INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Digital Compact' (GDC) for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Delimitation Commission and International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for October 09, 2024 |
🚨 UPSC EXAM NOTES presents the July edition of our comprehensive monthly guide. Access it to enhance your preparation. We value your input - share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section or via email at Support@upscexamnotes.com 🚨
Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on October 09, 2024
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
Jammu and Kashmir - Elections
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are significant for several reasons. They are especially important because this is the first election following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which led to the division of the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Read about:
What is Delimitation Commission?
What is J&K Reorganisation Act 2019?
Key takeaways:
(1) The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019 established two Union Territories: Ladakh, which has no legislature, and Jammu and Kashmir, which has its own legislature. This led to amendments in the First Schedule of the Constitution, which enumerates all states and Union Territories, and in Article 3, which addresses the "Formation of new States and changes to areas, boundaries, or names of existing States." Consequently, the newly formed Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will serve as a legislative body for a Union Territory rather than a state.
(2) According to Section 13 of the 2019 Act, Article 239A of the Constitution, which pertains to the "Creation of local Legislatures or Council of Ministers for certain Union territories" and governs the administration of Puducherry, will also apply to Jammu and Kashmir.
(3) The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory consists of 90 Assembly seats. The J&K Reorganisation Act specifies that the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir may nominate two members to the Legislative Assembly to ensure female representation if he believes that women are not sufficiently represented. An amendment made in July 2023 allows for three additional nominations: two from the Kashmiri migrant community, one of whom must be a woman, and one from the "displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir." Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir UT Assembly is modeled after the Puducherry Assembly, where three nominated members participate equally with elected MLAs and have voting rights; in Jammu and Kashmir's case, up to five members can be nominated.
(4) Regarding the powers of the Assembly, according to the 1947 Instrument of Accession, Jammu and Kashmir had joined India solely in matters related to defense, foreign affairs, and communications. Prior to the abrogation of Article 370, Parliament's legislative powers over Jammu and Kashmir were limited. However, over time, the central government's authority to legislate expanded to include various subjects in the Union List (List I of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution).
The Reorganisation Act of 2019 introduced a new structure that significantly increased the role of the Lieutenant Governor compared to the Assembly, illustrated by two main provisions.
(i) Section 32 of the Act outlines the legislative powers of the Assembly, stating that "subject to the provisions of this Act, the Legislative Assembly may enact laws for the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir regarding matters listed in the State List, except for those related to 'Public Order' and 'Police,' as well as those in the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, applicable to Union Territories." In contrast, states can legislate on Concurrent List subjects as long as such laws do not conflict with central legislation.
(ii) Section 36 addresses special provisions for financial Bills, stipulating that a Bill or amendment related to financial obligations undertaken or to be undertaken by the Union Territory's Government cannot be introduced or moved in the Legislative Assembly without the Lieutenant Governor's recommendation. This provision is significant since nearly every policy decision can result in financial commitments for the Union Territory.
(5) The 2019 Act also defines the powers of the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor. Section 53, which pertains to the Council of Ministers, states: "The Lieutenant Governor shall act at his discretion in matters that:
(i) fall outside the Legislative Assembly's powers; or
(ii) require him to act at his discretion or to perform judicial functions under any law; or
(iii) relate to All India Services and the Anti-Corruption Bureau."
This indicates that, aside from public order and police, the bureaucracy and the anti-corruption bureau will also fall under the Lieutenant Governor's jurisdiction. Furthermore, it states that if any question arises regarding whether a matter requires the Lieutenant Governor to act at his discretion, his decision shall be final, and the legality of his actions cannot be challenged on the grounds that he should or should not have acted at his discretion. Additionally, inquiries into any advice given by Ministers to the Lieutenant Governor will not be entertained in any court.
Significant challenges lie ahead for Jammu and Kashmir. Cross-border terrorism continues to be a concern, with recent activities shifting to the Jammu region south of Pir Panjal. Reports published in August highlighted the region's heavy dependence on central funding, low agricultural productivity, power shortages, and job and land security issues. For meaningful change to occur, it is crucial for a responsive and accountable government to address these challenges
Follow Up Question
|
Answer (C)
|
International Big Cat Alliance and India
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
Context:
India recently joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). In this Wildlife Week, let's learn about Big Cats, their habitats, the significant steps taken by the government for their conservation, and more
Read about:
What is International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?
What is Project Cheetah?
Key takeaways:
As India observes Wildlife Week 2024, it’s essential to highlight a significant development regarding the country’s wildlife. In September of this year, India officially became a member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The IBCA was established last year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, and its mission is to promote awareness about the conservation of seven big cat species.
India is home to five of these seven big cats: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah, with the puma and jaguar being the exceptions. This raises several questions: What defines these big cats, how do they differ from one another, and what are their habitats? What are their population figures, and what significant actions has the government taken for their conservation? Here’s a comprehensive overview of the seven big cats.
Tiger (Panthera Tigris)
The tiger has two recognized subspecies: Panthera tigris tigris (the continental tiger) and Panthera tigris sondaica (the Sunda tiger). Tigers primarily rely on their sight and hearing for hunting rather than smell, usually stalking their prey alone. According to the World Wildlife Fund, a tiger can consume more than 80 pounds of meat in a single meal.
As reported in the fifth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation 2022, India has approximately 3,167 tigers, representing over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population.
Conservation Efforts
-
Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL): The International Union for Conservation of Nature has endorsed the board’s recommendation to prohibit the export of wild cat skins, including those of tigers.
-
Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, this centrally sponsored initiative was established in nine reserves across states like Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.
-
National Tiger Conservation Authority: Following amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 2006, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) were set up as statutory bodies based on the Tiger Task Force report.
-
Bilateral Cooperation: India has been working with neighboring nations to strengthen transboundary conservation efforts, such as with Bangladesh to support tiger conservation in the Sundarbans. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between India and Cambodia focusing on “Cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable wildlife management recovery strategies for tigers and their habitats,” as stated on the Ministry of External Affairs website.
-
Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS) Accreditation: This international accreditation framework evaluates management practices in tiger reserves to ensure compliance with strict conservation standards.
-
International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA): Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, the IBCA aims to enhance the protection of seven big cats: the tiger, leopard, snow leopard, lion, cheetah, puma, and jaguar. The initiative was announced during a program celebrating 50 years of Project Tiger and seeks to foster connections with various countries that share habitats with these big cats, enhancing international cooperation and conservation efforts for these magnificent animals
1.Consider the following: (2012)
- Black-necked crane
- Cheetah
- Flying squirrel
- Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
|
Answer (b)
Thus, the species that are currently naturally found in India are the Black-necked crane, Flying squirrel, and Snow leopard |
What does USCIRF report say about India?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of antional and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International reports
Context:
The Washington DC-based United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on October 2 released a country update on India, flagging “collapsing religious freedom conditions”. Among other things, the report highlighted how throughout 2024, individuals from minority communities have been killed and lynched by vigilante groups, religious leaders have been arbitrarily arrested, and places of worship have been demolished. The Indian government has rejected the report as coming from a “biased organisation”.
Read about:
What is the USCIRF?
Is the USCIRF ‘biased’ and ‘agenda-driven’?
Key takeaways:
- On October 2, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), based in Washington D.C., published a country update on India, highlighting the alarming decline in religious freedom.
- The report noted that throughout 2024, there have been incidents of violence against individuals from minority communities, including killings and lynchings by vigilante groups.
- Additionally, it pointed out that religious leaders have faced arbitrary arrests and that places of worship have been destroyed. In response, the Indian government dismissed the report, labeling USCIRF as a "biased organization."
- Established under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), the USCIRF is an independent and bipartisan agency that monitors the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide, outside the U.S. Its evaluations are rooted in international human rights standards, particularly Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms everyone's right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
- The USCIRF operates independently from the U.S. State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF), which also publishes annual reports on religious freedom.
- Although USCIRF's findings can influence a nation's reputation, the IRF's positions have a more significant impact on diplomatic relations. Following its mandate, the USCIRF gathers information on religious freedom through travel, research, and discussions with various stakeholders, culminating in an annual report that identifies countries warranting designation as "Countries of Particular Concern" (CPC).
- Those that experience severe violations but do not meet the CPC criteria may be placed on a "Special Watch List" (SWL).
- Countries categorized as CPCs are those that engage in systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom. The USCIRF's 2024 report declared India as a CPC, citing the government's actions, such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019, which, along with anti-conversion and cow slaughter laws, has been used to marginalize religious minorities.
- The report also emphasized how officials have utilized hateful rhetoric and misinformation, inciting violence against these groups.
- While the USCIRF's reports are based on credible research and direct testimonies, the timing of the latest update has raised questions about potential biases, echoing concerns from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) about the report being “agenda-driven.”
- Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh recently announced that the Indian textile and apparel sector is targeting an annual revenue of $350 billion by 2030, which is expected to create 3.5 crore jobs. However, the industry has faced significant challenges over the past two financial years, raising doubts about achieving a 10% CAGR.
- In 2021, the Indian textile and apparel market was valued at approximately $153 billion, with nearly $110 billion generated domestically. By FY22, India ranked as the third-largest textile exporter globally, holding a 5.4% market share.
- Additionally, it possesses the second-largest manufacturing capacity in the world, exhibiting strong capabilities throughout the value chain.
- The sector contributed around 2.3% to GDP in FY21 and accounted for 10.6% of total manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA) in FY23. Approximately 105 million individuals are employed in the textile and garment sectors, both directly and indirectly.
- Despite significant growth, with exports reaching $43.4 billion in FY2021-2022, a decline in demand began in 2022-2023, worsening in FY24 with drops in both exports and domestic sales.
- This slowdown heavily impacted manufacturing regions; for instance, Tamil Nadu, which boasts the largest spinning capacity in India, saw nearly 500 textile mills close in the past two years. In Tiruppur, a hub for knitwear production, many units experienced a 40% decline in business in FY23.
- Geopolitical issues and a decrease in demand from importing countries have further affected exporting units, compounded by rising raw material costs for both cotton and Man-Made Fibres (MMF) and increasing imports of fabrics and garments.
- The 10% import duty on cotton has made Indian cotton less competitive compared to global prices.
- Additionally, the introduction of quality control orders for MMF has disrupted the availability and pricing stability of raw materials. Industry representatives are urging the government to eliminate the import duty on cotton, especially during the off-peak months from April to October.
- A spokesperson from a major industry association stated, "This industry competes in the international market against countries that significantly support their domestic production. Thus, India requires long-term schemes lasting at least five years to enhance investments and ensure raw materials are available at internationally competitive prices."
- Beyond policy challenges, the industry is encountering disruptions in traditional business practices. Direct retailing through e-commerce is increasingly popular among garment and home textile manufacturers, with a growing number of startups entering this field.
- A report from Wazir Advisors notes that foreign brands are rapidly adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability measures throughout their supply chains. They are setting sustainability goals and are keen on sourcing from vendors that align with these targets.
- Furthermore, there is a notable rise in demand for comfort wear, loungewear, and athleisure, as consumers place a higher priority on comfortable clothing. Palanisamy, a basic garment producer in Tiruppur, remarked, “In the domestic market, business practices have significantly changed.
- Customers in rural and semi-urban areas now prefer shopping at multi-brand outlets or hypermarkets, opting against visiting lesser-known brand stores.”
What is the GDC?
- The GDC serves as a diplomatic tool rather than a binding legal framework, setting forth shared objectives for governments, institutions, businesses, and other stakeholders. As adherence increases, the compact's terms may evolve into soft laws within individual countries.
- Previously, the UN facilitated the establishment of two other compacts: the ‘Global Compact,’ which is a voluntary initiative urging CEOs to adopt universal sustainability principles, and the ‘Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration,’ which addresses all aspects of international migration comprehensively.
- The GDC is grounded in the understanding that digital technologies are transforming our world. While these technologies have the potential to promote societal and environmental benefits—contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—they also present significant challenges.
Realizing the GDC
- This initiative is a collaborative effort aimed at ensuring human oversight of technologies in a way that promotes sustainable development. Drawing from international law norms, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the UN 2030 Agenda, the GDC advocates for global cooperation in managing data and digital technologies.
- To achieve its goals, UN member states have pledged to create two panels: an ‘Independent International Scientific Panel on AI’ and a panel for ‘Global Dialogue on AI Governance.’
- The GDC aims to bridge the digital divide, include all individuals in the digital economy, enhance data accessibility, and promote responsible and equitable data governance. Its principles emphasize inclusive participation, access to digital technologies, sustainability, and the importance of trustworthy technologies in a competitive market.
Digital Goods and Services
To tackle the digital divide, the GDC proposes the establishment of “digital public goods,” which encompass open-source software, open data, and open AI models, alongside adherence to privacy standards and best practices. This initiative recognizes the role of digital public goods in driving social change through the creation of a “digital public infrastructure” that delivers essential services. Such infrastructure entails developing and utilizing shared digital systems based on the specific priorities and requirements of stakeholders. The GDC envisions partnerships, including collaborations with private entities.
What are the GDC’s Gaps?
- First, the extensive European experience with public-private partnerships in digital initiatives suggests that openness within these partnerships is often constrained by contractual obligations like non-disclosure and intellectual property protection.
- Second, the GDC does not significantly enhance existing internet governance frameworks, yet it calls for digital companies to self-regulate to safeguard their users and maintain trust. However, self-regulation has historically proven inadequate.
- Third, while the GDC identifies interoperable data governance as vital for innovation and economic development, experts have raised concerns that increased data collection and sharing—especially for AI—could heighten risks without robust personal data protection laws.
- Fourth, the Compact emphasizes achieving SDGs in a context where governments and businesses track and analyze data to assess progress. However, it empowers corporate entities in data governance without sufficiently addressing the necessary countermeasures to prevent monopolistic control.
The GDC and the UN
- Throughout the GDC, there are instances of idealistic statements that overlook the complexities of underlying issues, relying on the goodwill of nations to achieve its aims. This may reflect the UN’s desire to maintain a prominent role in the governance of technologies, including AI.
- For instance, data in the 21st century is likened to oil—extremely valuable, particularly as its use is often linked to extractive industries with harmful environmental impacts. The rapid growth of generative AI models has led to vast amounts of data being collected for their training. Although the GDC acknowledges AI governance challenges, it lacks concrete strategies or solutions.
- Similarly, while advocating for “data flow with trust,” many nations reject this concept, arguing it conflicts with their digital sovereignty. Some have laws mandating that citizen data remain within national borders.
- Finally, the GDC aligns its objectives with the relevant SDGs, highlighting the role of digitization in achieving these goals. However, since the SDGs were adopted in 2015, the current AI revolution was not anticipated. Given nations' mixed track record on SDGs, it remains uncertain whether an additional framework like the GDC will effect meaningful change.
- UN member states are navigating how to collaborate with and regulate Big Tech while asserting their digital sovereignty. The complex global governance of digital technologies cannot be effectively addressed by a single entity like the GDC; it requires both multilateral and regional discussions to cater to jurisdictional and local needs.
- By referencing existing digital governance models and linking SDGs with digitalization, the GDC positions itself more as a platform for dialogue than as a source of definitive solutions. Nonetheless, it can contribute to capacity building and foster South-South and North-South collaborations in developing digital public goods
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Fall of Mughals |
| History | Modern Indian History | Establishment of British rule in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Economic Policies of the British |
|
UPSC EXAM NOTES will be conducting both Prelims and Mains exams every Sunday as part of the Integrated Mains and Prelims (IMPM) Program. This program provides a comprehensive approach to UPSC exam preparation, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for both stages of the exam. Program Highlights:
Duration: The IMPM plan is a one-year program, ensuring continuous and structured preparation over 12 months. With regular testing and consistent study guidance, this program is designed to maximize your chances of success in the UPSC exams |