13 July 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Centralised hiring leads to cultural barriers in Eklavya schools C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. A wobbly walk SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. The PDS impact on household expenditure F. Prelims Facts 1. GST system reforms panel rejigged 2. Kaziranga’s women forest guards help flood-hit animals by patrolling highway adjoining reserve G. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions H. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Centralised hiring leads to cultural barriers in Eklavya schools
Syllabus: Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Mains: Issues in Eklavya schools
Context: The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), designed to provide quality education to tribal students, have recently undergone a significant change in their hiring process. The centralisation of recruitment and the mandatory requirement of Hindi competency have sparked concerns regarding cultural barriers between teachers and students.
Background
- Previous Hiring Practices: Until 2022, the recruitment for EMRS was managed by state authorities, allowing for local hiring practices that matched state-specific requirements and reservation quotas.
- Centralisation: In 2023, the responsibility for hiring was transferred to the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), aiming to fill 38,000 positions across 400 schools with a standardised recruitment process.
Issues
- Cultural and Language Barriers: Teachers recruited from Hindi-speaking states are unfamiliar with the local languages, foods, and cultures of southern states, leading to discomfort and inefficacy in teaching.
- Teacher Shortage: The centralisation aimed to address the severe shortage of teachers in the EMRS system but has instead led to an influx of transfer requests from teachers unwilling to adapt to unfamiliar cultural settings.
- Impact on Students: Tribal students, who benefit from teachers familiar with their cultural context, may face difficulties in relating to and learning from teachers who do not understand their local languages and traditions.
Significance
- Standardisation vs. Localisation: While centralisation aims to standardise recruitment and fill vacancies efficiently, it undermines the importance of local cultural contexts essential for effective teaching and learning.
- Policy Implications: The shift highlights the broader debate on the balance between centralised policies and local needs, particularly in education systems catering to culturally diverse populations.
Solutions
- Flexible Hiring Policies: Implement flexible hiring policies that allow for local recruitment to ensure teachers are familiar with the cultural and linguistic contexts of the regions they serve.
- Cultural Training Programs: Develop and mandate comprehensive cultural training programs for teachers recruited from outside the local regions to bridge the cultural gap and enhance their effectiveness.
- Localized Recruitment Quotas: Introduce quotas that prioritize local candidates, ensuring that a significant portion of the teaching staff hails from the same cultural and linguistic background as the students.
Nut Graf: The centralisation of hiring for EMRS, although intended to streamline recruitment and address teacher shortages, has inadvertently created cultural barriers that hinder the educational experience of tribal students. A balanced approach that combines the benefits of centralisation with the necessity of local cultural sensitivity is crucial for the success of these schools.
C. GS 3 Related
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D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Mains: India – Russia relations
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, characterized as his first “stand-alone” visit during his tenure, aimed to reinforce bilateral ties with Russia. However, the timing and optics of the visit have led to significant international criticism, especially from Kyiv and Washington.
Background
- Bilateral Focus: The visit was projected to emphasize the bilateral relationship between India and Russia, with a strong focus on economic and trade ties.
- Global Impact: Despite its bilateral nature, the visit had global repercussions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the geopolitical tensions involving Russia.
Outcomes of the Visit
- Reaffirmation of Ties: The visit underscored the strong India-Russia relationship and the personal rapport between Modi and Putin.
- Economic Engagement: A bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030 was announced, driven by India’s increased oil imports from Russia at discounted rates due to Western sanctions.
- Civilian Award: Modi received Russia’s highest civilian award, highlighting the significance of the visit.
- Military and Defense: Unlike previous visits, no new military purchases were announced, partly due to delays in existing deals and the desire to avoid international censure.
- Conflict Statement: Modi emphasized that there is “no solution on the battlefield” to the Ukraine conflict, reflecting a balanced stance.
Issues
- Optics and Timing: The visit coincided with a devastating missile attack in Ukraine and a summit in Washington aimed at showcasing Russia’s isolation, leading to criticism of Modi’s trip.
- International Criticism: Both the U.S. State Department and Ukraine openly criticized the visit, complicating India’s diplomatic relations with the West.
- Geopolitical Balancing: India’s need to maintain its independent foreign policy stance while navigating the pressures from both the Western bloc and its longstanding relationship with Russia.
Significance
- Economic Gains: Strengthening economic ties with Russia, particularly in energy imports, is crucial for India’s energy security and economic interests.
- Diplomatic Stance: The visit highlights India’s attempt to balance its diplomatic relations, asserting its independent stance in a polarized world.
- Global Perception: The optics of the visit amidst global tensions reflect the complex nature of international diplomacy and India’s role in it.
Solutions
- Diplomatic Engagement: India needs to engage in robust diplomatic efforts to mitigate any potential damage to its relations with the U.S. and Europe.
- Balanced Communication: Clearly communicate India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict and its reasons for maintaining strong ties with Russia to the international community.
- Strategic Partnerships: Continue to strengthen strategic partnerships with other global players to diversify diplomatic and economic engagements.
Nut Graf: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Moscow, while reinforcing India-Russia ties, has highlighted the challenges of maintaining a balanced diplomatic stance in a highly polarized global environment. India’s task moving forward will be to assert its independent foreign policy while managing its relationships with both Western allies and Russia, ensuring that its long-term national interests are safeguarded.
Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE
Syllabus: GS-2, Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Mains: PDS impact on household expenditure
Context: The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a crucial social security initiative in India aimed at ensuring food security by providing subsidised food grains to eligible households. This program is especially vital under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population.
Overview of PDS
- Objective: To ensure food security by distributing subsidised food grains.
- Coverage: NFSA covers a significant portion of the rural and urban population, providing them access to essential food items at reduced prices.
- Impact on Household Expenditure: By reducing the cost of staple food grains, PDS enables households to allocate more resources to other essential and nutrient-rich food items such as vegetables, milk, pulses, eggs, fish, and meat.
Findings from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES): 2022-23
- Survey Data: The HCES 2022-23 collected information on both food and non-food items received by households free of cost through various social welfare programs.
- Imputation of Values: For the first time, the NSSO has imputed values for selected free items, allowing the calculation of two key metrics: Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) and MPCE with imputation.
Issues
- Inclusion and Exclusion Errors: There are concerns about inclusion errors (ineligible households consuming from PDS) and exclusion errors (eligible households not consuming from PDS).
- Coverage Estimates: Survey estimates of program coverage are often lower than administrative data, complicating the analysis of PDS impact.
Significance
- Enhanced Nutritional Intake: By freeing up household resources, PDS allows for a more diversified and nutritious diet, particularly for poorer households.
- Poverty Alleviation: The imputed value of free food items significantly enhances the consumption value of households, indicating an uplift in their standard of living.
Solutions
- Improving Survey Accuracy: Ensuring more accurate and comprehensive data collection to better understand PDS impact and address inclusion/exclusion errors.
- Policy Adjustments: Regularly updating policies to reflect ground realities and enhance the efficiency of PDS distribution.
- Enhanced Communication: Providing clear guidance to households regarding their entitlements and the process for accessing PDS benefits.
Nut Graf: The Public Distribution System (PDS) plays a vital role in enhancing food security and improving household expenditure patterns in India. By providing subsidised food grains, PDS not only alleviates immediate food insecurity but also enables households to diversify their diet and improve their overall nutritional intake. The imputation of free item values in the HCES 2022-23 highlights the significant impact of in-kind social transfers on the consumption patterns of poorer households.
F. Prelims Facts
1. GST system reforms panel rejigged
Context: The GST Council has reconstituted the Group of Ministers (GoM) tasked with enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India. This reconstitution aims to address revenue evasion, improve coordination between central and state tax authorities, and review the IT infrastructure supporting the GST.
Leadership Change
- New Head: The panel is now led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, replacing the former head, Basavaraj Bommai, the ex-Chief Minister of Karnataka.
- New Members: Inclusion of new ministers from Andhra Pradesh (AP), Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, reflecting recent political changes in these states.
Objectives of the Reconstituted GoM
- Revenue Evasion: Identify potential sources of revenue leakage and suggest measures to curb tax evasion.
- Coordination Enhancement: Improve collaboration between central and state GST authorities to ensure smoother implementation of the tax system.
- IT Systems Review: Evaluate and enhance the IT infrastructure used for GST implementation to ensure efficiency and robustness.
Background and Context
- Formation and Evolution: Initially formed in late 2021 by merging two separate GoMs focused on IT challenges and revenue mobilisation.
- Previous Head: Formerly chaired by Basavaraj Bommai.
- Recent Changes: Reconstitution includes new representatives from states with recently elected governments, aiming to bring fresh perspectives and address emerging challenges.
Issues
- Revenue Evasion: Persistent issue of tax evasion undermines the effectiveness of the GST system and reduces revenue collection.
- Coordination Challenges: Discrepancies and lack of coordination between central and state authorities can lead to inefficiencies and compliance issues.
- IT System Inefficiencies: Outdated or inadequate IT infrastructure can hinder the smooth implementation and monitoring of GST.
Significance
- Revenue Optimization: Effective identification and addressing of revenue evasion can significantly boost tax revenues, aiding in better public finance management.
- Efficient Tax Administration: Improved coordination between authorities ensures a more streamlined and effective tax administration, benefiting both the government and taxpayers.
- Enhanced IT Systems: Robust and efficient IT infrastructure is crucial for real-time monitoring, compliance, and reducing administrative burdens on businesses.
2. Kaziranga’s women forest guards help flood-hit animals by patrolling highway adjoining reserve
Context: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam, India, is renowned for its significant population of one-horned rhinos. The park faces annual floods, which pose challenges for wildlife conservation, particularly with animals crossing highways to escape rising waters. Recently, the deployment of women forest guards has contributed to reducing wildlife fatalities on adjoining highways.
Record Deluge
- Flood Details: On July 1, 2023, Kaziranga experienced its highest flood level in a decade at 87.47 meters, resulting in 174 animal deaths.
- Highway Threat: National Highway 715, stretching 60 km along the park’s southern edge, sees animals crossing to reach higher grounds in the Karbi Anglong district.
Deployment of Women Guards
- Initiative Launch: Since September 2023, Kaziranga has deployed 108 women forest guards and foresters to manage floods and patrol the highway.
- Training and Duties: The women, trained for various forest management tasks, focus on regulating traffic and ensuring animal safety on the highway.
- Recognition: Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the team “Van Durga” in March, acknowledging their efforts.
Impact on Wildlife Safety
- Speed Regulation: Speed guns and cameras are installed at nine animal corridors to enforce a speed limit of 40 km/h, reducing vehicle-animal collisions.
- Animal Deaths: In the flood of 2023, only two animals were hit by vehicles, significantly lower than in previous years. This indicates the effectiveness of the women guards’ patrols.
Issues
- Annual Floods: While essential for maintaining Kaziranga’s ecosystem, floods challenge wildlife survival, forcing animals to cross dangerous highways.
- Vehicle Hits: Despite reduced numbers, vehicle hits remain a concern during floods, necessitating continuous efforts to safeguard animals.
Significance
- Wildlife Conservation: The presence of women guards has significantly contributed to reducing animal fatalities due to vehicle hits, showcasing an effective conservation strategy.
- Women Empowerment: This initiative highlights the role of women in wildlife management and protection, promoting gender inclusivity in conservation efforts.
- Model for Other Reserves: The success of this program can serve as a model for other wildlife reserves facing similar challenges.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements:
- Statement-I: Missions like Chandrayaan strengthen scientific exchange and camaraderie between countries.
- Statement-II: Investing in high-tech areas like space technologies is beneficial for the public good as well.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
- Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
- Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
Q2. Consider the following pairs regarding the missiles with their respective countries of origin:
- Tomahawk: China
- SCALP: India
- S-400: United States
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: Tomahawk missile is developed and produced by the United States. The SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow missile is a joint development of France and the United Kingdom. The S-400 missile is developed and produced by Russia.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA):
- It was first implemented in Jammu and Kashmir.
- It allows the armed forces to use force, but restricts them from making arrests without a warrant.
- Once it is implemented, no prosecution can be initiated for any offence under the Act without the prior sanction of the central government.
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
AFSPA was first implemented in the Northeast region. It grants special powers to the armed forces such as the use of force based on opinion and suspicion, the authority to arrest without a warrant, and the ability to shoot to kill or destroy property.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding countries bordering the South China Sea:
- China shares its land borders with all countries bordering the South China Sea.
- Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia are among the countries that share maritime boundaries with the South China Sea.
- Brunei and Singapore do not have any territorial claims in the South China Sea.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect as China does not share its borders with all countries bordering the South China Sea. Statement 3 is incorrect as Brunei and Singapore have territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF):
- It is a specialised agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting global monetary cooperation and financial stability.
- It provides financial assistance to member countries to help them overcome balance of payments difficulties.
- The voting power in the IMF is allocated solely based on the economic size of member countries.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
Statement 3 is incorrect as the voting power in the IMF is not solely based on economic size but is determined through a combination of other factors, such as GDP, quota subscriptions, etc.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Examine the features of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and its significance to the future of India’s space programme. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Science and Technology]
- Financial Inclusion is not a number to be stated on papers. People need to be actively using the financial systems to be called financially included. Elucidate in the context of India. (1o marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Economy]
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