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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on January 22, 2025
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What do draft data protection rules state?
For Preliminary Examination: Right to Privacy, Freedom of Speech
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance
Context:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on January 3, 2025, released the draft rules for implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 — 16 months after the law was notified in August 2023. The Union government is currently soliciting feedback on the draft rules through a fiduciary framework that effectively precludes both public disclosure and the submission of counter-comments
Read about:
Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Duties
Key takeaways:
On January 3, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology published draft rules for implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, 16 months after the Act's notification in August 2023. The government is currently seeking feedback on the draft rules through a fiduciary framework, which excludes public disclosure and submission of counter-comments. Critics argue that the draft rules, alongside the legislation, fall short of creating a robust data privacy framework and have called for parliamentary scrutiny of the rules by a standing committee.
What is the Data Localisation Mandate?
- The draft rules introduce a data localisation requirement that goes beyond the DPDP Act's original scope. Data localisation involves restricting the flow of data to remain within a country's borders.
- While the DPDP Act permits restrictions on personal data transfers only to specified notified countries, the draft rules propose establishing a government-appointed committee to identify categories of data that cannot be exported from India.
- This mandate primarily targets significant data fiduciaries (SDFs), designated by the government based on the volume and sensitivity of the personal data they handle. Major tech firms like Meta, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon are likely to fall under this classification.
- The localisation push seems to address law enforcement agencies' difficulties in accessing cross-border data for investigations. A similar precedent exists in the Reserve Bank of India's 2018 directive requiring payment data operators to localise their data within India. Currently, financial, payment, and insurance data must be stored domestically, with overseas copies allowed only for international transactions.
- To prevent disruptions to industries, the government plans to form a central committee to coordinate with other ministries and regulators for implementing data localisation uniformly. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw indicated that industries would be given a two-year timeline to build the necessary infrastructure for compliance.
Concerns of Executive Overreach
- Section 36 of the DPDP Act, along with Rule 22, grants the government broad powers to request “any” information from data fiduciaries or intermediaries to safeguard national sovereignty, integrity, or security. Experts caution that such expansive powers could be misused for surveillance or stifling dissent.
- Additionally, the provisions may pressure social media platforms to weaken end-to-end encryption, as highlighted by Meta-owned WhatsApp in its 2021 challenge to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules.
- Rule 22 also prevents companies from disclosing information about government data requests if doing so could jeopardize India’s sovereignty or national security
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as 'General Data Protection Regulation' in April 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May 2018? (UPSC 2019)
A. Australia
B. Canada
C. The European Union
D. The United States of America
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Answer (C)
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was adopted by the European Union in April 2016 and came into effect on 25th May 2018. It is a comprehensive data protection law designed to safeguard the privacy and personal data of EU citizens
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What is the status of the Smart Cities Mission?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examiantion: GS II - Governance
Context:
Almost a decade has passed since the Indian government announced the concept of “smart cities” as the new lighthouses of urbanisation. The June 2015 announcement of 100 smart cities aimed to create models of urban development. However, these lighthouses of urbanity have now been relegated to the annals of India’s urbanisation history.
Read about:
Smart Cities Mission
Challenges associated with Smart Cities Mission
Key takeaways:
- The Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal and retrofitting initiative launched by the Government of India in June 2015. Its primary aim is to transform selected cities into sustainable and citizen-friendly urban centers equipped with modern infrastructure, technology-driven solutions, and efficient service delivery.
- By focusing on improving the quality of life, fostering economic growth, and ensuring sustainable urban development, the mission addresses the challenges of rapid urbanization.
- At the core of the mission is the concept of “smart” solutions, which integrate technology, data, and innovation to enhance governance and service delivery. These solutions aim to tackle issues such as traffic congestion, waste management, energy efficiency, and water conservation while promoting a clean and sustainable environment.
- Cities are encouraged to develop pan-city initiatives that introduce smart solutions on a wider scale, as well as area-based developments like retrofitting, redevelopment, or greenfield development in specific regions.
- The selection of cities under the mission follows a competitive process known as the Smart City Challenge, wherein cities submit proposals outlining their vision, strategy, and projects. This approach fosters innovation and promotes local-level participation, ensuring that development aligns with the unique needs and aspirations of citizens.
- Each smart city is supported through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a dedicated implementation body that coordinates between various stakeholders, including local governments, private partners, and citizens. Funding for the mission is shared between the central and state governments, with additional contributions from public-private partnerships and other revenue streams.
- One of the mission's hallmarks is its focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Projects under the mission range from intelligent traffic management systems and smart water grids to affordable housing and renewable energy initiatives. Cities also emphasize pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, efficient public transport, and open spaces to improve urban living.
- The Smart Cities Mission represents India’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to build urban spaces that are not only functional and efficient but also resilient and inclusive for the generations to come. As of now, the mission continues to make strides in transforming urban landscapes across the country, setting benchmarks for future urban development
Challenges
- The Smart Cities initiative is built around the Internet of Things (IoT), a framework that is more suited to advanced capitalist countries where basic infrastructure and services are already well-established.
- However, in India, where a significant portion of the population still lacks access to essential utilities, the concept of "smart cities" primarily revolves around providing fundamental amenities to residents.
- The initiative is divided into two main components: pan-city proposals, which involve IT-enabled solutions for services such as mobility and waste management, and Area-Based Development (ABD), which focuses on specific zones within a city for retrofitting, redevelopment, and greenfield projects.
- The governance structure for these projects bypasses traditional local government mechanisms, instead relying on Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) registered under the Companies Act. These SPVs are managed like private entities, excluding city councils from the decision-making process. This approach is based on the belief that private company-like management can yield more efficient results
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017? (UPSC 2017)
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade.
2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country.
3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 3 only
D. 2 and 3 only
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Answer (B)
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Statement 1 is incorrect: The Smart India Hackathon 2017 is not a centrally sponsored scheme for developing cities into Smart Cities. Instead, it is an initiative to foster innovation and identify solutions to real-world problems through digital technology.
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Statement 2 is correct: The Smart India Hackathon 2017 aimed to harness young talent to develop digital innovations and solutions for various challenges faced by the country. It provided a platform for students to work on problem statements provided by different ministries, industries, and non-governmental organizations.
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Statement 3 is incorrect: The programme was not focused on making all financial transactions completely digital in a decade. While digital solutions may include financial technologies, the Hackathon’s broader aim was to address challenges across multiple domains.
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examiantion: GS III - Science & technology
Context:
A landmark 2020 study by researchers from Canada, India, and the U.K. estimated that between 2001 and 2014, a staggering 1.2 million snakebite deaths and three-times as many cases of disability occurred in India
Read about:
What is antivenom?
What are Non Communicable diseases?
Key takeaways:
Antivenoms, also known as antivenins, are life-saving medical treatments specifically designed to counteract the effects of venom introduced into the body by bites or stings from venomous animals, such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, or other creatures
Antivenoms are essentially a collection of antibodies that are capable of neutralizing venom toxins. These antibodies bind to the toxic components in the venom, rendering them inactive and allowing the body’s natural systems to safely eliminate them
Antivenoms are critical for treating venomous bites or stings as they significantly reduce mortality and morbidity. Without timely administration, venom toxins can cause severe damage to tissues, nerves, or organs, and can even lead to death
How Do Antivenoms Work?
- The development of antivenoms represents a unique blend of scientific innovation, animal biology, and immunology, tracing its roots to the groundbreaking work of French physician Albert Calmette in the 1890s. He pioneered the creation of the first antivenom using horses, a practice still employed today.
- The process begins with trained professionals capturing healthy, mature venomous snakes from the wild. These snakes are then "milked" to extract their venom. The extracted venom is administered in gradually increasing doses to horses over several weeks.
- This careful process ensures the animals' immune systems generate antibodies specific to the venom. Striking the right balance in dosage is critical—too little venom results in a weak immune response, while excessive amounts could harm the horse.
- Over time, the horses develop robust immunity, producing antibodies that can neutralize venom toxins. These antibodies are highly specific, functioning like a key designed to fit a particular lock.
- This process parallels how humans build immunity to certain pathogens, such as influenza, through repeated exposure or vaccination. Once sufficient antibodies are produced, they are extracted from the horses' blood, purified, and formulated into antivenoms.
- In India, several companies, including Bharat Serums and Vaccines, Haffkine Bio-pharmaceutical Corporation, and ViNS Bioproducts, are involved in manufacturing antivenoms.
- The Irula tribe in Tamil Nadu plays a vital role in this process. Skilled in safely capturing snakes and extracting venom in controlled settings, the tribe's expertise ensures a reliable supply of high-quality venom, which is indispensable for antivenom production. Without their contribution, the production chain for these life-saving medicines would be severely disrupted
How Prevalent Are Snakebites in India?
- India is home to over 300 snake species, more than 60 of which are venomous, with varying levels of toxicity. Among these, the "Big Four" snakes—the Indian cobra (Naja naja), common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), and saw-scaled viper (Echis species)—are responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities. Venom from these four species is used to create polyvalent antivenoms (PVAs) in India.
- However, this approach has limitations. Venomous snakes not covered by PVAs—such as the king cobra, monocled cobra, banded krait, Sochurek’s saw-scaled viper, hump-nosed viper, and various pit vipers—pose significant threats. Victims bitten by these species often receive antivenoms that are ineffective against their venom, resulting in poor treatment outcomes.
- A pivotal 2020 study conducted by researchers from Canada, India, and the U.K. highlighted the severity of the snakebite crisis in India. Between 2001 and 2014, the study estimated 1.2 million deaths from snakebites, with three times as many cases of permanent disability. It also reported that one in 250 Indians risked dying from a snakebite before turning 70.
- These alarming figures are attributed to a mix of ecological, social, and systemic factors. Rural populations, particularly agricultural workers, are disproportionately affected and remain at constant risk, especially during the monsoon season when snakes are most active. Additionally, rapid urbanization, poor waste management, and urban flooding have increased human-snake encounters, leaving even city dwellers vulnerable to snakebites
Follow Up Question
1.Discuss the challenges associated with the production and distribution of antivenoms in India and analyze their effectiveness in addressing the country's snakebite crisis. Suggest measures to improve the accessibility and efficacy of antivenom treatments in rural and urban areas. (250 words
Paris Agreement
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations and Environment
Context:
The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will once again withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement. He has repeatedly referred to climate change as a “hoax” and seeks to free US oil and gas industries from environmental regulations.
Read about:
Paris agreement
All conventions related to Climate Change
Key takeaways:
- The White House has announced that President Donald Trump intends to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Trump has consistently dismissed climate change as a "hoax" and aims to relieve the US oil and gas industries from environmental restrictions.
- The Paris Agreement's central objective is to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to keep global warming this century "well below" 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while striving to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.
- The 1.5-degree target is based on a report indicating that exceeding this threshold could expose certain regions and vulnerable ecosystems to heightened risks over an extended period.
- Under the agreement, participating countries are required to update their plans to combat climate change—referred to as nationally determined contributions (NDCs)—every five years. Each updated NDC must reflect greater ambition than the previous version, as outlined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Withdrawal Process from the Paris Agreement
- Article 28 of the Paris Agreement specifies the withdrawal procedure and timeline for member states. It allows any country to withdraw after three years from the agreement's entry into force (2016) by submitting written notification to the Depositary.
- The withdrawal takes effect one year after the Depositary receives the notification or on a later date specified in the notice.
- If a country chooses to exit, it must send the notification to the Office of Legal Affairs at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
- However, the withdrawal only becomes official one year after submission, during which the country remains bound by the agreement and must continue participating in its activities, as stated by the UNFCCC
COP and IPCC
Conference of the Parties (COP)
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the annual gathering of members under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a global treaty formed in 1992 to guide climate negotiations. Currently, 198 parties, including 197 countries and the European Union, are signatories, reflecting near-universal participation.
Key Milestones from Previous COPs:
- COP3, Kyoto, 1997: This meeting resulted in the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, which required developed and industrialized nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by specified amounts. However, it was short-lived due to dissatisfaction among powerful nations with its terms.
- COP21, Paris, 2015: This summit produced the Paris Agreement, a landmark treaty aiming to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C, with efforts to stay below 1.5°C.
- COP26, Glasgow, 2021: The Glasgow Pact included a pledge to “phase down” coal usage, a term softened from “phase out” during negotiations. It also committed to eliminating "inefficient fossil fuel subsidies," marking the first explicit mention of coal in a UN climate agreement.
- COP28, Dubai, 2023: This conference saw the official launch of the Loss and Damage Fund, designed to provide financial assistance to nations affected by climate-related disasters.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a UN organization tasked with evaluating the scientific basis of climate change. It was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Objectives of the IPCC:
- To publish assessment reports, special reports, and methodology documents that analyze scientific data on climate change.
- To suggest potential strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change
Follow Up Question
1.With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)
1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
2. The Agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility for global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (B)
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Statement 1: Incorrect.
The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 and opened for signatures in 2016. It came into effect on November 4, 2016, after the required number of countries ratified it, not in 2017.
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Statement 2: Correct.
The Paris Agreement's main goal is to limit the global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while striving to limit the increase to 1.5°C to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.
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Statement 3: Incorrect.
Developed countries acknowledged their role in contributing to climate change and agreed to mobilize $100 billion per year by 2020 to assist developing countries. The figure mentioned in the statement, "$1000 billion," is inaccurate
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Economy
Context:
The Centre on Monday allowed the export of 10 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of sugar during the 2024-25 season (October-September). Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said the measure “will benefit 50 million farmer families and 500,000 workers”
Read about:
Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)
Minimum Support Price (MSP)
Key takeaways:
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India’s sugar production for the 2024-25 sugar season is projected at 27 million tonnes, a decline from 32 million tonnes in the previous year.
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Sugar prices have remained steady in recent months. According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, the all-India retail price of sugar was Rs 44.67 per kg, which was almost the same a month ago and a year earlier.
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In the 2021-22 sugar season, before export restrictions were introduced to ensure domestic availability, India was the second-largest sugar exporter, shipping 110 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) to countries such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, and the UAE.
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As per the export policy, sugar mills can export directly or via merchant exporters until September 30. They may also surrender their quotas by March 31 or exchange them with domestic quotas to reduce transportation costs. Additionally, mills are allowed to swap export quotas with domestic monthly release quotas through mutual agreements, subject to approval from the Food Ministry.
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The statutory minimum price (SMP), set by the central government based on cultivation costs estimated by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), is the minimum price sugar mills are required to pay sugarcane growers.
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Unlike the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops like wheat or paddy, where the government directly procures produce if market prices fall below MSP, the government does not procure sugarcane from farmers. Instead, sugar mills and khandsari units purchase sugarcane at prices not lower than the government-determined SMP or State Advised Price (SAP).
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Retail inflation has decreased recently, with the Consumer Price Index-based retail inflation recorded at -0.40% in December 2024.
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In June 2022, the government introduced measures to restrict sugar exports to maintain sufficient domestic availability and stabilize prices. However, exports under the CXL Concessions and Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) to the EU and the US were excluded from these restrictions
Fair Remunerative Price (FRP)
- The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) is a key policy mechanism in India’s sugar industry, established to ensure that sugarcane farmers receive a fair price for their produce. It is the minimum price that sugar mills are legally required to pay sugarcane farmers for their crop. The FRP is determined and announced annually by the Central Government, based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
- The determination of FRP involves a detailed analysis of various factors, including the cost of sugarcane cultivation, the recovery rate of sugar from sugarcane, the price of sugar in domestic and international markets, and the profitability of both farmers and sugar mills.
- Additionally, the government aims to strike a balance between the interests of farmers, who seek a higher price for their produce, and sugar mills, which need to remain viable and competitive.
- The FRP serves as a safeguard for farmers, ensuring that they receive a guaranteed minimum price even if market prices fall. Unlike other crops where the government might directly procure produce under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme, in the case of sugarcane, the government does not procure directly. Instead, sugar mills are obligated to pay farmers the FRP.
- To encourage efficiency, the FRP is linked to the sugar recovery rate, which measures the amount of sugar produced from a given quantity of sugarcane. A higher recovery rate results in a proportionally higher FRP for farmers, incentivizing the cultivation of high-yield sugarcane varieties.
Follow Up Question
1.The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the (UPSC GS1, 2015)
(a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
(b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
(c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture
(d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee
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Answer (a)
The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). While the CACP plays a crucial role in calculating and suggesting the FRP by evaluating factors like cultivation costs, sugar recovery rate, and market conditions, the final approval is granted by the CCEA.
The CCEA ensures that the FRP balances the interests of farmers and sugar mills, promoting fairness in the sugar industry
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Subject and Subject Wise Notes for the Sunday Exam (Free)
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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:
- Daily Study Keys: Each day, we will provide keys that outline what to read, focusing on the most relevant topics and current affairs.
- Subject Notes: In addition to daily keys, we will supply detailed subject notes to help you build a strong foundation in all necessary areas.
- Sunday Exams: Every Sunday, a combined exam will be held, encompassing the daily keys' content and subject notes, along with a culmination of current affairs from various sources. These exams will cover both Prelims and Mains syllabi.
- Format: Exams will be available in both online and offline formats to cater to different preferences and situations.
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
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