[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 11 November 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. Planning, investment, and community engagement are key to ensuring that cities are not only rapidly urbanizing but also developing in a sustainable and inclusive manner. Elaborate.

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Introduction

Urbanization is one of the most common characteristics of economic development. As the economy grows gradually, the process of urbanization depends on the shift of the surplus population from rural to urban areas along with the growth of some industrial urban centres.

In India, the urban population amounts to 461 million people. This number is growing by 2.3 percent each year.

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Issues plaguing the urban areas

• Dwelling crisis: There is a continuous scarcity of housing as the number of people living in metropolitan areas grows.
  • In India, more than half of the urban households occupy a single room, with an average occupancy per room of 4.4 persons.
• Overcrowding: Overcrowding, urban congestion is a constant, and it is an element that is growing day by day as more people and immigrants migrate to cities and towns in quest of a better living.
• Unemployment: Lack of highly skilled jobs is most prevalent in metropolitan areas, especially among educated individuals.
• Slums: Industrialization is fast-paced but there is a shortage of developed land for housing.
  • There are about 13.7 million slum households in the country sheltering a population of 65.49 million people across the country.
  • As much as 65% of Indian cities have adjoining slums where people live in small houses adjacent to each other.
• Sewage infrastructure: In most metropolitan areas, insufficient sewage infrastructure is observed concerning the rapid population growth.
• Health crisis: Communicable illnesses like typhoid, dysentery, plague, and diarrhea eventually can spread rapidly.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic is a live example of how overpopulated cities and medical facilities collapse under the weight of a pandemic.
• Pollution: The need for transportation increases with the increase in population, resulting in traffic congestion and pollution.
• Urban Heat Islands (UHI): These are significantly warmer urban areas than their surrounding rural areas due to human activities. Urban Heat Island is a major problem associated with rapid urbanization.
• City infrastructure across India is in disrepair, and 2017 gave us a series of unfortunate examples in Mumbai: multiple building collapses,

Important factors on which policy deliberation needs to take place 

• Government’s urban development strategy: There two urban related ministries at the national (GoI) level- the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA).
  • The Government of India’s overarching urban development objectives is to create economically productive, efficient, inclusive and responsive ULBs, by focusing on strategic outcomes: (i) universal access to a minimum level of services; (ii) establishment of city wide frameworks for planning and governance; (iii) modern and transparent budgeting, accounting and FM; (iv) financial sustainability for ULBs and service delivery institutions; (v) utilization of e-governance; (vi) transparency and accountability in urban service delivery and management; (vii) Slum-free cities.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission launched in 2005 (which was replaced by the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation in 2015). The focus of both these missions has been on urban reforms and massive investment in infrastructures, especially in megacities.
• 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.

Urbanization must lead to economic development

• It is estimated that currently (2020), the share of India’s urban population is about 35% of its total population, but the share of total GDP originating from urban areas is about 70-75%.
  • The share of urban areas in India’s total GDP was 45% in 1990, and rose to 63% in 2014
• It is argued that the rising urbanization will ignite urban consumption, services, and infrastructure, and that the urban focus can put India’s economy on a higher growth path through:
  • Fuelling urban consumption, especially of the premium-end of consumer goods and automobiles;
  • Powering urban services like consumer banking, healthcare, telecom data services, and internet;
  • Driving the infrastructure sector, including civic urban infrastructure services and real estate.
• Human capital and innovation: Cities are the centres of knowledge, innovation and specialization of production and services. Cities facilitate creative thinking and innovation.
• Economic Agglomeration: Agglomeration economies are the positive benefits of economic activities that firms obtain from being located in close proximity with those engaged in similar businesses or interests (i.e. agglomerating).
  • It refers to the reduction of business cost as more efficiency and productivity occur because of positive technological and pecuniary externalities arising from the interaction of economic agents located in close spatial proximity due to economies of scale and knowledge spillovers.

Conclusion

The point of a city is to facilitate interactions between citizens, businesses, and public institutions. These interactions are what drive economic growth within cities – investments from companies, consumption of citizenry, the city investing in interventions that aid its organic growth, and business activity. These factors work best when they are not mutually exclusive. By investing in the development of sustainable cities, India needs to break away from the myth of the compartmentalized city.

2. India should play a more active role in conflict resolution across the world by promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and non-violence. Discuss.

Reference: Indian Express,  Insights on India

Introduction

India, with its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, has long been a proponent of pluralism, tolerance, inclusivity, and non-violence. These values are deeply ingrained in its ancient and medieval history, making it uniquely positioned to play a more active role in conflict resolution on the global stage.

From Ashoka’s Dhamma to Gandhiji’s ahimsa and our motto of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam, India is poised for becoming the leader in conflict resolution and promoting peace and non-violence.

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India’s pluralist values

• Melting pot: From the times of the Mauryan and Gupta empires to the Mughal era, various faiths and traditions found acceptance and flourished within the subcontinent. This historical precedent serves as a strong foundation for India to advocate for tolerance and inclusivity in contemporary conflict resolution efforts.
• Cultural Synthesis: The Bhakti and Sufi movements were integral in fostering religious harmony and inclusivity. Bhakti saints advocated for a direct, personal relationship with the Divine, irrespective of caste or creed. Similarly, Sufi mystics emphasized the universality of spiritual experience, transcending religious boundaries.
• Struggle for freedom: India’s own struggle for independence under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi exemplified the power of non-violence as a means to achieve social and political change. This legacy of non-violent resistance continues to inspire movements worldwide. By actively promoting these principles, India can serve as a beacon of hope and a model for resolving conflicts without resorting to violence.
• Silk Road and Spice Route: India’s position as a crossroads of ancient trade routes facilitated cultural exchange with diverse civilizations. This exchange of goods and ideas contributed to the cultural mosaic of the subcontinent.

Challenges

• Critics argue that India’s domestic challenges, including religious tensions and internal conflicts, may hinder its ability to effectively engage in global conflict resolution efforts.
• India’s geopolitical position and alliances may also impact its role in conflict resolution. As a member of international forums like the United Nations, India must navigate complex diplomatic relationships with various countries.
• Striking a balance between its interests and the pursuit of global peace is a delicate task.

Conclusion

To play a more active role in global conflict resolution, India must leverage its historical legacy of tolerance, inclusivity, and non-violence. By promoting these values on the world stage, India can inspire positive change and contribute to peaceful resolutions of conflicts. It is imperative for India to simultaneously address its internal challenges and work towards establishing itself as a credible and impartial mediator. Through these efforts, India can truly embody the principles it seeks to promote, ultimately fostering a more peaceful and inclusive world.

General Studies – 2

3. Do you think Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system for elections in India can overcome the limitations of first-past-the-post (FPTP) leading to a more balanced representation. Examine.

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Introduction

The Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system is an electoral system that combines elements of both first-past-the-post (FPTP) and proportional representation (PR) systems. In an MMP system, voters cast two votes: one for a candidate running in their local district (similar to FPTP), and another for a political party or a list of candidates at the national or regional level.

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About MMP system

• The total number of seats in the legislature is divided into two categories: single-member districts and proportional representation seats. The FPTP component determines the winners in the single-member districts, while the PR component is used to allocate seats to parties based on their overall share of the national or regional vote.
• To ensure proportional representation, parties that receive fewer seats in the FPTP component than their overall vote share would suggest are allocated additional seats from a party list to make up the difference. This helps to correct any disproportionality that may arise from the FPTP component.
• MMP systems aim to strike a balance between the direct representation of individual constituencies, which is a feature of FPTP, and the proportional representation of political parties, as seen in PR systems. This makes MMP a popular choice in countries seeking to achieve a fairer and more balanced representation of political preferences. Countries like Germany, New Zealand, and Scotland use variations of the MMP system in their respective electoral processes.

Advantages of MMP system

• FPTP Limitations: It can lead to a distortion of representation, favouring larger parties and potentially ignoring diverse political preferences.
• Balanced Representation: MMP combines single-member districts with proportional representation, allowing for a more accurate reflection of the overall popular vote.
  • This can result in a more balanced distribution of seats in the legislature.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: MMP provides opportunities for smaller parties and independent candidates to secure representation.
  • This leads to a more diverse and inclusive political landscape, representing a broader spectrum of ideologies and interests.
• Coalition Building: MMP encourages collaboration and coalition-building among political parties.
  • Parties are incentivized to work together to secure a majority in the legislature, leading to more stable and inclusive governance.
• Considerations for Implementation: Careful consideration of constituency boundaries, party list systems, and mechanisms to prevent overrepresentation are crucial for the successful implementation of MMP.
• Voter Education: Voter education is vital to ensure that citizens understand how to effectively utilize their votes in an MMP system.
  • This helps in maximizing the benefits of a proportional representation system.
• Potential for Stable Governance: A well-implemented MMP system has the potential to lead to more stable and effective governance, as parties are compelled to find common ground and negotiate on policy issues.
• Ensuring Fairness: Mechanisms should be in place to prevent any manipulation or gerrymandering in the implementation of an MMP system.
  • This is essential for maintaining the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.

Conclusion

Thus adopting a Mixed-Member Proportional system in India has the potential to address the limitations of the First-Past-The-Post system. It can lead to a more balanced representation, a greater diversity of voices in the legislature, and foster collaborative governance. However, careful planning, implementation, and voter education are crucial for the success of such a transition.

General Studies – 3

4. What is anti-microbial resistance (AMR)? What are the factors that lead to AMR? Evaluate India’s preparedness in dealing with it.

Reference: Indian Express

Introduction

The WHO defines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a condition wherein microbes survive when exposed to the drug which would have normally caused them to die. It is the resistance acquired by any microorganism like bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc. against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarial, and anthelmintic) that are used to treat infections and is regarded as a major threat to public health across the globe.

Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others.

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Reasons for the spread of AMR:

• Antibiotic consumption in humans
  • Unnecessary and injudicious use of antibiotic fixed dose combinations could lead to emergence of bacterial strains resistant to multiple antibiotics.
• Social factors
  • Self-medication.
  • Access to antibiotics without prescription.
  • Lack of knowledge about when to use antibiotics.
• Cultural Activities
  • Mass bathing in rivers as part of religious mass gathering occasions.
• Antibiotic Consumption in Food Animals
  • Antibiotics which are critical to human health are commonly used for growth promotion in poultry.
• Pharmaceutical Industry Pollution
  • The wastewater effluents from the antibiotic manufacturing units contain a substantial amount of antibiotics, leading to contamination of rivers and lakes.
• Environmental Sanitation
  • Untreated disposal of sewage water bodies – leading to contamination of rivers with antibiotic residues and antibiotic-resistant organisms.
• Infection Control Practices in Healthcare Settings
  • A report on hand-washing practices of nurses and doctors found that only 31.8% of them washed hands after contact with patients.

Global steps to AMR:

• Netherlands and Thailandhave decreased their usage by almost 50%.
• In China, the consumption of antibiotics in the agricultural sector has fallen substantially.
• The use of antibiotics in healthy animalsto boost growth has also been reduced in the last decade in many countries.

Efforts to control AMR in India:

• Burden of infectious disease (Bacterial infections) is high and healthcare spending is low. The National Health Policy 2017 highlights the problem of antimicrobial resistance and calls for effective action to address it.
• The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) identified AMR as one of the top 10 priorities for the ministry’s collaborative work with WHO.
• In 2012, India’s medical societies adopted the Chennai Declaration, a set of national recommendations to promote antibiotic stewardship.
• India’s Red Line campaign demands that prescription-only antibiotics be marked with a red line, to discourage the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics.
• National Policy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance 2011.
• National Action Plan on AMR resistance 2017-2021.
• India has instituted surveillance of the emergence of drug resistance in disease causing microbes in programmes on Tuberculosis, Vector Borne diseases, AIDS, etc.
• Since March 2014 a separate Schedule H-1 has been incorporated in Drug and Cosmetic rules to regulate the sale of antimicrobials in the country.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the use of antibiotics and several pharmacologically active substances in fisheries.
• The government has also capped the maximum levels of drugs that can be used for growth promotion in meat and meat products.

Way forward

• The rapidly rising AMR rates need an accelerated, multi-sectoral, global and national response.
• G-20 president, and as a country vulnerable to this silent pandemic: India’s role is critical in ensuring that AMR remains high on the global public health agenda.
• G-20 health summits spread through 2023offer an opportunity for India to ensure that all aspects of AMR are addressed and countries commit to progress.
• Some key areas for action are:
  • surveillance of both phenotypic and genotypic — of priority pathogens
  • Sharing of data, including through WHO’s GLASS platform
  • Regulatory and policy action to stop use of antibiotics that are important for human health in animals;
  • No use of antibiotics for growth promotion in animals
  • More government investmentin research and innovation for new antibiotics
  • Explore use of vaccinesto prevent certain infections due to AMR organisms in humans and animals.
  • Special focus on combating TB and drug-resistant TB.

Conclusion

Anti-Microbial Resistance is not a country specific issue but a global concern that is jeopardizing global health security. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major public health problems. Reducing the incidence of infection through effective infection prevention and control.  As stated by WHO, making infection prevention and hand hygiene a national policy priority is need of the hour.

Value addition

International Efforts

• A multi-sectoral $1 billion AMR Action Fund was launched in 2020 to support the development of new antibiotics.
• Peru’s efforts on patient education to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
• Australian regulatory reforms to influence prescriber behaviour.
• Denmark’s reforms to prevent the use of antibiotics in livestock have not only led to a significant reduction in the prevalence of resistant microbes in animals, but also improved the efficiency of farming.
• India proposed laws to curb the amount of active antibiotics released in pharmaceutical waste

5. Do you think that the Loss and Damage (L&D) fund is effective enough in supporting vulnerable countries affected by climate change? State your opinion.

Reference: The Hindu

Introduction

Loss and damage refer to the negative consequences of climate change on human societies and the natural environment. Climate change is affecting the frequency, intensity and geographical distribution of extreme weather events such as storms, floods and heatwaves, and slow-onset events such as sea level rise, ocean acidification, loss of biodiversity and desertification.

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About Loss and Damage

• ‘Loss and Damage’ has a distinct but contested meaning in the international climate change policy It is predominately about how to support developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
• All of these result in loss and damage, both economic and non-economic. Economic loss and damage may include damage to crops, homes or infrastructure.
• Non-economic loss and damage may include harm to human health and mobility; loss of access to territory, of cultural heritage and of indigenous and local knowledge; and loss of and damage to biodiversity and habitats.

Need for rich nations compensating poor countries for Loss and Damage due to climate change

• Loss and Damage (L&D), which essentially tries to capture inability to cope with the effects of warming. This is distinct from mitigation, or reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and adaptation, or finding ways to live in a warmer world.
• In Warsaw in 2013, all parties agreed to set up a new mechanism on L&D.
• The issue is important because even after GHG emissions are reduced and communities adapt to climate change, there would still be loss and damage to people, livelihoods and infrastructure as a result of their inability to cope with climate change.
• At its heart, the demand for compensation for loss and damage from climate disasters is an extension of the universally acknowledged “Polluter Pays” principle, that makes the polluter liable for paying not just for the cost of remedial action, but also for compensating the victims of environmental damage caused by their actions.
• In the climate change framework, the burden of responsibility falls on those rich countries that have contributed most of the greenhouse gas emissions since 1850, generally considered to be the beginning of the industrial age.
  • The United States and the European Union, including the UK, account for over 50 per cent of all emissions during this time.
  • If Russia, Canada, Japan, and Australia are included, the combined contribution goes past 65 per cent, or almost two-thirds of all emissions.
• Historical responsibility is important because carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, and it is the cumulative accumulation of this carbon dioxide that causes global warming.
• A country like India, currently the third largest emitter, accounts for only 3 per cent of historical emissions. China, which is the world’s biggest emitter for over 15 years now, has contributed about 11 per cent to total emissions since 1850.
• According to a recent report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Efforts (UNOCHA) the United States alone is estimated to have “inflicted more than $1.9 trillion in damages to other countries” due to its emissions. Then there are non-economic losses as well, including loss of lives, displacement and migration, health impacts, and damage to cultural heritage.

Warsaw mechanism

• The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the 1994 international agreement that lays down the broad principles of the global effort to fight climate change, acknowledges the differentiated responsibility of nations.
• It makes it clear that rich countries must provide both the finance and the technology to developing nations to help tackle climate change. However, the UNFCCC does not mention loss and damage.
• In 2009, developed countries agreed to provide US$ 100 billion every year from 2020 to help developing nations fight climate change.
  • However, they are struggling to fulfill this promise.
• It was after much struggle that developing countries and environment groups managed to establish a separate channel on loss and damages. The Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damages, set up in 2013, was the first formal acknowledgment of the need to compensate developing countries struck by climate disasters.

Conclusion

While including loss and damage into the COP’s formal agenda — instead of the WIM — is a good beginning, it is just the first step. It might be several years before money actually begins to flow in to compensate poorer countries. Also, past record suggests that the quantum of money put on the table for climate change purposes is never commensurate to the requirements.

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

General Studies – 1

6. Tackling rural distress through targeted interventions, such as employment generation and social welfare programs, can contribute to reducing the incidence of child marriages. Examine.

Reference: Indian Express

Introduction

Rural distress in India refers to the challenging socio-economic conditions prevalent in rural areas, characterized by a combination of factors that adversely affect the livelihoods and well-being of rural communities.

The linkage between rural distress and child marriage in India is multifaceted and interconnected. Various socio-economic factors associated with rural distress often contribute to a higher prevalence of child marriages. Understanding these connections is crucial for developing effective interventions to address both issues.

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Rural distress in India

• Economic challenges and poverty in rural areas can lead to financial stress within families. In such circumstances, parents may see child marriage as a way to reduce the economic burden by transferring the responsibility of their child to another family.
• Lack of Access to Education: Rural distress often results in limited access to quality education. Families facing economic hardships may prioritize the marriage of their children over education, particularly for girls. Child marriage can be perceived as a way to secure the future of the child in the absence of educational opportunities.
• Traditional Gender Roles: Societal norms and traditional gender roles prevalent in rural areas may contribute to the perception that girls should be married off early. In such contexts, child marriage may be considered a socially acceptable practice, reinforcing gender inequalities.
• Impact on Generational Poverty:
  • Cyclical Nature: Child marriages can perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Girls married off at a young age may have limited opportunities for education and economic independence, leading to continued economic distress in subsequent generations.

Reducing rural distress contributing to reduction of child marriage instances

• Employment generation: By creating job opportunities, these programs empower families economically, making them more capable of supporting their children’s education and delaying their marriages until they are older and better prepared.
• Skill Development Programs: Equipping young individuals with marketable skills enhances their chances of securing stable employment. As a result, they may choose to postpone marriage until they are financially stable, thereby reducing the prevalence of child marriages.
  • Example: Introducing skill development programs tailored to rural youth can enhance their employability. This could include vocational training in agriculture, handicrafts, or other locally relevant skills.
• Social Welfare Programs: Financial incentives, such as scholarships or conditional cash transfers, can act as a deterrent to child marriages by promoting education. Families may be more likely to prioritize their children’s education over early marriages if they receive tangible benefits.
  • Eg: Implementing targeted social welfare programs that provide financial assistance or incentives to families for keeping their children in school rather than marrying them off early.
  • Sukanya Samriddhi yojana: Sukanya Samriddhi Account is a Government of India backed saving scheme targeted at the parents of girl children. The scheme encourages parents to build a fund for the future education of their female child.
• Community Awareness Campaigns: By fostering a deeper understanding of the harms associated with child marriages, communities may become more receptive to interventions aimed at delaying marriage. This can lead to a shift in social norms and attitudes, contributing to a reduction in child marriages.
  • Example: Conducting awareness campaigns such as Beti padhao Beti bachao in rural communities to educate them about the negative consequences of child marriages on the health and well-being of young girls
• Legal Support and Advocacy: By providing legal recourse and support, vulnerable individuals, especially young girls, can be safeguarded from forced marriages. Legal measures can act as a deterrent and ensure that child marriage cases are addressed promptly and effectively.
  • Example: Strengthening legal frameworks and support systems to address child marriage issues. This could involve establishing helplines, legal aid services, and community-based initiatives to protect the rights of children.

Conclusion

A multi-faceted approach that combines economic empowerment, education, awareness, and legal support is essential to tackling rural distress and reducing the incidence of child marriages in India. By addressing the root causes and providing holistic interventions, communities can work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable future for their youth.

General Studies – 2

7. The government of India has decided to extend the distribution of free ration under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme (PMGKAY) to ensure food security for vulnerable and economically disadvantaged sections of the population. Do you think it is a prudent move or moral hazard? Critically analyse.

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Introduction

The Union government’s Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to provide 5 kg of free foodgrains per month to 81 crore Indians will be extended for another five years.

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About PMGKAY

• PMGKAY is a food security welfare scheme announced by the GoI in March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
• The program is operated by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• The scale of this welfare scheme makes it the largest food security program in the world.

Objectives

• To feed the poorest citizens of India by providing grain through the Public Distribution System to all the priority households (ration card holders and those identified by the Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme).
• PMGKAY provides 5 kg of rice or wheat (according to regional dietary preferences) per person/month and 1 kg of dal to each family holding a ration card.
• NFSA beneficiaries are entitled to receive food grains at highly subsidised rates.
• Under the food law, rice is provided at Rs 3 per kg, wheat at Rs 2 per kg, and coarse grains at Re 1 per kg.

Success of the scheme

• Pandemic mitigation: It was the first step by the government when pandemic affected India.
• Wide section of beneficiaries: The scheme reached its targeted population feeding almost 80Cr people.
• Support to migrants: It has proven to be more of a safety net to migrant people who had job and livelihood losses.
• Food and Nutrition Security: This has also ensured nutrition security to children of the migrant workers.

Limitations and challenges

• Expensive: It’s very expensive for the government to sustain and increases the need for an abundant supply of cheap grains. In 2022, India has had to restrict exports of wheat and rice after erratic weather hurt harvest, adding to pressure on food prices, and rattling global agricultural markets.
• Increase Fiscal Deficit: It could pose a risk to the government’s target to further narrow the fiscal deficit to 6.4% of gross domestic product.
• Inflation: The decision on the program could also affect inflation. The prices of rice and wheat, which make up about 10% of India’s retail inflation, are seeing an uptick due to lower production amid a heatwave and patchy monsoon.
• Corruption: The scheme has been affected by widespread corruption, leakages and failure to distribute grain to the intended recipients.
• Leakages: Out of the 79.25 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), only 55 crore have so far received their 5 kg.
• Inaccessibility: Many people were denied their share due to inability to access ration cards.
• Low consumption: Livelihood losses led to decline in aggregate demand and resulted into lowest ever consumption expenditure by the people owing to scarcity of cash.
• Resale of subsidized grains: This in turn led to selling of the free grains obtained in the local markets for cash.

Conclusion

The objective is to bring people out of poverty and achieve the sustainable development goal. Food security is key part of poverty alleviation, and it can go a long way in achieving economic equality in India.

Value addition

NFSA: National Food security Act

• The NFS Act, of 2013 aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s 1.2 billion people.
• It was signed into law on 12 September 2013, retroactive to 5 July 2013.
• It converts into legal entitlements for existing food security programmes of the GoI.
• It includes the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and the Public Distribution System (PDS).
• Further, the NFSA 2013 recognizes maternity entitlements.
• The Midday Meal Scheme and the ICDS are universal in nature whereas the PDS will reach about two-thirds of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas).
• Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and certain categories of children are eligible for daily free cereals

8. For a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, QUAD members must maintain a coordinated approach, build trust among themselves, and work together to address shared concerns. Analyse.

Reference: The Hindu

Introduction

The Quad, also known as, the ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue’ (QSD), is an informal strategic forum comprising of four nations, namely, United States of America (USA), India, Australia and Japan. One of the primary objectives of the Quad is, to work for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

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Objectives of QUAD

• The motive behind the Quad is, to keep the strategic sea routes in the Indo-Pacific, free of any military or political influence.
• It is basically seen as a strategic grouping, aimed at reducing the Chinese domination.
• The core objective of the Quad is, to secure a rules-based global order, freedom of navigation and, a liberal trading system.
• The coalition also aims to offer, alternative debt financing for nations in the Indo-Pacific
• The Quad leaders exchange views on contemporary global issues, such as, critical and emerging technologies, connectivity and infrastructure, cyber security, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, climate change, pandemic and education.

Quad significance of India and Indo-Pacific

• In the current scenario, given Chinese intransigence and our misreading of their imperialist-expansionist intent, Sino-Indian tensions are likely to persist.
• If India is not to cede ground physically or diplomatically, it must muster all elements of its “comprehensive national power”, including the maritime, and create a strong negotiating position.
• Apart from the balance of forces on land favouring China, there is also the Beijing-Islamabad Axis that awaits activation.
• Keeping tensions confined to the Himalayan arena is, therefore, not only militarily advantageous to China but a continental focus also helps to keep India contained in a “South-Asia box”.
• It is also time to seek an enlargement of this grouping into a partnership of the like-minded.
• Other nations feeling the brunt of Chinese brawn may be willing to join an “Indo-Pacific concord” to maintain peace and tranquillity and to ensure observance of the UN Law of the Seas.
• News of Australia being re-invited to participate in the Malabar exercise deserves a conditional welcome, given Canberra’s past inconsistency and political flip-flops.

Challenges to Quad

• Divergence of interest on Russia-Ukraine crisis can spell doom for QUAD to kick off in a substantial manner. This may reduce the solidarity against China.
• India’s defence purchase from Russia is an irritant for USA.
• There are varied interests and diverging opinions on matters of trade, intellectual property, Ukraine crisis and support for Ukraine among others.
• Any ambition to formalise the Quad as a substantive manifestation of a free and open Indo-Pacific is likely to encounter difficulties. The future of the Quad beyond its current consultative format is not certain.
• Given the complex array of interests at play across the dynamic region, key partners are more likely to preference loose coalitions based on dialogue and cooperation over more fixed, institutionalised formats.

Way forward

• The opportunity to discuss emerging regional issues, from piracy to maritime pollution and disaster management, through such a platform should be seen as a positive.
• At the same time, assuring ASEAN of its role and relevance to Indo-Pacific, including through established dialogue mechanisms like the EAS, could reinforce notions of inclusivity, build support for the key rules shaping behaviour, and mitigate against the threat of strategic drift within the region.
• Engaging others, including China, in dialogue about the Indo-Pacific project through such mechanisms will be integral to realising the long-term vision for a stable and inclusive region.

Conclusion

A formal revival and re-invigoration of the Quad is called for. It is also time to seek an enlargement of this grouping into a partnership of the like-minded. Other nations feeling the brunt of Chinese brawn may be willing to join an “Indo-Pacific concord” to maintain peace and tranquillity and to ensure observance of the UN Law of the Seas.

General Studies – 3

9. There is a need for integrating climate-smart approaches into agriculture to ensure food security, reduce the environmental impact, and enhance the resilience to climate change. Discuss.

Reference: Down to Earth

Introduction

Climate change directly affects agricultural production as this sector is inherently sensitive to climatic conditions and is one of the most vulnerable sectors at the risk and impact of global climate change.

FAO defines Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as “agriculture that sustainably increases productivity, enhances resilience (adaptation), reduces/removes GHGs (mitigation) where possible, and enhances achievement of national food security and development goals”

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Need for Climate-Smart agriculture in India

• India’s agricultural ecosystem is distinguished by high monsoon dependence and with 85% small and marginal landholdings, it is highly sensitive to weather abnormalities.
• There has been less than normal rainfall during the last four years, with 2014 and 2015 declared as drought years.
• There are also reports of an escalation in heat waves, which in turn affecting crops, aquatic systems and livestock.
• The Economic Survey 2017-18 has estimated farm income losses between 15% and 18% on average, which could rise to 20%-25% for unirrigated areas without any policy interventions.
• These projections underline the need for strategic change in dealing with climate change in agriculture.
• There will be an increased risk of pests and diseases due to change in the pattern of host and pathogen interaction. For every two-degree rise in temperature, the agriculture GDP of India will reduce by five percent.
• The recent locust attack is also attributed to climate change, which can have highly disastrous effect on food security.
• Poor agricultural performance can lead to inflation, farmer distress and unrest, and larger political and social disaffection, all of which can hold back the economy. It will force farmers to either adapt to challenges of climate change or face the risk of getting poorer.

Climate Smart Agriculture: Solving food security and climate change problems

• Increased productivity: Produce more food to improve food and nutrition security and boost the incomes of 75 percent of the world’s poor who live in rural areas and mainly rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
• Enhanced resilience: Reduce vulnerability to drought, pests, disease, and other shocks; and improve capacity to adapt and grow in the face of longer-term stresses like shortened seasons and erratic weather patterns.
• Reduced emissions: Pursue lower emissions for each calorie or kilo of food produced, avoid deforestation from agriculture and identify ways to suck carbon out of the atmosphere.
• The climate-smart agriculture approach seeks to reduce trade-offs to make crop and livestock systems, forestry, and fisheries and aquaculture more productive and more sustainable.
• Climate-smart agriculture explicitly looks for where there are synergies and trade-offs among food security, adaptation and mitigation. Climate smart agriculture works through several dimensions to reorient agricultural development and management to take climate change into account.
• Management of farms, crops, livestock, aquaculture and capture fisheries to balance near-term food security and livelihoods needs with priorities for adaptation and mitigation.
• Ecosystem and landscape management to conserve ecosystem services that are important for food security, agricultural development, adaptation and mitigation.

Way forward and Conclusion

• Farmers, especially smallholder farmers, need handholding during their scaling up to adopt CSA.
• Mobile telecommunication systems are increasingly cost-effective and an efficient way of delivering weather-based agro-advisories to farmers at a large scale (Kisan app).
  Radio (especially community radio), television, newspapers, folk media, and village level public address systems will also need to be used to bridge this “communication divide.”
• Weather-based agro-advisories must be locale-specific, crop-and farmer-specific; need to also recommend soil, water, and biodiversity conservation practices. Integrating this with Soil Health Card scheme will be a good step forward.
• Build adaptive capacities to climate variability and strengthen the sustainability of farming systems.
• On-site training and awareness campaigns, technology demonstrations, farmer-specialist interactions, and engagement with local governance bodies.
• Soil health and need-based irrigation management need to be addressed adequately.
• Closer collaboration between public, civil society, and private technology and financial service providers so that farmers get access to accurate information, and affordable technologies.

Conclusion

Overall, climate-smart agriculture is a crucial approach for ensuring the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems in the face of climate change, while also contributing to broader environmental and socio-economic goals.

10. Though deepfake technologies have various legitimate applications, and a complete ban would stifle innovation and development. The focus should be on creating regulations and guidelines that address misuse and unethical use of AI, such as deepfake videos. Examine.

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Introduction

Deep Fakes are the digital media (video, audio, and images) manipulated using Artificial Intelligence. Deep fakes are a new tool to spread computational propaganda and disinformation at scale and with speed. Deep fakes have evolved from mere annoyance to high stake warfare for creating social discord, increasing polarisation, and in some cases, influencing an election outcome. It allows hyper-realistic digital falsification that can inflict damage to individuals, institutions, businesses and democracy.

Recently, cybercrime officials in India have been tracking certain apps and websites that produce nude photographs of innocent people using Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms.

Dangers Associated With Deep Fake

• Deep Fake makes it possible to fabricate media — swap faces, lip-syncing, and puppeteers — mostly without consent and bring threat to psychology, security, political stability, and business disruption.
• Undermining democracy: A deep fake can also aid in altering the democratic discourse and undermine trust in institutions and impair diplomacy.
  • False information about institutions, public policy, and politicians powered by a deep fake can be exploited to spin the story and manipulate belief.
  • A deep fake of a political candidate can sabotage their image and reputation.
  • Leaders can also use them to increase populism and consolidate powe Deep fakes can become a very effective tool to sow the seeds of polarisation, amplifying division in society, and suppressing dissent.
  • Another concern is a liar’s dividend an undesirable truth is dismissed as deep fake or fake news.
• Damage to Personal Reputation of personalities: Deep fake can depict a person indulging in antisocial behaviours and saying vile things.
  • These can have severe implications on their reputation, sabotaging their professional and personal life.
  • Even if the victim could debunk the deep fake, it may come too late to remedy the initial harm.
• Further, Deep fakes can be deployed to extract money, confidential information, or exact favours from individuals.
• A deep fake could act as a powerful tool by a nation-state to undermine public safety and create uncertainty and chaos in the target country.
• Nation-state actors with geopolitical aspirations, ideological believers, violent extremists, and economically motivated enterprises can manipulate media narratives using deep fakes.
• It can be used by insurgent groups andterrorist organisations, to represent their adversaries as making inflammatory speeches or engaging in provocative actions to stir up anti-state sentiments among people.

Concerns regarding deep fake images:

• The technology becomes vulnerable because deep fake images, audio and videos are very realistic and can be used by cybercriminals to spread misinformation to intimidate or blackmail people, seek revenge or commit fraud on social networking and dating sites.
• It has become one of the modern frauds of cyberspace, along with fake news, spam/phishing attacks, social engineering fraud, cat fishing and academic fraud.
• It can be used to create fake pornographic videos and to make politicians appear to say things they did not, so the potential for damage to individuals, organisations and societies is vast.
• With the improvement in technology, deep fakes are also getting better.
• Initially, an individual with advanced knowledge of machine learning and access to the victim’s publicly available social media profile could only make deep fakes.
• Development of apps and websites capable of such editing became more frequent and easily accessible to an average user.

Way Forward:

• Stringent regulations against unethical use or misuse of deepfakes. Typically, platforms must remove unlawful content within 36 hours of being notified by a court or government.
  • If an individual is depicted in sexual acts or partial nudity or otherwise impersonated complains, platforms are required to remove such content within 24 hours.
  • They are also required to publish terms of service that prohibit users from uploading content that impersonates other persons, and content that knowingly communicates “misinformation”.
• Online platforms must also “make reasonable efforts to cause the user” to not upload such content on their platforms, and “act on” user complaints within 72 hours
• To defend the truth and secure freedom of expression, we need a multi stakeholder and multimodal approach.
• Media literacy for consumers and journalists is the most effective tool to combat disinformation and deep fakes.
• Media literacy efforts must be enhanced to cultivate a discerning public.
  • As consumers of media, we must have the ability to decipher, understand, translate, and use the information we encounter.
  • Even a short intervention with media understanding, learning the motivations and context, can lessen the damage.
  • Improving media literacy is a precursor to addressing the challenges presented by deep fakes.
• Meaningful regulations with a collaborative discussion with the technology industry, civil society, and policymakers can facilitate disincentivising the creation and distribution of malicious deep fakes.
• We also need easy-to-use and accessible technology solutions to detect deep fakes, authenticate media, and amplify authoritative sources.

Conclusion:

• To counter the menace of deep fakes, we all must take the responsibility to be a critical consumer of media on the Internet, think and pause before we share on social media, and be part of the solution to this infodemic.
• To defend the truth and secure freedom of expression, there is a need for a multi-stakeholder and multi-modal approach.
• Collaborative actions and collective techniques across legislative regulations, platform policies, technology intervention, and media literacy can provide effective and ethical countermeasures to mitigate the threat of malicious deep fakes.

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