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| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Global Hunger Index 2024 and Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Mullaperiyar dam and India-UAE relationship important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for October 17, 2024 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on October 17, 2024
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What does the Global Hunger Index 2024 state about India?
For Preliminary Examination: Important Reports
For Mains Examination: GS II - International reports
Context:
The Global Hunger Index for 2024 states that a ‘serious’ level of hunger is prevalent in India. It ranks India 105th among 127 countries, giving it a score of 27.3. A score below 9.9 indicates low levels of hunger, 10-19.9 moderate, 35-49.9 alarming and above 50 extremely alarming.
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Read about:
What is Global Hunger Index?
Possible Solutions for the Problems
Key takeaways:
- The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 reports that hunger in India is at a "serious" level, placing the country 105th out of 127 countries with a score of 27.3. The GHI uses a scale where scores below 9.9 indicate low hunger, 10-19.9 signify moderate hunger, 35-49.9 indicate alarming levels, and scores above 50 represent extremely alarming conditions.
- In terms of India’s performance, the score is based on four key factors: child stunting (the percentage of children under five with stunted growth due to chronic undernutrition), undernourishment (the share of the population not consuming enough calories), child wasting (the percentage of children under five who are underweight for their height), and child mortality (the percentage of children who die before reaching the age of five). The report shows that 13.7% of India's population is undernourished, 35.5% of children are stunted, 18.7% are wasted, and 2.9% die before age five. Notably, India has the highest rate of child wasting in the world.
- The report also highlights India's efforts to tackle food insecurity, citing programs such as the National Food Security Act, Poshan Abhiyan, PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY), and the National Mission for Natural Farming. However, it points out that challenges remain, particularly in addressing the intergenerational cycle of undernutrition, where mothers' poor health during pregnancy leads to low birth weights and further child malnutrition.
- Regarding economic growth, the report notes that the link between GDP growth and hunger reduction is not always straightforward. Economic growth alone does not guarantee improvements in food and nutritional security, and the report calls for policies that prioritize inclusive development and address social and economic inequalities.
- To combat hunger, the report recommends expanding access to social safety nets like the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS), PMGKAY, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), alongside investments in sustainable agricultural practices. It also emphasizes improving maternal and child health, water, sanitation, and hygiene, and addressing the intersections of food security, gender, and climate change.
- The methodology used in the report has been a point of contention. The Ministry of Women and Child Development expressed concern that data from its Poshan Tracker app was not used. The Ministry highlighted that UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank have recognized the Poshan Tracker as a key tool, showing child wasting rates consistently below 7.2%. 3
- However, researchers defending the GHI's methodology argue that the use of consistent data sources, such as the Joint Malnutrition Estimates and the WHO Global Database, ensures the comparability of the data across countries. They argue that making exceptions for individual countries would undermine the integrity of the rankings
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? (UPSC CSE 2016)
- Undernourishment
- Child stunting
- Child mortality
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
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Answer (c)
The indicators used by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to compute the Global Hunger Index (GHI) include:
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Centre raises MSP of wheat, five other rabi crops for 2025-26
For Prelims Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance
Context:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday increased the minimum support price for rabi crops for the next marketing season of 2025-26 with the MSP for wheat going up by ₹150 a quintal.
Read about:
What is the Minimum Support Price (MSP)?
Significance of Minimum Support Price
Key takeaways:
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs announced an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for rabi crops for the upcoming 2025-26 marketing season, with the MSP for wheat rising by ₹150 per quintal.
- The new MSP for wheat is set at ₹2,425 per quintal, compared to ₹2,275 per quintal for the previous 2024-25 season. The government noted that the MSP for six rabi crops has been raised between 50% and 105% above their production costs.
- Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that the continuous rise in MSP for wheat, barley, gram, lentils, rapeseed, mustard, and safflower reflects the Modi government's commitment to farmer welfare.
- The most significant increase is for rapeseed and mustard, which saw a rise of ₹300 per quintal, bringing the new MSP to ₹5,950. The MSP for lentils is now ₹6,700, an increase of ₹275 per quintal, while gram is priced at ₹5,650, safflower at ₹5,940, and barley at ₹1,980, with respective increases of ₹210, ₹140, and ₹130 per quintal.
- This decision aligns with the Union Budget for 2018-19, which committed to setting the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.
- The government indicated that the expected margin over this average cost is 105% for wheat, 98% for rapeseed and mustard, 89% for lentils, 60% for gram, 60% for barley, and 50% for safflower. The increase in MSP for rabi crops aims to provide farmers with better prices and encourage crop diversification
Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a government-set price at which it purchases specific crops directly from farmers, ensuring them a minimum profit for their harvest. The MSP is designed to safeguard farmers from price fluctuations in the market and is particularly significant in countries like India, where agriculture is a major part of the economy.
Key Points about MSP:
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Purpose: MSP aims to ensure that farmers receive a fair price for their produce, thus promoting agricultural sustainability and encouraging farmers to continue farming.
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Setting the Price: The MSP is determined by the government based on various factors, including the cost of production, market prices, and recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The MSP is typically set at a level that is at least 1.5 times the cost of production, as indicated in recent policy announcements.
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Crops Covered: MSP applies to various crops, including cereals (like wheat and rice), pulses, oilseeds, and some cash crops. The government regularly reviews and updates the MSP for different crops to reflect changing market conditions.
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Impact on Farmers: By guaranteeing a minimum price, MSP aims to alleviate the financial distress faced by farmers and reduce the risks associated with farming, especially in the context of unpredictable weather and market prices.
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Criticism and Challenges: While MSP has been beneficial for many farmers, there are criticisms regarding its implementation, coverage, and the potential for market distortions. Some argue that it primarily benefits larger farmers and specific crops, leaving others at a disadvantage.
(1) Minimum Support Price
(2) Government’s trading
(3) Government’s stockpiling
(4) Consumer subsidies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
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Answer (d)
The factors and policies that have been affecting the price of rice in India include:
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- Construction: The dam was built by the British in 1895 to create a reservoir for irrigation in Tamil Nadu. Its primary purpose is to divert water to the irrigation system of the Tamil Nadu state.
- Location: The dam is situated in the Western Ghats, about 45 kilometers from the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu
- The dam has been a subject of controversy and concern regarding its safety, especially after a series of tremors and the dam's age. The seismic vulnerability of the dam has raised alarms among local populations in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- There have been calls from the Kerala government to lower the water level to mitigate risks, while Tamil Nadu argues for maintaining it at full capacity for irrigation purposes.
- The dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the dam's management and water rights has led to legal battles and political tensions.
- The Supreme Court of India has been involved in adjudicating issues related to the dam, including safety regulations and water-sharing agreements.
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Periyar River
The Periyar River is one of the longest rivers in the Indian state of Kerala, stretching approximately 244 kilometers. It is often referred to as the "Lifeline of Kerala" due to its significant role in supporting agriculture, providing drinking water, and generating hydroelectric power.
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1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2009)
- There are no east flowing rivers in Kerala.
- There are no west flowing rivers in Madhya Pradesh.
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
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Answer (b)
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Greenwashing describes the increasing practice among companies, organizations, and even nations to make questionable or unprovable claims regarding the eco-friendliness of their activities, products, or services. As awareness of climate change grows, there is mounting pressure on businesses and governments to operate in a manner that minimizes environmental harm. Many of these entities also face legal obligations or targets related to their environmental impact.
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A prominent case of greenwashing is the Volkswagen scandal of 2015, where the German automaker was found to have manipulated emissions tests for its so-called environmentally friendly diesel vehicles. Other major companies, including Shell, BP, and Coca-Cola, have similarly faced accusations of misleading environmental practices.
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Nations can also be accused of greenwashing, particularly when they overstate their forests' capacity to absorb carbon dioxide or the effects of new carbon emissions regulations. Although carbon trading is a legitimate practice, it often faces scrutiny because the methods used to generate tradable credits may lack scientific validity. Additionally, carbon offset strategies, such as compensating for high carbon-emitting activities like air travel by planting trees, can create opportunities for greenwashing.
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An expert group has proposed several recommendations, emphasizing that companies aiming for net-zero emissions should not be permitted to invest in fossil fuels. They suggested that these corporations should establish short-term emissions reduction targets leading to net-zero and should halt activities that contribute to deforestation. Furthermore, companies were advised against utilizing offset mechanisms at the beginning of their net-zero journey
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Answer (A)
Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound. Greenwashing refers to misleading practices where companies present an exaggerated or false image of their environmental efforts to appear more sustainable or responsible than they actually are. This tactic is often used in marketing to attract eco-conscious consumers while masking harmful environmental practices. |
The India-UAE relationship has evolved significantly over the decades, marked by shared interests in trade, energy, and geopolitical cooperation. Here’s a brief overview of the key stages in the evolution of their partnership:
Historical Ties and Early Relations
- Pre-Independence and Early Post-Independence Period: India and the Gulf region, including present-day UAE, shared historical ties through trade, culture, and the movement of people across the Arabian Sea. Indian traders were well-known in the Gulf, dealing in pearls, spices, and textiles.
- 1971 Onwards (Post UAE Formation): The formal diplomatic relationship between India and the UAE began in 1972 after the UAE was established in 1971. India quickly established diplomatic ties with the new federation. Relations were driven largely by trade and the presence of a large Indian expatriate population in the UAE.
1980s and 1990s: Strengthening Economic and Energy Relations
- Oil Imports: India, an energy-deficient country, saw the UAE as a critical supplier of crude oil, while the UAE viewed India as a key market for its energy exports.
- Indian Diaspora: The Indian expatriate community continued to grow, becoming one of the largest foreign communities in the UAE. By the 1990s, Indian workers, especially in the construction and service sectors, became an integral part of the UAE’s economy.
2000s: Strategic Partnership and Economic Growth
- Trade Growth: As India’s economy liberalized and grew rapidly, the UAE became one of its most important trading partners. By the mid-2000s, bilateral trade was worth billions of dollars, with the UAE emerging as one of India’s largest trading partners globally.
- Security Cooperation: The rise of terrorism and regional instability saw an increased focus on security cooperation. Counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing became important elements of the partnership.
2010s: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
- Strategic Shift (Post-2014): With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s outreach to West Asia, the India-UAE relationship entered a new phase. The UAE was one of the first Gulf countries visited by Modi, and both countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2015.
- Defence and Security Cooperation: The UAE and India signed several agreements on defense cooperation, focusing on joint training, maritime security, and counter-terrorism efforts.
- Energy and Investments: UAE’s investment in India increased, with major UAE entities like Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and DP World investing in infrastructure, ports, and energy projects in India. India also invested in UAE’s energy sector and received Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) investments in India’s strategic petroleum reserves.
- Cultural and Diplomatic Ties: India's cultural influence in the UAE remained strong, and the UAE’s leadership often recognized the contribution of Indian workers to the UAE’s development.
Recent Developments (2020s Onwards)
- COVID-19 Cooperation: The pandemic underscored the strong bilateral ties, with both nations collaborating on repatriation efforts and healthcare support. India supplied medicines and medical supplies to the UAE during the early stages of the pandemic.
- Economic and Digital Partnerships: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022 aimed to boost bilateral trade to over $100 billion by 2027. This agreement focuses on sectors like technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
- Space Cooperation: The two countries have also signed agreements on space exploration, including collaborations between India’s ISRO and the UAE Space Agency.
- Geopolitical Cooperation: Both countries have been working closely on regional security, maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean, and countering extremism
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Answer (D)
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In the past, the Supreme Court has imposed strict boundaries on when it can reassess decisions made by High Courts regarding judicial appointments or direct them to reconsider their choices. On Friday, however, Justices Hrishikesh Roy and P K Mishra determined that the current matter warranted review.
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The collegium system, responsible for the appointment and transfer of Supreme Court and High Court judges, was established by a nine-judge Bench in the 1993 case Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association vs Union of India, also referred to as the Second Judges Case.
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This ruling made the recommendations of the Supreme Court collegium mandatory for the government, thereby granting the judiciary the authority to appoint and transfer judges in the higher courts. Under this system, judges select other judges, and while the government can delay appointments, it does not have the power to outright reject the collegium’s nominees.
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In 1998, the Supreme Court responded to a set of queries from then-President K R Narayanan by further clarifying the working of the collegium system, a decision known as the Third Judges Case.
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The Court ruled that the collegium for High Court appointments would consist of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the two most senior judges of the Supreme Court. This collegium must consult the Chief Justice and senior judges of the concerned High Court, the most senior Supreme Court judge from that High Court, and any other Supreme Court judges familiar with the functioning of that court.
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The court also outlined specific, limited grounds on which a recommendation could be contested. One reason would be the absence of “effective consultation” with the necessary individuals or bodies. Another would be if the proposed candidate lacked the necessary qualifications to become a judge, as defined by Articles 217 (for the High Court) and 124 (for the Supreme Court) of the Constitution.
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In December 2022, the High Court collegium, consisting of the Chief Justice and the two senior-most judges, recommended district judges Chirag Bhanu Singh and Arvind Malhotra for elevation to the High Court. On January 4, 2024, the Supreme Court collegium returned this recommendation to the High Court’s Chief Justice for reconsideration.
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However, on April 23, the High Court collegium nominated two other judicial officers for promotion to the High Court, prompting Singh and Malhotra to petition the Supreme Court, claiming that the High Court collegium had overlooked their seniority.
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In both the Second and Third Judges cases, the Supreme Court emphasized the significance of considering judges’ seniority when making recommendations for appointments.
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Following the guidance from the Third Judges Case, the central government and the Supreme Court formulated a Memorandum of Procedure (MOP) in 1998, outlining the process for appointing High Court judges from the initial stages.
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As part of this procedure, the Chief Justice of the High Court must consult the two most senior judges of the High Court, forming the High Court collegium. This body sends its recommendations, along with reasons, to the Chief Minister, Governor, and CJI.
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The Governor, based on the Chief Minister’s advice, forwards the proposal to the Union Law Minister, who conducts a background check before submitting all the relevant documents to the CJI, who reviews them with the Supreme Court collegium
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Answer (C)
This statement is correct. According to Article 128 of the Indian Constitution, the Chief Justice of India can request a retired judge of the Supreme Court to act as a judge of the Supreme Court with the previous consent of the President. This provision allows for flexibility in managing the court's workload and utilizing the expertise of retired judges when needed.
This statement is also correct. Both the Supreme Court and High Courts in India have the power to review their own judgments. This power is derived from Article 137 for the Supreme Court and Article 226 for High Courts, along with various precedents set by the courts themselves. The power of review allows courts to correct errors in their judgments, preventing miscarriage of justice. Given that both statements are correct, the answer is: C. Both 1 and 2 |
| 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 |
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