General Studies Paper -2

Context: The Defence Minister of India has said that Uttarakhand is likely to become the first state in the country to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

A Uniform Civil Code refers to the provision of one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities, in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, etc.

Currently, separate personal laws apply for the members of different major religions.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 44 contained in part IV of the Constitution says that the state “shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India”.
• Part IV of the Constitution outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy, which, while not enforceable or justiciable in a court of law, are fundamental to the country’s governance.

UCC in India

• UCC in Goa: It follows the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, which means that people of all religions in Goa are subject to the same laws on marriage, divorce, and succession.
• The Goa Daman and Diu Administration Act of 1962, which was passed after Goa joined the union as a territory in 1961, gave Goa permission to apply the Civil Code.
• States like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Assam have also expressed their willingness to follow the UCC, none have officially adopted it.

Arguments in favor of UCC

• Uniformity in Governance: Having a common set of laws would streamline governance and administrative processes, making it easier for the state to administer justice and ensure the rights of its citizens.
• Women’s Rights: Personal laws in different religions may have discriminatory provisions, particularly against women, and a uniform code will provide a more egalitarian legal framework.
• Secularism: A Uniform Civil Code is seen as a way to reinforce the secular fabric of the country by treating all citizens equally irrespective of their religious affiliations.
• International Image: Implementing a UCC may enhance India’s international image by demonstrating a commitment to principles of equality, secularism, and human rights.
• The Supreme Court in various judgments including Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum judgment of 1985, has called for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.
• Promote national Spirit: The implementation of a UCC will promote the integration of India by establishing a shared platform for diverse communities.

Arguments against UCC

• Plurality in existing laws: Experts argue that if there is plurality in already codified civil and criminal laws, how the concept of ‘one nation, one law’ can be applied to diverse personal laws of various communities.
• Issues with implementation: The implementation of the code has been difficult because India is a diverse country with various religious communities following their own personal laws.
• It has been argued that the marriage and death rituals observed by tribal communities differ from Hindu customs, and there is concern that these practices may also face prohibition.
• Challenge for Law and Order: It would be a tyranny to the minority and when implemented could bring a lot of unrest in the country.
• Against Constitutional provisions: UCC is perceived as an infringement upon the constitutional right to freely exercise one’s chosen religion found in Article 25 and 26 and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Fear among minorities: There is a contention that the Uniform Civil Code may potentially enforce a code that is influenced by Hindu practices in all communities.
• The Law Commission of India stated that a UCC “is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage”. It recommended that discriminatory practices, prejudices and stereotypes within a particular religion and its personal laws should be studied and amended.

Way Ahead

The authorities should consult with different sections of society before implementing the UCC to foster an environment of inclusivity, transparency, and respect for diverse perspectives throughout the process.

The Law Commission expressed its support for achieving “equality within communities” as opposed to pursuing “equality between” communities.

General Studies Paper -3

Context:

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) recently completed five years.

About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the NCAP in 2019 as a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy to tackle the rising air pollution.

• The NCAP’s initial target was to reduce two key air pollutants, PM10 and PM2.5, by 20-30% by 2024, with 2017 levels as the base. In September 2022, the Centre revised this to a 40% reduction by 2026.
• The plan includes 131 non-attainment cities, across 23 states and Union territories, which were identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on the basis of their ambient air quality data between 2011 and 2015.
• Non-attainment cities are those that have fallen short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years.
• “PRANA” – Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment Cities, is a portal for monitoring the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Five-year status check of the NCAP’s progress

• For 49 cities, PM2.5 data was available for all five years. Out of these, 27 cities recorded improvements in PM2.5 levels from 2019 to 2023.
• Similarly, for PM10, data across five years was available for 46 cities. Of these, 24 cities saw an improvement in their PM10 levels.

Challenges in implementation

Funding:

• Underutilisation of funds: Allocated funds are not utilised fully by most of the cities. Cities are lacking necessary will to implement action plans effectively.
• Unequal distribution: Some cities receive more funding than others, leading to disparity in progress and resentment.

Implementation Hurdles:

• Inter-departmental coordination: Seamless collaboration between various government agencies (environment, transport, industry) is crucial, but bureaucratic silos often hinder progress.
• Infrastructure gaps: Lack of adequate monitoring stations, waste management facilities, and cleaner alternatives for industries slows down progress.

Public Awareness and Behavior Change:

• Limited awareness: Many citizens don’t understand the gravity of air pollution, hindering adoption of cleaner practices like carpooling or using public transport.
• Resistance to change: Existing habits and reliance on personal vehicles can pose a barrier to adopting eco-friendly behaviors.
• Ineffective outreach: Public awareness campaigns might not reach all communities, particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Industrial Compliance and Regulation:

• Stringent standards vs. economic interests: Strict emission norms might be met with resistance from industries fearing financial implications.
• Weak enforcement: Existing environmental regulations lack strong enforcement mechanisms, leading to non-compliance by polluting industries.
• Outdated technologies: Industries using older, polluting technologies lack incentives to invest in cleaner alternatives.

Rapid urbanization and population growth:

• Increasing emissions from vehicles and construction activities put additional pressure on air quality.

Geographical factors:

• Topography and weather patterns can trap pollutants, making it harder to disperse them in certain regions like Delhi NCR.

Measures:

• Push for utilization of funds: There is a need to ensure that the funds are equitably distributed among cities with their proper utilisation.
• Streamlined implementation: Addressing bureaucratic bottlenecks and expediting project execution.
• Effective public awareness campaigns: Targeting diverse communities with tailored messages and promoting behavior change.
• Strengthening regulations and enforcement: Implementing stricter standards, improving monitoring, and holding polluters accountable.
• Investing in technology and innovation: Supporting research and development of cleaner technologies for industries and cleaner fuels for vehicles.

Way Ahead:

• NCAP represents a significant step towards cleaner air in India.
• Continued efforts from all stakeholders, including government agencies, industries, and citizens, are essential for achieving its ambitious targets and ensuring a healthier future for all.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the status of trade between India and Oman and the Gulf. It also highlights the possible benefits and challenges arising due to the proposed India-Oman Free Trade Agreement.

The text of the proposed trade agreement between India and Oman has been substantially concluded, indicating that a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) (a free trade agreement, or FTA) may be signed over the next few weeks.

What is the current status of trade between India and Oman and the Gulf?

• Oman is India’s 29th largest trading partner, but the 3rd largest export destination among the 6 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
• India exports gasoline, iron and steel, electronics, and machinery to Oman, and imports petroleum products, urea, propylene, and ethylene polymers.
• Bilateral trade has been growing, increasing from $3.15 billion in 2021-22 (FY22) to $4.48 billion during FY23 (42% growth).
• The GCC countries contribute about 1/6th of India’s total trade. The trade balance, however, is in favour of the GCC (due to India’s petroleum imports).

What could be the potential benefits of the India-Oman CEPA?

• Facilitate Trade: It could substantially reduce the customs duties, and even bring them down to zero in some instances.
• Provide a Market for Indian Exports: Oman has a high per capita income of $25,060 (India’s being $2,370). Thus, it could emerge as a market for more expensive exports from India.
• Strategic Outreach in the Gulf: India is looking to improve its relations with the Persian Gulf nations as a balancing act in the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• Balance Tilted in India’s Favour: There is hardly any item sold by Oman that can threaten Indian industry. On the other hand, India might get important market access for its exports to Oman in the form of finished products.
• For instance, raw material from Oman such as petrochemicals, chemicals, and crude oil will enter India at a lower/zero duty. In return, India will get market access for finished products such as engineering, chemicals, plastics, textiles.

What are the challenges?

Limited Opportunities: Oman is a much smaller country than India, growth in trade between the two is expected to be limited. With a population of 1.4 billion, compared to Oman’s 5 million, India represents a much larger consumer market for Oman.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The article discusses the challenges in front of India, especially its electricity policies, in transitioning to non-fossil energy. It also highlights other negative outcomes of India’s electricity policies.

• The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) concluded with a statement calling for the phase-out of fossil fuels.
• However, achieving these climate targets will be difficult without immediate and decisive action by India, the world’s third-largest greenhouse-gas (GHG) emitter. India accounted for 7.6% of global GHG emissions in 2022.

What are the challenges in front of India in transitioning to non-fossil energy?

• Taxation Policy on Petroleum Products: India reduces taxes on petroleum products when global prices increase and raises them when prices drop (countercyclical taxation). This resulted in a low effective carbon price in India. Lower prices prevent shift to costlier renewable sources.
• Electricity Pricing and Subsidies: Electricity, which accounts for 34% of India’s emissions, is heavily subsidised in India (Subsidies mean fossil energy appears artificially cheaper than it actually is).
• Difficulties in Reforming Electricity Pricing: Reforming electricity pricing is difficult as electricity prices are not set by one central authority, but by the states and UTs. Additionally, the expectation of subsidised power has become part of the country’s politics.
• Lack of Clean-Energy Investments: Heavy subsidisation strains state governments’ finances – which prevents clean-energy investments.

What are the negative outcomes of India’s electricity policies?

• Depletion of Water: In agricultural regions, it has contributed to the rapid degradation and depletion of water resources.
• Health Issues due to Emissions: Reliance on fossils (such as coal) for power generation causes severe pollution-related health problems.
• Populism leading to even more Subsidies: In Indian politics, the popularity of electricity subsidies as a tool for winning elections may lead to competitive populism between state governments, leading to even more subsidies.

What should be done?

1. For the transition to renewables to be economically feasible, renewable energy and storage must be cheaper.
2. International financial support will be required for renewable energy and storage projects in developing countries.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the development of Lakshadweep into a high-end, eco-friendly tourist destination. This plan aims to limit visitor numbers to protect the environment, avoiding the environmental issues seen in the Maldives due to tourism.

What is the need for developing Lakshadweep?

• Alternative to the Maldives: Tensions with the Maldives highlight the need for India to have its own high-end tourist destination.
• Preventing Environmental Damage: The negative environmental impact in the Maldives underscores the need for a sustainable tourism model in Lakshadweep.
• Limited Space Management: Lakshadweep’s small size necessitates a controlled development approach to avoid overcrowding and ecological harm.
• Economic Development: With only 10 of its 36 isles inhabited, developing Lakshadweep addresses the need for economic growth in this region.

What are the challenges in developing Lakshadweep?

• Limited Area: Lakshadweep’s small size (32 sq km) and limited inhabited islands (10 out of 36) pose a challenge for large-scale development.
• Exclusivity for High-End Tourism: Due to space limitations, even with land reclamation, Lakshadweep is likely to cater only to the upper tier of travelers, making it an exclusive destination. This approach, though seemingly unfair, is a strategic choice to manage the area’s constraints.
• Waste Management: As seen in the Maldives, efficiently handling waste to prevent environmental degradation is a significant challenge.
• Balancing Exclusivity and Accessibility: Developing high-end resorts while preserving the local environment, as opposed to the overcrowding seen in places like Goa, requires careful planning.
• Sustainability: It’s essential to adopt sustainable practices early on to prevent future environmental problems. Constructing new facilities, such as the planned airport, while preserving the environment, presents a significant challenge.

What can be learn from Maldives?

• Maldives’ experience shows how excessive tourism can lead to environmental degradation.
• In the Maldives, waste disposal became a significant issue, with an estimated 300 tonnes of hard and soft waste dumped daily on a small island. This situation transformed a once-beautiful island into an overrun garbage dump, as highlighted in a 2012 BBC report. This example underscores the importance of effective waste management in Lakshadweep to avoid similar environmental degradation.
• The swift rise in tourism in the Maldives emphasizes the fragility of small island ecosystems, underscoring the need to maintain a balance between tourist numbers and ecological conservation.

Way forward:

• Conduct Sustainability Surveys: Carry out detailed surveys to ensure development in Lakshadweep is environmentally sustainable.
• Target High-End Tourism: Cater to wealthier tourists, who can be taxed for the additional expenses, to manage the demand and fund eco-friendly initiatives.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the emerging challenges for India in the wake of the recent Bangladesh Elections. It highlights the allegations against the Awami League government and suggests a way forward for India.

Background:

Ms. Sheikh Hasina (Awami League) recently came back in power in Bangladesh for a record 5th time (4th in a row). However, concerns were raised about the lack of participation of the principal opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party-Jamaat-e-Islami coalition.

What are the positive outcomes for India?

Continuity in Bilateral Relations: There will be continuity in the excellent bilateral relationship with Bangladesh, addressing India’s security and connectivity concerns.

Power Purchase Agreement: Power purchase agreement has been recently signed by the Hasina government.

What are the allegations against the Awami League?

• Election Irregularities: Large-scale false voting (such as the use of under-age children voting by turn several times) has been reported. This signals a firm step towards a one-party police state.
• Allegations of Corruption: Controversies such as stock market scams, large-scale money laundering, bank defaults, and crony capitalism have emerged.
• Anti-Secular Islamist Agenda: The Awami government plans to create model mosque cum islamic cultural centres. These can replace the syncretic and secular Bengali linguistic culture, threatening Bangladesh’s secular identity.

What are the emerging challenges in front of India?

• Harming India’s Image: According to the author, there will be allegations against India of supporting autocracies abroad to suit strategic interests.
• Anti-India Sentiment in Bangladesh: Anti-Indian sentiments (especially among the youth) are rising in Bangladesh due to its support for an increasingly autocratic regime.
• Support to a Problematic Dispensation: Massive corruption scandals, mismanagement of economy, and abnormal price rise has tainted the Hasina government lately.
• Opposing Stand of India’s Strategic Partners: India’s strategic partners (such as the USA, and its European and Asian allies) have criticized Bangladesh elections.
• Lack of pro-Indian Elements in the Government: Most pro-Indian elements in the Awami League have been eliminated.

Way forward:

• India’s loss of influence in the neighbourhood, from Nepal to the Maldives, reflects badly on India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. Hence, the following steps can be taken:
• India should push hard to induct some pro-Indian leaders in the cabinet.
• Secular alternatives to the Awami League should be explored.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses tensions between India and Maldives due to offensive remarks about India’s Prime Minister. It highlights the importance of the Maldives in India’s maritime security and suggests India should improve its diplomatic approach, considering China’s influence in the region.

India should heed K.M. Panikkar’s prediction about the critical importance of maritime strength. It’s essential to pivot from a land-centric defense policy to a more robust maritime strategy. It requires reinforcing India’s maritime diplomacy, enhancing naval capabilities, and fostering stronger ties with neighboring countries like the Maldives. By focusing on these maritime aspects, India can secure its interests in the Indian Ocean and counterbalance the growing influence of other regional powers.

Why is the Maldives important to India?

• Strategic Location: The Maldives archipelago, with its 27 atolls, is strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, integral to India’s maritime security.
• Exclusive Economic Zone: It has a nearly one million square km exclusive economic zone, vital for regional influence and security.
• Proximity to India: Located just 700 km from Kochi, India, the Maldives offers a significant geographic advantage.
• Historical Importance: The British maintained a base on Maldives’ Gan Island until 1976, indicating the long-recognized strategic value of the region.

What is the issue with India’s diplomatic approach?

• Continental Fixation: India’s focus has been more on land-based defense, leading to sporadic and random maritime initiatives. India needs to keep the countries like Maldives close, it will help in strengthening India’s maritime position.
• Perception of Dominance: Indian diplomacy can seem patronizing, particularly in smaller neighboring nations like the Maldives.
• Impact of Domestic Politics: Domestic issues in India, such as unchecked communal speeches, can negatively impact its image abroad.
• Need for Sensitive Diplomacy: India’s approach has sometimes been seen as overbearing, underlining the need for more sensitivity and balance in its diplomatic relations, particularly with smaller nations.
• China’s Maritime Investments: China’s politico-economic strategies include investments in regional countries, enhancing its influence in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the development of strategic ports like Hambantota in Sri Lanka and Gwadar in Pakistan, along with leasing a military/naval base in Djibouti, further challenges India’s regional influence.
• Use of the “Islamic Card”: Coupling its influence with Pakistan’s religious incitement, China is positioning itself as a significant player in predominantly Muslim nations like the Maldives.

What initiatives have been taken by India to overcome maritime issues?

• Creation of a Specialized Naval Unit: In 2005-06, India established a dedicated naval organization for foreign cooperation, led by a two-star admiral.
• Equipment Transfer to Neighboring Countries: India transferred patrol boats, aircraft, and helicopters from its own navy to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, and Seychelles.
• Training and Advisory Support: The Indian Navy has provided training and advisors to maritime neighbors.
• Responsive to Regional Crises: India has consistently been the first responder in regional crises, such as the 1988 Maldives coup attempt, the 2004 tsunami, and the 2014 water crisis in Maldives.
• Maritime Diplomacy Enhancement: India’s maritime diplomacy initiatives aim to shape the maritime environment favorably, aligning with its foreign policy and national security objectives.
• Promotion of SAGAR Vision: India’s 2015 SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative emphasizes broad regional maritime cooperation.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the recent developments which signal a decline in India-Maldives relations. It highlights the importance of maintaining sound bilateral relations which will be in both countries’ interest.

Background:

There has been a rapid decline in ties between India and the Maldives, especially after the Maldives’ newly elected President Mohamed Muizzu came to power on the back of his “India Out” campaign.

The recent incident involved tweets by 3 Maldivian Ministers, attacking Indian Prime Minister for promoting the Lakshadweep islands for tourism and made derogatory remarks about Indians. The Ministers were then suspended, and the Maldivian government has distanced itself from them.

Other incidents signal a decline in bilateral relations:

• State visits of the Maldives’ President to Turkey and China — the first President to not visit India on the first state visit.
• Withdrawal of India’s military personnel.
• Revoking of the joint Hydrography Pact.

How should both countries respond to this situation?

Both countries need to reassess their responses to this situation.

Maldives:

• It cannot afford to alienate India because:
• India’s proximity to Maldives.
• India’s rising economic stature: Indian tourists made up the most arrivals to Maldives post-COVID-19.
• India’s historical position as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
• India’s support to Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• India’s infrastructure and development projects in the islands.

India:

• India must realise that hostility towards a much smaller neighbour serves no purpose.
• Instead, both countries can benefit from a stronger relationship through the intense strategic partnership and cooperation on the international stage shown in the past.
• Hence, India should ensure that these developments do not change the basic structure of bilateral ties or affect regional stability.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the agency responsible for abatement of pollution in river Ganga and its tributaries, has assumed new powers.

About

• The NMCG issued a notification recently to amend the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.
• The NMCG now has powers to allow discharge of treated sewage, which conforms to the norms prescribed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The discharge into rivers or any other water bodies is allowed only after exploring the option of its direct reuse for purposes such as agricultural use, industrial use, etc.
• The move will ensure more water into the rivers. For instance, 560 minimal liquid discharge treated sewage water from the Okhla Sewage Treatment plant in Delhi may be released into Yamuna, which will increase the flow of the river.

Challenges persists

The NMCG, though well-intentioned, faces several challenges in its quest to rejuvenate the Ganges River.

Funding and resource constraints:

• Inadequate allocation: Despite being a ₹20,000 crore mission, only a fraction of the funds have been disbursed to states, hindering project implementation.
• Financial dependence:States often lack their own budget for river conservation, making them reliant on central funds, creating delays and uncertainty.

Infrastructure and technological limitations:

• Outdated sewage treatment plants:Many existing STPs require upgrades or are malfunctioning, leading to untreated sewage flowing into the river.
• Limited monitoring and data collection: Real-time water quality monitoring systems are crucial for effective action, but their coverage is insufficient.

Social and behavioral challenges:

• Cultural practices: Traditional practices like idol immersion and washing clothes in the river contribute to pollution.
• Industrial waste discharge:Untreated industrial effluents from factories continue to pollute the river, requiring stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.

Policy and governance challenges:

• Riverbed sand mining:Unsustainable sand mining practices can damage the riverbed and disrupt ecological balance.
• Fragmented institutional framework: Multiple agencies at central state and local levels are involved, but coordination and accountability are often lacking.
• Limited focus on upstream river basins: Pollution control efforts primarily focus on the main stem of the Ganga, neglecting upstream tributaries that contribute significantly to the problem.

Measures

• Several Sewage Treatment Plants took time to be commissioned as there were problems with land acquisition. Hence, there is a need to ease the process of land acquisition.
• The Detailed Project Reports, which prescribe steps to execute a project, and the roles of various actors, needs revisionas there is an impression that building treatment plants is entirely the Centre’s responsibility.
• The parameters used by the Central Pollution Control Board (levels of dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and faecal coliform), vary widely along various stretches of the river, reflecting still a long way ahead.
• On the lines of the air quality index, there is a need to develop a water quality index, to be able to better communicate about river-water quality of various locations.

Way Ahead 

• The NMCG has made significant progress in several areas, such as setting up wastewater treatment plants, increasing public awareness, and promoting riverfront development.
• Continuous efforts to address the challenges, along with innovative solutions and increased public participation, are crucial for the mission’s long-term success and the ultimate revival of the Ganges.

General Studies Paper – 3

Context: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has released the World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024 report.

Major Findings

• Joblessness and the jobs gaphave both fallen below pre-pandemic levels but global unemployment will rise in 2024.
• The Economic Recovery:The macroeconomic environment deteriorated significantly over 2023.
• Ongoing geopolitical tensionsas well as persistent and broadening inflation triggered frequent and aggressive moves by central banks.
• Monetary authorities in advanced and emerging economies implemented the fastest increase in interest rates since the 1980s, with significant global repercussions.
• Economic Slowdown:China, Türkiye and Brazil slowed down considerably, causing adverse impact on global industrial activity, investment and trade.
• Despite the economic slowdown, global growth in 2023 was modestly higher than anticipated, and labour markets showed surprising resilience.
• Unemployment Rate: The global unemployment rate in 2023 was1%,a modest improvement from 2022.
• The labour market participation rateshad largely also recovered from their pandemic lows.
• Although the imbalances eased somewhat in 2023, concerns are rising that theselabour market imbalances are structural, rather than cyclical, in nature.
• Real wages declined in the majority of G20 countries as wage increases failed to keep pace with inflation.
• In 2023, the numbers of workers living in extreme poverty – earning less than US$2.15 per day per person in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms – grewby about one million globally.
• Only China, the Russian Federation and Mexicoenjoyed positive real wage growth in 2023.
• Real wage growth in India and Türkiye was also positive.

Suggestions As per the Report

• In fast-ageing countries,policymakers need to support the participation of groups with weak labour market attachment, notably youth, women and older workers.
• Investment and skills policies need to raise productivity and potential growth and facilitate more productive use of technological progress.
• Improvements in sectors and occupations with low pay and difficult working conditionsmay motivate workers who left to come back.
• Ensuring that internationally mobile workers get matched to adequate jobs could alleviate some of the shortages.
• None of the structural headwinds facing labour market adjustment is likely to disappear over the short term, which makes it important that governments and social partners engage in supplemental efforts to address these challenges.