[Mission 2023] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 18 March 2023

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

Answer the following questions in 150 words:

General Studies – 1

1. What is rifting? Analyse the challenges & consequences of rifting across the world.

Reference: Down to Earth

Introduction

Rifting refers to the geological process in which a single tectonic plate is split into two or more plates separated by divergent plate boundaries. This process leads to the emergence of a lowland region known as a rift valley, which can occur either on land or at the bottom of the ocean. These rift valleys occur due to the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates.

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Challenges of rifting

• Rifts are the initial stage of a continental break-up and, if successful, can lead to the formation of a new ocean basin.
• An example of a place on Earth where this has happened is the South Atlantic Ocean, which resulted from the breakup of South America and Africa around 138m years ago.
• Scientists, in 2020, predicted a new ocean would be created as Africa gradually splits into two separate parts. 
• The division of the continent is connected to the East African Rift, which appeared in the desert of Ethiopia in 2005, triggering the formation of a new sea.

Consequences of Rifting

• Displacement of communities, settlements and various flora and fauna.
• Impact their habitats due to climate change, resulting in environmental degradation.
• Rapid urbanisation and increased settlementswill put pressure on natural resources, leading to a scarcity of water, energy and food.
• Uncontrolled waste disposal.
• Some species will disappear, while others will become endangereddue to habitat changes.

Conclusion

Earth is an ever-changing planet, even though in some respects change might be almost unnoticeable to us. This change is currently happening and East African rift system is a perfect example of it.

• Do you think same sex marriages affect the Indian “social ethos”? Critically comment on the demand to legalise same sex marriages in the country.

Introduction

The debate over same-sex marriages is more of morality than on law. People try to establish a line of distinction between the ‘societal norms’ and ‘individual liberty’ especially in the culture where religion enjoys more prominence. The law on same-sex marriages in India is already indirectly established by the apex court. In March 2018, the Supreme Court of India has held that an adult has a fundamental right to marry a person of their own choice. The collective reading of this case with Navtej Singh Johar (September 2018) can be taken as a tacit recognition of same-sex marriage. Further in 2019, The High Court of Madras decreed and allowed the marriage under the Act.

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Background: Social ethos of same-sex marriage

• With a steady advance in LGBTQ+ rights, a growing number of countries are legalising same sex weddings.
• The institution of marriage in its current form, encompasses love, conversations, sex, procreation, sharing responsibilities and happiness.
• There are technical aspects like property, inheritance, insurance, visitation rights in healthcare and custody and so on.
• Marriage is the building block of stable communities. By what logic then should the government regulate the relationship between two consenting adults.
• Specifically denying same sex couples the full rights of marriage is obviously discriminatory.
• In India we have seen the Court intervene in cases of inter-religion and inter-caste marriages to protect our choices. This must extend to other groups. The law must ensure equality in the truest sense.
• The battle for gay rights has been long and difficult. It took years for the courts to accept it is not an ‘unnatural offence’.
• There was much reason to celebrate the abolishment of Article 377, but that is just the beginning.

Time for allowing same-sex marriage in India

• The domain of marriages cannot be immune to reform and review.
• Reform of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 to bring self-respect marriagesunder its very umbrella, is seen as a strong move towards breaking caste-based practices within the institution of marriage.
• Self-respect marriages were legalised in Tamil Nadu (later, in Puducherry) through amendments to the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
• Self-respect marriages have done away with priests and religious symbols such as fire or saptapadi.
• Solemnisation of such marriages requires only an exchange of rings or garlands or tying of the mangalsutra.
• Similarly, understanding the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, the law must expand the institution of marriage to include all gender and sexual identities.

Global laws

• Globally, the recognition of the unequal laws discriminating against the LGBTQIA+ community has acted as a trigger to reform and modernise legal architecture to become more inclusive and equal.
• As a result of a verdict by the Constitutional Court of South Africa, the Civil Union Act, 2006 was enacted, enabling the voluntary union of two persons above 18 years of age, by way of marriage.
• In Australia, the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws – General Law Reform) Act 2008was enacted to provide equal entitlements for same-sex couples in matters of, inter alia, social security, employment and taxation.
• In England and Wales, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013enabled same-sex couples to marry in civil ceremonies or with religious rites.
• In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States decided that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples.It held the denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples to be a grave and continuing harm, serving to disrespect and subordinate gays and lesbians.

Conclusion

At least 29 countries in the world have legalised same-sex marriage. It is time that India thinks beyond the binary and reviews its existing legal architecture in order to legalise marriages irrespective of gender identity and sexual orientation. The law is however a dynamic concept. Inevitably the nature of marriage would change if there is a change in society.

2. Do you think same sex marriages affect the Indian “social ethos”? Critically comment on the demand to legalise same sex marriages in the country.

Reference: The Hindu , Insights On India

Introduction

Data governance (DG) is the process of managing the availability, usability, integrity and security of the data in enterprise systems, based on internal data standards and policies that also control data usage. Effective data governance ensures that data is consistent and trustworthy and doesn’t get misused. It’s increasingly critical as organizations face new data privacy regulations and rely more and more on data analytics to help optimize operations and drive business decision-making.

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Aspects of data governance

The aspects are captured in the principles of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill as seven principles.

• Firstly, usage of personal data by organisations must be done in a manner that is lawful, fair to the individuals concerned and transparent to individuals.
• Secondly, personal data must only be used for the purposes for which it was collected.
• The third principle talks of data minimisation.
• The fourth principle puts an emphasis on data accuracy when it comes to collection.
• The fifth principle talks of how personal data that is collected cannot be “stored perpetually by default” and storage should be limited to a fixed duration.
• The sixth principle says that there should be reasonable safeguards to ensure there is “no unauthorized collection or processing of personal data”.
• Seventh principle states that “the person who decides the purpose and means of the processing of personal data should be accountable for such processing”.

Challenges of data governance

• Lack of Awareness:
  • One of the biggest challenges with data protection in India is the lack of awareness among individuals and organizations about the importance of data protection and the risks associated with data breaches.
    • This makes it difficult for individuals to take necessary precautions to protect their personal data.
  • Weak Enforcement Mechanisms:
    • The existing legal framework for data protection in India lacks strong enforcement mechanisms, making it difficult to hold organizations accountable for data breaches and non-compliance.
  • Limited Scope:
    • The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 applies only to the processing of personal data by entities within India.
    • It does not cover data processing by entities located outside India, which can make it difficult to protect the personal data of Indian citizens in such cases.
  • Lack of Standardization:
    • There is a lack of standardization in data protection practices among organizations in India, which makes it difficult to implement and enforce data protection regulations.
  • Inadequate Safeguards for Sensitive Data:
    • The current data protection framework in India does not provide adequate safeguards for sensitive data such as health data and biometric data, which are increasingly being collected by organizations.

Way forward

• Develop a Comprehensive Data Protection Law:
  • India needs a robust data protection law that protects citizens’ privacy rights while also facilitating the use of data for legitimate purposes. The law should be in line with global best practices and should provide for strong enforcement mechanisms.
• Build Digital Infrastructure and Skills:
  • India needs to invest in building digital infrastructure and developing digital skills to ensure that data is collected, stored, and used in a responsible and accountable manner.
• Develop Clear and Accountable Data Governance Policies and Regulations:
  • India needs to establish clear policies and regulations that govern the collection, storage, and use of data by governments, businesses, and citizens. These policies and regulations should be transparent, accountable, and enforceable.
• Balance the Interests of all Stakeholders:
  • India needs to balance the interests of governments, businesses, and citizens to ensure that data governance supports sustainable development and benefits all stakeholders.
• Promote Open-Source Solutions:
  • India can promote the development and implementation of open-source solutions to ensure that underlying data architectures are a social public good, and to promote digital technologies to become accessible and affordable for all.
• Ensure Alignment with Broader Development Strategies:
  • India needs to ensure that its data governance regime is aligned with its broader development strategies and values, and that it supports the development of a secure, more egalitarian, and trustworthy digital future for all.
    • India Stack can be designed and implemented in a way that is consistent with India’s broader development strategies.
    • India Stack is a unified software platform that provides digital public goods, application interfaces and facilitates digital inclusion.

Conclusion

In recent years, India has made great strides in its digital strategies and data governance. India has embraced technology and digitalisation to drive economic growth and to improve the lives of its citizens. However, as the country continues to evolve, it must also ensure that its digital strategies and data governance are inclusive, transparent, secure, and conducive to sustainable development.

General Studies – 3

4. What is superconductivity? Discuss its potential to revolutionize various areas of science and technology.

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Introduction

Superconductivity is a state in which a material shows absolutely zero electrical resistance. While resistance is a property that restricts the flow of electricity, superconductivity allows unhindered flow Materials are said to be exhibiting superconductivity when they exhibit the following two characteristics after being cooled below their critical temperature: zero electrical resistance and expulsion of magnetic fields (Meissner effect). All the electrons align themselves in a particular direction, and move without any obstruction in a “coherent” manner. Because of zero resistance, superconducting materials can save huge amounts of energy, and be used to make highly efficient electrical appliances. IISc researchers have reported superconductivity at room temperature. Their finding, now under review, will be a breakthrough if verified.

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Applications

• SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices)can be used to take magnetic cardiograms based on magnetic fields generated by electrical currents in the heart.
• These are used in the memory components of computersand fast digital circuits (including those based on Josephson junctions and rapid single flux quantum technology).
• Transportation: powerful superconducting electromagnets used in maglev trains, magnetic confinement fusion reactors (e.g. tokamaks), and magnets used in particle accelerators
• Transforming the Electricity Grid: Superconductor technology provides loss-less wires and cables and improves the reliability and efficiency of the power grid. It saves power and with it the financial savings and the environmental benefits also accrue
• Medical diagnosis:One of the first large-scale applications of superconductivity is in medical diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, uses powerful superconducting magnets to produce large and uniform magnetic fields inside the patient’s body.
• Superconductors are also being employed forundersea communication, submarine detection and geophysical prospecting
• high sensitivity particle detectors, including the transition edge sensor, the superconducting bolometer, the superconducting tunnel junction detector, the kinetic inductance detector, and the superconducting nanowire single-photon detector
• rail gun and coilgun magnets
• electric motors and generators

Conclusion

Technical barriers have till now hindered the large scale usage of superconductivity phenomenon. With the new discovery, the true potential of super-conductivity can be reached out for socio-economic development of the country.

5. Discuss the progress made in improving infrastructure in the country. Highlight the challenges and areas for improvement.

Reference: Insights on India

Introduction

Infrastructure sector is a key driver for the Indian economy. The sector is highly responsible for propelling India’s overall development and enjoys intense focus from Government for initiating policies that would ensure time-bound creation of world class infrastructure in the country. Infrastructure sector includes power, bridges, dams, roads, and urban infrastructure development.

Basic infrastructure facilities in the country provide the foundation of growth. In the absence of adequate infrastructure, the economy operates at a suboptimal level and remains distant from its potential and frontier growth trajectory.

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Background

The infrastructure sector will be the key to overall economic growth and macroeconomic stability, the Survey said emphasising that the year after the crisis (2021-22) will require sustained and calibrated measures to facilitate the process of economic recovery and enable the economy to get back on its long-term growth trajectory.

Role of infrastructure in transformation of economy leading to economic development

• Foundation for growth:
  • Basic infrastructure facilities in the country provide the foundation of growth.
  • In the absence of adequate infrastructure, the economy operates at a suboptimal level and remains distant from its potential and frontier growth trajectory.
• Increases employment:
  • Infrastructure development such as road construction, real estate, railway construction, etc. is labour intensive, leading to increase in employment opportunities in formal and informal sectors and thus, fuelling domestic demand.
• Raises Farmer’s Income:
  • Investment in infrastructure would play critical role in ensuring doubling of farmers income through focus on increased irrigation infrastructure and storage, processing and marketing infrastructure.
• Health and Well-being:
  • Infrastructure development of superior healthcare facilities, electronic health records and better equipped health infrastructure at primary levels. (Telemedicine)
• Reduces Logistic Cost:
  • Building world class roads, railways, ports, inland water ways, will cut down logistic costs and improve competitiveness and promote exports.
  • This would bring more revenues to government and may promote socio – economic development.

Major Policies on Infrastructure

• Government of India has launched National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)in 2019, wherein it has planned to invest about INR 102 lakh crores on infrastructure projects by 2024-25.
• In 2020, NITI Aayog and Quality Council of India (QCI) launched the ‘National Program and Project Management Policy Framework’ (NPMPF).
• The government of India has launched the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), a roadmap for asset monetisation of various brownfield infrastructure assets across sectors.
• NMP will help in evolving a common framework for monetisation of core assets. The NMP estimates aggregate monetisation potential of Rs 6 lakh crores through core assets of the Central Government, over a four-year period, from FY 2022 to FY 2025.
• Union budget 2021-22 gave a massive push to infrastructure sector by allotting Rs 233083 crore to enhance transport infrastructure and through National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) a Rs 111 lakh crore plan for financial year 2019-25.

Way forward

• Rs 111 trillion National Infrastructure Pipeline for 2020-2025 will be a game-changer for the Indian economy. Sectors like energy, roads, urban infrastructure, railways have a lion’s share in it that will help boost growth.
• To boost private investment in infra sector, it said the government has set up the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) for appraisal of PPP projects.
• Revamping of the proposed VGF scheme will attract more PPP projects and facilitate the private investment in social sectors (Health, Education, Waste Water, Solid Waste Management, Water Supply etc.)
• The Aatmanirbhar Bharat has brought manufacturing at centre stage and emphasized its significance in driving India’s growth and creating jobs.

Answer the following questions in 250 words(15 marks each):

General Studies – 1

6. What do you understand by net zero waste? Evaluate the challenges and opportunities in implementing sustainable practices in order to achieve net zero waste from housing societies and commercial complexes in urban areas.

Reference: The Hindu

Introduction

All upcoming housing societies and commercial complexes in the country will soon mandatorily have to ensure net zero waste and have their liquid discharge treated, as part of the government’s push for reforming and modernising the sewage disposal system.

Achieving net zero waste means reducing, reusing, and recovering waste streams (sludge) to convert them to valuable resources so that zero solid waste is sent to landfills.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will be sending a directive, likely by the end of March, to all State governments to make this part of the building by-laws and ensure implementation.

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Advantages of net zero waste

• Zero net waste means no by-products of manufacturing are sent to landfills. Zero waste conserves resources and minimizes pollution.
• A zero waste approach can build community capacity, support marginalized communities and protect community health.
• Community-based zero waste strategies like composting at a community garden, tool sharing and skills sharing to reuse and repair, build capacity to reduce waste and costs.
• A zero waste approach also protects the health of communities by reducing pollution in the air, water and soil by keeping toxics and waste out of landfills and incinerators.
• Greenhouse gases from landfills will be reduced considerably and thereby contributing to lesser global warming.
• While the government’s intent is to end manual scavenging, with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment estimating 400 people have died while cleaning sewers and septic tanks since 2017, experts believe a mechanised sewage system coupled with the mandatory zero net waste clause for housing and commercial complexes was important for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well.

Challenges in implementation

India currently generates 72,368 million litres per day of urban wastewater of which only 28% is treated, as per the ministry in data from 2023. This implies that 72% of untreated wastewater may be entering rivers, lakes, or groundwater.

• Limited infrastructure: Currently there are not many green technologies that are readily available for use by big communities.
• Public awareness: People will not voluntarily contribute to the idea as it ll add their out-of-pocket expenditure and maintenance cost will go high.
• High upfront cost: Cost of setting up the machinery and infrastructure can lead to high upfront costs and encouraging people to do it will be an uphill task.
• By-laws: Legal mandate to implement the net zero waste policy can take a long time.
• Consumerism: The fast-paced consumerism leads to added difficulty in achieving net zero waste as people buy one time use commodities.

Way forward

• Government must explore the potential of commercial use of processed sludge as fertiliser and empanelling all agencies providing sanitation services in both the organised and unorganised sectors.
• Indian standards for mechanised cleaning equipment should be reviewed and governments must consider differential tariffs rates for residential and commercial de-sludging.
• A Make in India start-up for promoting low-cost technological solutions like mechanical spades as well as sensor sticks for gas detection is needed.
• Integrating septic tank design into the building by-laws and adherence to standard specifications, geo-tagging all septic tanks and manholes for proper tracking and reducing GST on mechanised cleaning vehicles.
• Impose a legal penalty if buildings do not adhere to the bylaws and standard operating procedures.

Conclusion

The United Nations SDG 6.3 aims at “halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increase recycling and safe reuse globally” by 2030. Sustainability is not a choice anymore rather a necessity for survival.

General Studies – 2

7. While there are still challenges to be addressed, the Smart Cities Mission has made significant progress in the development of smart cities in India. The mission has helped to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development and has shown the potential for technology and innovation to improve the quality of life of citizens. Examine.

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Introduction

Cities accommodate nearly 31% of India’s current population and contribute 63% of GDP (Census 2011). Urban areas are expected to house 40% of India’s population and contribute 75% of India’s GDP by 2030. This requires comprehensive development of physical, institutional, social and economic infrastructure. All are important in improving the quality of life and attracting people and investment, setting in motion a virtuous cycle of growth and development. Development of Smart Cities is a step in that direction.

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Current issues in Indian cities

• Unplanned growth and high congestion: expansion of commercial and residential buildings violating safety norms
• Urban fires: Delhi 2019, 43 people killed on Delhi’s Anaj Mandi fire accident.
• Proliferation of slums: 2011 census identified 64 million people in city slums in India with poor living conditions.
• Crimes have increased with the increasing degree of urbanisation – Delhi crime capital
• As per CPCB report, 65%of waste water – discharged untreated in open drains.
• Water and sanitation problem apart from harming environment, also creating economic losses.

About Smart City

• Smart City:Another very important program for the urban development, especially of megacities, by the Government of India—accompanied by huge investments in these cities—is the Smart Cities Mission, which aims at making the cities ‘smart’ through:
  • Promoting mixed land-use;
  • housing and inclusiveness;
  • creating walkable localities;
  • preserving and developing open spaces;
  • promoting a variety of transport options;
  • applying smart solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development.

Smart cities mission as a solution to these problems

• Scientific land use planningcan help to avoid high congestion and thus avoid fire accidents and urban flooding.
• Effective solid waste managementand E- waste recycling facilities will contribute to the environmental health of cities.
• Modern transportation facilities with Last mile connectivity will help in decongesting the transport sector.
• Green energy technologieslike Electric Vehicles and required charging infrastructure will help to reduce air pollution.
• Urban forests, like that of the one developed in Hyderabad will help to create Green Smart cities.

However, Lacunas in Smart city mission like:

• Marginalised priorities: small area based smart technology enclaves are planned over just 5-10% of the city areas that consume 80% of allocated money
• Discrimination: neglect of poor and marginalised population, that greatly contribute to the city building process rarely find their right to adequate housing honoured
• Disregard to human rights:clearances of slums without proper rehabilitation for city beautification
• Bureaucratisation: SPVs created for the implementation purpose often overpowered by bureaucrats disregarding the power of elected ULBs in city planning

Conclusion

However, for achieving the goal of SDG – 11, implementation of smart cities mission is imperative. Thus, rectifying the above-mentioned lacunas, Smart cities mission can become a sustainable cities mission catering to the needs of present and future generations.

8. The UN’s High Seas Treaty establishes rules for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, as well as the sharing of benefits from the use of these resources. Discuss. How will it impact India?

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Introduction

The ‘Treaty of the High Seas’, also known as the ‘Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction’ (BBNJ Treaty) is an international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction within the framework of the UNCLOS.

The fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC-4) was held in New York to conclude a draft of the instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine Biological diversity in areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

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Major features of BBNJ Treaty

• It places 30%of the world’s international waters into protected areas (MPAs) by 2030, and puts more money into marine conservation and new rules for mining at sea.
• It also provides for–
  • Arrangements for sharing marine genetic resources, such as biological material from plants and animals in the ocean.
  • Requirements for environmental assessments for deep sea activities like mining.
• Richer nations have pledged money for the delivery of the treaty. For example, the EU announced nearly 820m euros (£722.3m).
• The treaty can have benefits for society (pharmaceuticals and food)and will help reverse biodiversity losses and ensure sustainable development.
• Provision of funding to help developing countries implement the treaty.
• Clearing-house mechanism to be established.
• The draft also adds that no State can claim its right over marine genetic resources of areas beyond its national jurisdiction.
• It stipulates that marine resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction that are held by indigenous people and local communities can only be accessed with their “free, prior and informed consent or approval and involvement”.
• Environmental impact assessments need to be carried out before the exploitation of marine resources.
• Use and activities regarding marine genetic resources of areas on high seas should be in the interests of all States. It should be for the benefit of humanity.
• Set up an access- and benefit-sharing committee to frame guidelines.

Impact on India

• The BBNJ treaty can help safeguard the high seas of Indian Ocean.
• Take the case of high seas around the continent of Africa.
• Since many African countries lack the capital and technological prowess to have their fishing fleets venture outside their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), European fleets have plundered those international oceans.
• If these European fleets had been bound by the laws of their home countries, it probably would not make economic sense for them to fish in those waters.
• India, with its primarily nearshore fishing fleet, is in a similar technological position to these African nations, especially with respect to Chinese and European fleets outside our EEZ.
• Being able to distribute and regulate our national fishing effort within and outside our EEZ, alongside regulated international fishing effort in the high seas, could give India the sustainable fisheries that could secure our ‘Blue Economy’.
• India’s approach to biodiversity management aligns with three globally accepted principles: conservation, sustainable usage, and equitable benefit sharing.

Conclusion

The treaty must be formally adopted and will enter “into force” once enough countries (~ 40) have signed and legally passed it in their own countries. The new treaty is expected to have the biggest global conservation and regulatory footprint (outside atmospheric and climate treaties). Sustainable use has been a guiding principle of the treaty, with significant ramifications for the fishing industry and the promotion of biodiversity conservation. These features have made wildlife conservation organisations laud the treaty.

General Studies – 2

9. Skill India Mission aimed at addressing the skill gap in India and provide adequate training in market-relevant skills for the youth. However, there is a need to address the implementation challenges and focus on emerging skills to make the youth industry-ready and increase their employability. Analyse.

Reference: Insights on India , Insights on India

Introduction

Skill India mission was launched in 2015 with a target of training and skill development to 400 million by 2022, covering each and every village. The main goal is to create opportunities, space and scope for the development of the talents of the Indian youth. To identify new sectors for skill development. Various schemes are also proposed to achieve this objective.

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Since the inception of Skill India mission, there are many measures taken under it

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
• Director General of Training – Modular Employable Skills (DGT-MES)
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
• National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)
• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
• National Skill Development Agency
• Aajeevika – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)
• Atal Innovation Mission
• Startup India

The impacts of the above schemes are:

• NSQF recognises prior learning, through which an estimated 20 million school dropoutscan get a second chance.
• There is a substantial increasein the number of people who were skilled in FY17 and FY18. Notably, the rise is phenomenal, it has risen more than four times, from over 3.5 lakh people in FY17 to nearly 16 lakh people in FY18.
• About 30% of the skilled personshave found jobs under the mission in FY2018.
• With nearly 55 percent successful placements, the Short-Term Training Program (STT)under PMKVY (2016-20) has successfully trained over 13 lakh candidates.
• Approximately 76 percentof the candidates have been placed in wage employment and 24 percent placed in self-employment/ entrepreneurship.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)is designed for those who already have a job or are self- employed and require up-skilling and certification for better prospects. Till date, more than 4.5 lakh candidates have been certified under this component of PMKVY (2016-20).

Challenges in Skill India

• The targets allocated are very highand without regard to any sectoral requirement. Everybody was chasing numbers without providing employment to the youth or meeting sectoral industry needs.
• The focus of PMKVY has been largely on the short-term skill courses, resulting in low placements. There has been an over emphasis on this scheme and hence it is seen as the answer to all skill-related issues.
• TheNational Skill Development Agency (NSDA), created in 2013 for resolving the inter-ministerial and inter-departmental issues and eliminating duplicates of efforts of the Centre. However, it has been now subsumed as part of the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This reflects not only discontinuity in the policy process, but also some obfuscation among policy makers.
• India’s joblessness issue is not only a skills problem, it is representative of the lack of appetite of industrialists and SMEs for recruiting. Due to limited access to credit because of Banks’ NPAs, investment rate has declined and thus has a negative impact on job creation.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)has pointed out flaws in the design and operations of the NSDC and National Skill Development Fund which has resulted in falling short of skill development goals. Majority of them also could not achieve the placement targets for the trained persons.
• The Sharada Prasad Committee, held the NSDC responsible for poor implementation of the Standard Training Assessment and Reward (STAR) programme. It highlighted that only 8.5 per cent of the persons trained were able to get employment. That is what has been claimed by NSDC.
• The Report also cites “serious conflict of interests” in the functioning of the National Skill Development Corporation. NSDC has not been able to discharge its responsibilities for setting up sector skill councils (SSCs) owing to lots of instances of serious conflict of interest and unethical practices.
• The skilling courses are not in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0which is round the corner.

Measures needed

• A distinct disadvantage with India’s approach towards skilling has been to ignore the demands of the market.
• For the most part, skills have been provided in a top-down fashion.
• Thus, most skilling efforts focus almost solely on providing certain skills but fail to “match” them with the needs of the market.
• Experts argue that for skilling schemes to yield lasting results, even matching is not enough.
• Given the way market demands fluctuate — for instance, look at how Covid pandemic has upended supply chains, skilling efforts must try to anticipate the needs of the market.
• There is a need to end the artificial separation of the education system into formal and vocational shall end with such enabling frameworks allowing seamless integration.

Way forward

• “Learning should not stop with earning. Only a skilled person will grow in today’s world. This is applicable to both people and countries,” while exhorting the stakeholders to continuously skill, re-skill and up-skill.
• This needs to be expedited as there is going to be a huge demand for re-skilling due to fast changing technology.
• The skilled workforce has helped India in fighting an effective battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
• India providing smart and skilled manpower solutions to the world should be at the core of our strategy of skilling youth.
• India needs to learn from technical and vocational training/education models in China, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and Singapore, who had similar challenges in the past, along with learning from its own experiences to adopt a comprehensive model that can bridge the skill gaps and ensure employability of youths.

10. Disaster prevention requires a proactive and comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of disasters. However, effective emergency response can help save lives and reduce the impact of a disaster. Analyse.

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Introduction

A disaster is a result of natural or man-made causes that leads to sudden disruption of normal life, causing severe damage to life and property to an extent that available social and economic protection mechanisms are inadequate to cope.

It is an undesirable occurrence resulting from forces that are largely outside human control. It strikes quickly with little or no warning and requires major efforts in providing statutory emergency service.

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India’s vulnerability profile

• India is vulnerable, in varying degrees, to a large number of disasters. Around 59% of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of moderate to very high intensity.
• About 12% (over 40 million hectares) of its land is prone to floods and river erosion.
• Close to 5,700 kms, out of the 7,516 kms long coastline is prone to cyclones and tsunamis.
• 68% of its cultivable area is vulnerable to droughts; and, the hilly areas are at risk from landslides and avalanches.
• Moreover, India is also vulnerable to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies and other man-made disasters.
• Disaster risks in India are further compounded by increasing vulnerabilities related to changing demographics and socio-economic conditions, unplanned urbanization, development within high-risk zones, environmental degradation, climate change, geological hazards, epidemics and pandemics.
• Clearly, all these contribute to a situation where disasters seriously threaten India’s economy, its population and sustainable development.

Impact of disaster

• Disaster impacts individuals physically (through loss of life, injury, health, disability) as well as psychologically.
• Disaster results in huge economic loss due to destruction of property, human settlements and infrastructure etc.
• Disaster can alter the natural environment, loss of habitat to many plants and animals and cause ecological stress that can result in biodiversity loss.
• After natural disasters, food and other natural resources like water often becomes scarce resulting into food and water scarcity.
• The disaster results in displacement of people, and displaced population often face several challenges in new settlements, in this process poorer becomes more poor.
• Disaster increases the level of vulnerability and hence multiply the effects of disaster.

Prevention and preparedness

• Disaster risk reduction is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters.
• Pre-Disaster risk reduction includes-
  • Mitigation: To eliminate or reduce the impacts and risks of hazards through proactive measures taken before an emergency or disaster occurs.
  • Preparedness: To take steps to prepare and reduce the effects of disasters.
• Post-Disaster risk reduction includes-
  • Rescue: Providing warning, evacuation, search, rescue, providing immediate assistance.
  • Relife: To respond to communities who become victims of disaster, providing relief measures such as food packets, water, medicines, temporary accommodation, relief camps etc.
  • Recovery: This stage emphasises upon recovery of victims of disaster, recovery of damaged infrastructure and repair of the damages caused.

Conclusion

Disaster management must be implemented at all levels of society and must have a bottoms up approach. Every disaster can be mitigated if there is preparedness and risk reduction should be first step to reduce the impact of a disaster.

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