
    2. People living along its banks include about one lakh residents, some on dry riverbeds and others on the floodplain buffer zone.

    What are the Concerns with the Government’s Approach?

    1. Forced Evictions: Around 15,000 structures in Old City were demolished, displacing long-term residents, including blue-collar workers like ragpickers and construction workers.
    2. Disruption of Livelihoods: Relocation plans propose high-rises in far-off locations, impacting the livelihoods of evictees.
    3. Lack of Consultation: The government claims consultations occurred, but evictees dispute this.
    4. Failure to Address Pollution: The plan overlooks key issues like 2,000 million litres of daily sewage flow, 60% untreated, and industrial effluents from the pharmaceutical sector.
    5. Cosmetic Focus: Redevelopment prioritizes aesthetics over permanent solutions, replicating issues seen in Urban rivers like Chennai’s Cooum, Delhi’s Yamuna, and Kolkata’s Hooghly.

    Question for practice:

    Examine the challenges and concerns associated with the Telangana government’s redevelopment plan for the Musi Riverfront.

  • Urban Challenges in India and Globally

    Source: The post urban challenges in India and globally has been created, based on the article “What are major challenges faced by Indian cities?” published in “The Hindu” on 4th November 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society-urbanisation, their problems and their remedies

    Context: The article highlights challenges in urban areas, especially in India, including climate change, poverty, and poor planning. It emphasizes issues like overcrowded slums, pollution, lack of resources, limited governance power, and the need for better urban development policies.

    For detailed information on Challenges faced by the Urban Policy Framework in India read this article here

    What are the global urban challenges?

    1. Global cities face multiple challenges, especially climate change, poverty, inequality, and environmental issues.
    2. Approximately 4.7 billion people (57.5% of the global population) now live in urban areas, with this number expected to double by 2050.
    3. Rapid urbanisation in the Global South worsens challenges due to limited resources and weak infrastructure.
    4. Many cities struggle with housing shortages, lack of clean water, and poor sanitation.
    5. Urban centres are vulnerable to climate-related events like urban flooding.
    6. Poverty-driven urbanisation, particularly in developing countries, highlights the need for sustainable development policies and resilient infrastructure.

    How is urbanisation different in India?

    1. India’s urbanisation differs from the Global North, where urbanisation followed industrial growth, creating jobs that absorbed rural workers.
    2. Western urbanisation was supported by colonial wealth transfers; economist Utsa Patnaik estimates India contributed over $45 trillion to Britain’s economy during colonial rule.
    3. India’s urbanisation is primarily “poverty-driven,” fueled by economic distress rather than industrialisation.
    4. Migration includes both rural-to-urban and urban-to-urban movement.
    5. COVID-19 highlighted urban planning gaps as reverse migration surged.

    What challenges do Indian cities face?

    1. Outdated Urban Planning: Plans are not updated to match population growth. Many displaced industrial workers move to peri-urban slums.
    2. High Slum Population: 40% of India’s urban population lives in slums with poor sanitation and water access.
    3. Severe Pollution: Delhi NCR has eight of India’s ten most polluted cities, impacting health.
    4. Climate Vulnerability: Cities face urban flooding and heat island effects.
    5. Governance Limitations: Elected city officials have limited power, with just 0.5% GDP in transfers.
    6. Rising Inequality: Urban planning focuses on capital growth, leaving millions without basic housing and services.

    Why is governance a problem in Indian cities?

    1. Lack of Autonomy: Elected city representatives have limited control over urban planning. Urban governance is often managed by parastatals and private entities, reducing local input and accountability.
    2. Ineffective Implementation of Laws: Despite the 74th Constitutional Amendment aiming to empower urban local governments, less than three of the 18 mandated functions have been effectively transferred to these governments.
    3. Insufficient Funding: Urban local bodies receive only about 0.5% of GDP in intergovernmental transfers, severely limiting their operational capacity and ability to improve infrastructure and services.
    4. Overlooked by National Policies: There is a disconnect between national policies and local needs, leading to inefficient and inadequate urban planning and management

    Why does World Cities Day matter for India?

    World Cities Day stresses the need for urgent change in Indian cities. Challenges like climate change, poverty, and poor infrastructure show the need for effective, people-focused policies. Comprehensive national strategies are essential to address these urban issues.

    Question for practice:

    Examine how the challenges of urbanization in Indian cities differ from those faced by cities in the Global North.

  • Classification of languages problematic in modern India

    Source: The post classification of languages problematic in modern India has been created, based on the article “New additions to classical languages list: Yet another divide-and-rule strategy” published in “Indian Express” on 8th October is 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-Society-Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

    Context: The article discusses how British colonial policies divided Indian society, leading to modern divisions based on language, religion, and caste. It critiques the recent decision by the Union Cabinet to classify Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali as “classical” languages, arguing this fosters inequality and neglects many languages, undermining the value of all linguistic identities.

    For detailed information on Classical Language Status Granted to Five New Languages read this article here

    What is meant by “classical language”?

    1. Languages like Chinese, Sanskrit, Arabic, Greek, and Latin are universally accepted as classical due to their ancient literary and philosophical contributions.
    2. Classical languages often provide root words or affixes to modern languages; for example, Latin “intelligentia” in “artificial intelligence.”
    3. The term “classical” became common in the 16th century, particularly in Europe, to distinguish refined languages from so-called “barbaric” or vernacular ones.
    4. The Union Cabinet extended the “classical language” tag to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia already enjoy this status.
    5. In India, there are over 1,000 “mother tongues,” around 121 “languages,” 22 “scheduled languages” in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and 11 “classical languages.”
    6. Pali and Prakrit(s) are considered classical but are not part of the 8th Schedule, unlike some scheduled languages.

    Why is the classification of languages problematic in modern India?

    1. Promotes Division: The classification of languages as “classical” creates divisions, similar to the British “divide and rule” policy.
    2. The focus on a few “classical” languages risks neglecting over a thousand other mother tongues, as evidenced by the Census data from 2011, where many languages were not recognized officially. India’s language pyramid has 1,369 accepted “mother tongues” (2011 Census), with only 121 considered “languages.”
    3. Such classifications, while bolstering majoritarian pride, neglect thousands of mother tongues and undermine linguistic diversity, leading to the extinction of many languages.

    Way forward

    Every language has its unique worldview and deserves equal respect and preservation efforts from both speakers and the state to maintain cultural diversity and linguistic heritage.

    Question for practice:

    Examine how the classification of languages as “classical” in India promotes division and neglects the preservation of linguistic diversity.

  • Challenges and opportunities facing the Self-Respect Movement today

    Source: The post challenges and opportunities facing the Self-Respect Movement today has been created, based on the article “Keep the fire of the self-respect movement going” published in “The Hindu” on 28th September is 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- Society-Social empowerment,

    Context: The article discusses the Self-Respect Movement, which aimed to challenge social hierarchies and promote rational thinking, women’s rights, and social justice. It highlights the movement’s impact on Tamil Nadu and its relevance in resisting cultural homogenization today.

    What is the Self-Respect Movement?

    1. The Self-Respect Movement was founded in 1925 by E.V. Ramasamy, also known as Periyar.
    2. Its goal was to challenge social hierarchies, including caste-based oppression and gender inequality.
    3. The movement advocated for social reforms such as women’s rights, including equal property rights, widow remarriage, and the right to divorce.
    4. Periyar launched the Kudi Arasu weekly in 1925 to promote these ideas and criticize Brahminical dominance.
    5. It contributed to promoting rationalism, social justice, and regional identities in Tamil Nadu.

    For detailed information on E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) read this article here

    How did the Self-Respect Movement influence Tamil Nadu’s politics?

    1. The Self-Respect Movement significantly influenced Tamil Nadu’s politics by promoting social justice and equality.
    2. In 1929, the first Self-Respect Conference addressed issues like equal property rights for women and caste abolition.
    3. The Justice Party, allied with the movement, passed the Communal Government Order and nominated Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, the first woman Legislative Council member.
    4. Periyar introduced self-respect marriages, legalised in 1967 by the DMK.
    5. The movement focused on reforms such as widow remarriage and inter-caste marriages, which challenged traditional Hindu practices and Brahminical dominance in society.

    What are the challenges and opportunities facing the Self-Respect Movement today?

    1. Cultural Homogenization: Hindutva promotes a singular identity, threatening the diversity the Self-Respect Movement protects. This erodes regional, caste, and gender identities central to the movement’s cause.
    2. Intersectionality: New social dynamics—where caste intersects with class, religion, gender, and sexuality—require the movement to expand its focus to include LGBTQIA+ rights and gender fluidity.
    3. Digital Misinformation: social media amplifies caste biases and group prejudices, making it harder to uphold anti-caste reforms. The movement must engage young people to combat these influences.
    4. Youth Disconnect: Many young individuals, though distanced from caste practices, are vulnerable to right-wing propaganda. The movement must reconnect with them to reinforce social reforms like reservations.

    Why is the Self-Respect Movement still important?

    1. As the movement enters its second century, it remains crucial in fighting for social justice and equality.
    2. It must adapt to contemporary societal changes and continue to oppose forces that threaten India’s cultural diversity.
    3. The movement’s ongoing mission is to maintain and promote individual and community rights against overarching nationalistic ideologies.

    Question for practice:

    Examine how the Self-Respect Movement has influenced social and political reforms in Tamil Nadu, particularly regarding caste abolition and women’s rights.

  • Movement against patriarchy in Kerala

    Source: The post movement against patriarchy in Kerala has been created, based on the article “Hema Committee report shows why ambit of social justice must be widened to include women” published in “Indian Express” on 24th September is 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- Society

    Context: The article discusses how a movement led by women in Kerala’s film industry is challenging patriarchy. It highlights the need for gender justice and safer workplaces for women, emphasizing that governments must be pressured to take action on these issues.

    For detailed information on Hema Committee read this article here

    What was the first social revolution in Kerala?

    1. The first social revolution in Kerala happened in 1956. EMS Namboodiripad’s government introduced land reforms that ended landlordism and feudalism. Agricultural laborers gained freedom to sell their labor.
    2. Although it did not create a dynamic agricultural sector, it reduced the social distance between laborers and landlords.
    3. However, patriarchy was left untouched, and men continued to dominate women in most aspects of life.

    What sparked the current movement against patriarchy in Kerala?

    1. The current movement against patriarchy in Kerala began in the film industry.
    2. A group of women formed the Women’s Collective in Cinema (WCC) to challenge misogyny.
    3. WCC first addressed sexist dialogues in Malayalam films, spoken by top stars.
    4. The movement gained momentum after a young actress was sexually assaulted.
    5. WCC pressured the government to investigate women’s working conditions in the film industry.
    6. This led to the formation of the Hema Committee, which revealed widespread discrimination and sexual exploitation of women.
    7. Delays in publishing the report led to public pressure, forcing the government to release it after a Right to Information ruling.
    8. The report triggered resignations in the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA).

    Why must India update its labor laws for women?

    1. India’s labor laws are outdated, with rules like prohibiting night shifts for women and requiring spittoons.
    2. Female workforce participation is low, even lower than in Saudi Arabia, due to unsafe workplaces.
    3. Cases like the Abhaya case in Kolkata show that lack of basic infrastructure, such as separate toilets and secure rest areas, endangers women.
    4. Women are disadvantaged across all caste groups, with lower health, education, and financial independence.
    5. The Women’s Collective in Cinema (WCC) in Kerala highlighted sexual exploitation in the film industry, showing the urgent need for safer workplaces for women.

    Question for practice:

    Can you please form one simple question which can be answer using the above article, start question with word.

  • Challenges faced by the Urban Policy Framework in India

    Source: The post challenges faced by the Urban Policy Framework in India has been created, based on the article “Realising the rural-urban continuum” published in “The Hindu” on 16th September is 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- Society – Urbanization

    Context: The article discusses how India’s growing urban areas need better infrastructure and governance. It highlights financial and policy challenges, urging a shift from viewing problems as rural or urban and instead addressing them as part of a connected urban-rural continuum.

    For detailed information on Challenges faced by Urban Local Bodies in India read this article here

    What is the Current Urban Policy Framework in India?

    1. The urban policy framework in India is highly centralized, limiting financial autonomy for local bodies.
    2. Programs like AMRUT focus on urban areas for infrastructure projects like sewage treatment but exclude smaller towns and urban villages. This oversight affects a significant part of the population not living in major cities.
    3. Solid waste management is handled separately under the Swachh Bharat Mission, which aims to keep urban and rural India clean but operates without unified management for urban and adjacent rural areas.

    What Are the Challenges faced by the Urban Policy Framework in India?

    1. Centralized Finances: There is excessive centralization, reducing financial autonomy for local bodies. The 13th Finance Commission mentioned that local bodies are being “asphyxiated” due to financial constraints.
    2. Tied Grants: Grants are increasingly tied to centrally sponsored schemes, limiting local flexibility. For example, towns risk losing grants if there is no connection between property tax increases and State Goods and Services Tax.
    3. Overlook the Urban-Rural Continuum: Programs like AMRUT and Swachh Bharat Mission focus on urban infrastructure but overlook the urban-rural continuum.
    4. Governance Challenges: District Planning Committees, intended to coordinate between rural and urban local bodies, are now subordinate to district bureaucracies, weakening their role.

    What Should be Done?

    1. Empower District Planning Committees: The 73rd and 74th Amendments need to be revisited. District Planning Committees must be strengthened to reduce bureaucratic control and improve local governance.
    2. Collaborative Waste Management: Solid and liquid waste management should be planned at the district or regional level, integrating both urban and rural areas for efficiency.
    3. Learn from Kerala: In Kerala, public pressure led to the cancellation of a landfill site. This was possible due to integrated governance where both rural and urban bodies fall under one ministry, unlike other states.

    Question for practice:

    Examine the challenges faced by the urban policy framework in India and suggest measures to improve governance and infrastructure development.

  • Implications of Delaying the Census

    Source: The post Implications of Delaying the Census has been created, based on the article “Implications of Delaying the Census” published in “The Hindu” on 27th August 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- population and associated issues

    Context: The article discusses the Union government’s delay in conducting the Census, which has not occurred since 2011. It criticizes the idea of including caste enumeration without proper planning and emphasizes the negative impact of the delay on public policies and governance.

    Why is the Census Being Delayed?

    1. The Union government has delayed conducting the Census, which has been held every decade from 1881 to 2011.
    2. The deadline to freeze administrative boundaries, required before the Census, has been extended 10 times since 2019.
    3. The official reason cited is the COVID-19 pandemic, yet 143 countries conducted their Census after March 2020.
    4. As of June 2024, India is one of 44 countries that have not conducted the Census this decade.
    5. India shares this delay with conflict-affected and crisis-hit countries like Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, and others.

    What Are the Implications of Delaying the Census?

    1. Impact on Public Schemes: Delays affect schemes like the National Food Security Act and the National Social Assistance Programme, which rely on updated Census data.
    2. Outdated Data: The 2011 Census data is outdated, especially with changes in migration, urbanization, and suburbanization.
    3. Reliance on Surveys: Reliance on sample surveys leads to debates over methodology and biased conclusions.
    4. Global Comparison: India, as of June 2024, is one of 44 countries not to have conducted a Census, sharing this with conflict-ridden nations like Yemen and Syria.

    Should Caste Enumeration Be Included in the Census?

    1. There is a debate over including caste enumeration in the upcoming Census. This idea is driven by demands from several political parties.
    2. However, the article suggests that the government should not rush into including caste data. The example of the Socio-Economic and Caste Census of 2011 is given, where the data collected were inaccurate and unusable.
    3. The article advises careful planning and a clear timeline for conducting the Census before considering such additions.

    Question for practice:

    Examine the reasons behind the Union government’s delay in conducting the Census and its implications on public policies and governance in India.

  • Secular Civil Code (SCC) in India

    Source: The post Secular Civil Code (SCC) in India has been created, based on the article “Secular Civil Code will unify, not divide Indians” published in “Indian Express” on 20th August 2024

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

    Context: The article discusses Prime Minister Modi’s call for a Secular Civil Code (SCC) in India. It argues that the SCC would ensure equal legal rights for all citizens, regardless of religion, addressing legal inconsistencies and reducing judicial backlog.

    For detailed information on Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Debate read this article here

    What are the Current Problems with Personal Laws?

    1. Inconsistency Across Communities: Personal laws vary widely between religious communities, leading to legal inconsistencies. This creates confusion and unequal treatment under the law.
    2. Discrimination Against Women: Many personal laws are discriminatory, especially against women. For example, personal laws allow different rights for men and women, depending on their religion.
    3. Legal Exploitation: People can exploit these differences, as in the Sarla Mudgal case where a man converted to Islam to marry again, taking advantage of polygamy in Muslim law.

    What is the Secular Civil Code (SCC)?

    1. The Secular Civil Code (SCC) proposes a single set of civil laws for all citizens in India, regardless of religion.
    2. It covers civil matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, ensuring equal legal rights for everyone.
    3. The SCC aims to eliminate outdated and discriminatory personal laws, particularly those affecting women.

    Why is the SCC Important?

    1. Equality Under Law: The SCC would ensure all citizens, regardless of religion, are treated equally under a single legal framework. This aligns with Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision of progress, especially for women.
    2. Preventing Legal Exploitation: Current personal laws allow exploitation, as seen in the Sarla Mudgal case, where a Hindu man converted to Islam to marry again, circumventing Hindu personal laws.
    3. Reducing Judicial Backlog: With nearly 4.70 crore cases pending in Indian courts as of March 2022, the judiciary is under significant strain. Implementing the SCC would simplify and standardize the legal framework, making it more accessible and understandable, thereby reducing this burden.
    4. Constitutional Duty: Article 44 of the Indian Constitution mandates the state to work towards a Uniform Civil Code, making the SCC a step towards fulfilling this constitutional directive.

    How Have Other Democracies Implemented Similar Codes?

    1. Countries like the United States, France, and Germany have one set of civil laws for all citizens, regardless of religion.
    2. This approach has allowed them to maintain cultural diversity while ensuring equality before the law.

    Question for practice:

    Examine the potential benefits of implementing a Secular Civil Code (SCC) in India.

  • Lack of representation of SC/ST officers in senior government roles

    Source: The post lack of representation of SC/ST officers in senior government roles has been created, based on the article “Ensuring social justice in the bureaucracy” published in “The Hindu” on 17th August 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-Society- social justice and paper2- Governance- mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

    Context: The article discusses the lack of representation of SC/ST officers in senior government roles. It suggests that age-related barriers prevent them from reaching top positions and proposes a fixed tenure for all civil servants to ensure fairer promotion opportunities.

    What Concern Did Rahul Gandhi Raise?

    1. Rahul Gandhi, in his July 29, 2024, parliamentary address, pointed out the lack of SC/ST officers involved in the 2024 Budget-making process.
    2. He mentioned that only one minority and one OBC officer were part of this important exercise.
    3. Gandhi aimed to emphasize the underrepresentation of poor and deprived sections in key government policy-making roles.
    4. The Union Finance Minister countered by pointing out the lack of SC/ST representation in the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust and Foundation.
    5. This response shifted the focus to political blame rather than addressing the core issue of representation in government roles.

    What Is the Real Problem?

    1. Underrepresentation of SC/ST Officers: There is a significant lack of SC/ST officers in senior government roles, as highlighted by Rahul Gandhi during his parliamentary address on July 29, 2024.
    2. Dominance of Upper Castes: Data from December 2022 shows that out of 322 senior officers, only 16 were SC, 13 ST, and 39 OBC, while 254 were from the General category, reflecting upper caste dominance.
    3. Age-Related Barriers: SC/ST officers typically join the civil service later due to extended age limits, causing them to retire before reaching senior positions. In contrast, General category officers, who enter earlier, have more time to rise in ranks.
    4. No Reservation in Promotions: There is no reservation for promotions in Class A services, further limiting SC/ST officers’ advancement to top roles.

    What Should be Done?

    1. Increase Representation: Ensure SC/ST officers have greater representation in senior government roles. As of December 2022, only 4% of Secretary-level and 4.9% of Joint Secretary-level officers are from SC/ST categories.
    2. Implement Fixed Tenure: Introduce a fixed tenure of 35 years for all civil servants, irrespective of entry age. This would help SC/ST officers reach top positions before retirement.
    3. Age Limit Adjustments: Consider lowering the current age limits to ensure all officers retire by 67 years of age, while allowing sufficient time for promotions.
    4. Form an Independent Committee: Establish a committee with adequate SC/ST, OBC, and PwBD representation to review and implement these proposals, ensuring fairer opportunities in government services.
    5. Address Political Distractions: Focus on structural changes rather than political blame games, which divert attention from real issues.

    Question for practice:

    Examine the reasons for the underrepresentation of SC/ST officers in senior government roles and suggest measures to improve their representation.

  • Women’s Economic Empowerment in India

    Source-This post on Women’s Economic Empowerment in India has been created based on the article “Seven decades after Independence, the unfulfilled dreams of India’s women leaders” published in “The Indian Express” on 17 August 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 1 – Role of Women and Women’s Organization

    Context– Over a century ago, Indian women activists began campaigning for female social, political, and economic empowerment. They recognized that women’s agency was constrained by financial dependency on male family members.

    What are some of the Early Women’s Organizations and Their Contributions?

    1) The Women’s Indian Association- In 1917, the Women’s Indian Association was founded as the first national group focused on women’s issues. Their publication, Stri Dharma, highlighted the struggles of women, including factory workers. Their activism led to laws banning night work for women and the 1929 Bombay Maternity Benefit Act, which provided eight weeks’ wages around childbirth.

    2) The All-India Women’s Conference (AIWC)– In 1946, the AIWC approved the Indian Women’s Charter, which called for better housing, separate kitchens and bathrooms, equal job opportunities, maternity benefits, and women’s rights to consent on property matters and a share of their husband’s income.

    3) National Planning Committee’s – The sub-committee on women, part of the National Planning Committee set up by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1939, supported the AIWC’s ideas by calling for equal job opportunities, a common civil code, and gender-neutral inheritance laws.

    What are the challenges faced by the women?

    1)  Unpaid Domestic Work -A major focus for these activists was advancing the rights of women in informal employment and acknowledging the value of unpaid domestic work. However, progress in these areas has been gradual.

    2) Low Economic Participation– The World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Index ranks India 142nd out of 146 countries in economic participation. This low position highlights the ongoing struggle for women’s economic freedom, as patriarchal barriers still restrict their independence.

    A detailed article on Female Labour Force Participation Rate can be read here.

    3)  Inheritance Rights and Social Attitudes-While inheritance laws have been updated to give women more rights, social attitudes can still undermine these changes. Women who receive equal benefits legally face societal backlash.

    What should be the way forward?

    1) Recognizing unpaid domestic work should go beyond just acknowledging women’s resilience. It’s important to provide economic support to homemakers through financial assistance.

    2)  Some states offer monthly financial support for women, like Gruha Lakshmi in Karnataka and Lakshmi Bhandar in West Bengal. These programs should be extended nationwide and updated for inflation.

    3) Slow progress on gender equality is largely due to outdated attitudes. There is a need to address these issues now and work towards the goals set by past women leaders.

    Question for practice

    What were some of the early women’s organizations and their contributions? What challenges did women face, and what steps should be taken moving forward?

  • Critical Need for a Population Census in India

    Source-This post on The Critical Need for a Population Census in India has been created based on the article “No population Census — in the dark without vital data” published in “The Hindu” on 10 August 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-1- Population and Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

    Context– India’s ten-year population Census has been delayed by over three years, causing major concerns. Some officials mistakenly believe that other methods can replace a full Census. However, a Census does much more than count people; it offers detailed information about where people live, family structures, and individual details, helping understand changes in the population.

    What is the significance of Conducting Regular Census Data?

    1) Survey Reliability– Without a recent census, surveys like the National Family Health Survey and Periodic Labour Force Survey are less reliable. They are based on outdated census data that’s over 15 years old.

    2) Tracking Societal Changes: Over the past fifteen years, there have been significant changes in population size, demographics, education, jobs, health (including COVID-19), and living conditions. A census is essential to accurately understand these changes.

    3) Policy Planning and Evaluation: Without accurate census data, it’s hard to properly assess how well government programs are working. The absence of a proper population denominator can lead to misleading evaluations of coverage and impact.

    4) Demographic Dividend: A census is essential to understand India’s rapid demographic transition and the resulting demographic dividend. It provides important data on familial structures, locational distribution, and occupational composition.

    5) Global Significance: India’s population has a big impact on global trends. Accurate census data is better than estimates based on projections and guesses.

    6) SDG Indicators: –To effectively track Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we need detailed indicators for smaller regions. These indicators depend on accurate population counts, which are not possible without a census.

    Read more- Delimitation Exercise- Explained Pointwise

    What are the Concerns and Implications?

    1) Caste Census Debate- The push for a caste Census might be driven more by political interests than by a real need for detailed demographic data. Despite long-term affirmative action policies, there hasn’t been a clear review of how education and job opportunities have changed for different castes.

    2) Administrative Challenges- Conducting a Census is as challenging as organizing national elections. The real question is whether the delay is due to administrative issues or a deliberate choice to avoid revealing the true data. Delaying the Census may help the government claim progress based only on partial data, without accurate figures to measure it properly.

     Way forward– The scientific community must stress the importance of holding a Census soon and make it clear that surveys and administrative data cannot replace a thorough Census.

    Question for practice

    What is the significance of Conducting Regular Census Data?

  • Indian Cities Struggle with Monsoon Preparedness

    Source: The post Indian Cities Struggle with Monsoon Preparedness has been created, based on the article “Why Indian cities are never prepared for the monsoon” published in “Indian express” on 2nd August 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. and GS Paper-3-Disaster Management.

    Context: The article discusses how Indian cities are unprepared for monsoons due to poor drainage systems. It highlights the impact of climate change, outdated infrastructure, and neglected urban planning. It also emphasizes the vulnerability of poorer communities during extreme weather events.

    For detailed information on Urban Flooding in India read this article here

    Why Do Indian Cities Struggle with Monsoon Preparedness?

    1. Outdated Drainage Systems: Delhi’s drainage system, designed nearly 50 years ago, cannot handle heavy rainfall. For example, it struggles with even 50 mm of rain, while areas like Pusa recently recorded 58 mm.
    2. Climate Change Impact: Intense, localized rainfall is becoming common. On July 26, Delhi’s ridge area saw 99 mm of rain.
    3. Poor Urban Planning: Urban planning has not considered natural water flow, leading to water accumulation and flooding. Historical areas like Minto underpass in Delhi, which are low-lying, are particularly vulnerable. Cities like Mumbai and Gurugram also face similar issues due to poor planning.
    4. Vulnerable Populations: The poor and lower-middle-class bear the brunt of these failures. Informal settlements, often ignored in city planning, experience significant disruptions and health risks due to the ineffective handling of stormwater mixed with sewage.
    5. Historical Neglect: Natural water channels have been covered or polluted. For example, the Jarhallia Nallah in Karol Bagh, once a natural drain, is now a polluted waterway.

    What Can Be Learned from Historical Water Management?

    1. Learning from Indus Valley: The Indus Valley civilization had advanced water management systems, showcasing hydrological acumen. Modern India rarely takes cues from these effective ancient practices.
    2. Adaptation to Terrain: Historical water systems adapted to natural contours, unlike current radial or block planning. This neglect results in poor drainage and frequent flooding.

    What Can Be Done to Improve the Situation?

    1. Integrate Natural Hydrology: Plan urban development considering natural water flow and elevation. Historical systems like those of the Indus Valley can provide useful insights.
    2. Regulate Urban Infrastructure: Implement stricter regulations for commercial buildings and ensure they are not built in vulnerable areas, like the coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar.
    3. Prioritize Vulnerable Populations: Include informal settlements in master plans to prevent severe impacts on poor and lower-middle-class communities.
    4. Desilt Drains Regularly: Prevent clogging of stormwater drainage by regular desilting, addressing issues like those seen in Mumbai and Gurugram.

    For detailed information on Urban Flooding and Building Safety read this article here

    Question for practice:

    Discuss the factors contributing to the struggle of Indian cities with monsoon preparedness and propose solutions based on historical water management practices.

  • The Need of Conducting India’s Delayed Census

    Source-This post on The Need of Conducting India’s Delayed Census has been created based on the article “Any further delay in Census taking is perilous” published in “The Hindu” on 30 July 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper 1 – Population and Associated Issues

    Context- The 2021 Census, initially set to start in 2020, is still on hold. Although it was expected to begin in October 2024, the recent Budget 2024-25 allocated only ₹1,309.46 crore for the Census, down from ₹3,768 crore in 2021-22, indicating possible delays.

    Meanwhile, preparations like updating maps, pre-testing questionnaires, and training staff continue in the Census Directorates across States and Union Territories.

    Why is conducting the Census a priority?

    1) Social Justice-It is important because, due to the lack of one since 2011, many people have been unable to access various schemes, benefits, and services.

    2) Women Empowerment-The enforcement of the Women’s Reservation Act, which was enacted in 2023 to allocate 33% of seats in Parliament and Assemblies to women, depends on the completion of the Census.

    3) Delimitation of Constituencies -The Constitution (Eighty-fourth Amendment) Act of 2001 requires that constituency boundaries be redrawn only after the first Census done after 2026.

    Read More- Delimitation Exercise

    4) Caste-Based Census Debate– There is increasing demand for a caste-based census to understand economic conditions of the marginalized communities better.

    5) Clarifications on NPR- The draft NPR for the next Census adds new questions about “mother tongue,” “place of parents’ birth,” and “last residence,” which were not in the 2011 NPR. Some States and groups worry these questions could be used for the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

    What should be the way forward?

    1) Funding and Planning for the 2021 Census– It is essential to ensure adequate funding in the 2025-26 budget to conduct the postponed 2021 Census as early as 2026. This includes finishing the first phase in 2025, which covers house listing, the housing census, and updating the National Population Register (NPR).

    2) Census Preparation -The ₹1,309.46 crore allocated can be used for early tasks such as defining enumeration areas, improving questionnaires, and training staff for a digital census.

  • Urban Flooding and Building Safety

    Source-This post on Urban Flooding and Building Safety has been created based on the article “Human failure” published in “The Hindu” on 30 July 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-1- Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. and GS Paper-3-Disaster Management.

    Context- A tragic accident at an IAS coaching center in New Delhi killed three students due to basement flooding. This incident highlights the growing issue of local urban flooding that is aggravated by human errors.

    As India urbanizes and land values rise, buildings are often used for different purposes than originally planned. In mixed-use buildings, basements are frequently turned into income sources. This can lead to unsafe practices.

    Basements have limited access and ventilation, making them prone to flooding. Water collects there first, creating hazards for occupants.

    What are the regulations regarding usage of basement?

    1) Rules prohibit using basements for living spaces, offices, or residences. However, they can be used for storage, parking, and utilities like electrical equipment and generators.

    2) The Delhi Master Plan 2021 requires coaching centers to get approval from fire authorities and other relevant bodies before using basements.

    What are the reasons behind this tragic incident?

    1) Permits and Notifications- It’s unclear if the IAS coaching Centre had the proper permits or notified authorities about basement changes. In India, people often avoid reporting such changes to bypass bureaucratic hassles and potential bribes.

    2) Issues with Civic Infrastructure– The incident at the coaching centers reveals problems with inadequate infrastructure. A burst stormwater drain flooded the basement, highlighting a common issue in many cities where routine flooding is caused by poor land use and construction practices. For ex- in 2015, Chennai’s inadequate infrastructure caused basement flooding that damaged electrical equipment and disrupted businesses.

    Read More- Urban Flooding in India-Causes, Impacts and Remedies

    What should be the way forward?

    1) Flood-Resilient Building Design-

    A) Ensuring no water entry up to 1-1.5 meters above road level

    B) Using concrete, non-porous compound walls

    C) Installing flood-barrier gates

    D) Implementing non-return valves on plumbing lines.

    2) Special pumping arrangements should be installed to mitigate flooding.

    Question for practice

    What are the regulations regarding usage of basement? What are the reasons behind this tragic incident?

  • Challenges and opportunities of Indian philanthropy

    Source: The post Challenges and opportunities of Indian philanthropy has been created, based on the article “The quality of giving” published in “Indian express” on 26th July 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-society

    Context: This article discusses the recent growth and potential of Indian philanthropy. It highlights increased giving among the wealthy, collaboration, strategic investments in areas like climate action, and the need for philanthropy to address inequality and support sustainable development.

    For detailed information on Philanthropy by India’s super rich falls by a third in FY22 read this article here

    How Has Indian Philanthropy Evolved?

    Historical Giving Culture: India has a long tradition of giving across all communities.

    Post-Liberalization Trends: A new form of giving emerged among the newly wealthy and old wealthy with new wealth.

    Economic Confidence: With stock market rallies and wealth creation, the rich feel secure to give more.

    What Challenges and Opportunities Exist?

    1. Challenges:
    2. Funding Shortfall: Despite 13% annual growth in social sector spending, India may miss the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    3. Declining Foreign Funding: Thousands of organizations have lost their FCRA licenses, reducing foreign donations.
    4. International Donor Hesitation: Some international donors are exiting India or facing mistrust, particularly on climate issues.
    5. Trust Issues: Building trust with the government and other stakeholders remains a challenge.
    6. Opportunities:
    7. Wealthy Contributions: Ultra-high net worth individuals can potentially contribute over Rs 75,000 crores annually, five times the 2023 CSR spend.
    8. Strategic Philanthropy: Shift from traditional giving to impactful engagements led by first-generation wealth creators.
    9. Collaborative Models: Growth in pooled funding and co-funding, with organizations like the India Climate Collaborative increasing investments.
    10. New Entrants: Funders like Mirik Gogri bringing innovative ideas, with family giving up 15% last year.
    11. Intermediary Success: Organizations like Dasra and Sattva opening minds and pockets, with Dasra’s GivingPi involving over 300 families in philanthropy.

    For detailed information on Reason for increasing women-led philanthropy read this article here

    Way forward

    Indian philanthropy is at a critical juncture. Increased giving and strategic investments can help address inequality and support sustainable development, contributing to a more equitable society and economy.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss the evolution of Indian philanthropy and the challenges and opportunities it faces based on the recent trends and developments.

  • Urban Transformation in India

    Source-This post on Urban Transformation in India has been created based on the article “An outlining of urban transformation strategies” published in “The Hindu” on 25 July 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-1- Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

    Context- About 50 crore people, or 36% of India’s population, live in cities, with urbanization growing at 2% to 2.5% annually. The Budget stresses continuous investment in urban areas, identifying them as key growth centers. It offers substantial financial allocations and opportunities to foster planned development and city growth.

    What initiatives are announced in the budget to ensure sustainable urbanization?

    1) The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) -It proposes to construct another one crore housing units in urban areas with an investment of ₹10 lakh crore. Which include substantial central assistance and interest subsidies for affordable loans.

    2) Industrial Workers– It introduces rental housing projects with dormitory-style accommodation for industrial workers. These projects will be developed through public-private partnerships (PPP) with financial backing, including Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from both central and state governments.

    3) The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)- It allocates ₹8,000 crore for essential infrastructure such as water supply, sanitation, roads, and sewerage systems. It also promotes PPP models for infrastructure development with VGF support.

    4) Capex-It allocates ₹11.11 lakh crore for infrastructure capital expenditure, which includes highways and urban infrastructure. It also offers states an interest-free loan of ₹1.50 lakh crore for infrastructure development.

    5) National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)- It introduces the NUDM with ₹1,150 crore for digitizing property and tax records using GIS mapping. This aims to enhance financial management for urban local bodies and property owners.

    6) Weekly Haats- The Budget suggests creating 100 weekly street food hubs in some cities. States are urged to assist all cities in planning and setting up these hubs to meet local demands.

    Read More- Street Vendors Act

    7) Solid Waste Management-It is a major challenge for cities. The Budget plans to introduce bankable SWM projects with state governments and financial institutions. States and municipalities can use VGF for this. Cities like Indore have made SWM financially viable.

    How is city planning being addressed in the Budget?

    1) Prioritization and Funding -It prioritizes planned city development, allocating ₹25,653 crore as normal Financial Commission grants to municipalities. It also sets aside ₹500 crore for incubating new cities.

    2) Mobility and Economic Planning -It focuses on creating effective mobility plans to connect cities with peri-urban and new areas. This will enhance economic and transit planning through orderly town planning schemes.

    3) Promotion of Electric Bus Systems– ₹1,300 crore is allocated to promote electric bus systems in cities, offering cost-effective and eco-friendly operations despite higher initial costs.

    Way ahead– Cities, led by municipalities and supported by state governments, must demonstrate vision and determination to utilize resources effectively, including those from the Union Budget and their own revenues.

    Question for practice

    What measures are introduced in the budget to promote sustainable urban development? How is urban planning addressed in the Budget?

  • UN’s “World Population Prospects” report

    Source: The post UN’s “World Population Prospects” report has been created, based on the article “Demographic destiny: India has a limited window of growth” published in “Business standard” on 16th July 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-society-population and associated issues

    Context: The article discusses the UN’s “World Population Prospects” report, which predicts global population growth until the early 2080s, with significant increases in sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights India’s population dynamics, emphasizing the need for India to enhance workforce skills to capitalize on its demographic dividend before the population begins to age and decline.

    What Does the UN’s “World Population Prospects” Report Say?

    1. Global Population Trends According to the UN’s Report:
    2. Population Growth: The global population is expected to continue increasing, reaching over 10 billion by the early 2080s.
    3. Regional Variation: Significant growth will occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Countries like Somalia and the DRC, despite their economic and political instability, will see major population increases.
    4. Resource Competition: These growing populations in resource-rich regions like the DRC could lead to geopolitical tensions as countries vie for valuable natural resources.

    B: Population Dynamics in India and Neighboring Pakistan:

    1. India vs. China: India will maintain a higher population than China for the foreseeable future.
    2. Population Peak and Decline: India’s population is projected to start declining around 2062, approximately 20 years before the global population peak.
    3. Pakistan’s Growth: Pakistan’s population is expected to continue growing, potentially surpassing the United States to stabilize at around 390 million. This could influence regional dynamics and India’s foreign policy.
    4. Economic Impact: The slowing growth of India’s working-age population will increase the dependency ratio, signaling potential challenges in sustaining economic growth.

    What Should India Focus on for Future Growth?

    1. Skill Development: Prioritizing the enhancement of workforce skills is critical to maximizing India’s demographic dividend.
    2. Educational Reform: Implementing diverse models of higher education, lifelong learning, apprenticeships, and vocational training to address current skill gaps.
    3. Employment Quality: Shifting focus from merely creating jobs to improving job quality and matching skills to market needs.
    4. Utilizing the Youth: As the dependency ratio is set to increase, leveraging the potential of young workers before the population ages is crucial to achieve economic growth and avoid stagnation at middle-income levels.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss the measures India should focus on to maximize its demographic dividend before its population begins to age and decline, according to the UN’s “World Population Prospects” report.

  • The court’s decision on “Annadhanam” and “Angapradakshanam”

    Source: The post the court’s decision on “Annadhanam” and “Angapradakshanam”has been created, based on the article “Human dignity versus religious practices” published in “The Hindu” on 25th June 2024

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-society and GS paper 2-Indian constitution

    Context: The article discusses a court ruling allowing a religious practice of rolling on leftover plantain leaves for spiritual benefits. It explores the legal conflict between religious customs and human rights, emphasizing the need for rationality and human dignity in such practices.

    What was the court’s decision on “Annadhanam” and “Angapradakshanam”?

    1. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court permitted the continuation of “annadhanam” (free food offering) and “angapradakshanam” (ritual rolling on plantain leaves) at Nerur Sathguru Sadasiva Brahmendral’s resting place.
    2. The court ruled that these practices are fundamental religious rights under the Constitution, specifically citing Articles 14, 19, 21, and 25.
    3. Justice Swaminathan overturned a previous 2015 Division Bench decision that had halted the practice, criticizing it for not involving all necessary parties, such as devotees and trustees.

    How did Justice Swaminathan’s ruling differ?

    1. Inclusion of Necessary Parties: Justice Swaminathan argued that the 2015 Division Bench’s order was flawed because it did not include or hear the necessary parties, such as the devotees and trustees of the Adhistanam.
    2. Fundamental Rights: He invoked Article 25(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. He argued that the right to privacy includes “spiritual orientation” similar to how it includes gender and sexual orientation.
    3. Promotion of Communal Harmony: Swaminathan highlighted that the practice at Nerur involved all devotees, regardless of caste, which promotes communal harmony and social integration.
    4. Citing Religious Texts: He referenced the Mahabharata to support the belief that spiritual benefits are conferred by rolling on leftover food, thereby justifying the practice.
    5. Contrast with Karnataka Case: Swaminathan negated the Supreme Court order by noting that the Karnataka case involved only Brahmins’ leftovers, which were rolled over by persons of other communities. In contrast, at Nerur, all devotees participated regardless of community. He observed that the practice points to communal amity and social integration.

    What are the broader implications?

    1. Conflict Between Rights: The case highlights the tension between religious freedoms under Article 25(1) and human dignity and equality under Articles 14 and 21.
    2. Cultural Relativism vs. Universalism: Justice Swaminathan’s ruling favors cultural practices over universal human rights standards, as seen with communal participation in angapradakshanam.
    3. Judicial Precedents: The decision contrasts with a Supreme Court stay on a similar practice in Karnataka, stressing the need for consistent judicial approaches.
    4. Health and Morality Concerns: Rolling on leftover plantain leaves raises public health issues, as previously noted in the Karnataka case.
    5. Scientific Temper: The judgment raises questions about the state’s role in promoting rationality and scientific inquiry over traditional practices that may be superstitious or harmful.

    Question for practice:

    Examine Justice Swaminathan’s rationale in overturning the 2015 Division Bench decision regarding “annadhanam” and “angapradakshanam” at Nerur Sathguru Sadasiva Brahmendral’s resting place.

  • India faces age-related discrimination at work

    Source: The post India faces age-related discrimination at work has been created, based on the article “The ageism debate: India will gain from raising the retirement age” published in “Business standard” on 7th June 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- social issue and GS Paper 3- economy-employment

    Context:  The article discusses how both young and older workers in India face age-related discrimination at work. It highlights how such issues might grow as India’s population ages. It suggests considering raising the retirement age to utilize the experience of older workers more effectively.

    What is the Demographic Projection for India?

    The UN Population Fund projects a sharp rise in the elderly population’s growth rate, from 35.5% (2011-21) to 41% (2021-31). By 2046, the elderly population will surpass children under 15 years.

    What is Age-Related Discrimination in Indian Workplaces?

    Prevalence: 40% of employees experienced or witnessed age-related discrimination.

    Younger vs. Older Workers: 42% of employees below 55 faced discrimination, compared to 29% of those over 55.

    Compensation Issues: 32% of employees under 35 feel inadequately compensated.

    Job Advertisements: 61% report age or experience criteria in job ads, with multinationals leading this trend.

    Gender Disparity: 42% of women report discrimination, compared to 37% of men.

    How Does India’s Retirement Age Compare Globally?

    1. India’s retirement age is 58-60 for most workers, with 70 for whole-time directors and 75 for non-executive directors.
    2. Advanced countries like Iceland, Australia, Spain, and Italy set retirement ages at 66-67.
    3. France faced protests over proposals to raise the pension age from 62 to 64.
    4. Singapore recently raised the retirement age from 63 to 64 and the re-employment age from 68 to 69.

    What should be done?

    Raise Retirement Age: Increase the retirement age to benefit from older workers’ experience. India’s current retirement age is 58-60 years, while countries like Iceland and Australia set it at 66-67 years.

    Prepare for Demographic Changes: Plan for an ageing population. The UNPF projects the elderly population will surpass children by 2046, necessitating policy adjustments.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss the potential impact of raising the retirement age in India on addressing age-related discrimination and leveraging the experience of older workers in the workforce.

  • Gender equality important in energy development

    Source: The post gender equality important in energy development has been created, based on the article “Gender equality as the plank of sustainable development” published in “The Hindu” on 9th March 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – Society- Social empowerment and GS Paper 3 – Economy -Infrastructure – Energy

    News: This article discusses how gender equality and women’s involvement are crucial for sustainable energy development.

    Why is gender equality important in energy development?

    Crucial Role in Household Energy Management: Women primarily manage household energy for cooking, heating, and lighting, showing their integral role in energy consumption.

    Impact of Energy Inequality on Health: Limited access to clean energy forces women to use harmful alternatives like biomass, leading to significant health risks and deaths.

    Economic and Environmental Benefits: Gender equality in the energy sector can drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.

    Innovative Solutions and Productivity: Increasing women’s participation in energy can lead to more innovative approaches, improved productivity, and enhanced social outcomes.

    Global Impact: Closing the gender gap could boost global GDP by trillions of dollars, showing the vast potential of women’s empowerment in energy.

    What are the challenges in achieving gender equality in the energy sector?

    Limited Energy Infrastructure Access: Women often receive energy access last, impacting their ability to manage household energy needs efficiently.

    Reliance on Harmful Energy Sources: Due to inadequate access to modern energy, women resort to using traditional sources like biomass and kerosene. This leads to significant health risks, with household air pollution causing 3.2 million premature deaths annually, 60% of whom are women and children.

    Low Representation in the Energy Sector: The energy sector is not gender diverse. Only 32% of employees in renewable energy and 22% overall are women, compared to 48% in the global workforce. In India, only 10% of technical energy jobs are held by women.

    Educational and Skill Disparities: Women face barriers in accessing education and training needed for technical roles in energy, further widening the gender gap.

    What should be done?

    Change Perceptions: Alter societal views on women’s roles in the energy sector to recognize their potential as key contributors.

    Mainstream Gender in Energy Policies: Integrate gender considerations at sub-national, national, and international policy levels to ensure women’s needs and contributions are addressed.

    Support Women-led Initiatives: Back programs like the Women at the Forefront and the Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE), which encourage women’s entrepreneurship in sustainable energy.

    Promote Educational and Skill Development: Facilitate women’s access to education and training, especially in technical fields within the energy sector.

    Implement Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Projects: Utilize DRE to provide quick, affordable energy access, reducing women’s workload and enhancing productivity, as seen in initiatives like Solar Mamas in India.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss how gender equality contributes to sustainable energy development and what challenges hinder achieving gender equality in the energy sector.

  • Controversy with the Places of Worship Act-Places of worship and an unsettling judicial silence

    Controversy With The Places of Worship

    Source: The post controversy with the Places of Worship Act has been created, based on the article “Places of worship and an unsettling judicial silence” published in “The Hindu” on 16th February 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society – secularism

    News: The article discusses the Supreme Court of India’s handling of cases involving religious sites, focusing on the Places of Worship Act, 1991. It mentions challenges to the Act, petitions against mosques, and concerns about secularism and the Act’s future. Controversy With The Places of Worship

    What is the background of the issue?

    Babri Masjid Verdict: In November 2019, the Supreme Court of India gave a verdict in the Babri Masjid case, awarding the disputed land to the group that demolished the mosque.

    Places of Worship Act, 1991: The Court praised this Act, which aims to preserve the religious character of worship places as of August 15, 1947.

    Post-Verdict Petitions: After the verdict, petitions were filed against mosques in Kashi, Mathura, and others, claiming they were originally Hindu temples.

    What is the controversy with the Places of Worship Act?

    Act’s Objective: The Places of Worship Act, 1991, aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947.

    Challenges to the Act: There are increasing petitions against mosques, claiming they were built on ancient temples. Examples include petitions against mosques in Kashi and Mathura.

    Supreme Court’s Involvement: The Court has allowed some petitions to be considered, challenging the Act’s intent.

    Concern Over Cut-off Date: A petitioner suggested changing the Act’s cutoff date from 1947 to 1206, questioning the Act’s scope.

    What are the implications of such controversy?

    Threat to Secularism: The challenges to the Places of Worship Act potentially undermine India’s commitment to secularism, as the Act was designed to protect the religious character of places of worship.

    Political Implications: These controversies are influencing political narratives, especially with the upcoming general election in 2024. The petitions and debates are becoming a tool in political agendas.

    Legal Precedent: The Supreme Court’s decisions on these matters could set significant precedents for how religious sites are treated legally.

    Public Trust and Harmony: Challenges to the Act and the filing of numerous petitions against mosques risk breaching public trust and could lead to communal disharmony.

    Historical Reinterpretation: The petitions, by questioning historical facts and attempting to change the religious status of sites, could lead to a reinterpretation of history, impacting the collective memory and cultural heritage of the nation.

     

    Read More UPSC Topics-

    Bhagat Singh’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

    How Gandhi crafted his own public image

    Way forward

    The way forward involves the Supreme Court upholding the integrity of the Places of Worship Act, ensuring secularism and historical preservation. It’s crucial to maintain public trust and communal harmony, especially with the looming general election in 2024, where such issues could significantly influence political narratives.

    Question for practice:

    Evaluate the potential impact of the Supreme Court’s decisions on petitions challenging the Places of Worship Act.

  • On Preserving India’s Cultural Diversity and UCC – Strike a Fine Balance have a Just Civil Code

    Strike a fine balance, have a just civil code

    Source: This post on Preserving India’s Cultural Diversity and UCC has been created based on the article “Strike a fine balance, have a just civil code” published in “The Hindu” on 8th February 2024.

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

    News: The article discusses how Indian civil laws and Constitution accommodate its cultural diversity. It also highlights the way forward for a UCC that is just.

    A detailed article on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Debate can be read here.

    Background:

    On February 7, Uttarakhand passed the Uniform Civil Code. Additionally, the Law Commission of India has invited views and proposals from the public about the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

    How do Indian Civil Laws and Constitution Accommodate its Cultural Diversity?

    1) Religious Personal Laws: Not just Muslims but even Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis, and Jews are governed by their own personal laws based on their religious identity.
    For instance, even the reformed Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 insists on solemnisation of marriage, through saptapadi (seven steps around fire) and datta (invocation before fire).

    2) Regional Differences in Application of Personal Laws: For instance, Kerala had abolished the Hindu Joint Family in 1975; Muslim marriage and divorces are registered in Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand under the 1876 law, and in Assam under 1935 law.

    3) Right to Preserve Cultural Diversity: The fundamental right in Article 29(1) is dedicated exclusively to conserving the distinctive culture of all citizens.

    4) Indian Model of Secularism: India decided not to adopt the French model of laïcité, which strictly prohibits bearing any religious outfit or marker in public and considers religion in public as a threat to the nation’s secular fabric.

    However, according to the authors, India’s quest of preserving its multicultural diversity is sometimes antithetical with values such as secularism. State assistance to minority cultures has also been seen as ‘appeasement of minorities.’

    Read More UPSC Topics-

    Fiscal Centralisation In India- Concerns and Way Forward- Explained Pointwis

     

    Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Debate- In wake of Uttarakhand UCC- Explained Pointwise

     

     

    What Should be The Way Forward for a Just UCC?

    1) Ensure Multiculturalism: Law Commission must remember that for a diverse and multicultural polity such as India, the proposed UCC must represent India’s ‘mosaic model’ of multiculturalism.
    Note: Mosaic Model describes a society in which cultural groups live and work together maintaining their unique heritages while being included in the larger fabric of society.

    2) Removal of Discriminatory Personal Laws: Cultural diversity cannot justify continuation of unjust and discriminatory personal laws. Such provisions of the personal laws must go.

    3) Bottom-Up Reform: Since each religious group has cultural autonomy, it is argued that the community should itself come forward to seek reforms by identifying the discriminatory and oppressive issues.

    4) Prevent Threat Perception among Communities: When a community feels threatened in any way, community allegiance becomes much stronger. Therefore, the Law Commission should be accommodative and not contribute to the rise of reactive culturalism amongst different communities in India.

    The Law Commission should strike a fine balance as it should aim to eliminate only those practices that do not meet the benchmarks set by the Constitution.

    Question for practice:

    How do Indian civil laws and Constitution accommodate its cultural diversity? What should be the way forward for enacting a suitable UCC in this context?

  • Population Growth Committee and Demographics Changes in India

    Population Growth Committee and Demographics Changes in India

    Source: The post demographics changes in India has been created, based on the article “Population growth committee: Move beyond Emergency-era fears” published in “Indian Express” on 6th February 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 1- Society- population and associated issues.

    News: The article is about India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing a committee in her 2024 budget speech to study India’s population growth. This is to help meet the Viksit Bharat goal by 2047. Population Growth Committee and Demographics Changes in India.

    What is The Status of Demographics Changes in India?

    Population Growth: The fertility rate in India has reached a level where two parents are being replaced by two children, indicating a significant decline.

    Workforce Changes: Data shows that 33% of India’s population is aged 20-29 in 2024, but by 2047, the proportion of younger and older working-age populations will both be around 28%.

    State Variations: In 2021, in Bihar, 44 working-age adults supported 100 dependents, while in Tamil Nadu, 50 adults supported the same. By 2051, this is expected to change to 47 adults in Bihar and only 24 in Tamil Nadu.

    Women in Workforce: A study showed that in 1993, women spent about 14 years in childcare, which reduced to eight years by 2021. Yet, this hasn’t led to a higher rate of women in the workforce.

    What are The Challenges of Demographics Changes in India?

    State-Specific Demographic Shifts: In states like Bihar and Tamil Nadu, demographic changes are distinct. In 2021, Bihar had 44 working-age adults supporting 100 dependents, compared to 50 in Tamil Nadu. This will drastically change by 2051, with implications for economic support.

    Underutilized Female Workforce: Despite the decrease in childcare time (from 14 to 8 years since 1993), women’s increased participation in the workforce hasn’t materialized, missing the chance to turn a demographic dividend into a gender dividend.

    Resource Allocation by the 16th Finance Commission: The Commission will need to address the varied demographic changes and dependencies across different states, impacting inter-state resource distribution.

     

    Read More UPSC Topics- 

    India’s model BITs – Bilateral agreements
    Plan to combat air pollution – Breathing bad 

    What Should be Done?

    Multidisciplinary Approach: Engage demographers, economists, sociologists, and public policy experts to address the diverse and complex challenges of demographic changes.

    Invest in Workforce Skills: To prepare for a future with more middle-aged workers, India needs to focus on skill development and training, especially for those already in the workforce.

    Boost Women’s Labor Market Participation: To convert the demographic dividend into a gender dividend, there should be an increase in women’s workforce participation. It can be done, possibly by improving childcare facilities through programs like Anganwadi and MGNREGA.

    Prepare for Aging Population: Policies should be developed to make the elderly more self-sustaining, such as raising retirement ages and enhancing old age pension schemes.

    Natural Fertility Decline: India should avoid strict population control like China’s one-child policy. Instead, it should let the fertility rate naturally decrease and adapt to demographic changes.

    Resource Distribution: 16th Finance Commission should focus on allocating resources based on the varying demographic needs and challenges of different states.

    Question for practice:

    Examine the key demographic challenges of India’s population growth and the proposed strategies to address them.

  • Rapid Population Growth of India

    Rapid Population Growth of India

    Source: The post situation of India’s population has been created, based on the article “Population priorities” published in “ The Hindu ” on 3rd February 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society-population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies.

    News: Rapid Population Growth of India, The article talks about a new committee being formed to address issues caused by India’s rapid population growth and demographic changes. It also highlights the need for this committee to focus on related challenges, such as job creation and social security.

    What is The Current Situation of India’s Population?

    The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India has decreased to 2.

    Some states like Bihar (2.98), Meghalaya (2.91), Uttar Pradesh (2.35), Jharkhand (2.26), and Manipur (2.17) have TFRs above 2.1.

    The TFR has fallen from 5.7 in 1950 to 2 in 2020, showing significant reduction.

    Southern States’ population share decreased from 26% in 1951 to 21% in 2011, due to rapid TFR reduction.

    This decrease in TFR is linked to better socio-economic outcomes and education in these regions.

    What are The Challenges of Population Changes?

    Aging and Urbanization: The demographic shift and rising life expectancy in India are leading to new challenges in managing an aging population and rapid urbanization.

    Employment and Productivity: With high unemployment and slow creation of non-farm jobs, there’s a risk of not fully capitalizing on the demographic dividend.

    Social Security: Adequate social security is crucial for the aging workforce, ensuring support in later years.

    Avoiding Distractions: The committee should focus on these demographic challenges rather than getting sidetracked by issues of religion and immigration, as suggested by the ruling party.

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    What Should be Done?

    Form a Focused Committee: Establish a high-powered committee to address issues arising from population growth and demographic changes.

    Job Creation and Social Security: The committee should focus on creating jobs and improving social security, crucial for the working-age population.

    Avoid Distracting Issues: The committee must avoid getting sidetracked by the ruling party’s focus on religion and immigration, and instead concentrate on the actual demographic challenges.

    Utilize the Demographic Dividend: Address the challenges to effectively harness the demographic dividend, such as high unemployment and the need for skilled job opportunities.

    Question for practice:

    Evaluate the impact of decreasing Total Fertility Rate (TFR) on India’s demographic changes and the associated challenges associated with it.

  • Evolution of Women Rights in India

    Evolution of Women Rights in India

    Source: The post Evolution of women’s rights in India has been created, based on the article “75th Republic Day of India: The women who fought for our rights” published in “Indian express” on 27th January 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society- Role of women and women’s organization.

    Evolution of Women Rights in India, This article discusses the history of women’s rights in India. It covers their struggle for voting rights, participation in government, social reforms, and economic empowerment. It also highlights key figures and organizations involved in these movements.

    How Women Rights Evolved in India Before partition?

    Voting Rights: Women’s struggle for voting rights began with the Government of India Act 1919. Madras was the first province to give this right in 1921, followed by Bombay and United Provinces. Bengal initially rejected women’s voting rights (enfranchisement Bill), but after campaigns by Bangiya Nari Samaj, it was granted in 1925. However, these rights were initially limited to women meeting certain property or income criteria.

    Legislative Participation: The Nehru Report of 1929 proposed equal civic rights for all. Despite Britain’s reluctance, Indian leaders like Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and Shareefa Hamid Ali advocated for these rights internationally. The Government of India Act 1935 expanded women’s voting rights and allowed them to hold public office, leading to women participating in the 1936-37 elections.

    Social Reforms: The All-India Women’s Conference (AIWC), formed in 1927, initially focused on education but later campaigned against child marriage, for raising the age of consent, and against polygamy. They sought to reform religious laws to empower women, including in economic aspects and inheritance rights.

    Indian Woman’s Charter of Rights and Duties: Adopted in 1945-46, this charter demanded equality in all areas, especially highlighting economic empowerment and recognition of domestic work. It influenced laws like the Hindu Code Bill, which came into effect a decade later.

     

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    How Did Women Influence Post-Partition Policies?

    Opposition to Religious Seat Reservations: Influential leaders like Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, a Christian, and Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul, a Muslim, argued in the Constituent Assembly against reserving seats based on religion.

    Advocating for Unified Electorates: The All-India Women’s Conference (AIWC) strongly opposed separate electorates. They believed such systems deepened communal divisions.

    Against Women’s Reservation: AIWC also argued against reservations specifically for women in politics, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach.

    Influencing Constitutional Debates: Their arguments and activism were pivotal in shaping post-partition policies, particularly in the framing of the Constitution where reservation was eventually limited to Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

    Way forward

    The way forward involves continuing the work of earlier feminists by pushing for more inclusive policies and legal reforms. This includes expanding women’s economic rights, advocating for equal property and inheritance laws, and addressing the societal challenges that still hinder women’s full participation in all areas of life.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss the historical progression of women’s rights in India, encompassing voting rights, legislative participation, and social reforms before partition.

  • Challenges Of Female Labour Force Participation (LFP) in 2024

    Challenges Of Female Labour Force Participation

    Source: The post Challenges of Female Labour Force Participation (LFP) has been created, based on the article “Intersectionality of gender and caste in women’s participation in the labour force” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd January 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper1- society- Salient features of Indian Society.

    Challenges Of Female Labour Force Participation , This article discusses how women’s participation in India’s labor market is affected by caste and gender biases.

    What challenges of Female Labour Force Participation (LFP)?

    Limited Opportunities in Key Sectors: Structural issues in manufacturing and service sectors have led to limited employment opportunities, especially in the informal sector which involves about 90% of the workforce.

    Read More Female Labour Force Participation Rate- Explained

    Conditional participation in economy: As per the analysis presented from seven states, women’s participation in informal rural work mainly increases due to two reasons:
    First, when there are more households belonging to lower castes.
    Second, when there are many households led by women.
    However, in the second case, women work mainly when women-led households are financially weak. Whereas, women, even in the leading roles in families, are less likely to look for jobs when their households are financially stable.

    Impact of Caste on Women’s Work: Higher caste women tend to participate less in the workforce due to better education and societal norms. Whereas lower caste women, driven by economic necessity, are more likely to work in informal sectors.

    Education’s Role: Education level greatly influences women’s employment. Lower caste women often lack education, leading to jobs in the informal sector. While educated women, including those from lower castes, can access formal jobs due to affirmative action.

    Societal Expectations: The prevalent belief that women should prioritize housework and caregiving roles over professional careers hinders their participation in the workforce.

    Legal and Economic Barriers: Women encounter legal constraints in employment, such as restrictions on night shifts, alongside economic challenges in seeking jobs.

     

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    Why is Women’s Workforce Participation Important?

    Economic Independence: Women’s earnings increase their capacity to make decisions for their family, promoting independence.

    Social and Domestic Benefits: Employed women tend to delay marriage and childbirth, enhancing family health and well-being.

    Educational Impact on Children: A mother’s income is often associated with higher chances of her children’s schooling.

    Resource Control: Women with control over resources face less domestic violence and enjoy more mobility.

    Societal Improvement: Participation in the workforce leads to broader socio-economic benefits, contributing to a more educated and enlightened society.

    Affirmative Action Benefits: Education and employment, especially for lower caste women, open opportunities in formal sectors, demonstrating the impact of affirmative action policies.

    Way forward

    To improve women’s employment in India, policies should focus on reducing gender and caste discrimination, enhancing access to education for all women, and creating more opportunities in formal sectors. Addressing societal norms that limit women’s workforce participation and implementing affirmative action policies effectively can lead to greater economic empowerment and social mobility for women across different castes.

    Question for practice

    Examine the factors that hinder women’s workforce participation in India, and their potential impact on society and the economy.

  • Third Globalisation and India

    Source: This post on Third Globalization and India has been created based on the article “Reconfiguration of global trade and FDI” published in “Business Standard” on 22nd January 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – Indian Society – Effects of Globalization.

    News: The article discusses the undergoing changes in Globalization. It also highlights its impact on India.

    Earlier, the ‘Second Globalization’ featured unconditional access for the periphery (underdeveloped world) to the core (developed or advanced economies) of the world economy. However, it is currently undergoing changes.

    What is ‘Second Globalization’?

    It broadly refers to the international regulations and organizations to support economic integration at the global level created after World War II, as part of the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944.

    The technologies of telecommunication, container ships, wide-body aircraft, and modern finance yielded unprecedented levels of cross-border activity.

    The core gave complete access to their economic and technological progress even to countries that were unfriendly or hostile.

    How is globalization undergoing change with Third globalisation?

    Since 2018, the third globalization has emerged.

    According to the author, the ‘third globalization’ (currently) makes the access given in the 2nd globalization, (for the periphery to the core) more conditional based on foreign policy and military alignment.

    It has seen access to the core being given in more limited ways for countries that have a hostile foreign policy and military stance. The core does full integration with each other, but they impose limitations upon hostile nations, having impact on both trade and FDI. For instance, since 2018, China’s share in USA’s imports has dropped sharply.

    What should be the way forward for India?

    1) For India’s Foreign Policy:

    1. In the case of China: There is a substantial trade engagement with China, hence there should not be any sudden disruptions.
    2. For rest of the world: India should be a status quo power, which will work with the core and try to obtain economic growth in the coming years.

    2) For Firms: Strategy thinking at firms needs to bring a better understanding of the political system in various countries, the risks associated with doing business in undemocratic countries, and the evolving rules of the game that are being established by the core.

    Question for practice:

    How is Globalisation undergoing change? What implications will it have on India and how should it be tackled?

  • Issues For Indian Urban Planning: Trapped in central planning

    Issues For Indian Urban Planning

    Source: The post issues in Indian town planning has been created, based on the article “Cities: Trapped in central planning” published in “Business standard” on 19th January 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society-developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies. & GS paper3-economic- infrastructure

    News: The article discusses the problems with town planning in India. It highlights how detailed government control leads to inefficient land use and fails to create nice cities.

    Recent Issues in Urban Planning?

    Uncoordinated Private Development: The private sector, built in an uncoordinated manner and focused on individual profits, results in the overuse of land for private projects and insufficient space for public amenities. Consequently, essential services like water, sanitation, electricity, and telecom suffer due to poorly planned and executed infrastructure.

    Excessive Government Control: Development authorities in cities meticulously plan urban areas, often over-regulating and mismanaging land use. This includes dividing cities into detailed zones (residential, commercial, industrial, and green) with strict compliance requirements.

    Constitutional Violations and Legal Issues: These overly detailed plans can violate constitutional principles. For instance, landowners in green zones face restrictions on building or modifying properties, leading to legal disputes and land misuse.

    Widespread Corruption and Arbitrary Power: The system’s complexity and over-regulation breed corruption and give undue power to authorities, enabling them to selectively enforce rules.

    How Does Government Control Impact Land Use?

    Rigid Zoning Laws: Government authorities divide cities into detailed zones, like residential and commercial areas, leading to inflexible land use.

    Restrictions on Property Rights: In green zones, property owners face severe limitations, such as being unable to build or modify houses, which infringes on their rights.

    Excessive Land for Open Spaces: Indian cities, as per renowned urban planner Mr. Patel’s observations, allocate 50-60% of land for private open spaces, compared to less than 10% in well-planned foreign cities.

    Lack of Economic Understanding: The planning approach shows a misunderstanding of urban economics, leading to inefficient and underutilized urban spaces.

    What Should Be Done?

    1.Use minimal yet effective state interventions, avoiding over-regulation and rigid zoning laws.

    2.Create laws and institutions that can efficiently manage urban growth and planning, based on a deep understanding of urban economics.

    3.Emulate successful urban planning models from abroad, where less than 10% of land is private open space compared to 50-60% in Indian cities.

    4.Align planning policies to support economic growth while achieving sustainable development goals, as suggested in the Barker review of 2006 in the UK.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss the impact of excessive government control on land use in Indian town planning and the suggested solutions to address.

  • Mumbai’s Urban Development Model Issues With Atal Setu

    Source: This post on the Issues with Mumbai’s Urban Development Model has been created based on the article “Atal Setu is bad for Mumbai – its people and ecology” published in “Indian Express” on 17th January 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Urbanisation – their problems and their remedies.

    News: The article discusses the issues with Mumbai’s urban development model as exemplified by the construction of Atal Setu.

    Background:

    Last week, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link bridge, the Atal Setu was inaugurated. It has been advertised as a symbol of the city and the country’s development.

    However, according to the author, this development model (involving the construction of bigger concretised roads and paving over open spaces) belongs to the 1960s. It does not take into account the importance of urban ecology and is hence outdated.

    Mumbai’s Urban Development Model Issues With Atal Setu

    This mode of development based on the Concretisation and Infrastructure Development of the city with roads, highways and tunnels creates several problems:

    1. This mode of development produces more traffic (by encouraging car transit).
    2. It harms open spaces, wetlands, gardens and playgrounds that perform vital climate mitigation and adaptation services.
    3. Increases toxic air quality levels in the city.
    4. The increasing extent of rainwater runoff in the streets.
    5. The city’s trees are cut down on account of infrastructure projects.

    What Should Be Done?

    1) A different mode of development that takes into account urban ecology and dissuades car transit should be followed.

    2) Urban planning should address and mitigate the air quality crisis and the lack of open spaces, intertidal regions and mangroves performing critical services.

    Question for practice:

    What are the issues with the urban development model in India? Discuss in the context of the construction of Atal Setu in Mumbai.

  • What is the long-running legal dispute over AMU’s minority character

    Source: This post has been created based on the article “What is the long-running legal dispute over AMU’s minority character” published in “Indian Express” on 10th January 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Secularism.

    News: The article discusses the long-running legal dispute over Aligarh Muslim University’s minority character.

    Background:

    A 7-judge Bench of the Supreme Court recently started hearing the matter related to Aligarh Muslim University’s minority character.

    What is the history of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)?

    AMU’s origins can be traced back to the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MOA) College, established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875. It was established to help Muslims overcome educational backwardness and prepare for government services.

    It imparted Western education as well as Islamic theology. Sir Syed also advocated for women’s education.

    In 1920, the institution was conferred university status.

    What does a ‘minority character’ of an educational institution mean?

    Article 30 (1) of the Constitution empowers all religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.

    This provision reinforces India’s commitment to ensure the welfare of minority communities by guaranteeing that it will not discriminate in giving aid based on their ‘minority’ status.

    What has been the Supreme Court’s stand on AMU’s minority character over the years?

    The legal dispute over AMU’s minority status started in1967:

    S. Azeez Basha and another versus Union of India 1967): Here SC was reviewing changes made in 1951 and 1965 to the AMU Act of 1920. The petitioners argued that Muslims established AMU and, therefore, had the right to manage it.

    Observations of the Court:

    1. SC held that AMU was neither established nor administered by the Muslim minority.
    2. It emphasized that AMU was established through a central Act to ensure the government’s recognition of its degrees.
    3. It also stated that the university was not solely operated by Muslims.

    Why has this legal issue persisted?

    Since 1967, the issue has persisted due to a combination of judicial interpretations and executive actions. These include:

    In 1981, an amendment to the AMU Act explicitly affirmed its minority status.

    In 2005, the AMU implemented a reservation policy (reserving 50% of seats in postgraduate medical courses for Muslim candidates). This was challenged in the Allahabad High Court which overturned the reservation and nullified the 1981 Act. It held that AMU, according to the SC’s verdict in the S. Azeez Basha case, did not qualify as a minority institution.

    In 2006, various petitions, including one from the Union government, contested the High Court’s decision before the Supreme Court.

    In 2016, the government withdrew the appeal filed by the government. It held that the government cannot be seen as setting up a minority institution in a secular state.

    Question for practice:

    India’s model of secularism allows certain exceptions for the welfare of minorities. Discuss in the context of AMU’s minority character.

  • On the Changing Concept of a Slum – Transforming narratives

    Source: This post on the Changing Concept of a Slum has been created based on the article “Transforming narratives” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd January 2024.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Urbanization – problems and remedies.

    News: The article discusses the changing understanding and interpretations of the concept of a slum, which ultimately reflected in policies regarding slums.

    The understanding and interpretations of the concept of a slum has changed with time.

    This has impacted the treatment of the topic by legislatures and policies. For instance, earlier, slums were viewed as an epidemic needing eradication, but lately they are viewed as objects of technocratic solutions.

    What is the evolution of the discourse on slums?

    According to the author, the 5 decades post-independence are divided into 4 eras wherein the consequences of the changing definition of slums are explored. These eras are:

    1. First era between the 1950s and 1960s:

    Conceptualisation:

    1. Slums were considered to be a result of partition and the inflow of a huge population into cramped, dilapidated residential areas.
    2. Slums were considered as something that needed to be eradicated.
    3. It was connected to spatial constraints and health issues. Urban socio-economic disparities that resulted in its formation were ignored.

    Steps:

    Introduction of the Slum Areas Act of 1956 made government intervention possible after an area was officially notified as a slum. Thus, the slum became a legal entity.

    1. Second era between the early 1970s and mid-1980s:

    Conceptualisation:

    1. Slum was now looked at as something that had to be developed.
    2. Providing basic amenities to slums became part of the narrative, instead of destroying them.

    Steps:

    Town planning emerged as a governance tool, pushing slums to the peripheries.

    1. Third era between the mid-1980s and late 1990s:

    Conceptualisation:

    1. Cities and urban spaces including the slums, were now looked at as assets and investments for the economic growth of the State. Thus, economic reasoning was provided for interventions in cities rather than social ones.

    Steps:

    1. Housing policies adopted a broader approach encompassing issues like land, finance, and infrastructure. The first two National Housing Policies were introduced.
    2. The National Slum Development Programme was launched in 1996 bringing back targeted funding from the union government towards slum redevelopment.

    4. Fourth era between 2000s and 2014:

    Conceptualisation:

    1. With the launch of the 2001 Census, the understanding of slums became based on data.
    2. Statistical information explained that a lack of proper urban planning, growing population, increased urbanisation, the pressure on land, and price rise which made affordable housing difficult were some of the reasons for slum-formation.
    3. The upliftment of slum dwellers was associated with giving property rights to them, rather than complete eradication.

    Steps:

    1. Urban housing deficit became the motto of housing policies.
    2. The definitions of slums broadened due to the Census, leading to many targeted schemes.

    Thus, the definitions of slums continued to transform, from being a socio-political subject into a technical, economic object that can be dealt with technocratically (i.e. increasing reliance on technological solutions for urban problems).

    Question for practice:

    Explain how the conceptualisation of slums has influenced policymaking in post-independence India.

  • On Women’s Suffrage – Women’s vote achieved

    Source: This post on Women’s Suffrage has been created based on the article “Women’s vote achieved: We need faster progress” published in “Live Mint” on 29th December 2023.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Society – Role of women and women’s organization.

    News: The article discusses history of the women’s suffrage movement and the need to move beyond just granting the right to vote to women.

    Recently, 5 religious sisters were allowed to vote at the Papal advisory body in the Roman Catholic Church, which has been male-dominated for centuries. With this historic move, Vatican City became the last country in the world to give its women the right to vote.

    What has been the history of the women’s suffrage movement?

    The initial women’s suffrage movement emerged during the 19th and early 20th centuries, predominantly led by protest voices in the Anglosphere (English-speaking world).

    129 countries granted women the right to vote between 1893 and 1960. Some nations tried to place riders on it by using race, age, education level or marital status as a disqualifier, but these were largely discarded.

    1) Role of Social Activism: At first, it was other forms of social activism that gave rise to the vote demand.
    For instance:
    a. New Zealand in 1893 became the first nation to let women vote in national elections. It was a fight against alcohol that moved women to seek a role in policymaking.
    b. In USA, which did it in 1920, suffrage activism can be traced back to protests led by women against slavery.

    2) Role of World Wars: The suffrage movement gained pace after World War I, at least in the West. The two World Wars hurried the enfranchisement of women.

    What more needs to be done in the field of women’s political empowerment?

    This right has not yet shaken patriarchal social structures that dominate power politics. Hence, the focus must now shift to achieving proper representation in rule-making and governance, which goes beyond the basic right to vote.

    Despite progress in women’s participation in politices, their impact in shaping political decisions and policies worldwide are yet to enhance and transform the state of affairs globally..

    Question for practice:

    Women’s suffrage movement played an important role in emancipation of women in the political sphere. Discuss its features.

  • On Illegal Migration – Human trafficking or a plain case of migration?

    Source: This post on Illegal Migration has been created based on the article “Human trafficking or a plain case of migration?” published in “Live Mint” on 26th December 2023.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Globalization.

    News: The article discusses the current status of human trafficking in the world and the implications of preventing migration. It also argues that voluntary illegal migration should not be considered as trafficking.

    Recently, French authorities detained a Nicaragua-bound aircraft, and put its passengers to questioning before letting it take-off. As reported, the chartered flight from Dubai, UAE had 303 individuals, mostly Indians— including 11 unaccompanied minors.

    This detention by French authorities raises the issue of the phenomenon of voluntary illegal migration being confused with human trafficking.

    What is the current status of human trafficking?

    According to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2022, published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, while human trafficking saw a dip in reported cases during the COVID pandemic, the numbers remain alarming.

    In 2020, the global count of victims of sexual trafficking was 3.7 per million population, similar to the figures for forced labour.

    Why is migration required?

    Migration barriers typically distort labour markets. For instance, some areas may experience labor shortages while others have an oversupply of workers.

    Rich countries often need workers from elsewhere to fill vacancies and labour crunch. However, many of them erect certain barriers due to concerns over cultural diversity.

    What are the implications of preventing migration?

    This prevention of migration worsens wage gaps.

    It also prevents the implementation of a genuinely unified or shared market (for instance, the European Union), despite the advantages that market theory suggests such a system would bring.

    It has not helped us globalize well. Globalization has been able to dissolve borders for capital and trade, but not for people.

    Question for practice:

    It is time that globalisation leads to a freer movement of not just goods and capital, but people as well. Analyse.

  • Significance of NAMO Drone Didi Scheme – Why rural India needs women drone pilots

    Source: The post benefits of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme has been created on the article “Why rural India needs women drone pilots” published in “Indian express” on 11th December 2023.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society- social empowerment & GS paper 2- governance- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre.

    News: This article discusses the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme, which supplies drones to women’s self-help groups in India. These drones are used in agriculture, helping women to become central to rural economies and modernizing farming practices.

    What is NAMO Drone Didi Scheme?

    Read here

    What are the benefits of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme?

    Empowerment of Rural Women: It enables women’s Self-Help Groups, to rent these drones to farmers for agricultural purposes, thus playing a key role in rural economies.

    Modernizing Agriculture: It introduces advanced technology in agriculture. For example, the use of drones for the foliar application of innovative liquid fertilizers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP.

    Employment Opportunities: Creates jobs for rural women in drone operation and maintenance, supporting the government’s push for indigenous drone aeronautics development.

    Safety and Efficiency in Farming: Replaces traditional, hazardous methods like hand-held pumps for spraying pesticides and fertilizers, reducing risks and increasing efficiency. This’ll enhance crop yield and reduce cost of operation for the benefit of farmers.

    Reduced Physical Hardship for Farmers: The use of drones for agricultural tasks alleviates the physical strain traditionally associated with farming activities.

    Way forward

    To ensure the success of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme, continuous training for women in drone technology is crucial. Strengthening rural infrastructure and providing financial support to SHGs will also be key. Furthermore, fostering partnerships with tech companies can enhance the scheme’s technological aspect.

    Question for practice:

    Discuss the key benefits and strategies for ensuring the success of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme in India,

  • NCRB Report 2022 – The crime story

    Source: The post on NCRB Report 2022 has been created based on the article “Express View on latest NCRB data: The crime story” published in “Indian Express” on 6th December 2023.

    UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- Society- Salient features of Indian Society.

    News: The article discusses the National Crime Records Bureau’s annual report for 2022. The report highlights an increase in crimes in India, especially against vulnerable groups, and emphasizes the growing issue of cybercrimes, underscoring the need for improved crime reporting and prevention strategies.

    About National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

    The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is a government agency in India, headquartered in New Delhi. It was established in 1986 and operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

    The NCRB’s main job is to collect and analyze crime data based on the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws.

    They publish a report each year, containing statistics on various types of crimes, including financial, commercial, and crimes against women. This data is gathered by State Crime Records Bureaux (SCRBx) from District Crime Records Bureaux (DCRBx) and sent to the NCRB at the end of each calendar year.

    For information on key findings of NCRB report 2022 read here

    What does the NCRB report for 2022 indicate?

    1.The report shows a significant increase in crimes in India, particularly against women, children, senior citizens, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. Notably, there were 468 suicides daily in 2022, and cybercrimes rose by nearly 25%.

    2.The NCRB clarifies that the data represents registered crimes, not the actual total number of crimes, suggesting potential under-reporting. This under-reporting is particularly concerning in cases where the perpetrators are acquaintances of the victims.

    3.The report is crucial for understanding crime patterns and for formulating policies to protect vulnerable groups.

    4.The NCRB also notes that the increase in crime numbers in certain areas, like Delhi, could be attributed to greater awareness, increased presence of law enforcement agencies, or citizen-centric initiatives.

    What should be done?

    Enhance Reporting Accuracy: The NCRB should improve its data collection methodologies to more accurately reflect the actual number of crimes, considering that the current data only includes registered crimes.

    Prioritize Vulnerable Groups: The report highlights the necessity to make homes, educational institutions, and public spaces safer, particularly for women, children, and marginalized communities.

    Combat Cybercrime Rise: In response to the 25% increase in cybercrimes, law enforcement agencies must adapt and enhance their capabilities to tackle these digital threats.

    Utilize Data for Policy Making: The NCRB data, despite its limitations, should be used as a valuable aid for developing policies and strategies to address the highlighted issues.

    Question for practice:

    Examine the key findings and implications of the National Crime Records Bureau’s 2022 report for crime trends and prevention in India.

  • Assam and Mizoram conflict

    Background of Assam and Mizoram conflict

      • The boundary between present-day Assam and Mizoram is 165 km long and the issue over that dates back to the colonial era when Mizoram was known as Lushai Hills, a district of Assam.
      • Assam-Mizoram conflict

    • The genesis of present conflict is rooted in the British led demarcated internal boundaries on grounds of administrative needs.
    • Government of Mizoram demands that present boundaries must be demarcated based on the 1875 notification, which was notified under Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act, 1873, also known as the Inner Line Regulation (ILR). Whereas the Assam government follows the 1933 demarcation.
    • While 1873 notification demarcated a line between the plains of Assam (Cachar) and neighbouring hill areas (Lushai) inhabited by tribal communities in Mizoram, 1933 notification was issued after the annexation of the Lushai Hills demarcates a boundary between Lushai Hills and Manipur.

    What is the present Issue? 

    • According to an agreement between governments of Assam and Mizoram some years ago, the status quo should be maintained in no man’s land in the border area.
    • As per the recent info., People from Lailapur (Assam) broke the status quo and allegedly constructed some temporary huts, in response people from Mizoram side went and set fire on them.
    • Mizoram civil society groups blame “illegal Bangladeshis” on the Assam side who came and destroyed huts, cut plants and pelted stones on policemen.

     

 

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