INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Unemployment and Freebies for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like South China Sea and PSLV-C60 mission , Polar Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO) important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for February 24, 2025 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on February 24, 2025
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Were 8 crore new jobs created in three years?
For Preliminary Examination: Unemployment, Types of Unemployment
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Economy
Context:
Prime Minister Modi, based on the India-KLEMS database, claimed that India created “eight crore new jobs in the last three to four years”. However, analysts are questioning the methodology used to estimate these numbers. They argue that little meaningful employment was created in these years
Read about:
What is Unemployment?
Types of Unemployment
Key takeaways:
- India-KLEMS utilizes employment data from the PLFS, but instead of using the absolute number of workers, it relies on the Worker Population Ratio (WPR), which the PLFS provides as the proportion of workers in the population.
- To calculate the total number of workers, the WPR is multiplied by the total population. The challenge arises here because India does not have an official population figure after 2011.
- Demographers typically estimate population figures for years between censuses by interpolating data from the most recent Census. However, India-KLEMS took a different approach by using population estimates from the Economic Survey (ES) 2021-22 for the years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20.
- The ES projected population by assuming that the growth rates from 2001 to 2011 remained constant after 2011. These population projections were then multiplied by the WPR to estimate the number of workers for those years.
- For the years 2020-21 to 2023-24, India-KLEMS switched to a different source and method, using population projections from 2011-2036 published by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2020.
- These projections were based on 2011 Census data and were adjusted annually using demographic models that included Total Fertility Rates (TFR) and mortality rates reported in the 2017 Sample Registration System (SRS).
- The question arises as to why India-KLEMS did not consistently use the MoHFW projections for all years after 2017-18. It seems that while the RBI updates the series with new estimates after 2022, it does not revise or update earlier estimates.
- There are two significant concerns here. First, the population projections from both the ES and MoHFW fail to account for the significant decline in fertility rates in India over the past decade.
- The standard replacement TFR is typically 2.1 children per woman, but recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data show that India’s TFR had dropped to 2.0 by 2019-21. Additionally, a 2024 study in The Lancet projected that TFR values in India and Bangladesh would fall below 1.75 by 2027. These declines in TFR were not factored into the population projections by either the ES or MoHFW.
- Second, the population projections from both the ES and MoHFW do not differentiate between rural and urban areas. As a result, India-KLEMS managers used national sex-wise population data, assumed uniform growth rates for rural and urban populations, and derived separate projections for each.
- However, it is well-known that rural populations in India are growing more slowly than urban populations. Assuming the same growth rates for both likely leads to an overestimation of the rural population.
- Due to these two issues, the population figures used to multiply the WPR in India-KLEMS, and the resulting estimates of the number of workers, are likely overestimated
- In the past three to four years, the claim of job creation has come under scrutiny, with analysts raising concerns about the methodology used to estimate these figures. They argue that there was minimal meaningful employment generated during this period.
- Employment, or the lack thereof, has been a hotly debated topic among economists and policymakers in India recently.
- According to this database, the total number of workers in India increased from 56.6 crore in 2020-21 to 64.3 crore in 2023-24, indicating a net increase of 7.8 crore workers. Following this claim, the research team at the State Bank of India (SBI) released a report that appeared to validate these figures, showing a correlation between the number of workers in the India-KLEMS database and the NSSO's Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE), 2022-2023.
- What was surprising about these claims was the reported increase in the number of workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that the employment-to-population ratio between 2019 and 2023 remained stagnant or even declined in regions such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Given these global trends, analysts have expressed significant methodological and empirical doubts about the India-KLEMS database, suggesting that India's employment growth figures may be outliers.
- The India-KLEMS project originated as an academic initiative funded by the RBI in 2009, and since 2022, the RBI has hosted the database. KLEMS stands for Capital (K), Labour (L), Energy (E), Material (M), and Services (S), representing a framework for measuring industry-level "total factor productivity" (TFP), which is seen by mainstream economists as an indicator of the efficiency of all inputs in producing a unit of output.
- It is important to note that the primary purpose of the KLEMS framework is not to generate employment data. Instead, employment figures serve as inputs within the database's modeling framework. Additionally, the RBI does not directly collect data on employment or any other inputs used in the India-KLEMS database. Instead, it sources sectoral data on employment, input usage, and output from official sources such as the Central Statistics Office, Census of India, Annual Survey of Industries, and Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS). It is therefore surprising that data sourced by the RBI from these official channels, intended for TFP estimation, are being portrayed as "RBI jobs data" to make political statements about employment generation in the economy.
- India-KLEMS derives its employment data from the PLFS, but it does not use absolute figures for the number of workers. The PLFS only provides the Worker Population Ratio (WPR), or the proportion of workers in the population. To estimate the number of workers, the WPR is multiplied by the total population. The problem arises because there is no official population figure for India after 2011.
- To estimate population figures for the years between censuses, demographers typically interpolate numbers from the last available Census. However, India-KLEMS took a different approach by using population estimates from the Economic Survey (ES) 2021-22 for the years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. The ES assumed that population growth rates from 2001 to 2011 remained constant after 2011, and these projections were then used to estimate the number of workers by multiplying them with the WPR.
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Answer (B)
Thus, the correct answer is B. 1 and 2 only |
Are freebies and welfare schemes different?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - GS II - Governance
Context:
All three major political parties in the Delhi Assembly elections, won by the Bharatiya Janata Party, unveiled a barrage of freebies or subsidies to woo voters. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) pledged a ₹2,100 monthly allowance for all women, an additional ₹21,000 for pregnant women, and subsidised LPG cylinders at ₹500 for those from impoverished backgrounds.
Read about:
Can schemes such as the midday meal, the public distribution system, and child development services be considered as welfare?
How do targeted cash transfer programmes impact lives?
Key takeaways:
Electoral Sops or Welfare Politics?
- The debate over electoral freebies versus welfare measures remains unresolved due to the lack of a clear definition of what qualifies as a freebie. Some view freebies as a form of bribery, which they argue influences voter decisions and discourages informed choices.
- Others, however, believe this perspective undermines voter agency and delegitimizes welfare politics. The perception of a policy as a freebie or a genuine welfare measure often depends on context.
- For instance, while some may consider free public transport an unnecessary handout, others see it as an essential social support system. Ironically, critics of transport subsidies may indirectly benefit from the availability of cheap labor, which is facilitated by affordable transportation.
- Dr. K.K. Kailash, a Political Science professor at the University of Hyderabad, highlights how such measures enable people to travel for work, thereby sustaining economic activity.
Welfare as a Legal Right
- The National Food Security Act (2013), introduced by the Congress-led UPA government, transformed various welfare programs—such as the mid-day meal scheme, the Public Distribution System (PDS), and child development initiatives—into legal entitlements. According to government data, the law benefits 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, covering nearly 800 million people.
- A 2023 study by the Centre for Financial Inclusion (CFI) found that well-structured cash transfer programs, particularly those directing funds to women on behalf of their households, not only empower women but also help reduce the risks of domestic violence.
Where to Draw the Line?
- According to Dr. Kailash, welfare programs enhance human capabilities and promote freedom, aligning with Amartya Sen’s “capability approach” to development. For example, mid-day meal programs provide access to nutritious food, which boosts immunity and allows individuals to live healthier, more dignified lives.
- Poor health, on the other hand, increases healthcare costs and puts additional pressure on public resources. Investing in nutrition and education from an early age yields long-term societal benefits.
- Cash transfer schemes have gained political traction in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana, reinforcing their role in electoral strategies. However, Dr. Kailash warns that while these schemes increase consumer spending and stimulate market activity, they do not create sustainable economic opportunities.
- Over-reliance on freebie-driven politics poses significant fiscal risks, particularly for states burdened with high debt.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has highlighted a sharp rise in subsidy expenditure, urging states to rationalize subsidies to protect essential investments in infrastructure and public services.
The Judiciary’s Role
- In August 2022, the Supreme Court referred multiple petitions challenging the constitutional validity of electoral freebies to a three-judge bench. The lead petition, filed by BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay, argued that populist giveaways undermine free and fair elections, violating constitutional principles.
- During the hearings, a bench led by former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana proposed forming an expert panel to gather recommendations from stakeholders—marking a shift from the Court’s previous stance.
- In S. Subramaniam Balaji vs Government of Tamil Nadu (2013), the Supreme Court had ruled that such matters fall under legislative policy and are beyond judicial intervention.
- The judgment also emphasized that state-funded welfare programs cannot be deemed illegal or considered “corrupt practices”, especially when they align with the Directive Principles of State Policy. However, no further hearings have taken place since November 23, 2023
Follow Up Question
1.Consider the following statements: (2017)
- The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
- 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
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Answer (d)
Therefore, only statement 3 is correct |
Storms brewing in East, South China seas
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
Context:
China asserts sovereignty over the East China Sea, particularly the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, which are controlled by Japan, and pushes its claims in the South China Sea, leading to heightened tensions with several Southeast Asian nations
Key takeaways:
In recent years, maritime East Asia has become a hotspot for escalating power struggles. The East China Sea, which borders China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, is a key area of contention. China claims sovereignty over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, currently under Japanese administration, leading to numerous disputes over time. Similarly, the South China Sea, situated between China, Taiwan, and five Southeast Asian nations — Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Indonesia — has become a crucial flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific region. China's assertive approach in asserting its claims in this area has drawn widespread attention.
Why are these maritime areas crucial for China?
China views the East and South China Seas through the lens of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national defense. According to its 2019 Defence White Paper, China considers the South China Sea islands and Diaoyu Islands as inseparable parts of its territory. It justifies its actions in these regions as exercises of sovereignty, including building infrastructure, deploying defense systems, and conducting patrols, though neighboring countries see these activities as aggressive.
Significance of these maritime regions
These seas are central to East Asia's trade routes, with the Taiwan Strait acting as a vital chokepoint. The region also hosts undersea cables essential to the global digital economy. In 2023, the South China Sea saw the transit of approximately 10 billion barrels of petroleum and 6.7 trillion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas, highlighting its economic importance. Furthermore, it holds significant untapped oil and gas reserves.
China’s Actions in the Region
China's aggressive territorial claims manifest through the construction of military infrastructure, such as ports, airstrips, and artificial islands, and by challenging the claims of neighboring countries. In the East China Sea, China has clashed with Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, with both nations taking firm stances in several incidents. Although tensions have eased somewhat recently, China's Coast Guard remains highly active around these islands, indicating ongoing friction with Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
In the South China Sea, China's influence is expanding, backed by the largest navy worldwide. China's deployment of its Coast Guard and maritime militia has employed "grey zone" tactics — maneuvers designed to alter the status quo without triggering open conflict. This has led to increasing incidents, especially with the Philippines, where recent clashes over areas like the Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal indicate rising tensions.
Regional Responses
Countries in the region have responded in three primary ways:
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Enhancing Defense Capabilities: Nations like Japan and the Philippines have ramped up defense spending, acquiring advanced weaponry such as anti-ship BrahMos missiles from India.
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Challenging China’s Maritime Activities: Regional nations have taken a more vocal stance against Chinese actions. The Philippines, for example, has increased transparency by publicizing China's activities and involving international media to build a narrative.
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Strengthening Alliances with the U.S.: Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines have deepened military cooperation with the U.S., resulting in increased joint exercises and defense dialogues. These alliances aim to counterbalance China's influence, though questions persist regarding the long-term reliability of U.S. commitments.
Despite these efforts, debates continue over whether the U.S.'s involvement stabilizes or escalates tensions in the region
Follow Up Question
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Answer (B)
The Senkaku Islands, known as "Diaoyu" in China, are a group of uninhabited islands located in the East China Sea. These islands have been a source of ongoing tension and maritime disputes between China and Japan. Here's a detailed explanation of the issue: Background of the Dispute
Reasons for the Dispute
Current Situation
Why Option B is CorrectOption B correctly identifies that "China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in the East China Sea." This reflects the reality of the ongoing disagreement over territorial claims, frequent patrols, and potential confrontations in the region |
Indian space programme breaks into 2025 in ‘mission mode’
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & Technology
Context:
The PSLV-C60 mission laid the foundations for Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. Forthcoming test flights will move India closer to human spaceflight, soon to receive a helping hand from a third launch pad at Sriharikota, continuing work on NGLV, and a change of guard at ISRO
Read about:
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV)
Geo Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLV)
Key takeaways:
- On December 30, 2024, the PSLV-C60 mission launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota. Within 15 minutes, the rocket successfully placed the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) satellites into a 475-km circular orbit at slightly different velocities.
- Kepler Aerospace, an Indian private company, partnered with ISRO to provide ground station-as-a-service support for the mission. The company simultaneously managed both SpaDeX satellites and delivered comprehensive mission support in less than a month.
- A Swiss firm specializing in space situational awareness, s2a systems, shared updates on the satellites’ separation distances via social media. On January 2, 2025, the satellites reached a separation of 10–20 km, referred to as far rendezvous conditions. By January 6, they began moving closer. Although ISRO initially planned a live webcast for January 7, it postponed the event before canceling it entirely.
- On January 8, ISRO reported an unexpected drift when the satellites’ separation was reduced from 500 m to 225 m. Consequently, the separation was reset to 6–8 km on January 9 to begin the docking process anew.
- By January 10, the satellites entered a ‘hold’ mode to maintain a distance of 1.5 km. Over the following days, the inter-satellite distance was progressively reduced: to 230 m on January 11, then to 105 m, 15 m, and finally 3 m by January 12. At this stage, ISRO temporarily increased the distance to 10.9 km to analyze sensor data before proceeding.
- On January 13, the satellites approached each other again, reaching 2.6 km apart, and by January 15, the distance was reduced to 900 m. Finally, on January 16, ISRO announced that the satellites had successfully docked and stabilized in orbit, marking the organization’s first in-orbit rendezvous and docking milestone. Post-docking, the satellites were controlled together from one unit, a critical capability for lunar and space station operations
GSLV and PSLV
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) are two of the most important satellite launch vehicles developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). They serve distinct purposes and are used based on mission requirements.
Here's a comparison of the two:
- The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is one of the most reliable and versatile satellite launch vehicles developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Its primary function is to launch satellites into Polar Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO), making it ideal for earth observation and remote sensing missions.
- However, PSLV is not limited to SSO; it is also capable of placing satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbits (GTO) and Low Earth Orbits (LEO), adding to its flexibility. The PSLV had its maiden flight on September 20, 1993, and since then, it has undergone numerous improvements to enhance its performance and reliability.
- The PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle that alternates between solid and liquid propulsion systems. This unique design ensures a balance of power and precision during its mission. It has a payload capacity of up to 1,750 kg to SSO and up to 1,420 kg to GTO.
- Known as the "Workhorse of ISRO," the PSLV is celebrated for its high success rate and cost-effectiveness, making it a favored choice for launching satellites. Over the years, the PSLV has undertaken several landmark missions.
- Notable among these are Chandrayaan-1 in 2008, India’s first lunar exploration mission, and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013, which made India the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt. In 2017, the PSLV-C37 mission set a world record by successfully deploying 104 satellites in a single mission, demonstrating its capability to handle complex operations.
- On the other hand, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is a more advanced and powerful launch vehicle developed by ISRO. Its primary objective is to launch heavier payloads into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), although it is also capable of launching payloads into LEO. The GSLV made its debut on April 18, 2001, and since then, it has become a critical asset for India’s space program.
- The GSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle, incorporating a solid-propulsion first stage, a liquid-propulsion second stage, and a cryogenic third stage. The cryogenic stage, which uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, provides higher efficiency and thrust, enabling the vehicle to carry payloads weighing up to 5,000 kg to LEO and up to 2,500 kg to GTO. The development of an indigenous cryogenic upper stage was a major milestone for ISRO, marking a significant technological achievement.
- The GSLV has been instrumental in deploying India’s GSAT series of communication satellites, which are crucial for telecommunication and broadcasting services. It was also used in the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019, India’s second lunar exploration mission. Recently, in 2023, the GSLV successfully launched the NVS-01 satellite, which plays a vital role in India’s navigation system.
- Together, the PSLV and GSLV have propelled India’s space ambitions, each serving distinct purposes. While the PSLV excels in launching smaller satellites and multi-satellite payloads, the GSLV is designed for heavier payloads and higher orbits, making both vehicles complementary and indispensable to ISRO’s endeavors
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Answer (A)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Fundamental Duties | Fundamental Duties |
| Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity in India | Biodiversity |
| History | Modern Indian History | Constitutional Development in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Peasants, Tribal and other movements |
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