Draw attention to the different institutional and legal safeguards that India has for children’s protection, aside from the guarantees included in the constitution.
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Sangeeta rathorBegginer
Draw attention to the opportunities and difficulties that come with digital healthcare in India.
Sangeeta rathorBegginer
What are groups for self-help? With sufficient examples, talk about how they could aid the rural poor with their development issues.
Sangeeta rathorBegginer
Draw attention to how crucial civil services are to a democracy like India. What changes must be made to the civil services before they can maintain their significant national role?
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Civil services refers to the permanent executive branch of the State's administration, excluding the military and the judicial branch. The Indian civil services are modelled on the pre-independence administrative system of the British which is essentially a hierarchical and merit-based career systemRead more
Civil services refers to the permanent executive branch of the State’s administration, excluding the military and the judicial branch. The Indian civil services are modelled on the pre-independence administrative system of the British which is essentially a hierarchical and merit-based career system with accountability to the political executive. It acts as the backbone of entire machinery of the government and is important for a democracy like India because:
- Instrumental in policy formulation: It helps identifying policy areas, analyzing solutions, designing policies, determining programmes of action and suggesting policy modification.
- Provides policy continuity: The governments change after every five years, however, it is the civil servants who provide continuity to programs and policies and a stable administration without any political bias.
- Public Service Delivery: They perform the welfare and regulatory functions of the government by delivering the promised goods and services to the intended beneficiaries.
- Implementation of Laws: Civil servants uphold the rule of law and secure public order in the society.
- Facilitating participatory democracy: Civil servants secure the support of the people for developmental activities by involving them in the process. E.g. formulation of citizens charter.
- Role in exigencies: They are the first official responders to any calamity or hazard. E.g. role played in management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- National binding force: The civil services with its national character, have been a strong binding force and it has greatly contributed to national development.
However, Indian civil services are alleged to be status quoist, bound by rigid rules, filled-up with generalists and marred by corruption and political interference. In that context, several committees such as Hota Committee, Santhanam Committee, Surinder Nath Committee and 2nd ARC etc. have recommended following reforms:
- Enhancing accountability and transparency in the system:
- A statutory Central Civil Services Authority to deal with matters of assignment of domain, preparing panels for posting of officers at different levels, fixing tenures and determining which posts should be advertised for lateral entry.
- A fixed minimum tenure and an annual performance target along with a three-member Ombudsman for grievance redressal in case of early transfer.
- Lateral entry to be done through an institutionalized and transparent process at both the Central and state levels.
- Capacity building: Successful completion of a mandatory training at the induction stage and periodically during service, as a minimum necessary condition for confirmation in service and subsequent promotions. Mission Karmayogi’ the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) is a significant step in this direction.
- Use of technology: Technology could be leveraged for seamless coordination between centre and states e.g. instituting Online Probity Management System’ in all central and state cadres and strengthening the implementation of online Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).
- Code of Ethics: A comprehensive code incorporating the core values of integrity, merit and excellence in public service should be drawn up for civil servants.
These reforms not only strengthen the administrative capacity to perform core government functions to raise the quality of governance but also contribute to macroeconomic stabilization, improved development performance and effective implementation of social development programs.
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Sangeeta rathorBegginer
Describe the Indian institutional architecture for disaster management.
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Disaster management in India has evolved from an activity-based reactive setup to a proactive institutionalized structure and from a relief-based approach to a 'multi-dimensional pro- active holistic approach for reducing risk'. The current institutional framework is characterized by following mechaRead more
Disaster management in India has evolved from an activity-based reactive setup to a proactive institutionalized structure and from a relief-based approach to a ‘multi-dimensional pro- active holistic approach for reducing risk’.
The current institutional framework is characterized by following mechanisms:
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The National Disaster Management Act, 2005 Act provides for the setting up of NDMA at national level, and, the SDMA at the state level and the DDMAs at the district level.
- NDMA is the apex body for disaster management, which has the responsibility for laying down the policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management. The guidelines of NDMA assist the Central Ministries, Departments, and States to formulate their respective Disaster Management (DM) plans.
- National Executive Committee (NEC): It acts as the coordinating and monitoring body for disaster management. The NEC may give directions to the relevant Ministries/Departments of the Centre, the State Governments, and the State Authorities regarding measures to be taken by them in response to any specific threatening disaster situation or disaster as per needs of the State.
- National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR): A multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) was constituted to include stakeholders including people representing different interests in the field of disaster management apart from centre and state governments.
- National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): It is the nodal agency responsible for human resource development, capacity building, training, research, documentation and policy advocacy in the field of disaster management. .
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): The NDRF is a specialist response force that can be deployed in a threatening disaster situation or disaster.
- The National Disaster Management Plan, 2016: It provides a framework and direction to the government agencies for all phases of the disaster management cycle. It provides for a comprehensive plan for different hazards with role and function clarity of all authorities involved.
Similar structures exist at the State and District level for tackling disaster managements. These include State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), State Executive Committee and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). Need of the hour is to ensure effective functioning of these mechanisms by overcoming their various shortcomings like hierarchical, bureaucratic, command and control, ‘top down’, approach that gives the central, state, and district authorities sweeping powers. Going forward, India can also work on institutionalizing mechanisms for community-based disaster management, disaster resilient infrastructure etc. Further, issues like having no concrete plan or policy for anticipating requirements and mobilisation of funds, lack of trained manpower need to be resolved for the purpose of effective disaster management.
See less - National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The National Disaster Management Act, 2005 Act provides for the setting up of NDMA at national level, and, the SDMA at the state level and the DDMAs at the district level.
Sangeeta rathorBegginer
Although hydropower contributes little to India’s overall electricity generation, it is a significant global source of low-carbon energy. Talk about. (Answer in 150 words)
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In 2020, hydropower supplied around 17% of global electricity generation, the third-largest source after coal and natural gas. Hydropower provides for almost half of the total low carbon energy around the world due to its highly flexible nature. It also makes a major contribution to the security ofRead more
In 2020, hydropower supplied around 17% of global electricity generation, the third-largest source after coal and natural gas. Hydropower provides for almost half of the total low carbon energy around the world due to its highly flexible nature. It also makes a major contribution to the security of electricity systems worldwide. India ranks fifth in the world in terms of usable hydroelectric potential. It is endowed with a large hydropower potential of 1,48,700 MW of which only 29% has been exploited so far (CEA Report) against over 80% and 70% developed by the US and EU respectively. Further, the share of hydropower in the total capacity has declined from 50.36% in the 1960s to around 13% in 2018-19.
Reasons for low share of hydropower in India are as follows:
- Hydropower planning: Planning for hydropower development in India has generally been oriented towards individual projects and not focused on sustainable development of an entire river basin. Also, as water and water power are State subjects, the construction of Hydro Electric Projects is often delayed due to conflicts among riparian States.
- For instance, Shahpurkandi dam project (over Ravi), Sutlej-Beas link in Punjab and the Ujh Multipurpose Hydro Electric Project in Jammu and Kashmir are stuck due to red tape and inter-state disputes.
- Land acquisition: Problems arising in the acquisition of land for hydropower projects are leading to suspension and delays in construction activities.
- For instance, the 2,880 MW Dibang multipurpose project in Arunachal Pradesh is long- pending since 2008 due to land acquisition issues.
- Safety and rehabilitation issues: Construction and operation of hydropower dams in India have often led to mass protests and public outcry on the issue of safety, environment and rehabilitation, resulting in unusual delays and cost overruns.
- For example, the Tehri dam was commissioned more than 25 years after rehabilitation and resettlement was started.
- Financing: Financing hydropower projects by finding an optimum balance between bankability and affordability is often a challenge due to capital intensive and long gestational nature as well as weak financial situation of the power distribution sector.
- Geological issues: Handling the unpredictable geology of the young fold Himalayas where most of the Indian hydropower potential resides is a challenge.
- Lack of enabling infrastructure: Development of associated physical infrastructure (roads, bridges) and transmission infrastructure for power evacuation in remote areas such as the North-East region increases the cost of power affecting project viability and sustainability.
In the recent past, the government has approved targeted measures to promote hydropower development in India such as inclusion of large hydro power projects as renewable energy sources, Hydropower Purchase Obligation (HPO) as a separate category in the non-solar renewable purchase obligation (RPO), tariff rationalization measures, budgetary support for funding enabling infrastructure development, etc.
See less - Hydropower planning: Planning for hydropower development in India has generally been oriented towards individual projects and not focused on sustainable development of an entire river basin. Also, as water and water power are State subjects, the construction of Hydro Electric Projects is often delayed due to conflicts among riparian States.
Sangeeta rathorBegginer
What is the phenomena of La Niña’s triple dip? Talk about how it will probably affect various parts of the world. (Answer in 150 words)
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La Niña refers to the large-scale cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, coupled with changes in the tropical atmospheric circulation, namely winds, pressure and rainfall. The current La Niña episode started in September 2020 and has continued forRead more
La Niña refers to the large-scale cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, coupled with changes in the tropical atmospheric circulation, namely winds, pressure and rainfall. The current La Niña episode started in September 2020 and has continued for a third consecutive year and has thus been classified as a ‘triple dip’ La Niña. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the first “triple-dip” La Niña of the 21st century will continue to affect different parts of the world as given below:
- Impact on atmospheric pressure: La Niña is characterized by lower-than-normal air pressure over the western Pacific. These low-pressure zones contribute to increased rainfall.
- Rainfall associated with the summer monsoon in Southeast Asia tends to be greater than normal, especially in northwest India and Bangladesh. This generally benefits the Indian economy, which depends on the monsoon for agriculture and industry.
- However, strong La Niña events are associated with catastrophic floods in northern Australia.
- Drought conditions: La Niña is also characterized by higher-than-normal pressure over the central and eastern Pacific. This results in decreased cloud production and rainfall in that region.
- Drier-than-normal conditions are observed along the west coast of tropical South America, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and the pampas region of southern South America.
- Temporary cooling impact on global temperatures: During La Niña years, the colder surfaces allow the oceans to absorb more heat from the atmosphere. Consequently, the air temperatures tend to go down, producing a cooling effect, but this is not enough to reverse or neutralize the impacts of global warming.
- Impact on fishing industry: La Niña usually has a positive impact on the fishing industry of western South America. Upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface. Nutrients include plankton eaten by fish and crustaceans. Higher-level predators, including high-value fish species such as sea bass, prey on the crustaceans.
In light of these impacts, concerns are raised about the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe for millions of people in different parts of the world especially in the Horn of Africa, which is witnessing one of the longest and the most severe droughts. It is necessary to provide tailored information to the humanitarian sector and to support sensitive sectors like agriculture, food security, health, and disaster risk reduction.
See less - Impact on atmospheric pressure: La Niña is characterized by lower-than-normal air pressure over the western Pacific. These low-pressure zones contribute to increased rainfall.
Sangeeta rathorBegginer
The fight for national unification was one of the main characteristics of Europe in the 19th century. Talk about it in relation to Germany. (Answer in 150 words)
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The 19th century was a period of significant political and social changes in Europe. During this time, many countries were divided into smaller states and territories. The idea of national unity was closely tied to the rise of nationalism, which gained momentum in the aftermath of the French RevolutRead more
The 19th century was a period of significant political and social changes in Europe. During this time, many countries were divided into smaller states and territories. The idea of national unity was closely tied to the rise of nationalism, which gained momentum in the aftermath of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars.
Struggle for national unification in the 19th century Europe:
- Napoleon’s ambitions to establish a French-dominated empire in Europe were fulfilled to an extent with his successful campaigns till 1812.
- Napoleonic France directly annexed territories in the Low Countries and western Germany, applying revolutionary legislation in full. Satellite kingdoms were set up in other parts of Germany and in Italy, Spain, and Poland.
- After Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo in 1815, victorious powers also acquired new territories under the Treaty of Vienna.
- Prussia gained new territories in western Germany.
- Russia took over most of Poland.
- Britain acquired some former French, Spanish, and Dutch colonies.
- In 1820, revolutionary agitation broke out in the fringe areas. Risings in several Italian states were put down. A rebellion in Spain was also suppressed.
- However later, a series of wars and political struggles led to the unification of the Italian states into a single kingdom in 1861.
- Other countries, such as Ireland, Poland, and the Balkan states, also experienced nationalist movements seeking unification during this time.
Similarly, before 1871, Germany was fragmented into a large number of small states. The struggle for German unification is also marked with various wars:
- The first effort at unifying the German states came in the revolutionary year 1848 when revolts started in all German states to overthrow the present political system of Monarchy. However, due to the lack of strong executive power, the revolution disintegrated by 1849.
- The next attempt at German unification, a successful one, was undertaken by Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of Prussia.
- The first war of German unification was the 1862 Danish War, begun over the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein.
- The second war of German unification was the 1866 Austro-Prussian War. Prussia won and directly annexed some of the German states that had sided with Austria (such as Hanover and Nassau). In 1867, Bismarck created the North German Confederation, a union of the northern German states under the hegemony of Prussia.
- The third and final act of German unification was the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, orchestrated by Bismarck to draw the western German states into alliance with the North German Confederation. With the defeat of France, the remaining German states agreed to join the North German Confederation to form a unified German state under Prussian leadership.
On January 18, 1871, the German Empire was proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. All the above-mentioned movements helped to shape the political, social, and cultural landscapes of Europe, and their legacy can still be seen today in the identities and boundaries of many modern nation-states.
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Sangeeta rathorBegginer
The demands of the British Empire dictated colonial forest policies, which showed little regard for the welfare of the surrounding population or the environment. Talk about it in relation to India. (Answer in 150 words)
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In the pre-British period, the indigenous communities enjoyed unrestricted use of forest. However, the British rule in India witnessed large-scale administrative and structural changes in the forest governance. The main motive of policies was to serve the interest of the British Empire and to maximiRead more
In the pre-British period, the indigenous communities enjoyed unrestricted use of forest. However, the British rule in India witnessed large-scale administrative and structural changes in the forest governance. The main motive of policies was to serve the interest of the British Empire and to maximize their profitability. Regulation and extraction of luxuriant forest resources of India through successive forest policies was one among various such measures.
The colonial forest policy can be divided into three distinct stages:
- Regulation of forest land (1860 to 1900): The realization of the size of Indian forest wealth made Britishers establish the Imperial Forest Department in 1864. Subsequently, they demarcated forest categories like the ‘reserved’ and ‘protected’ forests, which restricted the traditional rights of the native population, which was mainly tribal.
- The Act of 1865 empowered the British government to declare any land covered with trees as a government forest and make rules to manage it. This made Britishers the sole benefactor from the resources, which was opposed by the local population.
- Regulation of activities inside forests (1900 to 1930): Several Forest Acts were promulgated to regulate the activities inside forest. The expansion of the railways and communication networks for better exploitation of Indian resources drove the colonial administrators deep into the countryside and forest areas, leading to ruthless plunder of forests for railway sleepers and construction of railway tracks. The Act of 1927 sought to regulate movement and transit of forest produce, and duty levied on timber and other forest produce.
- Sustainable management of forests (1930 to 1945): During the Great Wars, the true potential of forests was realized. By the beginning of 1941, the forest department was asked to meet the entire timber requirement of the Middle East forces and later of the Allied Forces in Iraq and Persian Gulf. This required large scale regeneration of already exploited forests. Therefore, more areas under reserved category were brought in Assam, Bihar, Bengal, Orissa etc.
- Post-war years were marked by drawing up a forest policy to rehabilitate the overexploited forests through developmental plans like plantation activities, research in silviculture especially those of timber, which had served as substitute for steel.
The exploitative policies of Britishers led to erosion of traditional fabric of tribal life, customs and rituals, which resulted in conflicts of varying magnitude and violent nature of death and destruction. In the long run, the colonial forest policy severely altered the indigeneity of the tribal culture and severely compromised its demographic profile and ecological sustainability.
See less - Regulation of forest land (1860 to 1900): The realization of the size of Indian forest wealth made Britishers establish the Imperial Forest Department in 1864. Subsequently, they demarcated forest categories like the ‘reserved’ and ‘protected’ forests, which restricted the traditional rights of the native population, which was mainly tribal.
Sangeeta rathorBegginer
A particular style of Buddhist art is recognized from the Pala Empire. Talk about the Pala dynasty’s contributions to art in this context. (Answer in 150 words)
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The Pala dynasty ruled the regions of Bengal and Bihar for about 400 years, from the 8th century till the 12th century. The Pala rulers were great supporters and admirers of Buddhism. The Pala period is known for its distinctive form of Buddhist sculptures, painting, terracotta arts and architectureRead more
The Pala dynasty ruled the regions of Bengal and Bihar for about 400 years, from the 8th century till the 12th century. The Pala rulers were great supporters and admirers of Buddhism. The Pala period is known for its distinctive form of Buddhist sculptures, painting, terracotta arts and architecture. Important centres of Buddhist learning such as Nalanda and Vikramshila also flourished during this period.
During the rule of the Palas, art witnessed phenomenal development in various forms, such as:
- Terracotta art: Terracotta was used extensively for decorative purposes during the Pala period. For example, terracotta plaques running around the full perimeter of the shrine at Somapura Mahavihara, or the Great Monastery in Paharpur. Other unique contributions of the Pala period include a miniature terracotta image of a fasting Buddha from Telhara.
- Sculpture: During this period, art reached technical perfection. The Pala style is marked by slim and graceful figures, elaborate jewellery and conventional decoration. Sculptures of Buddha and Hindu Gods and Goddesses were made during this period. Prominent examples include Avalokiteshwara images from Nalanda and Buddha seated in ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. The art of bronze casting also attained high degree proficiency during this period.
- Painting: The earliest examples of miniature painting in India exist in the form of illustrations to the religious texts on Buddhism executed under the Palas. Buddhist themes and images of Vajrayana Buddhist deities were showcased on palm leaves during this period such as Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita. The famous centres of Pala miniature paintings were Nalanda, Odantapuri, Vikramshila and Somapura.
- Learning centres: Nalanda (flourished under Devpala) and Vikramshila (founded by Dharampala) were great centres for learning Buddhist art. Students and pilgrims from all over South-East Asia gathered there for education and religious instructions. They took back examples of Pala Buddhist art to their countries, which helped in the propagation of the Pala style to Nepal, Tibet, Burma, Sri Lanka, Java etc.
- Architecture: Pala rulers constructed viharas to promote Buddhism. For example, Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur. Many of the sculptures in the niches in the Mahabodhi temple are dated to the eighth century Pala period. Further, ninth-century Siddheshvara Mahadeva temple in Burdwan District, with tall curving shikhara crowned by a large amalaka is an example of the early Pala style.
The Pala Empire made significant contributions to the development of art, especially Buddhist art. Their distinctive style of sculpture and paintings was not just restricted to India but also spread to neighbouring regions like Nepal and South-East Asia.
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Digital healthcare refers to the use of information and communications technologies (ICT) in medicine and other health professions to manage illnesses and health risks and to promote wellness. Digital health has a broad scope and includes the use of wearable devices, mobile health, telehealth, healtRead more
Digital healthcare refers to the use of information and communications technologies (ICT) in medicine and other health professions to manage illnesses and health risks and to promote wellness. Digital health has a broad scope and includes the use of wearable devices, mobile health, telehealth, health information technology, and telemedicine. For India, digital healthcare presents potential as an enabler for overall improvement of health outcomes, such as:
However, there are various challenges in the path to realization of the huge potential of digital healthcare in India, such as:
In this context, the National Health Policy 2017 envisages creation of a digital health technology ecosystem such as National Health Stack along with other measures, which are aimed at tackling various challenges and achieving SDG 3 i.e. ensuring health to all.
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