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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on November 30, 2024
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- The Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen, launched on October 2, 2014, resulted in the construction of over 11 crore household toilets by 2020, with more than six lakh villages declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), according to official data. Similarly, under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, over 63 lakh individual household toilets and 6.36 lakh community public toilets were constructed.
- A study revealed a significant decrease in infant mortality due to increased access to sanitation. Districts with even 30% toilet coverage saw a notable reduction in infant mortality, preventing around 60,000-70,000 deaths annually.
- In 2012, the infant mortality rate was 40 deaths per 1,000 live births per district, which dropped to about 33 in 2016, and further declined below 30 by 2019. The under-five mortality rate also fell, from around 44 per 1,000 live births in 2012 to below 30 in 2019.
- The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), initiated by the Prime Minister on October 2, 2014, aimed to provide universal sanitation coverage and eliminate open defecation across the country. The government boosted toilet infrastructure by offering financial support for the construction of household and community toilets, especially for slum and migrant populations.
- The second phase of SBM, launched in 2020 and continuing until 2025, focuses on maintaining the progress made in phase one and advancing the management of liquid and solid waste through technological innovation and private sector involvement
The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is a key health indicator that measures the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given year or population. It is used to assess the overall health of a population and the effectiveness of healthcare systems, particularly in areas such as maternal and child health, sanitation, and disease prevention.
A lower IMR typically indicates better healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions, while a higher IMR suggests challenges in these areas
Follow Up Question
As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct? (UPSC CSE 2019)
(a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.
(b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only
(c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.
(d) It is mandatory on the part of the waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.
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(c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities. Under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, detailed guidelines are provided for identifying suitable locations for landfills and waste processing facilities, ensuring environmental and social safeguards. The other options are not accurate representations of the rules |
Mains
How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? (UPSC CSE 2016)
What is the Unified Lending Interface by the RBI?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II & III - Unified Payment interface, NPCI
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as part of its strategy to create digital public infrastructure in the country, has announced that a new technology platform called the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) would be introduced by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, Bengaluru which will enable friction-less credit to farmers and MSME borrowers to begin with.
Read about:
What is Unified Lending Interface (ULI)?
What is the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI)?
Key takeaways:
As part of its initiative to develop digital public infrastructure, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the introduction of a new technological platform called the Unified Lending Interface (ULI). This platform, developed by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub in Bengaluru, aims to facilitate hassle-free credit for farmers and MSME borrowers.
What is ULI?
- The Unified Lending Interface (ULI) is designed to enable the smooth transfer of both financial and non-financial digital data from various service providers to lenders, making credit assessments easier and borrower experiences more streamlined.
- According to Rajesh Bansal, CEO of the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, this platform supports the consent-based flow of digital information, including state land records. This will significantly reduce the time required for credit evaluation, particularly for smaller, rural borrowers without a credit history.
- ULI's architecture features common and standardized Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allow for a 'plug and play' model, facilitating digital access to information from multiple sources. This approach simplifies technical integrations and enables borrowers to access credit more quickly, reducing the need for extensive documentation.
- Lenders will be able to access customer data from diverse sources, including government databases like land records and satellite images, through standardized APIs. FinTech companies will also have the opportunity to connect with multiple lenders via the platform, allowing for better customer insights and service.
How will it work?
- First-time loan applicants, often without a credit history or necessary documentation, usually find it challenging to secure bank loans. With ULI, however, digital credit information can be accessed through a single platform, providing data providers and lenders with the information needed to meet the needs of prospective borrowers.
- ULI not only allows access to data about a loan applicant’s financial activities but also provides financial institutions with this data through a straightforward 'plug and play' connection to the platform. Consequently, loan applicants no longer need to spend weeks gathering documents, as banks, NBFCs, or FinTechs can directly retrieve the necessary information from sources linked to the ULI platform.
- For example, a dairy farmer seeking a loan could have their cash flow assessed from data provided by milk cooperatives, verify land ownership through state land records, and evaluate financial status through farming patterns.
- What was once an unclear area for lenders now becomes transparent, enabling informed business decisions. Using ULI, lenders can quickly determine a loan applicant’s income and creditworthiness, leading to automated decision-making and the rapid approval and disbursement of loans.
- Even tenant farmers, who typically struggle to obtain agricultural loans due to a lack of land titles, will be able to access credit. By tracking the use of funds for purchasing agricultural inputs, the ULI platform can reassure banks about the borrower’s identity and credit use, independent of land ownership.
How did it start?
- On August 10, 2023, the RBI announced the creation of a Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit, now known as the ULI. The central bank recognized that as digitalization advances, the data necessary for credit evaluation should be readily available at a single point to facilitate digital credit delivery.
- To address this, a pilot project for digitalizing Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans under ₹1.6 lakh was launched in September 2022.
- The project began in select districts across Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, with promising initial results. According to the RBI, the pilot enabled loans to be disbursed directly to borrowers at their doorstep, either through assisted or self-service modes, eliminating the need for paperwork
Follow Up Question
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Answer (C)
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- SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband, Dhaval Buch, clarified in a statement last Sunday that their investment in the fund identified by Hindenburg was made during their time as private citizens in Singapore, nearly two years before she joined SEBI as a member in 2017.
- They stated that the investment was influenced by Mr. Buch's close relationship with the fund's Chief Investment Officer, Anil Ahuja, a childhood friend, and that the investment was redeemed in 2018 after Mr. Ahuja left the role.
- They also mentioned that Mr. Ahuja confirmed that the fund never invested in any bonds, equities, or derivatives of any Adani Group company. Notably, Mr. Ahuja served as a director of Adani Enterprises until 2017.
- Regarding the U.S. firm's allegations that the SEBI chief owned two consulting firms in Singapore and India and transferred 100% of the Singapore firm's shares to her husband in March 2022, the Buchs explained that these firms became dormant immediately upon her appointment at SEBI.
- They also disclosed that the transfer of the Singapore entity to Mr. Buch, who had been using both firms since 2019 for his consultancy work with major Indian industry clients, was reported to SEBI and Indian tax authorities.
- In a separate statement, SEBI affirmed that Ms. Buch had made all necessary disclosures regarding her securities holdings and transfers over time and had recused herself from cases involving potential conflicts of interest.
- This was in response to accusations that Ms. Buch had overseen changes in regulations for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) while her husband was an adviser to Blackstone, a firm with interests in this asset class
- SEBI registers and regulates the activities of stockbrokers, sub-brokers, underwriters, portfolio managers, investment advisors, and other intermediaries in the securities market.
- It regulates and monitors the operations of stock exchanges to ensure transparency and efficiency in the trading of securities
- SEBI oversees the registration and regulation of mutual funds, ensuring that they operate in a fair and transparent manner
- It monitors and regulates the acquisition and takeover of companies to protect the interests of shareholders
- SEBI conducts investor education programs and disseminates information to protect investors from fraudulent practices
- It provides a mechanism for investors to lodge complaints against companies, market intermediaries, and other market participants, and ensures timely redressal of grievances
- SEBI monitors and takes action against insider trading and other fraudulent practices in the securities market to protect investors' interests
- SEBI promotes the development of new financial instruments and encourages innovations in the market to enhance its depth and liquidity
- It initiates reforms to strengthen market infrastructure and to ensure the securities market's growth and stability
- SEBI has the power to conduct investigations and surveillance of market activities to detect and prevent malpractices
- SEBI can impose penalties on violators of securities laws and take legal action against those who engage in fraudulent or manipulative practices
- SEBI issues guidelines and regulations to ensure that companies listed on stock exchanges adhere to high standards of corporate governance
- It monitors compliance with these guidelines to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in corporate management
- SEBI regulates the functioning of MIIs to ensure the smooth and secure functioning of the securities market.
- It oversees the settlement systems to ensure that transactions in the securities market are settled efficiently and on time
- EBI regulates the issuance of securities in the primary market, including the public offering of shares and debentures, to ensure that capital is raised in a fair and transparent manner.
- It monitors Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and Follow-on Public Offerings (FPOs) to protect the interests of investors.
Which of the following statements regarding the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are correct?
- SEBI was established as a statutory body in 1992 under the SEBI Act.
- SEBI is responsible for regulating the operations of stock exchanges in India.
- SEBI's primary role is to formulate monetary policy for India.
- SEBI has the authority to impose penalties on market participants for violations of securities laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2, and 4 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 3, and 4 only
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Answer (b)
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- The Panama Canal is more than just a waterway connecting two larger bodies of water; it's a complex, meticulously engineered system that utilizes locks and elevators to transport ships from one end to the other.
- This intricate system is necessary because the two oceans connected by the canal are at different elevations, with the Pacific being slightly higher than the Atlantic. To navigate this elevation difference, ships traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific must ascend during their journey.
- This is accomplished through a system of locks that raise and lower vessels to the appropriate sea levels at each end of the canal.
- Locks function as water elevators by either filling with water to raise ships or draining to lower them. The canal's lock system includes three sets of locks, totaling 12 locks, supported by artificial lakes and channels.
- Here's how a lock set operates: a ship enters the first, lowest lock chamber, which is at sea level; the gate at the entrance opens to admit the ship and then closes; water is then transferred from the first chamber to the second, higher chamber; once the water levels are equalized, the gate between the chambers opens, allowing the ship to move into the next chamber. This process continues to achieve the necessary elevation.
- The reverse process occurs when descending. Ships entering from the Atlantic first gain 26 meters of elevation at Lake Gaitan before descending as they approach the Pacific side
- The Panama Canal requires a substantial amount of fresh water to operate its lock system. Most of this water is sourced from Lake Gatun, relying on gravity to move it, which means no pumps are needed.
- Each day, the canal consumes about 2.5 times the amount of water used by New York City's 8 million residents. Recently, lower water levels in Lake Gatun restricted the number of ships that could transit the canal daily, and those that did often had to reduce their cargo.
- While ocean water could be used to operate the locks, it would increase the salinity of Lake Gatun, which also provides drinking water for over half of Panama's 4.4 million people.
- Though improved rainfall this year has eased some issues, experts warn that this is likely a temporary relief. Carlos Urriola, president of SSA International, notes that improved conditions can create a false sense of security.
- The broader issue is linked to climate change, which has led to more frequent extreme rainfall deficits.
- While significant rainfall shortages historically occurred about once every 20 years due to major El Niño events, there have been three such deficits in the past 26 years, suggesting a shift in rainfall patterns, according to Steven Paton from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. The conditions in 2023 were unprecedented in the last century.
- To address this ongoing challenge, Panama Canal authorities have proposed creating a new water source by damming the Rio Indio.
- Although such proposals have been made before, an old law previously prohibited this. However, Panama’s Supreme Court recently overturned that restriction, paving the way for a $1.6 billion dam project that officials believe will resolve the issue for at least the next 50 years
1.Which of the following statements about the Panama Canal is/are correct?
- The Panama Canal uses a system of locks and elevators to manage the elevation difference between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
- The water used by the Panama Canal's lock system is entirely sourced from the Pacific Ocean to avoid affecting local freshwater supplies.
- Recent lower water levels in Lake Gatun have led to restrictions on the number of ships that can pass through the canal, with some ships needing to reduce their cargo.
- The Panama Canal authorities have proposed damming the Rio Indio as a solution to address water supply issues for the canal.
Select the correct answer:
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Answer (b)
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The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an economic indicator that measures the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services. It is one of the most widely used measures of inflation and reflects the cost of living by tracking changes in the price level of a typical "basket" of goods and services consumed by households.
Key Points about CPI:
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Basket of Goods and Services: The CPI is based on a fixed basket of goods and services, which typically includes items such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, healthcare, education, and other essentials. The composition of the basket is determined by household consumption patterns.
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Measurement of Inflation: CPI is used to calculate the rate of inflation, which represents the percentage change in the price level of goods and services over a specific period. It is an essential tool for policymakers, economists, and businesses to assess inflationary trends in the economy.
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Base Year: The CPI is calculated by comparing the current price of the basket of goods and services to the price of the same basket in a base year. The base year is a reference point, and the index is typically set to 100 in that year.
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Types of CPI: In India, different CPIs are calculated for different segments of the population:
- CPI for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW)
- CPI for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL)
- CPI for Rural Labourers (CPI-RL)
- CPI Combined (CPI-C): This is the most comprehensive index and is used to measure inflation at the national level.
- The WPI is calculated based on a basket of goods that includes a variety of products across different categories such as primary articles (agricultural products, minerals), fuel and power, and manufactured products. Unlike the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which includes services, the WPI focuses solely on goods
- The WPI is used to measure inflation by tracking the average change in prices of goods sold in bulk or wholesale. It provides insight into price trends at the producer or wholesaler level, which can eventually affect retail prices
- The WPI is calculated using a base year, which is a reference point set at an index value of 100. The prices of goods in subsequent years are compared to this base year to measure the percentage change in prices
- WPI is calculated as an index number and is expressed as a percentage change from the previous period. It is released on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, depending on the country’s practice
- While both WPI and CPI measure inflation, WPI tracks price changes at the wholesale level, whereas CPI measures changes in the prices of goods and services at the consumer level. CPI is more reflective of the cost of living, while WPI is more indicative of price trends in the production and distribution stages
Uses of WPI:
- Policy Making: Governments and central banks use WPI data to formulate monetary and fiscal policies, especially those related to inflation control.
- Price Stability: By monitoring WPI, policymakers can assess inflationary pressures in the economy and take steps to stabilize prices.
- Business Planning: Businesses use WPI data to make informed decisions about pricing, inventory management, and cost control
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Answer (A)
Thus, the correct answer is A. 1 and 2 only |
| 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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