General Studies Paper 2

• The youth constitute nearly half of India’s population. Youth contribute to the economic growth of the country as it is the most productive age group being employed. Much of the economic growth potential of India is derived from the vibrant and highly skilled youth population in the country. Youth face a lot of health issues because of their physiological state, behaviours, diet, work and other factors, many of which are related to their behavioural habits.

Youth Health Issues

• Mental Health: Clinical depression has been one of the leading causes of illness and disability among young adults and adolescents, followed by suicide. The reasons include poor scholastic or workplace performance, violence, poverty and unemployment, stigma, marginalisation and discrimination, peer pressure etc. Challenges like non-availability of mental health services as well as not recognising mental health issue as a reason to seek healthcare worsen the situation.
• Alcohol and Drug Use: Alcohol and drug use is largely associated with various high risk behaviours that can cause communicable and non-communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and liver diseases, etc. Also, mental health is compromised in such individuals as well their family members due to financial burden that follows.
• Tobacco Use: Majority of the individuals who use tobacco in any form (smoking or chewing) begin doing so in their adolescence. This is usually combined with alcohol dependence, increasing the risk of various illnesses significantly. Tobacco can cause cancer of oral cavity, throat, oesophagus and lungs and many other health issues. In addition, tobacco consumption increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, stroke, vascular diseases etc.
• Physical Inactivity: It has been estimated that only 20% of the young adults are known to exercise adequately or be involved in sports activities (longer than 30 minutes per day and 5 days a week). Less physical activity causes increase in risk factors and diseases including obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart diseases and other chronic diseases. Physical inactivity can impact mental health adversely.
• Diabetes and Hypertension: Diabetes is becoming potentially epidemic, with 1 in every 10-adult having diabetes. 1 in every 5 adults in India have hypertension. In both cases, majority are not aware that they have diabetes or hypertension. Recent years have seen more and more young people developing diabetes at earlier age. The major reasons for this is reduced physical activity and unhealthy diet.
• Other Health Problems: These include injuries in the form of accidents, self-harm, workplace accidents etc.  The violence in the form of interpersonal violence, domestic violence, workplace violence, bullying ragging, sexual violence can take place.
• These health problems that have early onset during youth can have long bearing effects at older age, specially the chronic diseases. Early onset can reduce longevity, quality of life, increase expenses and can lead to early complications during older age.

Improving Health of the Youth

• There are three secrets of healthy life: Balanced Diet, Regular Physical Activity and Sufficient Sleep. The youth often lack on one or more of these aspects. Though there has been a series of Government initiatives- from both health sector as well as other sectors, however, those are yet to catch the full attention of youth. The Ayushman Bharat programme with health and wellness centre component has focus on nirogi or preventing illness by adoption of healthier lifestyle. ‘FIT India‘ initiative is aimed at increasing exercise habits of people including youth.

Making Health of Youth a Mass Movement

• This requires optimal utilisation of every possible avenue for improving health of this age group. It requires interventions at schools, colleges and workplaces amongst other. It demands that the school health services are strengthened and work as early intervention centres for dealing with the rising incidence of various disease. There is no structured and focused programme to promote health among college students. This is the age group which has queries and concerns mostly unanswered regarding the mental health, sexual health, drug as well as personal health concerns.
• The workplace health has to be promoted by installing weighing scales in bathroom, exercise time and equipment in large offices as well as encouraging healthy food in cafeteria menu. The official policies on timely care seeking when not feeling well and reducing stress in workplace should be promoted. There is a need for improving health seeking behaviour of youth who often resort to self-remedies. There is a need for improving family and community participation in improving health of youth in India.

Healthy Lifestyle

• There is a lot of stigma associated with mental health issues. This is a reason people do not seek health care. However, mental illnesses are very similar to any physical illness. With right advice from trained doctors and with medications, both physical and mental illnesses can be treated. It is time to start talking about mental health There is need to destigmatise mental health.
• Regular physical activity is zero-cost effort, which one can do for good health. According to WHO and other health agencies, people should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity per week or at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. India has been ranked 8th among countries with the lowest physical activity globally.
• Reports have shown that 3 out of 4 adolescents and young people are not physically active enough as per the given recommendations. A study showed that barriers to low physical activity are personal attributes, perceived negative consequences, sociocultural environment, lack of time etc. Identification of these barriers and steps to overcome these are required.
• Regular and at least six to eight hours of sleep boosts immunity, reduces stress and keeps us away from many health Therefore, making one’s sleep cycle regular and ensuring that enough sleep on daily as well as weekly basis has to be an approach of every person.

Sports, Health and Youth

• The leading health body, the World Health Organization has established a Sports and Health programme to capitalise the potential of people to lead healthy lives through promoting participation in sports and working with the sports community. It has been established that physical activity through various sports can boost confidence, improve social life, lead to psychosocial and personal development and help in prevention of substance abuse.
  

Conclusion

• Youth constitute around half of India’s population and are the foundation of country’s economic growth and development. Though, otherwise healthy population, the youth face a host of problems due to their age, behaviour and other factors which can have long-term effect during old age. Prevention of ill health effects in youth can have long-term benefits individually, at family level and at national level. The policies aimed at youth should be targeted at healthier lifestyle, adoption of regular physical activity and health prevention and promotion measures. Healthy youth today will make healthy nation tomorrow.

General Studies Paper 2

• Context: Iran foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has recently cancelled his visit to the Raisina meet in India.
• This is because the event showed a video of Iranian women cutting their hair during a non-violent protest that began last September in Iran. This event highlights the changing bilateral relations between the two nations.

India and Iran relations:

• India has been quiet about the protest that happened in Iran. However, at the UN Human Rights Council session, India did not vote against the resolution for a fact-finding mission on human rights violations committed by Iran to suppress the protests.
• Moreover, the event organiser in Delhi refused to pull out the video as demanded by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
• India also ended its energy trade with Iran when the Trump administration reimposed sanctions against it in 2019.
• India’s proximity to the US and Iran’s increasing proximity to China have also been a challenge to ties.
• Iran was among the Islamic capitals that reacted strongly during the Nupur Sharma blasphemy row.
• These all events show that there has a been decline in the bilateral relation of both the countries.
• However, both of them have joined hands on issues such as connectivity through Chabahar, terrorism in the region and Afghanistan, etc.
• Hence, despite declining bilateral relations between the two nations, these issues will help them to move ahead together.

General Studies Paper 2

• Context: Indian expatriates and persons of Indian origin overseas at present amount to around 3. 2 crores. They are highly skilled and successful, and they also have an emotional attachment to any Indian cultural events occurring overseas. It is time for India to leverage this strength.

About the Indian diaspora’s economic wealth

• In several countries, Indians are among the top earners. A 2012 estimate of the diaspora’s wealth was $1 trillion. At present, this wealth has increased manyfold.
• The collective economic heft of Indians abroad to India’s GDP will be around $ 3. 5 trillion at the end of March. Indians already generate an economic value of well over $5 trillion.
• It means that geographical India will likely have a GDP of $5 trillion by 2025. But the other India (which includes persons abroad and invested in India) is already a $5 trillion-plus powerhouse.

Advantages of the Indian diaspora’s wealth:

• A country’s top income earners are pivotal to the country’s economic progress. For instance, they invest, they innovate, they take risks, they back new technology and also they create jobs.
• Indian diaspora already sends $100 billion in remittances to India annually. This is the highest remittance figure in the world.

What should be done to completely utilize the Indian diaspora’s wealth?

• In business, network effects kick in when the value of a product is intrinsically tied to the increase in the number of users. The network effect of high-earning, high-performing Indians abroad should be entirely invested in the idea of India’s progress.
• In the ET Global Business Summit, PM highlighted the immense value of the Indian diaspora. It is time for business leaders and policymakers to integrate the diaspora’s economic dynamism.

General Studies Paper 3

• Context: The world is going through a phase of demographic transition towards aged populations. Adaptation strategies will require governments, businesses and common people to make key adjustments.
• This may usher in a great opportunity for India that is experiencing a demographic dividend.

What is the Demographic Transition and Demographic Dividend?

• Ademographic shift refers to a change in the composition of a population over time.
  • This change can occur due to various factors such as changes in birth and death rates, migration patterns,and changes in social and economic conditions.
• Ademographic dividend  is a phenomenon that occurs when a country’s population structure shifts from having a high proportion of dependents (children and elderly) to having a higher proportion of working-age adults.
  • This change in population structure can result in economic growth and development if the country invests in its human capital and creates conditions for productive employment.

What is the Significance of India’s Demographic Dividend?

• About:
  • India entered the demographic dividend opportunity window in 2005-06 and will remain there till 2055-56.
  • India’s median age is markedly lower than that of the US or China.
    • While the median ages of the US and China are already 38 and 39 respectively, India’s median age is not expected to reach 38 until 2050.
  • Challenges Associated with India’s Demographic Dividend:
    • Low Female Labour Force Participation: India’s labour force is constrained by the absence of women from the workforce.
      • As per Periodic Labour Force Survey 2020- 2021, female labour workforce participation stands at 1%.
    • Environmental Degradation:India’s rapid economic growth and urbanisation have led to significant environmental degradation, including  air pollution, water pollution, and deforestation.
      • Addressing these issues is essential to ensuring sustainable economic growth.
    • High Dropout Rate:While over 95% of India’s children attend primary school, the National Family Health Surveys  confirm that poor infrastructure in government schools, malnutrition,  and scarcity of trained teachers have resulted in poor learning outcomes and high dropout ratios.
    • Lack of Employment Opportunities:With a large and growing working-age population, Indian job market is not able to generate enough jobs to meet the demands of this expanding workforce.
      • This has resulted in high rates of underemployment and unemployment.
    • Lack of Adequate Infrastructure:Poor infrastructure, including inadequate education and health facilities, transportation, power, and communication network, makes it challenging for people to access basic services and employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
    • Brain Drain:India has a large pool of highly skilled and talented professionals, but many of them choose to leave the country in search of better job opportunities and living conditions abroad.
      • This brain drain is a significant loss for India, as it results in a shortage of skilled workers and limits the country’s ability to fully leverage its demographic dividend.

How India can Utilise its Demographic Dividend?

• Gender Equality:India needs to address gender inequality in education and employment, including improving access to education and employment opportunities for women.
  • Women’s participation in the workforce can increase economic growth and lead to a more inclusive society.
• Raising Education Standards: In both rural and urban settings, the public school system must ensure that every child completes high school and goes on to skilling, training, and vocational education.
  • The modernization of school curricula along with the implementation of  Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) and the establishment of open digital universities will further contribute to India’s qualified workforce.
• Encouraging Entrepreneurship:India needs to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly among the youth, to create job opportunities and contribute to economic growth.

General Studies Paper 2

• Context: Exercise ‘DHARMA Guardian-2023’was held between India and Japan at Belgaum, Karnataka.
• The exercise was held to share experiences gained during operations, in order to enhance interoperability in the planning and execution of various operations in jungle & semi-urban/ urban terrain.
• The Year 2022 also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

India-Japan Defence Relations

• India-Japan Defense and Security partnership forms a central pillar of bilateral ties. It has gained strength in recent years due to growing convergence on strategic matters and the increasing significance of a common outlook on issues of peace, security and stability.
• Exercises:
  • India-Japan participates in comprehensive  Tri-Service Exchanges resulting in regular armed forces staff talks between the two countries.
  • Indian Navy and JMSDF participate frequently in
    • Bilateral exercises such as JIMEX, Bilateral Maritime Exercises and Passage Exercises.
    • Multilateral exercises such as MILAN, MALABAR
  • Indian Army – JGSDF participates in the bilateral exercise Dharma Guardian annually.
  • 2023 saw the inaugural ‘Veer Guardian’ involving precise planning and skilful execution by the air forces of India and Japan.

Significance of Japan

• Japan’s manufacturing strength can help in the growth of the Indian indigenous defence industry.
• India can utilize Japanese experience in building border infrastructure.
• India receives large developmental assistance from Japan for special projects. Example: Bullet Train Project.
• Convergent Factors :
  • Open  Indo-Pacific:An open and thriving Indo-Pacific is important for the development and welfare of both countries.
  • Hegemonic China:China’s growing military capabilities and assertiveness on territorial disputes are concerns for India and Japan.
  • US role in Asia: Growing uncertainty over America’s future role in Asia calls the two nations into action to protect and preserve the rules-based order in their neighbourhood.

Way forward 

• By building on common interests,the Indo-Japanese relationship can reshape the Asian landscape and help in securing an open and secure Indo-Pacific.

General Studies Paper 2

Context:

• Mental disorders are now among the top leading causes of health burden worldwide, with no evidence of global reduction since 1990. Suicides rates in India are amongst the highest when compared to other countries at the same socio-economic level. The latest survey by India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) found that nearly 150 million Indians are in need of mental healthcare services, but fewer than 30 million are seeking care. This shows several issues with mental healthcare in India including access and social attitude to mental health. The Government has taken several initiatives to improve access to mental healthcare services in addition to gradually changing the discourse on mental health. However, as evident in the data, there is a need for further effort to address the issues.

What is the status of Mental Health in India?

• The WHO defines Mental Health as, “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in“.
• The WHO calls Mental health as a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.
• According to the WHO, mental illness makes about 15% of the total disease conditions around the world. In 2019, India’s suicide rate was at 12.9 per 1,00,000 persons. This was higher than the regional average of 10.2 and the global average of 9.0. Suicide has become the leading cause of death among those aged 15–29 in India.
• In 2017, an estimation of the burden of mental health conditions for the States across India revealed that as many as 3 million people (~14% of the population) required care for mental health conditions. This included around 45.7 million people with depressive disorders and 44.9 million people with anxiety disorders.
• According to the National Mental Health Survey conducted by NIMHANS in 12 States, the prevalence of mental morbidity is high in urban metropolitan areas. Nearly 1 in 20 persons suffer from depression. 0.9 % of the surveyed population were at high risk of suicide.
• According to the NCRB data, 1,64,033 people committed suicide in 2021, a 6.2% rise in comparison to 2020.

What are the harmful effects of poor Mental Health?

• Impact on Physical Health: A study found that positive psychological well-being can reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke. On the other hand, poor mental status can lead to poor physical healthor harmful behaviour. Depression has been linked to many chronic illnesses. These illnesses include diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.
• Impact on Relationships: Mental-health conditions during adolescence and young adulthood can have a significantly negative impact on the development of safe and healthy relationships with peers, parents, teachers, colleagues and partners.
• Impact on Productivity: It impacts a person’s ability to concentrate and engage in productive activities.
• The WHOReport on Mental Health and Development (2010) highlighted the risks of a cyclical relationship between vulnerability and poor mental health, in which people with such conditions are a vulnerable group subject to stigma, discrimination, violence, marginalization and other violations of their human rights.

Reasons for poor status of Mental Health in India:

• Lack of Awareness and Sensitivity: In India, mental health issues are not considered as healthcare issues. Any person suffering from mental issues is considered weak. Stigma and discrimination often undermine social support structures. Persons suffering from such issues are often tagged as ‘lunatics’ by the society. This leads to a vicious cycle of shame, suffering and isolation of the patients.
• A survey conducted in 2018 showed that while 87% of the respondents showed some awareness of mental illness, 71% also used terms associated with stigma.
• Lack of Mental Healthcare Personnel: There is a severe shortage of mental healthcare workforce in India. According to the WHO, in 2011, there were 301 psychiatrists and 0.047 psychologists for every 100,000 patients suffering from a mental health disorder in India. In contrast, the ratio in most developed countries is in excess of 10.
• Gap in Treatment: At present, only 20-30% of people with mental illnesses receive adequate treatment. One major reason for such a wide treatment gap is the problem of inadequate resources.
• Low budget Allocation: Developed countries allocate 5-18% of their annual healthcare budget on mental healthcare, while India allocates roughly 0.05% (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2014) of its healthcare budget. This is the lowest among all G20 countries. Despite a rise in mental illness issues, the Union Ministry of Health allocated less than 1% of its budget to directly deal with psychological illnesses in 2022.
• Changed Lifestyle: Increased use of certain kinds of social media is exacerbating stress and mental illness, especially among the young people. Social media detracts from face-to-face relationships, which are healthier, and reduces investment in meaningful activities. More importantly, it erodes self-esteemthrough unfavourable social comparison. In addition, some experts contend that the shift to nuclear families has reduced the avenues of relieving one’s anxieties as family members are not emotionally available at most crucial times.
• Income Inequalities: Mental issues are closely linked with poverty. People living in poverty are at greater risk of experiencing mental health conditions. On the other hand, people experiencing severe mental health conditions are more likely to fall into poverty through loss of employment and increased health expenditure.

What steps have been taken to improve Mental Health in India?

 Legal Measures

• The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: The Act makes several provisions to improve the state of mental health in India. The Act rescinds the Mental Healthcare Act, 1987 which was criticised for failing to recognise the rights and agency of those with mental illness. The Act seeks to ensure rights of the person with mental illness to receive care and to live a life with dignity. It provides the Right to Access to Healthcare: Every person shall have a right to access mental health care and treatment from mental health services run or funded by the appropriate Government. It also empowers person with mental illness to make an advance directive that states how he/she wants to be treated for the illness.
• The Act decriminalised suicide stating that whoever attempts suicide will be presumed to be under severe stress, and shall not be punished for it.
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017: The Act acknowledges mental illness as a disability and seeks to enhance the Rights and Entitlements of the Disabled and provide an effective mechanism for ensuring their empowerment and inclusion in society.

Schemes and Initiatives

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): Keeping with the WHO’s recommendations, the programme was introduced in 1982 to provide mental health services as part of the general healthcare system. The District Mental Health Programme(DMHP) component of the NMHP has been sanctioned for implementation in 704 districts for which support is provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission.
• Facilities made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels, include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc. In addition to above services there is a provision of 10 bedded in-patient facility at the District level.
• Generating Awareness: To generate awareness among masses about mental illnesses Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are an integral part of the NMHP. At the District level, sufficient funds are provided to each District under the DMHP (under the Non-communicable Diseases flexi-pool of National Health Mission) for IEC and awareness generation activities in the community, schools, workplaces, with community involvement.
• Under the DMHP various IEC activities such as awareness messages in local newspapers and radio, street plays, wall paintings are undertaken by the States/UTs.
• National Tele Mental Health Programme: The Government has announced a National Tele Mental Health Programme in the Budget of 2022-23, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.
• Kiran: A 24/7 toll-free helpline called Kiranwas established by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020 to offer support to those dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, suicide thoughts, and other mental issues.
• Manodarpan: Students will receive psychosocial help as part of an effort under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, with the goal of improving the students’ mental health and overall well-being. Its components include Advisory Guidelines for students, teachers and faculty of School systems and Universities along with families; National level database and directory of counsellors; Toll-free helpline; Handbook on Psychosocial Support etc.
• Issuance of Guidelines/Advisories: Guidelines/ advisories on management of mental illness have been issued by the Government. All the guidelines, advisories and advocacy material can be accessed on the website of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under ‘Behavioural Health – Psychosocial Helpline’.

Way forward:

• There is a need of an urgent and well-resourced ‘whole-of-society’ approach to protect, promote and care for the mental health of people. This should be based on the following pillars.
• First, there is a need to address the deep stigma surrounding such issues which prevents patients from seeking timely treatment and makes them feel shameful, isolated and weak.
• Second, mental health should be made an integral part of the public health programme to reduce stress, promote a healthy lifestyle, screen and identify high-risk groups and strengthen interventions like counselling services. Special emphasis should be given to schools. In addition, special focus should be on groups that are highly vulnerable to mental health issues such as victims of domestic or sexual violence, unemployed youth, marginal farmers, armed forces personnel and personnel working under difficult conditions.
• Third, Infrastructure should be improvedfor mental health care and treatment. Innovative models are required to deepen the penetration of services and staff. ASHAs can be trained for this purpose. Community health workers (ASHAs) can not only educate and sensitize women and children about mental diseases but also guide them to reach the right expert in their locality.
• Fourth, The above interventions will require enhanced allocation to mental healthcare in the Budget. Substantial investment will be needed to address the wide treatment gap in the health infrastructure and human resources.
• Fifth, Careful mapping and research needs to be undertaken to produce quality data, that is essential to understand the size of the problem. This in turn should be utilised to implement a comprehensive approach, supported by heightened political commitment, scientific understanding and a citizen driven movement.
• Sixth, the WHO has recommended Three Paths to transformation towards better Mental Health.

Conclusion

• The status with respect to mental issues has worsened since COVID-19 pandemic. The mental healthcare system in India is under-equipped to deal with the crisis. Urgent interventions, in terms of enhanced budget, increased workforce, and improved awareness are necessary to address the challenge.

General Studies Paper 3

Context:

• India is one of the largest consumers of vegetable oils in the world, with a rapidly growing population and increasing demand for edible oils. However, the country’s domestic production of oilseeds has not kept pace with this demand, leading to a heavy dependence on imports.
• India imports vegetable oil worth more than USD 14 billion to meet chronic domestic shortages, but it intends to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports by increasing domestic production.
• In the near future, it is necessary for the country to develop significant self-sufficiency, but for the time being, imports are unavoidable. However, the current import strategy prioritizes the benefit of consumers and disregards the welfare of local oilseed farmers.
• In order to be effective, a holistic policy must judiciously balance the interests of consumers and growers. There is a need for comprehensive policy action due to looming risks such as land constraints, water shortages, and climate change.

Why is India not Self-Sufficient in Oilseed Production?

• Land Fragmentation:
  • One of the major challenges in oilseed production in India is land fragmentation.
  • Indian farmers have small landholdings,which makes it difficult for them to adopt modern farming techniques, machinery and technology.
• Low Productivity:
  • Oilseed yields in India are relatively low compared to other countries. The productivity of oilseeds is hampered by poor seed quality, lack of irrigation facilities, inadequate use of fertilizers, and insufficient research and development efforts.
• Climate Variability:
  • The climate in India is diverse, and the crop productivity is highly dependent on the availability of water,temperature, and other environmental factors.
  • India has witnessed significant changes in rainfall patterns, which have adversely affected oilseed production.
• Lack of Storage and Distribution Infrastructure:
  • India has limited storage and distribution infrastructure, which results in significant post-harvest losses.
  • This, in turn, discourages farmers from producing oilseeds, as they do not have the necessary infrastructure to store and sell their produce.
• Dependence on Imports:
  • India is heavily dependent on imports for edible oils, and this has affected the competitiveness of the domestic oilseed industry.
  • Low import tariffs and high domestic taxes have also made imported oil cheaper than domestically produced oil.
• Lack of Government Support:
  • The Indian government has not provided enough support to the oilseed sector, in terms of research and development, extension services, and financial support.
  • The government has also not encouraged private sector investment in the sector.

Related Initiatives taken:

• National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP):
  • NMEO-OP is a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme. It is proposed to have an additional 6.5 lakh hectares for palm oil by 2025-26.
• Oil Palm Area Expansion under Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana:
  • It is helping increase the minimum support prices of oilseed crops,creation of buffer stock for oilseeds, cluster demonstration of oilseed crops, etc are being implemented by the government to boost domestic production.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
  • The PMFBY is an insurance scheme for farmers, which provides coverage against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The scheme covers all oilseeds crops and provides financial security to farmers in case of crop failure.
• Technology Mission on Oilseeds:
  • Launched in 1986, the Technology Mission on Oilseeds aimed at increasing the production of oilseeds through the use of advanced technologies and scientific methods.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
  • The PKVY is a scheme that promotes organic farming in the country.
  • Under the scheme, farmers are encouraged to adopt organic farming practices for various crops, including oilseeds.

How can India boost Domestic Production?

• Enforcing Area Expansion:
  • Encourage area expansion through incentivized crop rotation in high-input grain mono-cropping regions like Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
  • By promoting crop rotation, farmers in these regions can grow more oilseeds, increasing their yields.
• Adopting Multiple Technologies:
  • Incorporate multiple technologies, such as information technology, satellite technology, nuclear agri-technology, and
  • By adopting these technologies, farmers can increase their yields, improve the quality of their crops, and optimize their land and water usage.
• Work towards a Breakthrough in Seed Technology:
  • Investing in research and development to improve seed technology can lead to the creation of high-yielding and disease-resistant seeds, which can boost the production of oilseeds.
• Implementing a Robust Procurement System:
  • A robust procurement system can provide a guaranteed market for farmers, thereby encouraging them to grow more oilseeds.
• Tapping the Potential of Non-Conventional Oil Sources:
  • Tap the huge potential of non-conventional oil sources like cottonseed, rice-bran, and tree-borne oilseeds. By utilizing non-conventional oil sources, the country can diversify its oilseed production and reduce its dependence on traditional sources.
• Regulating and Monitoring Imports:
  • Currently, policy interventions are often reactive and knee-jerk, and lack supportive data.
  • A simple administrative system of ‘Import Contract Registration’ and monitoring of arrivals will remove the opacity in trade and facilitate data-driven decisions by India.
• Cutting down Credit Period to 45 days:
  • Long credit period of 90-120-150 days encourages over-trading and speculation.
  • Some Indian importers are already in a serious ‘import debt trap’because of rampant over-trading. Also, Bank loans to importers can turn into Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)
  • Reduced credit period will automatically slow the pace of import and make the importer more responsible and accountable.
• Bring Cooking Oil under PDS:
  • Support vulnerable sections of consumers with supply of edible oil under welfare programmes at subsidised rates.
    • Public Distribution System and private trade supplies can co-exist and help advance consumer interest.
  • Creating Processing Industry Modernisation Fund:
    • Many of the 15,000 oilseed crushing units and 800 solvent extraction plants are intrinsically inefficient in terms of scale, equipment, technology and productivity.
    • Amodernised industry will capture greater value and create potential to attract  foreign direct investment.

General Studies Paper 3

Context:

• The most critical and pressing issue in front of the world and coming generations is to contain the global temperature rise within 1.5^o Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the reason for this temperature rise. Therefore, all the mechanisms and sustainable alternatives must be implemented to mitigate the climate risk. Climate change is having profound impacts on India. This includes adverse impacts on agriculture, water resources, forest and biodiversity, health, coastal management, and an increase in temperature. Heat waves have become more common and severe with many cities reporting temperatures above 48^oCelsius. The decline in agricultural productivity is the significant impact of climate change on India. Recognising the impact, India is championing climate action to achieve the nationally determined climate goals, mainstream sustainability, and reduce the carbon footprint. In this context, decarbonisation of transport sector is vital to achieve the climate goals.

Current Status of Transportation in India

• The average carbon footprint of a person in India is 0.56 tonnes per year, compared to the global average of four tonnes per person per year. India’s transport demand is expected to increase by 2.7 times in over 30 years. Bus transport in India accounts for 38% of passenger km, though its share in overall registered vehicles in India is just around 3.5%. Two- wheelers account for 76-80% of the total registered automotive in India. Last-mile connectivity is still a big issue and mainly depends on three- wheelers and sub-seven-meter buses.
• Sale of electric two-wheelers has jumped from 4,073 units in June 2021 to 42,260 in July 2022. The prices of electric buses is falling rapidly. In a recent tender by the Convergence Energy Services Limited (under Ministry of Power), the price discovered for EV buses has come to be 27% and 25% below diesel and CNG buses respectively (without subsidy).
• India is the biggest manufacturer and market for two wheelers globally. The same status is expected to be carried over to EV segment. The EV segment is led by start-ups at present, but large traditional manufacturers are also scaling-up their EV segments.
• Lifetime emissions from EVs are 19-34% lower than (Internal Combustion Engines) ICE vehicles.

Initiatives for Decarbonisation of Transport Sector

• Shift to Zero Tailpipe Emissions Mode: The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan(NEMMP) 2020 is a National Mission document providing the vision and the roadmap for the faster adoption of electric vehicles and their manufacturing in the country. As part of the NEMMP 2020, Department of Heavy Industry formulated the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India  (FAME India) Scheme in the year 2015. Its aim is to promote manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and to ensure sustainable growth of the same.
• The 1^stPhase of FAME India Scheme was implemented through four focus areas namely:
• (a) Demand Creation,
• (b) Technology Platform,
• (c) Pilot Project and
• (d) Charging Infrastructure. Market creation through demand incentives was aimed at incentivizing all vehicle segmentse. 2-Wheelers, 3-Wheelers Auto, Passenger 4-Wheeler vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles and Buses.
• The 2^ndPhase (FAME II) is a 3-year subsidy programme. It aims at supporting the electrification of public and shared transportation. Since the launch of the the remodelled FAME Il in June 2021, the sales have increased rapidly e.g., sale of two-wheelers have jumped from 4,073 to 42,260 between June 2021-June 2022.
• The Government has nearly doubled the FAME 2 subsidy outlay at INR 5,172 crore in the Union Budget 2023-24. This is 78% more than the INR 2,900 crore that it had earmarked in the Budget for FY2022-23.
• EV Value Chain: The Government is trying to establish India as a leading producer across the full electric vehicle (EV) value chain. India has a chance also to become the global hub of manufacturing for the entire EV Value chain (except raw material mining). Therefore, billion-dollar incentive programs such as the Advanced Chemistry Cell Program  with an outlay of US$ 2.5 billion over five years were rolled out and have received an overwhelming response from the industry.
• Similarly, to promote manufacturing of EV auto components, PLI for Advanced Auto Components  (US$ 3.5 billion) has been launched. This will pave the way for a smooth transition of existing auto parts manufacturing in India and produce global champions.
• EV Policies: States have also provided several fiscal and non-fiscal supports, in addition to the incentives provided by the Union Government. More than 22 states have declared their EV policies. Several states have also rolled out the incentives for battery manufacturing.
• Indian Railways have launched their EV policy. They not only want to phase out all ICE vehicles used by Indian railways in offices etc., but also to put the charging stations at all electrified railway station parking spaces. This will significantly boost the charging infrastructure availability and help railways achieve their net zero carbon emission by 2030.
• Promoting Environmentally Friendly Technology: India is focusing on catalyzing, growing and fuelling the entrepreneurs in the country to create businesses with clean technologies such as hydrogen, electric mobility, batteries, etc. Green technologies are driving sustainable development in India. Such technologies maximise energy efficiency and preserve the environment while saving money.
• Shoonya– Zero Pollution Mobility: It is a consumer and corporate-facing campaign hosted by NITI Aayog. The campaign aims to accelerate the transition of vehicles used for ride-hailing and deliveries into electric vehicles (EVs) by creating awareness and demand for zero-pollution rides and deliveries in Indian cities. The ecosystem it has created by bringing together a dedicated group of industry stakeholders, corporate partners, and consumers is being utilized to build awareness around EVs.

Challenges to Decarbonisation of Transport Sector

• First, The initial purchase price of electric two-wheelers with fixed batteries is still greater than that of internal combustion engine vehicles. On a total cost of ownership basis, EVs are cheaper. However, high initial costs act as a deterrent to adoption.
• Second, the 2-Wheeler EV segment is being driven by start-ups and new entrants. Established players in 2-wheeler segment seem to be reluctant to join the EV bandwagon. This can limit the scale-up and expansion of the segment.
• Third, despite policy initiatives, there is severe shortage of charging infrastructure. Lack of charging infrastructure has limited adoption of EVs. The setting-up of charging infrastructure is not lucrative and appealing proposition as of now due to low market penetration of EVs. Hence, there seems to be catch-22 situation.
• Fourth, Despite Government push, the adoption of public transport has been low.
• Fifth, the manufacturers have not yet focused on the commercial vehicle EV segment, which has a large share in the transport sector and remains a large emitter.

Way Forward for Decarbonisation of Transport Sector

• First, to meet the needs of EVs, primarily four-wheelers, cargo three-wheelers, Light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and buses, there is a need to develop fast charging technology.
• Second, Government-led firms like BHEL/BEL can work together to build a local supply chain for charger manufacturing. Further technical assistance can be obtained from research institutions such as lISc and labs such as CPRI/CSIR/ARCI.
• Third, Opportunity charging and hybrid battery storage concepts (with fixed and switch battery) should be investigated for intercity transportation.
• Fourth, Rural battery swap stations can alter the landscape of EV adoption and battery storage. It has the potential to increase electricity availability and quality in remote places. For example, in rural locations, the battery switch station might be powered by localised solar power (small setups). These switch stations can function as micro power grids, supplying extra power to the grid while also powering nearby villages/houses, in addition to functioning as EV exchanges. Suitable models should be developed to scale-up such swap stations.
• Fifth, there is a need for developing a mission plan for Advanced Chemistry Cell (i.e. battery) recycling. This is especially significant since more than 95% of the original essential minerals in these ACC batteries may be recovered and reused in cell production. Many countries have already made the use of recycled materials in new ACC cells mandatory. India should adopt a similar approach.
• Sixth, German commercial vehicle manufacturers have committed to launching light-duty and heavy-duty electric vehicles as well as developing a dedicated charging network in Germany. All large manufacturers (Traton Group, Daimler, and Volvo) are cooperating with each other and investing in zero-emission commercial vehicle charging infrastructure to mitigate risks and boost asset utilisation. A similar strategy can be adopted by Indian manufacturers.
• Seventh, the electric bicycles need to be promoted. Although the prices of electric bikes are currently high, leasing companies, fleet operators, aggregators, financers, etc., can make it a viable option. e-Commerce and hyper-local delivery start-ups can utilise e-bikes to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Eighth, Since EV is an evolving space, capacity building at all levels, along with upskilling and reskilling, is very important. It all starts with the government officials at the municipal level who interact for things like charging infra, incentives, etc. The sensitisation of the latest guidelines, rules, incentives, etc. should be well communicated through regular training.
• Ninth, the decarbonisation of transport sector and transition to EVs will require creation of future ready workforce. NITI Aayog is working with IITs to nudge them to start EV-specific courses. More than 15 IITs have already started the courses at the PG level. This has to trickle down to diplomas and other technical and non-technical institutes.

Conclusion

• The Government has laid an ambitious outline and policies to direct the country towards a cleaner, greener, and more connected world. The industry is also reciprocating the same, but the speed needs to pick up on all sides, including manufacturing and consumer acceptance. Decarbonisation of Transport sector is vital to achieve the Net Zero target. It would require close cooperation among all stakeholders; Government, Business and the citizens.

General Studies Paper 2

• Context: Japan is now emphasising on the Global South amidst a major transformation of its foreign and security policies under Kishida’s leadership.

How has Japan shown impressive leadership in the world of strategic ideas in recent times?

• Japan has constructed and popularised the Indo-Pacific construct over the last decade and more.
• Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe first articulated the idea of the Indo-Pacific in an address to the Indian Parliament in August 2007. He called for a coalition of Asian democracies that eventually took the form of the Quadrilateral forum.
• Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has now taken the initiative to raise the Global South to the top of the G7 agenda.
• In a major policy speech in Washington last month, Japan’s PM Kishida cautioned other G7 countries on the dangers of neglecting the Global South. Kishida is conscious that the West has neglected political engagement with the Global South in recent decades.
• Kishida is firm in his conviction that the G7 can’t “impose its values” on the Global South. Kishida has told his G7 partners that we need to be more committed to our values.There is a need to have a firm understanding of historical and cultural backgrounds of the global south.
• Japan now wants the G7 to reconnect with the Global South in more fundamental ways. Kishida believes that greater cooperation between the G7 and the developing countries is also critical for addressing the current global challenges.

The major changes in foreign and security policies of Japan under Kishida’s leadership:

• Kishida is among the few leaders in Asia who has clearly articulated the implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago this month. If unilateral change of the status quo by force is unchallenged, it will happen elsewhere in the world, including Asia.
• Kishida has announced sweeping reform in Japan’s defence policy. This involved doubling the defence spending to 2% of the GDP over the next 5 years, building a large missile force, boosting cybersecurity capabilities, and taking larger responsibilities for regional security and capacity building in the Indo-Pacific.
• Japan has adopted new realist diplomacy. Japan now recognises the essential relationship between diplomacy and defence.

How is Kishida’s new approach beneficial from the Indian perspective?

• Kishida’s new approach provides the basis for more substantive and wider collaboration between Delhi and Tokyo in the developing regions of the world.
• India should welcome Kishida’s new interest in the Global South. Japan’s initiatives on the Indo-Pacific and the Quad have broken the misperception of Asia as being merely Sino-centric.
• The India-Japan partnership on the Global South might help overcome the traditional divides between East and West as well as North and South.

General Studies Paper 3

• Context: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) cautioned that sea level rise  poses a serious threat to both China and India in a report titled “Global Sea-Level Rise and Implications.”
• Findings of the “Global Sea-Level Rise and Implications” report:
• Sea level rise varies regionally
• It will encroach upon Infrastructure and coastal communities will be encroached upon
• It affects a number of major cities on every continent: Shanghai, Dhaka, Bangkok, Jakarta, Mumbai, Copenhagen, New York, Buenos Aires, Santiago, etc.
• Poses a significant economic, social, and humanitarian problem(threatens coastal farmlands, water reserves, the resilience of infrastructures, food-nutrition security, human lives and livelihoods), especially in vulnerable areas.
• Along with other climate concerns, it will affect coastal ecosystems, related development and beyond 1 billion people by 2050
• Growing Urbanization in exposed areas will exacerbate the effects.
• It is reinforced by storm surges and tidal variations as seen during the landfall of hurricane Sandy (New York) and Cyclone Idai (Mozambique)

Reasons behind sea-level rise:

• Increase in average global temperature (by over 1°C since 1880)
• Thermal expansion of seawater (leading to mean sea level increasing by ~20 cm)
• Glacier and ice-sheet melt
• Changes in groundwater storage.

Challenges:

• According to the IPCC, melting ice sheets (the largest contributor to sea level change) are hard to predict.
• By 2150, global sea level rise is estimated to rise by roughly 4, 0.5 and 0.2 m under high, mid and low-emission scenarios, respectively.
• Limiting 21st-century global surface temperature rise to 2 °C above the pre-industrial level ( ’Paris Agreements target) would be insufficient.

Way ahead:

• A low greenhouse gas emission scenario, with temperatures staying below 1.5 °C
• Reaching net zero carbon emissions before 2060.
• Particularly along the coast, urban systems must enable climate-resilient development.