General Studies Paper -2

Context: A recent case study titled ‘From Gridlock to Growth: How Leadership Enables India’s PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress’ by Oxford and Gates Foundation highlighted PRAGATI’s role in transforming India’s governance landscape, underscoring the platform’s success in bridging gaps in governance and driving national development.

Essence of PRAGATI

• India’s Digital PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) initiative is a multi-purpose and multi-modal platform aimed at addressing the common man’s grievances and simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programs and projects of the Central Government as well as projects flagged by state governments.
• It leverages digital technology to enhance coordination, accountability, and efficiency in the execution of large-scale projects.
• It aims to enhance governance by integrating technology, fostering collaboration, and ensuring accountability by integrating three key aspects: digital data management, real-time tracking, and high-level coordination.

Key Features of PRAGATI

• Digital Data Management: PRAGATI uses a robust digital ecosystem to manage vast amounts of data related to various projects.
  • It ensures that all stakeholders have access to up-to-date information, facilitating better decision-making and transparency.
• Real-Time Tracking: One of the standout features of PRAGATI is its ability to provide real-time updates on the progress of projects.
  • It helps in identifying bottlenecks and addressing them promptly, ensuring that projects stay on track.
• High-Level Coordination: PRAGATI brings together officials from different departments and levels of government, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
  • This high-level coordination is crucial for the timely and effective implementation of projects.

Key Findings of Case Study

• Accelerated Project Implementation: PRAGATI has reviewed over 340 critical projects worth $205 billion (₹05 lakh crore), significantly expediting their implementation.
  • It includes the development of 50,000 kilometers of National Highways and doubling the number of airports, including the North Karanpura Thermal Power Plant.
• Enhanced Governance: PRAGATI integrates digital tools such as real-time data, video conferencing, and geo-spatial mapping to facilitate seamless collaboration between the Prime Minister’s Office, Central Ministries, and State Governments.
• This direct engagement ensures that issues are addressed in real time, fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency.
• Leadership from the Top: The Prime Minister’s active involvement (based on SWAGAT, a digital platform started by then Chief Minister Modi in Gujarat) has driven PRAGATI’s success, by directly reviewing progress, setting deadlines, and breaking bureaucratic bottlenecks.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of top leadership in using technology to drive cross-collaboration and regular accountability reviews that has created a culture of efficiency and trust in public infrastructure projects.
  • For instance, the Pakri-Barwadih Coal Mine in Jharkhand, delayed since 2006, saw swift progress after PM Modi’s intervention in 2016, leading to its completion in 2019.
• Collaboration Across States: PRAGATI has fostered collaboration across states, embodying the concept of ‘Team India’ – a unified approach to national development that transcends political divides.
• For the Ennore-Thiruvallur-Bengaluru Gas Pipeline, which faced land issues across three states, the Prime Minister urged creating a single implementing agency to resolve disputes.
• Economic and Social Impact: The platform has driven significant economic growth, with studies indicating that for every rupee spent on infrastructure, India gains 2.5 to 3.5 rupees in GDP.
  • Additionally, fast-tracked projects providing essential services like roads, railways, water, and electricity have improved the quality of life for millions.
• Sustainable Development: PRAGATI incorporates green technologies and streamlined environmental clearances, ensuring that India’s development remains sustainable and inclusive.
• Model for Global Governance: The study commends PRAGATI as a beacon of modern governance, urging other nations to learn from India’s innovative approach to project monitoring and resolution, and setting a standard that other emerging economies can emulate to overcome the Middle-Income Trap.

Concerns and Suggestions Highlighted in Study

• Project Delays: Many of the 340 projects reviewed were significantly delayed, ranging from three to twenty years overdue.
  • PRAGATI has been instrumental in reducing these delays from years to months.
• Accountability and Collaboration: The platform has driven accountability at the highest levels and fostered unprecedented federal and regional collaboration.
  • Ensuring seamless coordination among these entities can be challenging, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
  • Collaboration across government organisations is crucial in accelerating project completion and cutting through bureaucratic red tape.

Other Concerns

• Digital Governance: The platform integrates several key technologies and the success of PRAGATI heavily relies on these technologies.
  • Any technical glitches or lack of technological infrastructure, especially in remote areas, can hinder its effectiveness.
• Data Accuracy: PRAGATI platform depends on accurate and timely data for monitoring and decision-making. Inaccurate or outdated data can lead to poor decision-making and ineffective governance.
• Resistance to Change: Implementing new governance models often faces resistance from within the bureaucracy that can slow down the adoption of PRAGATI’s processes and tools.
• Resource Constraints: Adequate resources, both financial and human, are essential for the successful implementation of PRAGATI. Resource constraints can limit its reach and effectiveness.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation are crucial for the success of PRAGATI. However, establishing robust monitoring mechanisms can be complex and resource-intensive.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• India’s digital PRAGATI is a shining example of how technology can be harnessed to improve governance and accelerate development. By fostering transparency, accountability, and efficiency, PRAGATI is paving the way for a more robust and resilient infrastructure landscape in India.
• Recent findings underscore PRAGATI’s role as a model of cooperative federalism and innovative governance, making it a valuable example for other developing countries aiming to enhance their infrastructure development strategies.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has clarified that its recent measures, such as allowing Vostro accounts and promoting trade in domestic currencies, are aimed at diversifying risk rather than pursuing outright ‘de-dollarisation’.

What is De-dollarization?

• It describes a process of moving away from the world’s reliance on the U.S. dollar (USD) as the chief reserve currency.
• It refers to shrinking the influence that the U.S. dollar has on the economies of other countries.

Historical Context

• The U.S. dollar has been the world’s primary reserve currency since the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1944.
• It has provided the U.S. with significant economic advantages, including lower borrowing costs and greater influence over global financial systems.
• However, the dominance of the dollar has also led to concerns about its potential misuse as a tool of economic coercion.

Reasons For De-dollarisation

• Economic Sanctions: The imposition of US sanctions on countries like Russia and Iran has pushed them to seek alternatives to the US dollar to avoid economic isolation.
• Diversification of Risk: Nations are looking to reduce their dependence on the dollar to mitigate risks associated with fluctuations in US monetary policy.
• It helps them maintain greater control over their own economic policies.
• Strength of the Dollar: A strong US dollar can lead to higher costs for imports and debt repayments in other countries, exacerbating economic challenges.
• Geopolitical Shifts: The rise of other major economies, such as China, has led to increased use of their currencies in international trade.
  • For instance, Russia and China conduct a significant portion of their trade in their national currencies.
• BRICS Initiatives: The BRICS nations have discussed the possibility of a shared currency to facilitate trade among member countries and reduce reliance on the dollar.

Why Not De-dollarisation?

• Geopolitical Considerations: The rise of the Chinese yuan as a potential challenger to the US dollar complicates the de-dollarisation narrative.
  • India is cautious about increasing its reliance on the yuan, especially given the geopolitical tensions with China.
• Economic Stability: The US dollar remains the most stable and widely accepted currency for international trade.
  • A sudden shift away from the dollar could disrupt trade and economic stability. The RBI’s approach is to de-risk rather than destabilize the economy.
• BRICS Dynamics: The geographical and economic diversity among BRICS nations poses significant challenges.
  • Unlike the Eurozone, BRICS countries do not have the same level of economic integration or geographical proximity.
• US Trade Relations: Recent threats from US President-elect Donald Trump to impose tariffs on BRICS countries if they reduce dollar reliance underscore the potential economic repercussions of de-dollarisation.
  • Maintaining a balanced approach helps India avoid such punitive measures.

Strategic Measures By India: Hedging Against Dollar Reliance

• India’s economy is significantly integrated into the global financial system, where the US dollar dominates.
• It poses risks, especially during periods of dollar volatility or geopolitical tensions.
• Gold Purchases: The RBI has significantly increased its gold reserves, aligning with global trends among central banks to diversify away from a dollar-dominated system.

Local Currency Trade Agreements: By promoting transactions in domestic currencies and allowing Vostro accounts and entering local currency trade agreements, the RBI aims to reduce the risks associated with dollar dependence without completely abandoning it.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: India’s digital infrastructure has undergone a transformative evolution in recent years, positioning the country as a global leader in digital adoption.

About

• With a rapidly expanding digital economy, driven by innovations in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital governance, India’s infrastructure is continuously evolving to meet the growing demands of the public and private sectors.
• Key initiatives and projects have been rolled out to strengthen the country’s digital backbone, ensuring accessibility, scalability, and security in delivering government services, fostering economic growth, and enhancing citizens’ lives.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to foundational digital systems that are accessible, secure, and interoperable, supporting essential public services.

India’s Digital Infrastructure Landscape

• In India, DPI has been instrumental in transforming the digital economy, much like traditional infrastructure for industrial growth.
• Key Platforms and Achievements
  • Aadhaar: World’s largest digital identity program.
    • Over 138.34 crore Aadhaar numbers issued, ensuring identity authentication.
  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Facilitated 24,100 crore financial transactions as of June 2024.
    • Enhances financial inclusion and cashless transactions.
  • DigiLocker: Over 37 crore users, providing digital document verification and storage.
  • DIKSHA: World’s largest education platform, delivering 556 crore learning sessions.
  • National Knowledge Network (NKN): Links National and State Data Centres, enabling resource sharing and collaborative research.
• Additional Platforms
  • GeM: Streamlines government procurement.
  • UMANG: Offers 2,077 government services across 32 states/UTs with over 7.12 crore users.
  • Co-WIN and Aarogya Setu: Revolutionized health services through vaccination tracking and contact tracing.
  • e-Sanjeevani and e-Hospital: Transform healthcare delivery through telemedicine and hospital management.
  • Poshan Tracker and e-Office: Enhance nutritional monitoring and digitize government workflows.
  • MeriPehchaan: A single sign-on platform for seamless access to government services.
  • API Setu: Facilitates data exchange through 6,000+ APIs, enabling 312 crore transactions.
  • MeghRaj (GI Cloud): Promotes cloud ecosystems across central and state governments, enabling:
    • Digital payments.
    • Identity verification.
    • Consent-based data sharing.

Impact on Economy and Society

• Economic Growth: Boosts financial inclusion (via UPI, Aadhaar), reduces IT costs, and fosters innovation with data centres and cloud services. Infrastructure spending yields a GDP multiplier of 2.5-3.5 times.
• Global Leadership: India’s digital solutions, like India Stack, are aiding the Global South.
• Efficient Governance: Faster, transparent, and paperless delivery of services through platforms like DigiLocker, UMANG, and MeghRaj.
• Social Impact: Improves education (DIKSHA), healthcare (Co-WIN, e-Sanjeevani), and skill development (SIDH).
• Inclusivity: Common Service Centres (CSCs) enhance rural access to e-services.

Challenges

• Digital Divide: Limited connectivity and affordability in rural areas.
• Cybersecurity Risks: Data breaches and privacy concerns due to large-scale data collection.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Insufficient bandwidth and data centre capacity to meet rising demand.
• Skill Deficit: Lack of digital literacy and expertise in advanced technologies like AI and cloud computing.
• Policy and Coordination Issues: Slow inter-departmental coordination and outdated regulatory frameworks.

Way Ahead

• Expand Infrastructure: Invest in rural connectivity and scale up data centre capacities.
• Ensure Cybersecurity: Strengthen data protection laws and implement robust cybersecurity measures.
• Promote Digital Literacy: Launch targeted programs to bridge skill gaps, especially in rural areas.
• Streamline Policy: Simplify regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: Recently, the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23 was released showcasing a positive correlation between Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme incentives and sectoral performance that have been pivotal in revitalizing the manufacturing sector, positioning India as a potential global manufacturing hub.

Current Status of India’s Manufacturing Sector

• The manufacturing sector is emerging as an integral pillar in the country’s economic growth with 17% of the nation’s GDP and over 27.3 million workers.
• Growth and Performance: According to the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23, the manufacturing sector registered a robust growth rate of 21.5% in output, with a Gross Value Added (GVA) growth of 7.3%.
• Key sectors such as basic metal manufacturing, coke and refined petroleum products, food products, chemicals, and motor vehicles collectively contributed 58% to the total manufacturing output.
• Employment Generation: The manufacturing sector has also been a significant source of employment, adding approximately 22 lakh jobs in 2022-23.
• It has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, indicating a steady recovery and expansion.
• Major states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have been leading contributors to the sector’s GVA and employment.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI in India’s manufacturing sector has reached US$ 165.1 billion, a 69% increase over the past decade, driven by production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.
• In the last five years, total FDI inflows amounted to US$ 383.5 billion.

Future Prospects

• According to the National Manufacturing Policy (NMP), India aims to have 25% of the economy’s output come from manufacturing by 2025.
• India has the capacity to export goods worth US$ 1 trillion by 2030 and is on the road to becoming a major global manufacturing hub.
• As in the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s estimations, manufacturing sectors share in the GVA has a potential to rise from the current 17% to over 25% by 2030-31, and to 27% by 2047-48 if sustained efforts to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities and domestic value addition continue.
• It helps to transform the Indian economy into a developed economy by 2047.

Challenges and Concerns Related to India’s Manufacturing Sector

• Infrastructure Deficiencies: It includes not only physical infrastructure like roads, ports, and power supply but also digital infrastructure.
• Poor connectivity and unreliable power supply increase operational costs and reduce efficiency.
• Skilled Labor Shortage: While India has a large workforce, there is a significant gap in the skills required for modern manufacturing processes.
  • It is partly due to inadequate vocational training and education systems.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Land acquisition laws, labor laws, and environmental regulations can be cumbersome and time-consuming, deterring investment and slowing down project implementation.
• Access to Finance: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the manufacturing sector, often face difficulties in accessing finance.
  • High-interest rates, stringent collateral requirements, and lengthy approval processes make it challenging for these businesses to secure the necessary funds for expansion and modernization.
• Global Competition: India’s manufacturing sector faces stiff competition from countries like China, which have more developed manufacturing ecosystems.
  • Lower production costs and better infrastructure in these countries make it difficult for Indian manufacturers to compete on a global scale.
• Policy Implementation: While the government has introduced several initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the implementation of these policies has been inconsistent.
  • Bureaucratic delays and lack of coordination between various government departments often result in suboptimal outcomes.
• Technological Adoption: The adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is still in its nascent stages in India.
  • Limited investment in research and development (R&D) and a lack of awareness about the benefits of these technologies hinder their widespread adoption.
• Environmental Concerns: Issues such as pollution, waste management, and sustainable resource use are critical concerns that need to be addressed to ensure the sector’s long-term viability.

Key Recommendations for Sustained Growth in India’s Manufacturing Sector

• Expanding the Scope of PLI: The PLI Scheme has been instrumental in boosting manufacturing in sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.
  • Extending PLI incentives to labor-intensive sectors such as apparel, leather, footwear, and furniture, as well as sunrise industries like aerospace, space technology, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), could unlock new growth frontiers.
  • Additionally, sectors with high import dependency but untapped domestic capabilities, such as capital goods, should also be considered for PLI incentives.
• Female Workforce Participation: Enhancing female workforce participation is an untapped opportunity for boosting manufacturing growth.
  • The World Bank’s latest South Asia Development Update estimates that India’s manufacturing output could rise by 9% if more women join the workforce.
• Focusing on MSMEs: MSMEs contribute around 45% of India’s manufacturing GDP and employ about 60 million people.
  • Tailoring PLI incentives to accommodate MSMEs, by lowering capital investment thresholds and reducing production targets, would empower these enterprises to scale up, innovate and integrate more effectively into value chains.
• Addressing Structural Challenges: These include improving infrastructure, enhancing skill development, and ensuring ease of doing business.
  • Strong reforms are essential to create a conducive environment for manufacturing to flourish.
  • Investments in transportation networks, warehousing, and port facilities can enhance efficiency and reduce the time and cost of moving goods.
• Skill Development and Labor Reforms: Initiatives like the Skill India Mission aim to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.
• Promoting Sustainable Practices: Ensuring environmental sustainability through green manufacturing practices is vital.
  • Policies that promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of renewable energy sources can help achieve long-term sustainability goals.
• Encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Attracting FDI through favorable policies and a stable business environment can bring in capital, technology, and expertise.
  • It can enhance the competitiveness of India’s manufacturing sector on a global scale.
• Leveraging Digital Technologies: Adopting digital technologies can improve efficiency and productivity.
  • The Digital India initiative aims to integrate these technologies into the manufacturing process.

Way Forward

• The revival of the manufacturing sector is a testament to the effectiveness of strategic policy initiatives like the PLI scheme.
• The need for strong reforms to fully capitalize on its potential is evident. Extending PLI incentives to labor-intensive sectors as well as sunrise industries like aerospace and space technology, could unlock new growth frontiers.
• Additionally, addressing high import dependency in sectors with untapped domestic capabilities, such as capital goods, is crucial.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The recent visit of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan to India marked a significant step in reinforcing the close bilateral ties between the two nations.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

• Hydropower Collaboration: Both sides emphasized the completion of the timely Punatsangchhu Hydropower Project (Phase I &II).
• Discussions were held on new reservoir hydropower projects showcasing the shared commitment to advancing energy cooperation.
• Gelephu Mindfulness City project: India reiterated its support to transform Gelephu (a town in southern Bhutan near the Indian border) into a hub of sustainable development and urban planning.
• Gelephu’s strategic location near Assam makes it a critical point for regional connectivity and trade.
• Cross-Border Connectivity: Both sides discussed advancing connectivity initiatives, including:
• Rail Projects: Enhancing cross-border movement of goods and people.
• Digital Networks: Strengthening digital infrastructure for greater integration.
• The inauguration of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Darranga, Assam, marks a significant advancement in enhancing connectivity.
• Private Sector Involvement: Bhutan emphasized its partnership with Indian conglomerates, including the Adani Group.
• Discussions were focused on renewable energy sources like solar, hydropower, and infrastructure projects in Gelephu.

Significance of Hydropower in India-Bhutan Relations

• Economic Impact on Bhutan: Hydropower projects account for a major share of Bhutan’s revenue through electricity exports to India.
• Mutual Benefits: These projects not only enhance Bhutan’s economy but also bolster India’s energy security and renewable energy goals.
• Future Expansion: Both nations committed to exploring new hydropower opportunities, ensuring the sustainability of this mutually beneficial partnership.

Challenges and Opportunities for India

• Challenges:
  • Delays in Projects: Prolonged delays in projects like Punatsangchhu-I remain a concern.
  • Geopolitical Pressure: Increased Chinese investments in the region pose challenges to India’s influence.
• Opportunities:
  • Diversification: Exploring non-traditional sectors like urban planning and digital infrastructure can broaden bilateral ties.
  • Private Sector Engagement: Involvement of companies like the Adani Group can bring new investments and technologies to Bhutan while helping India counter the growing influence of external powers in the region.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The PSLV-C59 carried the Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit as a dedicated commercial mission by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

• The PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission is a testament to India’s growing prowess in space technology and its increasing prominence in the global space arena.

About Proba-3 Mission (Project for Onboard Autonomy)

• Objective: Observe the Sun’s corona using precision formation flying—a world first.
• Spacecraft: The mission uses two spacecraft:
• Coronagraph: Studies the Sun’s corona.
• Occulter: Blocks the Sun to create artificial eclipses for better observation.

Benefits for India

• Global Market Presence: India holds 2-3% of the global space economy, with scope for exponential growth.
• Economic Growth: Increased commercial launches and the development of space-related technologies can contribute to economic growth and job creation. Over $279 million earned from foreign satellite launches (2022).
• Technological Advancement: Participating in international collaborations like Proba-3 fosters technological advancement and strengthens India’s position in the global space industry.
• Strategic Importance: India’s growing space capabilities enhance its strategic autonomy and its role in international space exploration.

Key Initiatives

• IN-SPACe: This regulatory body plays a vital role in promoting private sector participation in the Indian space sector.
• Indian Space Policy 2023: The updated policy aims to further liberalize the space sector and encourage private investment and innovation.
• Startups and SSLV: The rise of private space startups and the development of the SSLV demonstrate India’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and competitive space ecosystem.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The Ministry of Tourism has approved 40 projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore to develop lesser-known tourism sites across 23 states in India for preventing overtourism and sustainable tourism practices.

What is Overtourism?

• Overtourism occurs when the number of tourists in a destination exceeds its capacity to manage them sustainably, leading to environmental degradation, cultural dilution, and poor visitor experiences.

Reasons Overtourism

• Budget Travel: Affordable airlines and low-cost accommodations make travel more accessible.
• Social Media: Influencers popularize destinations, creating a surge in visitors seeking “Instagrammable” spots.
• Middle-Class Tourism: Rising incomes in countries like India and China have increased international travel.
• Seasonal Crowding: Poor management during peak seasons exacerbates overcrowding.

Impact of Overtourism

• Environmental Damage:
  • Bali: Iconic attractions like Ubud’s rice terraces face overcrowding, soil erosion, and ecological strain.
  • Joshimath: Known as the “sinking town” due to land subsidence, highlighting the fragile Himalayan environment.
  • Maasai Mara: Overcrowded safaris disrupt wildlife behavior and damage habitats.
• Cultural Erosion:
  • Traditional rituals in places like Bali are often interrupted by unaware tourists.
  • Overcrowding in Goa has reduced the appeal of its authentic culture, affecting foreign tourist numbers.
• Economic Strain:
  • Although tourism brings revenue, the long-term costs to local infrastructure, environment, and communities often outweigh benefits.
• Man Made Disasters:
• Overcrowding and improper crowd management could lead to a Stampede like situation.

Way Ahead

• Promote Alternative Destinations: Divert travelers to lesser-known places to reduce pressure on popular spots.
• Implement Visitor Caps: Introduce limits on daily or seasonal tourist numbers.
• Spread Tourism Year-Round: Encourage off-season travel to balance crowds.
• Raise Awareness

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The fifth meeting of the UN’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) has ended without delivering a legally binding treaty to address global plastic pollution.

About

• More than 170 countries in the Republic of Korea were negotiating the global treaty to end plastic pollution, including marine pollution.
• Aim: The treaty aims to have countries cut the production of plastic and plastic polymers.

Background

• In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a resolution to tackle plastic pollution on a global scale.
• 175 nations voted to adopt a global treaty for plastic pollution—agreeing on an accelerated timeline so that the treaty could be implemented as soon as 2025.
• This led to the creation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) tasked with developing a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution by 2024.
• Since 2022, the INC has held four sessions in Uruguay, France, Canada, and Kenya.

Why have the Talks Failed?

• The discussions saw a sharp divide between two camps – a large coalition of about 100 countries that wanted caps on plastic production, and a smaller set of oil-producing nations that wanted to focus only on plastic waste management.
• With the two camps unable to reach a compromise, the conference concluded with an agreement to meet again at a later date.

India’s Stand

• Support to Developing Nations: Any legally binding treaty must recognise the need for support to developing countries through finance and technology transfer.
• Focus on Reducing Plastic Pollution: Production of primary polymers was not directly linked to plastic pollution and there should be no targets concerning polymer or plastic production. Instead, it asked to focus on reducing plastic pollution.
• No Plastic Pollution Fee: It did not support a levy of a plastic pollution fee on the production of primary polymers.
• Balanced Treaty: India added that a balance has to be struck between preventing plastic pollution and protecting the sustainable development of developing countries.
• Assessment of Finances: There must also be an assessment of the financial resources needed for waste management as well as the availability of adequate, timely, and predictable financial resources.
• Avoid Overlapping: The scope of the treaty should be well-defined to not overlap with existing multilateral environmental agreements.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development recently launched the SHe-Box portal.

• It is an online system designed to help in better implementation of various provisions of ‘The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013’ (SH Act).
• It will provide a publicly available centralised repository of information related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) constituted at various workplaces, across the country.

Key Features of the of the SHe-Box portal:

• Nodal Officer: It provides for designating a nodal officer for every workplace who is required to ensure updation of data/ information on a regular basis for real time monitoring of complaints.
• Filing of Complaint: A complaint on the portal can be filed by an aggrieved woman or any other person on behalf of the complainant.
• Monitoring: It has a monitoring dashboard for Nodal Officers at the Centre / State/ UT level and District level, to see the number of cases filed, disposed and pending.
• Confidentiality: The portal is so designed that it masks the details of the complainant to maintain confidentiality.
• Except the Chairperson of the IC/ LC, no other person is able to see the details or nature of the complaint registered.

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013” (SH Act)

Key provisions include:

• Definition of Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome physical contact, sexual advances, demands for sexual favors, Sexual remarks, and any other inappropriate behavior.
• Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): Every organization with more than 10 employees to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
• The committee must be led by a woman and should include at least one external member, such as an expert on women’s issues or an NGO representative.
• Complaint Mechanism: Women can file complaints within three months, and the ICC must resolve them within 90 days.
• Confidentiality: Complaints and investigations must be kept confidential.
• Employer Responsibility: Employers must take preventive measures, conduct training, and act on complaints.
• Redressal: If harassment is proven, disciplinary action is taken against the offender, and compensation can be awarded to the victim.
• No Retaliation: Retaliation against the complainant or witnesses is prohibited. Any retaliation or victimization can be treated as a separate violation under the law.
• Penalties: Failure to comply with the provisions of the SH Act can result in penalties for employers.

Significance

• Empowerment of Women: The Act plays an important role in empowering women by giving them a legal recourse against sexual harassment at work.
• Safe Workplaces: It fosters the creation of safe and respectful work environments, encouraging women to participate more actively in the workforce.

Challenges

• Lack of awareness: Many employees are unaware of their rights and the mechanisms available for redressal.
• Underreporting: There is still a degree of underreporting, primarily due to fear of retaliation or lack of trust in the system.
• Ineffective Implementation: In some organizations, the creation of the Internal Complaints Committees and their functioning is not up to the required standards.

Conclusion

• The SH Act, 2013 is a critical step toward creating a safer and more respectful work environment for women in India.
• While the Act lays down comprehensive provisions to address sexual harassment, its successful implementation requires awareness, training, and commitment from employers and employees to ensure that workplaces are free from harassment.
• The SHe-Box portal represents a significant step forward in ensuring safer workplaces and providing aggrieved women with a reliable mechanism for addressing their grievances.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed 95% reservation in government jobs for locals in Ladakh.

About the Proposed Decisions for Ladakh

• 95% Job Reservation for Ladakhis: 95% reservation in government jobs for local people with ST status in Ladakh.
• Gazetted posts will be filled through Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), not through the DANICS.
• One-Third Reservation for Women in Hill Councils: 33% reservation for women in both Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC).
• The councils have 30 seats each, with elections held for 26 seats. 8-9 seats will be reserved for women.
• Constitutional Safeguards: A draft will be proposed to ensure constitutional safeguards for preserving Ladakh’s land and culture.
• The government will declare Urdu and Bhoti as official languages of Ladakh.

Challenges Post-Article 370 Abrogation

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Ladakh has faced protests, with people pushing for:

• Statehood for Ladakh.
• Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for tribal status.
• Job reservations for locals.
• A parliamentary seat for each of Leh and Kargil.

Arguments in favour of Reservation of Jobs in States

• Addresses Regional Disparities: Ensures job opportunities for people from underdeveloped or remote regions, promoting regional balance and development.
• Reduces Migration: By offering local employment opportunities, reservation can reduce migration to larger cities, which alleviates urban overcrowding and ensures balanced regional development.
• Encourages Local Talent Development: Reservation helps develop and utilize local talent, leading to a more skilled workforce within the state, which can contribute to long-term growth.
• Boosts Economic Development: Unlocks the potential of marginalized communities, contributing to overall economic growth and reducing inequality.
• Constitutional Mandate: Affirmative action is constitutionally supported to ensure the upliftment of socially and economically backward groups.
• Improves Government Services: Local representation in government jobs ensures more responsive and regionally aware public service delivery.

Arguments against Reservation of Jobs in States

• Undermines Meritocracy: Reservation can lead to the selection of less qualified candidates, prioritizing quotas over merit and potentially lowering job standards.
• Encourages Regionalism: Reservation based on state or regional criteria can fuel regional disparities, division, and resentment between different areas of the country.
• Hinders National Unity: It can deepen the divide between states, as individuals from other regions may feel excluded or discriminated against, undermining the idea of national integration.