INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Stampede for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like India's Growth Statistics and Wildfires important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for January 10, 2025 |
🚨 UPSC EXAM NOTES presents the January 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 January 10, 2025
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance
Context:
Six people were killed in a stampede in Tirupati on Wednesday (January 8) while waiting to collect tokens for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. Thousands had gathered to collect the tokens, due to the auspicious Vaikunta Ekadasi festival.
Read about:
What is a stampede?
Stampedes in India
Key takeaways:
A stampede refers to the rapid and often chaotic movement of a crowd, frequently resulting in injuries or fatalities. Wenguo Weng and colleagues describe it as an "impulsive mass movement" with such consequences. Similarly, Illiyas and others define it as the "disruption of orderly crowd movement" that can lead to harm, often triggered by perceived danger, limited physical space, or a strong desire to attain something desirable.
Causes of Fatalities in Stampedes
Fatalities in stampedes are predominantly due to traumatic asphyxia, which occurs when external pressure on the chest or upper abdomen restricts or halts breathing. Even relatively moderate crowd pressures—such as six to seven individuals pushing in a single direction—can exert sufficient force to cause injuries or death. Other contributing factors include heart attacks (myocardial infarction), direct crushing of internal organs, head injuries, and neck compression.
Psychological Triggers of Stampedes
- Stampedes typically occur during large gatherings, whether unplanned events, such as overcrowding in a metro station, or organized events, like the tragic Hathras satsang stampede of July 2024, which claimed over 100 lives.
- Panic is often the primary factor that initiates or exacerbates a stampede. Psychologist Alexander Mintz, in his influential study on group behavior, explained that in panic-inducing situations, cooperation is essential for safety and individual reward, provided everyone collaborates.
- However, when cooperation breaks down—such as when individuals block exits by pushing—pushing becomes a self-preservation strategy. Although advantageous at the individual level, this behavior can lead to catastrophic outcomes for the group.
- In some cases, stampedes are fueled by what sociologist Neil J. Smelser refers to as a "craze." This phenomenon involves collective action driven by a belief in achieving a positive outcome, which can be either rational or irrational. In large groups, such beliefs often spread rapidly, prompting actions that may conflict with individual self-interest and safety
1. Poor crowd control mechanisms
2. Overcrowding beyond capacity
3. Lack of adequate emergency response systems
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
|
Answer (d)
|
India's Economic Growth Outlook and Challenges: A Summary
The National Statistics Office (NSO) has released the first advance estimates for India’s GDP growth in 2024-25. Real GDP growth is expected to decline to 6.4%, down from 8.2% in 2023-24, and below the 6.5-7% range projected in the Economic Survey of July 2024. Nominal GDP growth, which combines real GDP growth with inflation, is estimated at 9.7%, falling short of the 10.5% forecast in the last Union Budget
Challenges in GDP Estimation
- Experts have raised concerns over discrepancies in India’s official GDP estimates. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended improvements in the real sector statistics, noting flaws such as the use of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) as a deflator instead of the more suitable Producer Price Index (PPI).
- The volatility in WPI has led to inconsistencies in GDP estimates, causing anomalies like a disconnect between nominal and real GDP growth.
- For instance, while real GDP grew from 7% to 8.2% between 2022-23 and 2023-24, nominal GDP declined sharply, driven by a dramatic drop in WPI inflation. Such issues can lead to misleading economic analysis and policy decisions
Private Investment and Structural Concerns
- The Economic Survey of 2023-24 highlighted an 8.2% growth in real GDP, projecting robust private-sector investment. However, private investments in machinery, equipment, and intellectual property remained sluggish, with a disproportionate focus on real estate and construction.
- Despite corporate tax cuts in 2019, the expected surge in capital formation has not materialized.
- The Union Budget’s reliance on private-sector investment for job creation and fiscal consolidation now appears misplaced, as real gross fixed capital formation growth is projected to slow from 9% in 2023-24 to 6.4% in 2024-25
Comparing UPA and NDA Economic Trends
- During the UPA regime (2004-05 to 2013-14), real GDP grew at an average annual rate of 6.8%, with private investment surpassing public investment.
- Under the NDA (2014-15 to 2019-20), while GDP growth remained similar, private investment growth slowed to 6.3%, with public investment growing faster.
- Post-pandemic recovery showed some uptick in private investment, but this was largely due to base effects rather than a structural shift.
- The deep corporate tax cuts of 2019 spurred only short-term corporate gains and a stock market bubble, failing to stimulate sustained investment-led growth
Fiscal Challenges and Policy Implications
- Supply-side data paints a more subdued picture of recovery post-pandemic. Growth in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and services has slowed, with only public administration and defense showing improvement.
- Fiscal constraints further complicate matters, as slower tax revenue growth disrupts budgetary plans.
- By November 2024, the government had achieved only 56% of its tax revenue target, while spending on capital expenditure remained below 50% of the budgeted amount.
- To sustain economic growth while adhering to fiscal discipline, the government may need to reform its revenue strategy. Enhancing taxation on wealth and profits could provide the resources required for increased capital expenditure and welfare spending, countering the current slowdown
1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade.
2. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
|
Answer (b)
|
What are Santa Ana Winds?
- Santa Ana winds occur when high-pressure systems develop over the Great Basin—an area situated between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada range—while low pressure dominates along California’s coast.
- This pressure difference drives strong winds from the inland deserts of the Great Basin, located to the east and north of Southern California, across the mountains toward the Pacific Ocean.
- As these winds descend the mountains, they become compressed and heat up, while their humidity levels drop significantly, often falling below 20% or even 10%. This extremely dry air desiccates vegetation, making it more susceptible to fires. These conditions have contributed to wildfires in Southern California.
- Santa Ana winds are most common from October to January. According to meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld of the National Weather Service, "winter weather patterns allow high pressure to build near the surface of the Great Basin, interacting with low-pressure air over the Pacific."
The Impact of Climate Change
- While Santa Ana winds and the wildfires they drive are a natural feature of California's ecosystem, the frequency and intensity of these fires have increased in recent years. Research published in Nature Scientific Reports in 2021 showed that California's annual wildfire season has grown longer over the past two decades, with the peak shifting from August to July.
- Moreover, a 2023 study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlighted that 10 of the state’s largest wildfires have occurred within the past 20 years, with five taking place in 2020 alone.
- Climate change has been a major contributor to this trend. Rising global temperatures have led to warmer springs and summers, as well as earlier snowmelt. These changes extend dry seasons and increase moisture stress on vegetation, making forests more prone to fires
- Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn across forests, grasslands, or other vegetation-rich areas. They are a natural phenomenon that has existed for centuries, playing a crucial role in shaping ecosystems by clearing dead vegetation and facilitating the germination of certain plants. However, in recent years, wildfires have become more frequent, intense, and destructive, driven by a combination of natural factors and human-induced changes.
- Wildfires typically ignite when three elements come together: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Heat sources can range from natural causes like lightning strikes to human activities such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, or deliberate arson.
- The fuel for these fires is dry vegetation, including grass, shrubs, and trees. When conditions such as low humidity, strong winds, and high temperatures are present, these fuels ignite and spread the fire rapidly.
- One of the defining characteristics of wildfires is their ability to spread quickly. Wind plays a critical role in this process, as it can carry embers over long distances, igniting new fires far from the original source. Sloped terrain also influences wildfire behavior, with flames moving faster uphill due to preheating of vegetation ahead of the fire line.
- Climate change has exacerbated the frequency and intensity of wildfires in many regions. Rising global temperatures have led to prolonged dry seasons, earlier snowmelt, and warmer springs and summers. These conditions dry out vegetation, turning it into highly flammable material. As a result, forests and grasslands are increasingly vulnerable to fires, even with minimal ignition sources.
- In regions like California, natural phenomena such as the Santa Ana winds further amplify wildfire risks. These winds bring hot, dry air from inland areas to coastal regions, rapidly drying vegetation and spreading fires. Similarly, in other parts of the world, prolonged droughts, heatwaves, and deforestation contribute to an increased risk of wildfires.
- The consequences of wildfires are severe and far-reaching. They destroy homes, infrastructure, and entire ecosystems, leading to significant economic losses. Wildlife is often displaced or killed, and delicate habitats are altered or lost entirely.
- The release of large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases during wildfires contributes to climate change, creating a vicious cycle that fuels more frequent and intense fires. Furthermore, wildfires can severely impact air quality, exposing populations to harmful pollutants that cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
- Efforts to manage wildfires focus on prevention, mitigation, and adaptation. Preventive measures include controlled burns to reduce excess vegetation, creating firebreaks to slow the spread of fires, and raising public awareness about fire safety.
- Emergency response teams and firefighting resources are crucial for containing active fires and minimizing damage. However, addressing the root causes of increasing wildfires requires global efforts to mitigate climate change, improve land management practices, and invest in sustainable solutions to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires
1.With reference to wildfires, consider the following statements:
- Wildfires occur only due to natural factors such as lightning strikes and volcanic eruptions.
- Climate change has contributed to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires worldwide.
- Controlled burns are a preventive measure to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
|
Answer (b)
|
- Presiding over a three-judge bench, Justice Surya Kant stated that the petitions urging urgent consideration of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, would require substantial time for deliberation. He noted that the case would essentially involve weighing legislative authority against the judiciary's perspective.
- In March 2023, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, addressing petitions seeking a collegium-style appointment system for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), ruled that appointments should be made by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- However, Parliament subsequently enacted The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, which excluded the CJI from the selection panel.
- Under this new law, the committee consists of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition or the leader of the largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
- The new legislation has been challenged in the Supreme Court by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms and Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Jaya Thakur, but the Court has not stayed its implementation.
- During hearings in 2023, the Supreme Court clarified that its earlier ruling was intended as a temporary measure until Parliament enacted a specific law. The Court also pointed out that the Constitution Bench’s decision did not dictate the composition of the selection committee.
- The Constitution does not prescribe a detailed legislative framework for the appointment of the CEC and ECs, leaving the process to the central government’s discretion.
- Appointments are made by the President on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. The Supreme Court’s 2023 judgment emphasized that its directive would remain in effect only until Parliament enacted relevant legislation.
- In response, the government introduced The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.
- This bill proposed a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, instead of the CJI. It also aimed to provide the CEC and ECs with salaries, perks, and allowances equivalent to those of the Cabinet Secretary.
- The new legislation was designed to replace The Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, under which the CEC and ECs received compensation equivalent to that of a Supreme Court judge.
- Currently, the CEC and ECs are appointed in accordance with Article 324(2) of the Constitution, which states: “The Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may from time to time fix, and the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners shall, subject to the provisions of any law made in that behalf by Parliament, be made by the President.”
1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 3 only
|
Answer (D)
|
- The influence of Maoists and the violence associated with them has been gradually declining in India, due to several factors. These include intensified actions by security forces in Maoist-dominated areas, improved infrastructure such as roads and public services reaching remote areas, and a growing disillusionment with Maoist ideology among the youth. This has hindered the insurgent movement’s ability to cultivate new leadership.
- Chhattisgarh remains the only state in India where Maoists continue to have a significant presence and retain the ability to carry out large-scale attacks. According to government data shared with Parliament, from 2018 to 2022, there were 1,132 violent incidents attributed to Left Wing Extremists, resulting in the deaths of 168 security personnel and 335 civilians. Chhattisgarh alone accounted for over a third of these incidents, and troublingly, it represented 70%-90% of the fatalities.
- A widely accepted principle in countering Maoism is that the battle against Left Wing Extremism must be led by state police, not central forces. This is because state police possess local knowledge, understand the regional language, and have the necessary networks to gather intelligence.
- States like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand were successful in overcoming their Maoist problems through the active involvement of their local police forces.
- These states formed special police units, drew personnel from local areas, trained them specifically for counter-insurgency operations, and achieved success through a combined approach of security measures and development.
- In contrast, Chhattisgarh started its efforts later, and by then, neighboring states had pushed the Maoists into Chhattisgarh, concentrating their influence in the region.
- The Chhattisgarh Police’s special unit, the DRG, was established only a few years ago with recruits from the local tribal population and trained specifically to combat Maoists, becoming active only relatively recently.
- The lack of roads in the interior of Bastar has hindered security operations, and the minimal administrative presence in South Bastar has allowed the Maoists to maintain their influence in the area. They continue to enjoy support from locals, fostered by a combination of fear and goodwill
1. The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discussthe corrective strategies needed to win the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into mainstream of social and economic growth. (UPSC 2015)
2. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left-wing extremism. (UPSC 2018)
3. What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (UPSC 2020)
MoS for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME)
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Economy
Context:
The 18th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on January 9, 2025, at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The event with its theme as “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat” highlighted the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora in nation-building. The event was attended by various Ministers, officials, and a significant number of Pravasi Bharatiyas.
Read about:
Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME)
Village Small Industries (VSI)
Key takeaways:
| Classification/ Industry type | Micro | Small | Medium |
| Investment | Not more than Rs.1 crore | Not more than Rs.10 crore | Not more than Rs.50 crore |
| Annual Turnover | Not more than Rs. 5 crore | Not more than Rs. 50 crore | Not more than Rs. 250 crore |
Government initiatives Supporting MSMEs
1. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
Launched in 2015, this scheme provides financial support to MSMEs through loans under three categories: Shishu, Kishore, and Tarun. The loans are extended to small businesses to meet their working capital and funding needs. The scheme aims to make credit available to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises.
2. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
PMEGP provides financial assistance to individuals and groups for setting up new micro-enterprises and small-scale industries. The scheme is managed by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), and it promotes self-employment opportunities for youth and artisans.
3. Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGS)
The Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme provides credit guarantees to banks and financial institutions for the loans extended to MSMEs, encouraging them to lend to small businesses that may not have adequate collateral.
4. MSME Development Act, 2006
This act aims to facilitate the promotion, development, and enhancement of the competitiveness of MSMEs in India. It includes provisions for setting up an MSME ministry, setting up the National Board for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, and providing various forms of support to MSMEs, including subsidies and policy advocacy.
5. Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS)
TUFS offers financial assistance to MSMEs in sectors like textiles, apparel, and handicrafts for upgrading their technology. This initiative aims to modernize MSME infrastructure, improve production processes, and increase competitiveness.
6. Make in India and Startup India
These initiatives promote entrepreneurship and innovation in India. Make in India focuses on encouraging manufacturing in India, while Startup India provides financial support, tax exemptions, and easier compliance to stimulate the growth of startups and MSMEs.
7. National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP)
The NMCP is aimed at enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of MSMEs by providing them with the required technology, financial support, and expertise. It helps MSMEs improve their productivity and competitiveness in domestic and global markets.
8. National Credit Guarantee Trust Company (NCGTC)
The NCGTC is responsible for managing the Credit Guarantee Fund for MSMEs, which offers collateral-free credit facilities to MSMEs. This encourages banks to lend to MSMEs that may not be able to offer collateral.
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Important Personalities |
| History | Modern Indian History | Independence and Partition |
| History | Modern Indian History | Constitutional Development in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Peasants, Tribal and other movements |
|
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 |