General Studies Paper 3

Context: Jamnagar in Gujarat is the top exporting district in India.   It formed about 24% of India’s exports in value terms in FY23 (till January).

• Surat in Gujarat and Mumbai Suburban in Maharashtra feature second and third by a distance, forming only about 4.5% of the country’s exports in the period.
• The other districts in the top 10 are Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka), Devbhumi Dwarka, Bharuch and Kachchh (Gujarat), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Kancheepuram (Tamil Nadu) and Gautam Buddha Nagar (Uttar Pradesh).

Status of the Export Sector in India:

• Status of Trade:
  • The merchandise trade deficit,which is the gap between exports and imports, increased by over 39% in 2022-23 to record USD 266.78 billion, as compared to USD 191 billion in 2021-22.
  • Merchandise imports increased by 51% in 2022-23,while merchandise exports rose by 6.03%.
    • Overall trade deficit, however, stood at USD 122 billion in 2022-23, as compared to USD 83.53 billion in the 2022, gaining support from trade surplus in services.

• India’s Major Export Arenas:
  • Engineering Goods:They registered a 50% growth in exports, at USD 101 bn in FY22.
    • Currently, all pumps, tools, carbides, air compressors, engines, and generators manufacturing MNC companies in India are trading at all-time highs and shifting more production units to India.
  • Agriculture Products:Agricultural exports were buoyed by the government’s push to meet global demand for food amid the pandemic. India exports rice worth USD 9.65 bn, the highest among agricultural commodities.
  • Textile and Apparels:India’s textile and apparel exports (including handicrafts)  stood at USD 44.4 billion in FY22, a 41% increase on a YoY basis.
    • Government’s scheme like Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (MITRA) Park are giving a strong boost to this sector.
  • Pharmaceuticals and Drugs:India is the third-largest producer of medicines by volume and the biggest supplier of generic drugs.
    • India supplies over 50% of Africa’s requirement for generics, around 40% of generic demand in the US and 25% of all medicine in the UK.
  • Challenges Related to Export Sector:
    • Access to Finance:Access to affordable and timely finance is crucial for exporters.

However, many Indian exporters face challenges in obtaining finance due to high interest rates, collateral requirements, and lack of credit availability from financial institutions, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• Limited Diversification of Exports: India’s export basket is concentrated in a few sectors, such as engineering goods, textiles and pharmaceuticals, which makes it vulnerable to global demand fluctuations and market risks.
  • Limited diversification of exports poses a challenge to India’s export sector as it can limit its resilience to changing global trade dynamics.
• Rising Protectionism and Deglobalisation:Countries around the globe are moving towards protectionist trade policies due to disrupted global political order (Russia-Ukraine War) and weaponization of supply chain, that is in way shrinking India’s export capacities.

Way Forward

• Investment in Infrastructure:Improved infrastructure and logistics are critical for enhancing export competitiveness.
  • India should prioritise investments in transportation networks, ports, customs clearance processes,and export-oriented infrastructure such as export promotion zones and specialised manufacturing zones.
  • This can reduce transportation costs, improve supply chain efficiency,and boost export capabilities.
• Skill Development and Technology Adoption:Skill development programs should be implemented to enhance the availability of skilled labour in export-oriented industries.
  • Additionally, incentivizing and promoting technology adoption, such as automation,digitization, and Industry 4.0 technologies, can boost productivity, competitiveness, and innovation in the export sector.
• Exploring Joint Development Programmes:Amidst a wave of deglobalisation and slowing growth, exports cannot be the sole engine of growth.
  • India can also explore joint development programmes with other countries in sectors like space,semiconductor, solar energy to improve India’s medium-term growth prospects.

General Studies Paper 2

Context: G7 countries concluded two days of meetings on climate, energy and environmental policy in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo.

• • Renewable fuel sources and energy security have taken on a new urgency following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

• Carbon-free electricity production by 2035:
  • The Group of Seven (G7) countries are committed to working towards ensuring carbon-free electricity production by 2035 and “accelerating” the phase-out of coal.
• Impetus to Solar Power:
  • They agreed to accelerate solar and wind energy investments to produce 1,000 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 from solar power and 150 GW of wind power from off-shore platforms.
• Removal of Fossil Fuel Subsidies:
  • They reaffirm the commitment to the elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025.
• Net zero in energy systems by 2050: 
  • The members agreed to accelerate “the phase-out of unabated fossil fuels” – the burning of fossil fuels without using technology to capture the resulting C02 emissions – to achieve net zero in energy systems by 2050

Other Key Facts relating to Carbon Emission

• Temperatures have already risen by 1.1C since the pre-industrial era.
• The G-7 nations account for 40% of the world’s economic activity and a quarter of global carbon emissions.
• Emerging markets and developing economies now account for more than two-thirds of global carbon emissions
• Russia is one of the world’s largest suppliers of enriched uranium for civilian nuclear programs, with more than 40 per cent of enrichment capacity globally.
• India and China are significantly dependent on coal for electricity, whereas several developed countries, including the United States, Japan, Canada and Europe are reliant on gas reserves

Challenges in Phasing out coal in India

At the United Nations-Conference of Parties (COP) meeting in Glasgow in 2021, India had objected to language in the agreement to “phase out” and pushed instead for a “phase down” of coal.

• High Energy dependence:Coal is Primary energy contributor with a 57% share of India’s energy mix and Coal demand is expected to not peak until the early?2030s.
• Very high Economic cost in phasing out, for example Germany coal phaseout needs investment of more than 50 billion euros.
• Resources richness:According to the Geological Survey of India, India has 319.02 billion tones(bt) cumulative coal reserves in India and the economy of states like Jharkhand, Orissa depends on coal mining.
• Negative impact on tax:In FY20, the Centre alone collected approximately Rs 29,200 crore in GST compensation cess from coal.
• Job loss:one study has mentioned direct coal jobs at 7,44,984 excluding contract employees.
• Issue of NPA:Economic shifts and policy changes may turn coal-fired power plants into stranded assets (non-performing assets). This will rapidly decrease their value, or they may turn into liabilities. This process is already observed in some G20 countries.

India’s Efforts

• Revised NDCs:
  • India is now committing itself to at least 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 from 2005 level.
  • India is committing to ensure that at least 50% of installed electricity generation capacity in 2030 would be based on non-fossil fuel-based sources
  • Increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW (gigawatts) by 2030.
  • Reduce the total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tones (BT) by 2030.
  • Achieve net zero carbon by 2070.
• The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: It helped 88 million households to shift from coal-based cooking fuels to LPG connections.
• Hydrogen Energy Mission: Focus on generation of hydrogen from green power resources.
• E-Vehicle: India is accelerating its e-mobility transition with the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME Scheme).
• Vehicle scrapping policy to phase out old and unfit vehicles complements the existing schemes.
• Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT): It is a market-based mechanism to further accelerate as well as incentivize energy efficiency in the large energy-intensive industries.
• Major Programmes in Renewable Energy Sector 
  • National Solar Mission (NSM)
  • Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM):PM-KUSUM provides farmers with incentives to install solar power pumps and plants in their fields.
  • Solar Parks Scheme: To facilitate large scale grid-connected solar power projects.
  • Green Energy Corridor (GEC):To facilitate renewable power evacuation and reshaping the grid for future requirements.
  • International Solar Alliance (ISA): It has 122 sun-belt countries as its prospective member countries and currently boasts a membership of 86 countries globally.
  • It is the largest grouping of states, after the United Nations
  • National Action Plan on Climate Change
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
  • National Biofuel Policy, etc.

General Studies Paper 2

Context: For last few years, heat wave during the summer season is increasingly affecting morbidity and mortality in the country. Heat waves are a growing concern for disaster management in India, causing widespread health and environmental impact.

Extreme weather events have become more frequent globally, requiring communities to understand and cope with heat waves.

From the view of hazard mitigation, rising number of heat wave related deaths is expected to serve as danger signal and corroborate the need to develop innovative methods to control summer-time losses.

What is Heat Wave?

• Heat wave as a hazard causing disaster scenario, is little more than the physical phenomenon of high heat conditions and is characterizedas a complex of hydro-climatic risks coupled with social, occupational and public health risks.
• Definition:
  • As such there is no universal definition for heat wave.
  • It is generally defined as a prolonged period of excessive heat.
• Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Criteria:
  • Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at-least 30°C for Hilly regions.
  • If the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C, then an increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition.
    • Further,an increase of 7°C or more from the normal temperature is considered a severe heat wave condition.
  • If the normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C, then an increase of 4°C to 5°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition. Further, an increase of 6°C or more is considered a severe heat wave condition.
    • Additionally, if the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, a heat wave is declared.

To What Extent Heat Wave is the Problem?

• Heat Stress:
  • 350 million Indians exposed to strong heat stress between April and May 2022
• Temperature Trends:
  • Summer temperatures have risen by 0.5-0.9°C across districts in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan between 1990 and 2019.
  • 54% of India’s districts have seen a similar rise in winter temperatures.
  • Maximum temperature is expected to rise by 2-3.5°C in 100 districts and by 5-2°C in around 455 districts between 2021 and 2050.
• Urban Heat Island Effect:
  • Rising temperatures lead to urban heat island  effect with temperatures 4-12°C higher than rural area.
• Climate change exacerbates local weather patterns, leading to weather variability and losses in agriculture.

What are the Causes?

• Sparse Pre-Monsoon Season Showers:
  • Less moisture in many areas, leaving large parts of India arid and dry.
  • The sudden end of pre-monsoon rain showers,an uncommon trend in India, has contributed to the heat waves.
• El Nino Effect:
  • El Nino often increases temperatures in Asia, combined with the weather pattern to create record high temperatures.
  • Trade winds coming from South America normally blow westward towards Asia during Southwest Monsoon and warming of the Pacific Ocean results in weakening of these winds.
    • Therefore,moisture and heat content get limited and results in reduction and uneven distribution of rainfall across the Indian sub-continent.

What are the Impacts of Heat Waves?

• Health Impacts:
  • Heat rash:
    • Also known as sunburn phenomenon with pinkish skin resulting in burning of skin and pain sensation.
  • Heat syncope:
    • Giddiness, vertigo headache and sudden onset drowsiness/unconsciousness.
  • Heat Cramps:
    • Edema (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting)are generally accompanied by fevers below 39°C i.e.,102°F.
  • Heat Exhaustion:
    • Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating.
  • Heat Stroke:
    • Body temperatures of 40*C i.e., 104*F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma. This is a potentially fatal condition.
  • Impact on Labor and Productivity:
    • Heat exposure leads to a loss of 162 hours per year for laborers doing heavy work, impacting productivity.
    • About50% of India’s workforce is estimated to be exposed to heat during their working hours, including marginal farmers, construction workers, and street
  • Impact on Agriculture Sector:Crop yields suffer when temperatures exceed the ideal range.
    • Farmers in Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh have reported losses in their wheat crop in the past rabi season.
    • Livestock is also vulnerable to heatwaves.
  • Food Insecurity:
    • The concurrence of heat and drought events are causing crop production losses and tree mortality.
    • The risks to health and food production will be made more severe from the sudden food production losses exacerbated by heat-induced labour productivity losses.
    • These interacting impacts will increasefood prices, reduce household incomes, and lead to malnutrition and climate-related deaths, especially in tropical regions.
  • Impact on Energy Demand:
    • Average Daily peak demand rises due to increased heat.

What Should be Mitigating Strategies?

• Urban Greening:
  • Greener and more permeable urban surfaces can help reduce urban heat.
  • Development plans for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can set up a mandate to increase the density and area of urban forests.
  • Natural landscapes in urban areas, such as trees, parks, and vegetation, can help in cooling.
• Infrastructure:
  • Greater usage of permeable materials in civic infrastructure and residential construction can reduce the urban heat island effect.
  • Encouraging cleaner cooking fuels such as Biogas, Compressed Natural Gas, liquified Petroleum Gas will reduce indoor air pollution and urban heat.
  • Improving public transportation and reducing personal vehicle usage can help in reducing extreme heat waves.
• Waste Management:
  • Reducing the size of landfills, waste segregation, and solid waste management at the source can reduce methane production and fires that exacerbate urban heat.
• Policies and Guidelines:
  • Policies and guidelines on weather variability and urban heat management are needed at various levels.
  • Expanding wetlands and restoring ponds and lakes may also help.
• Building Design:
  • Promoting the use of green roofs and cool roofs in buildings, increasing ventilation, and setting up green spaces.
  • Passive cooling techniques such as natural ventilation, shading, and thermal insulation can significantly reduce indoor temperatures and energy consumption.
  • High-albedo roofs and pavements in the buildings.
• Renewable Energy:
  • Promoting the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy for cooling and electricity needs.
• Public Awareness:
  • Educating the public about the risks of heatwaves, how to stay cool, and the importance of reducing carbon footprint.
• Agricultural Adaptation:
  • Supporting farmers with resilient farming practices that take into account the risks of heatwaves, droughts, and water scarcity.
  • Crop diversification, Agroforestry, mulching, crop rotation, and cover cropping, drip irrigation and sprinkler systems can be helpful.
• Disaster Management:
  • Developing emergency response plans for heatwaves, including providing cool shelters and adequate medical facilities.
  • In the short-term:
    • It is essential to establish an effective early warning system that can provide timely and accurate information to people at risk.
    • This system should be integrated with public health services and local governments and should be able to mobilize resources quickly in response to a heat wave.
  • In the long-term:
    • Structural infrastructure measures are required to help Indians adapt to extreme heat.
  • Green Transport:
    • Encouraging the use of public transport and bicycles to reduce vehicle emissions and traffic congestion.
    • Bicycles, Electric Vehicles can be helpful.

General Studies Paper 3

Context: Bangladesh and Russia have agreed to use Chinese yuan to settle payment for the construction of Rooppur nuclear plant as the payment via Russian ruble was not feasible at present.

Overview of the Project

• Bangladesh is constructing the first of two nuclear power plants in collaboration with Russia’s state-owned atomic company Rosatom.
• Once completed, the two reactors at the Rooppur site, which is approximately 160 kilometres north-west of Dhaka, will generate 2400 megawatts of round-the-clock clean electricity.
• The project is a part of an ambitious initiative to transform the developing country into a developed economy by 2041.
• As the electricity demand is rising by about 7%annually, Bangladesh is looking to expand as well as diversify and decarbonize its electricity sector through the addition of nuclear power and renewables. Currently, natural gas provides nearly 80% of the country’s electricity.

Involvement of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

• Bangladesh is among 28 countries that are considering, planning or starting the introduction of nuclear power. The IAEA assists countries interested in developing peaceful applications of nuclear energy, including nuclear power.
• The IAEA’s milestones approach provides step-by-step guidance on the infrastructure for a new nuclear power programme.

India’s Role

• India has a nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia and Bangladesh. The Rooppur project is the first initiative under an Indo-Russian deal to undertake atomic energy projects in third countries.
• Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) is the commanding authority from the Indian side to assist in the construction, installation and also work in capacity building, as well as provide support to Russia which will take the lead in designing, manufacturing and supply of equipment and construction of the facility.
• This will also be the first time Indian companies will be able to participate in a nuclear power project abroad. India is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)and hence cannot participate directly in construction of atomic power reactors.

Significance for India

• While India has been steadily undertaking strategic agreements with major powers like the US, Russia and Japan, this agreement marks the first project that India is undertaking on foreign soil, signifying India’s deeper involvement in the global civil nuclear sector. 
• It has also given a huge boost to the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative by proposing the production of some nuclear equipment for the plant in domestic shores.
• This agreement is also important in the context of India’s‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, making its role in South Asia noteworthy. It is a major step in achieving the objectives of non-reciprocity towards India’s smaller neighbours in South Asia as highlighted in the Gujral doctrine, furthering India’s status as a responsible nuclear power.
• It will also help India in realising other strategic objectives,including for instance, a free-transit agreement with Bangladesh which will reduce its dependence on the Siliguri Corridor and contribute towards the development of the northeastern region.

General Studies Paper 2

Context: China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs released new names for 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh under the fig leaf of Standardizing Geographical Names in “Zangnan” (a bogus term invented by China to claim that Arunachal Pradesh is “Southern Tibet”).

China’s steps of naming places:

• Media reports: names include:
  • two residential areas
  • five mountain peaks
  • two rivers
  • two other areas”.
• In 2017, China had ‘renamed’ six places that lie in Arunachal Pradesh.
• In 2021, China standardized the names of 15 places, including population centers, mountains, rivers and mountain passes.

Location of places:

• Some of the places are located along the Pangchen-Tawang-Jang-Sela axis running down from the Line of Actual Control
• Near old Buddhist pilgrimage circuits near Taksingin Upper Subansiri district
• Mechuka-Tato tehsil in West Siang
• Towards the Lohit and Anjaw districts, near Walong.

Other steps around the globe by China:

• In 2020, China gave names to 80 geographical features in the Paracels and Spratlys in the South China Sea(maritime disputes with several states).
• In 1983,it had named 287 geographical features in the South China Sea.
• Using the term “Diaoyutai” for the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in the 1950s, even before raking up the Senkaku issue with Japan.

What is Chinese modus operandi?

• It is to lay the groundwork through fictional renaming of alien territories as a basis for sham “historical” claims which are then pursued using the warfares” strategy of:
  • Waging propaganda
  • Psychological and legal warfare.
• Naming several under-sea features in the Indian Ocean using the names of Chinese musical instruments.

Legislation for naming by China:

• Geographical Name Regulation in 1986 designed to regulate naming, renaming, and standardization exercises.
• Amended rule in 2022.These pieces of legislation mainly dealt with naming, renaming, and standardizing names within China,
  • They also cover several alien territories claimed by China.
• New Coast Guard Law in 2021,to take necessary measures, including the use of force, to safeguard “sovereignty”.
• New law on the protection and exploitation of the country’s land border areas in 2022: This step has the effect of converting the boundary dispute with India into a sovereignty issue.

Changes around India-China border by China:

• China launched the construction of dual-purpose villages, the Xiaokang villages, in areas adjacent to the border with India, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

Historical background:

• Tibet And Its History by Hugh Edward Richardson: Qing presence in Tibet began to emerge around 1720.
• After Chinese intervention in the internecine succession struggle following the death of the Sixth Dalai Lama (1683-1706).
  • Therefore, there is absolutely no basis to the Chinese claim over Tawang, or any other part of Arunachal Pradesh
  • on the grounds that it is the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama.
• A study of the 1960 reports of the officials of the two sides on the boundary question reveals the vague, patchy and superficial nature of “evidence” proffered by the Chinese side in support of Beijing’s boundary claims.
• Arunachal Pradesh (formerly North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), is home to various tribes that have historically been a part of India’s civilisational heritage.
  • Most of its populace has been historically oriented towards the Assam plains.
  • The tribes were in regular contact with the Ahom power in Assam, including for the grant of rights to levy the Posha from the plains people in the adjacent areas.
• Some tribes, such as the Monpas, have professed Buddhism, others follow animistic practices.
  • Some tribes practice a form of Vaishnavism.
• The Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Kalika Purana, the Vishnu Purana, the Yogini Purana, and Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsa have references, indication of the inclusion of these tribal tracts in the collective consciousness and cultural moorings of ancient India.
  • These sources have indications about the boundaries of the kingdoms of Pragjyotisha and Kamarupa, whose limits appeared to include the whole of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Shiva Linga in Ziro, Parshuram Kund, and the temple ruins of Malinithan, which are connected to the legends of Parashuram, Rukmini, Bhishmaka and Sishupala, show an ancient Hindu influence in the region.
• Some Mishmis consider themselves to be the descendants of King Bhishmaka
  • Some Akas claim their descent from King Bhaluka.
• Archaeological finds have unearthed silver coins and inscriptions in the Arabic script at Bhalukpong, linked to a Muslim ruler of Bengal.
• The architecture of many forts, such as those at Bhalukpong, Ita and Bhismaknagar (built between the 10thand 16th centuries).
  • It is heavily influenced by the architectural principles of fort construction found in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and Arthashastra.
  • These forts were frontier posts of the security system that was prevalent in the Brahmaputra Valley.

Dispute between India and China in 1950’s:(territorial dispute):

• Whole of Aksai Chin claimed by India
• Whole of NEFA(now Arunachal Pradesh) is claimed by China.

Present disputes:

• Western sector (Ladakh)(China is seeking claims).
  • Trig Heights in the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) area
  • Demchok in the south
  • The Depsang Bulge
  • Galwan
  • Pangong Lake and Hot Springs
• Middle (central sector):
  • Barahoti pasture north of Chamoli in Uttarakhand
• Eastern sector (Arunachal Pradesh):
  • The international boundary and the LAC are defined by the 1914 McMahon Line
  • China seeks to make inroads:
    • Tawang sector
    • Upper Subansiri region
    • Tri-junction with Myanmar.

LAC:

• The LAC between India and China, is frequently open to challenge by either side.
• Areas along the LAC have been patrolled by both sides in the past.
• The Chinese ingress in Sumdorong Chu valley in the Tawang sector in 1986-87 resulted in a close confrontation that lasted eight years.
• In 1995, two sides pulled back: India relocating its Jayaand Negi posts on the south side of the Hathungla-Lungrola ridgeline

Way Forward

• There is no other comparable influence of any other culture or history on Arunachal Pradesh as a whole.
  • The State represents the finest of India’s cultural and civilisational heritage.
• India should reject China’s charade of giving Chinese names to places in Arunachal Pradesh
  • It should also assign Indian names to places and territories under the illegal occupation of China.
  • Aksai Chin, for example, may be called Akshaya Chinha — which means an “everlasting symbol” (of India).

General Studies Paper 2

Context: Public sector banks (PSBs) have set a target for the sale of flagship government insurance schemes Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) in FY24. They have also set goals for other financial inclusion schemes like Mudra Yojana and StandUp India Scheme.

Progress 

• There are about 8.3 crore beneficiaries under PMJJBY and 23.9 crores under PMSBY, as of now.
• Since the launch of the schemes in 2015, 15.99 crore enrolment has taken place under PMJJBY, while 33.78 crores under PMSBY as of March 31, 2023.
• To achieve saturation under PMJJBY and PMSBY, the finance ministry launched a three-month campaign, starting April 1.
  • Under the campaign, camps are being organised at the Gram Panchayat level across all districts in the country by the banks, with the active participation of the state administration and other ministries of the central government to ensure that the benefits of the two Jan Suraksha schemes reach the masses

About 

• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): It is a one-year life insurance scheme renewable from year to year offering coverage for death due to any reason.
  • Eligibility: Individuals in the age group of 18-50 years having a savings bank or a post office account are entitled to enroll under the scheme. People who join the scheme before completing 50 years of age can continue to have the risk of life cover up to the age of 55 years upon payment of the premium.
  • Benefits: Life cover of Rs. 2 Lakh in case of death due to any reason against a premium of Rs. 330/- per annum.
    • the finance ministry revised rates from Rs 330 to Rs 436 under PMJJBY effective June 1, 2022.
  • Enrolment: Enrolments under the scheme can be done by visiting the branch/ BC point or website of the bank of the account holder or at the post office in case of a post office savings bank account.
    • The premium under the scheme is auto-debited every year from the subscriber’s bank account based on a one-time mandate from the account holder.
  • Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY):It is a one-year accidental insurance scheme renewable from year to year offering coverage for death or disability due to an accident.
    • Eligibility: Individuals in the age group of 18-70 years having a savings bank or a post office account are entitled to enroll under the scheme.
    • Benefits: Accidental death cum disability cover of Rs.2 lakh (Rs.1 lakh in case of partial disability) for death or disability due to an accident.
      • the finance ministry revised rates from Rs 12 to Rs 20 for PMSBY, effective June 1, 2022.
    • Enrolment: Enrolment under the scheme can be done by visiting the branch/ BC point or website of the bank of the account holder or at the post office in case of a post office savings bank account.
      • The premium under the scheme is auto-debited every year from the subscriber’s bank account based on a one-time mandate from the account holder.

General Studies Paper 2

Context: The Election Commission of India recently made significant changes in the political landscape by recognizing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a national party and revoking the national party status of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Communist Party of India (CPI). TMC is now considering legal options to challenge the EC’s decision. The decision impacts each party’s visibility, influence, and resources, reflecting the evolving dynamics of India’s political scenario.

What are the most recent modifications to political party status made by the election commission?

• The Election Commission recently conducted a periodic review, upgrading the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to a national party. This decision was based on AAP’s strong performance in Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat, and Goa.
• In contrast, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) lost their national party status. However, they were recognized as state parties in Nagaland and Meghalaya, respectively, due to their performance in recent assembly elections.
• Additionally, parties like Rashtriya Lok Dal in Uttar Pradesh and Revolutionary Socialist Party in West Bengal had their state party status revoked. Furthermore, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) was recognized as a state party in Nagaland, the Tipra Motha Party as a state party in Tripura, and the Voice of the People Party as a state party in Meghalaya.

About the history of national parties in India

• Early History of National Parties in India: In 1951-52, during the first general elections, there were 14 national parties, including the Indian National Congress, the Communist Party of India, and the All India Bharatiya Jan Sangh.
• After the first general elections, only four parties retained their national status: the Congress, the Praja Socialist Party, the Communist Party of India, and the Jana Sangh.
• Over the years, many parties have merged or ceased to exist, such as the Praja Socialist Party, which later merged with other parties to form the Janata Party.
• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)was founded in 1980 and has become one of the major national parties in India. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which focuses on the upliftment of marginalized communities, emerged as a national party in 1984. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) became a national party in 1964, advocating for socialism, secularism, and democracy.
• The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP),founded in 2012, was recognized as a national party in 2023 due to its electoral performance in several states.
• Currently, there are six national parties in India: the BJP, the Congress, the CPI (Marxist), the AAP, the BSP, and the National People’s Party (NPP).

How does the EC recognize parties as either national or state parties?

• The Election Commission (EC) recognizes political parties as either national or state parties based on criteria laid down in the Representation of People Act 1951 and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
• Parties that have been newly registered, or have not contested an election since being registered, or have not secured the requisite votes/seats in a state or general election are categorised as registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs). They don’t enjoy all the benefits extended to recognized parties. The recognised party status is reviewed periodically by the EC.

When can a political party lose its national Party tag in India?

• A political party in India can lose its national party tag if it fails to meet the criteria specified under the Representation of People Act 1951 and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968. A party must fulfil at least one of the following three conditions to maintain its national party status:
• Lok Sabha Seats:The party must win at least 2% of seats in the Lok Sabha from a minimum of three different states.
• Example: If a party wins less than 2% of Lok Sabha seats or fails to win seats in at least three different states, it may lose its national party status.
• General Election Performance:The party must secure at least 6% of votes in four states and win a minimum of four Lok Sabha seats in a general election.
• Example: If a party’s vote share falls below 6% in four states or it wins less than four Lok Sabha seats, it risks losing its national party tag.
• State Party Recognition:The party must be recognized as a state or regional party in four or more states.
• Example: If a party loses its state party recognition in multiple states, reducing its presence to less than four states, it may lose its national party status. In recent events, the TMC, NCP, and CPI have lost their national party status because they failed to meet these criteria.

What is the significance of obtaining National Party status?

• Reserved Symbol:National parties are granted an exclusively reserved symbol for their candidates to use across the country, making it easier for voters to identify their preferred party on the ballot.
• National Presence:National party status allows a party to fight elections throughout India, fielding candidates in any state and thereby expanding its base, influence and nationwide presence.
• Single Proposer:Candidates from national parties need only one proposer when filing nomination papers, simplifying the nomination process and providing easier access to the voter list.
• Star Campaigners:National parties can have up to 40-star campaigners, whose expenditures are not included in the party candidate’s election expenditure, allowing for more prominent figures to campaign without burdening the candidate’s budget.
• Government Land Allocation:National parties receive government land allocation in New Delhi for their national president and office space at subsidized rates.
• Free Airtime on Public Broadcasters:National parties benefit from free airtime on public broadcasters like Doordarshan and All India Radio during general elections, helping them reach a wider audience and convey their message.

General Studies Paper 2

Context: Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China announced that an agreement has been reached between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

What are the important points about the agreement?

• It covers are sumption of diplomatic relations between them and a re-opening of their embassies and missions within a period not exceeding two months.
• The agreement affirmed their respect for the sovereignty of states, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

What are the implications of increasing closeness between Saudi Arabia and Iran?

• China brought Saudi Arabia together with Iran when Israel was thinking that the United States would bring it together with Saudi Arabia.
• There is a substantial change in the strategic situation in the Middle East. The Saudis are now balancing their security by playing off the U.S. against China.’
• USA’s influence and credibility in the region has diminished. A new type of international regional alignment is taking place. It has empowered and has given both Russia and China newfound influence and status.

What are the background events that led to thaw in ties between Saudi and Iran?

• Bilateral efforts have been underway since early 2016 to ease tensions that had developed specifically between Tehran, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. The Emir of Kuwait and the Sultan of Oman initiated steps that were responded to by Iran.
• Talks were also held in Baghdad and during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to China in February.
• All were worried about the attacks on shipping and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates and the longer term implications of the regional conflicts that were underway.
• During China’s President Xi Jinping visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2022, he attended the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-GCC Summit.

What were the important developments during the Chinese President’s visit to Saudi Arabia?

• Jinping’s speech laid stress on five priority areas: energy cooperation; finance and investment cooperation, innovation, science and technology, aerospace cooperation and Chinese language and cultural cooperation.
• Following are some of the initiatives launched Global Security Initiative
• A comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement 
• The statement stressed the importance of deepening joint cooperation with regard to the BRI and on attracting Chinese expertise in Saudi megaprojects.
• The two sides signed ‘a harmonising plan’ between the KSA’s Vision 2030 and the BRI.

What is the importance of west Asia for India and Its policy towards this region?

• Apart from historical linkages, the region is in India’s proximate neighbourhood and within its security parameters. It is the principal source of hydrocarbon imports, and investments.
• It is also an important destination for manpower exports apart from being a major trading partner including projects.
• India’s reaction to this development has been The official policy has focused on bilateral relations and avoidance of involvement in bilateral and regional disputes.
• India has consciously refrained from participation in alternate security architectures.  The region should not be viewed in competition with China.India should not consider itself a surrogate for western powers in power games.

General Studies Paper 1

Context: Modern liberal ideas, capitalist development and democratic churning have made it possible that Dalits are now a well-recognised social and political force — a transformation made possible under the leadership of R. Babasaheb Ambedkar

• He is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution and was independent India’s first law minister.

Dr. B R Ambedkar:

• He was born on 14 April 1891in Mhow, Central Province (now Madhya Pradesh).
• He founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923).
• Mahad Satyagraha: He led the Mahad Satyagraha in March 1927to challenge the regressive customs of the Hindus.
• Round table conferences:He participated in all three round-table conferences.

Major contributions:

• Indian constitution:Main Architect of Indian Constitution
• Constitutional morality:Effective coordination between conflicting interests of different people and administrative cooperation.
• Social Reforms:devoted his life to remove untouchability.
• ‘Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (Outcastes Welfare Association)-1923
• The temple entry movement launched by Dr. Ambedkar in 1930at Kalaram temple, Nasik.
• Attended all the three Round Table Conferences (1930-32).
• In 1936: founded the Independent Labour Party.
• In 1990: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar,was bestowed with Bharat Ratna.

Few important works of Dr. Ambedkar:

• Mook Nayak (weekly) 1920
• Janta (weekly) 1930
• The Annihilation of Caste 1936
• The Untouchables 1948
• Buddha Or Karl Marx 1956

Current Issues faced by Dalits:

• The government has been aggressive in adopting neo-liberal economic policies that often undermine social justice safeguards meant for the emancipation of historically marginalized communities.
• The ideological agenda considers independent Dalit assertions as a challenge to the politics of cultural nationalism.
• The threats and surveillance against the Dalit socio-political movement have been accentuated, relegating it to a passive powerless location today.

Vision for social justice by Ambedkar:

• Constitutional principles allowed the untouchable castes in particular to raise their grievances effectively.
  • It prevented social elite leadership for their exclusive exploitation of state power and social privileges.
• The policy of job reservation or Dalit representation in legislative bodies: It would induce the substantive democratization of political power and introduce Dalits as influential shareholders in modern institutions.
• Ambedkar visualized that the non-political public spaces (educational institutions, media, culture and art industries): They should be democratized, allowing Dalits to play an effective role as entitled citizens.
• The state should take effective measures to cultivate a sensitive public culture and punish offenders who practiced caste or community-based discrimination.
• Ambedkar believed that modernity should not be adored only for elevating the untouchables as a special category that would require the perpetual assistance of the state.
• Dalits must escape the burdened social identity(by converting to Buddhism) and reduce their dependence on the state.

Dalit assertion:

• Influenced by Ambedkar’s socio-political directives
• Dalit intervention in the public sphere has been to demand:
  • social dignity
  • independent cultural rights
  • political power.
• The arrival of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the 1980s was possible due to the committed support of the Dalit middle class.
• Social and cultural front: Dalits introduced themselves as an assertive and independent alternative.
  • Ambedkar’s life-size statues in many cities are a visible marker of the dignified presence of Dalits in public spaces.
• Dalits organize impressive public events (celebration of Constitution Day), or the birth anniversaries of revolutionary icons or the organization of massive gatherings at historic sites to showcase their elevated sense of equality and dignity in public life.
• Dalits have introduced themselves as the proponent of alternative cultural values and have democratized the public sphere.
• Marginalization: It is in electoral battles that Dalits have witnessed their growing marginalization.
  • With the periodic decline of the BSP in Uttar Pradesh as a commendable mainstream party
    • The possibility that the national regime can be governed under Dalit-Bahujan leadership has been derailed.

Ambedkar’s Work:

• Association with the Simon Commission
• Representing the cause of the Depressed Classes in all three Round Table conferences,
• As labor member in the Viceroy’s Council (1942-46)
• As chairman of the Constitution’s drafting committee

Government’s pro-poor stand:

• The governance system has been conditioned to adhere to Ambedkar’s vision.
• Development of the Panch Tirtha
• Dr Ambedkar International Centre
• Implementation of pro-poor and people-centric policy measures to facilitate the ease of life of citizens.
• Stand-Up India
• Start-Up India
• PM Awas Scheme
• BHIM
• Mudra
• JAM trinity

Ambedkar’s vision and relevance in present time:(“politics in India is nothing but theology in action”(1928):

• The recent observation of the Supreme Court: The state is incapable of dealing with hate speeches and its sharp observation that the remedy to such speeches is nothing but the separation of politics from religion.
  • It vindicates Ambedkar
• Ambedkar’s warning in the Constituent Assembly in 1946that leaders giving alarming statements against minorities must be kept in check.

Ambedkar’s role in uplifting Dalit women;

• Baby Kamble in Jine Amuche (Our Lives): The message of Buddha filled with compassion came through Baba.
• Ambedkar told the women:
  • Men and women are partners in a marriage
  • Treat your husband with equality
  • Send your children to school
  • Wear clean clothes

Important contribution as policy maker:

• Indian constitution:Main Architect of Indian Constitution
• Hindu Code Bill:
  • It revolutionized the Hindu domestic sphere.
  • Offering women the right to marry by choice and across caste boundaries
  • Given them the right to divorce
  • Right to inherit property.

Way Forward

• The affirmative action policies of the state have helped a significant Dalit section to emerge as a crucial segment of the mainstream middle class, allowing them to enjoy the profits of urban life.
• The post-Ambedkar Dalit activism has surely enlarged its presence and democratized the social and political sphere substantially.
  • However, the conventional class and caste relationships have not reformed much.
• In modern institutions such as universities, the judiciary, the media and cultural industries, there is a marginalization of Dalit participation.
• The dignified public presence of Dalits may be visible,but there are substantive issues about growing political marginalization
• A rethinking is needed to build a popular Dalit agenda that mobilizes the vulnerable and marginalized communities for a greater emancipatory project.
• The dynamism to accept Ambedkar “as he is” on the one hand, and emulating his values through actions on the other, is a fitting tribute to his contribution.