[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 16 March 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same
Answer the following questions in 150 words:
General Studies – 1
1. Throw light on cold deserts of India. Examine the present challenges to agriculture in cold desert regions and suggest ways to manage them.
Reference: Down to Earth
Introduction
A cold desert is a large arid area of land that typically receives scant amounts of annual precipitation, which occurs mainly in the form of snow or fog. The upper limit of mean annual precipitation is often considered to be fewer than 25 cm (9.8 inches). Cold deserts are found typically in temperate regions at high elevations, on plateaus, or in mountainous areas, but they also occur in polar regions. Shrubs and grasses are the main types of vegetation, and most plants and other organisms have adaptations that enable them to survive the dry, frigid conditions.
cold deserts of India
• In India, the cold desert regions are located in the Greater Himalayas, particularly in Ladakh, which is the cold desert of India.
• Ladakh shares borders with China and is enclosed by the Zanskar mountains in the south and the Karakoram mountain range in the north.
• Other cold desert regions in India include the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, which is also a high-altitude region with a dry, cold climate.
The present challenges to agriculture in cold desert regions of India include:
• Water scarcity: With the decline in snowfall and faster snowmelt in higher regions, water availability for irrigation has reduced.
• shallow soil: Soils primarily have very low water holding capacity — less than 30 per cent.
• Climate change: The rise in average temperature in Ladakh by 3 degrees Celsius in the past four decades has affected the rainfall pattern adversely in these higher regions, leading to less snowfall and faster snowmelt.
• Habitat loss and degradation: Protected areas such as Hemis National Park and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary provide a safe haven for threatened species such as the snow leopard and Tibetan wild ass, but habitat loss and degradation are still major threats to the ecosystem.
• access to high-quality seeds and chemicals requires purchases from distant markets because local vendors are scarce. Surrounded by the formidable Higher Himalayas, Spiti Valley lacks direct market access, compelling farmers to depend on intermediaries and traders for selling their produce.
• Overgrazing: The increase in human activity, including agriculture and livestock grazing, can negatively impact the fragile cold desert ecosystems.
To manage these challenges, the following measures can be taken:
• Natural farming: Farmers in Spiti Valley use minimal to no fertilisers, relying on manure, with sparing use of plant protection chemicals. This practice positions the valley as a promising hub for natural farming, providing the opportunity to secure premium prices for such produce. However, government support is essential for a smooth transition.
• Development of heat-resistant crops: Researchers and scientists are working to develop varieties of crops that will grow under the changed climate, focusing on heat-resistant wheat and other water-wise technologies.
• Conservation of water: Efforts should be made to conserve water as ice in the form of artificial glaciers, as farmers in Ladakh have been doing since 1987.
• Protection of biodiversity: Protected areas such as Hemis National Park and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary should be maintained and expanded to protect the remarkable biodiversity found in these ecosystems.
• Sustainable land use practices: Encouraging local communities to adopt sustainable land use practices, such as reducing overgrazing and promoting conservation efforts, can help preserve the cold desert ecosystems.
• Introduction of new fruits and vegetables: The cultivation of apples and exotic vegetables, with distinct maturity times from the rest of India, presents lucrative opportunities for farmers, yielding higher returns.
• Processing of food products: “Vocal for Local”: There is significant potential for processing apples into dried slices, converting sea buckthorn into powdered form for tea/juice and drying apricots. Promoting FPOs and improving market ties can empower farmers to fetch better prices, aligning with the government’s “Vocal for Local” drive.
• Agri-Tourism: Spiti’s scenic beauty combined with agricultural practices creates potential for agri-tourism. This integration can generate extra income for farmers while promoting environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
Thus, there is a need of multiple measures to ensure sustainable agricultural practices in Cold desert regions of India.
2. Even amidst economic growth, the poor and marginalized communities often lack access to basic necessities and services. Examine.
Reference: The Hindu
Introduction
Despite economic growth, poverty and marginalized communities still face significant challenges in accessing basic necessities and services. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasizes the right to adequate food, housing, and medical care for all individuals. However, disparities persist, affecting marginalized populations in various ways. These disparities are evident in the lack of access to essential services like healthcare, sanitation, clean water, transportation, and affordable housing.
India’s recent economic growth has been robust, with an estimated 6.9% expansion in FY 2022/23, driven by strong domestic demand, increased infrastructure investment, and robust private consumption. For FY 2023/24, a growth of 7.3% is projected, maintaining India’s 5th position in the global GDP rankings. The economy has surged to $3.7 trillion. Future prospects indicate an ambitious target of reaching a $10 trillion economy by 2035, aligning with the government’s vision to transform India into a ‘developed country’ by 2047.
Access to Basic Amenities in India:
• Research indicates that Indian households lack access to 46% of the basic services they need, highlighting wide disparities in social infrastructure availability.
• The Empowerment Line, a measure of individual consumption, reveals that 56% of the population lacked the means to meet essential needs in 2012, with 680 million Indians experiencing deprivation.
• Efforts are needed to make basic services more effective by doubling the share allocated to healthcare, water, and sanitation and ensuring public spending translates into improved outcomes.
Linkage Between Access to Basic Services and Poverty:
• Limited access to basic services is associated with high unemployment, poverty, and lack of awareness among people.
• The Bare Necessities Index (BNI) measures access to essentials like water, sanitation, housing, and other facilities, showing significant improvements in access across states in India from 2012 to 2018.
• Improved access to necessities has a direct impact on health outcomes, with initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission leading to declines in diarrhea and malaria cases in children below five years.
Way forward
• Policy makers need a comprehensive benchmark to measure gaps in access to basic necessities and inform resource allocation for marginalized communities.
• Accelerating job creation, improving infrastructure, reducing administrative burdens on businesses, and enhancing social infrastructure are key priorities to lift millions above the Empowerment Line and eliminate extreme poverty by 2022.
• Despite progress in reducing the official poverty rate in India from 1994 to 2012, there is a need for higher aspirations to address widespread deprivation beyond extreme poverty levels.
Conclusion
while India has made strides in economic growth, addressing the lack of access to basic necessities and services among poor and marginalized communities remains a critical challenge. Efforts focusing on improving social infrastructure, job creation, equitable resource allocation, and enhancing healthcare and education services are essential to uplift vulnerable populations and ensure a more inclusive and prosperous society.
General Studies – 2
3. The collaboration and openness to constructive criticism among the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are crucial for upholding free and fair elections. Discuss.
Reference: The Hindu , https://scroll.in , Insights on India
Introduction
For the conduct of free and fair elections an independent Election Commission has been provided for in Article 324. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has earned public trust due to its exemplary work as an independent and neutral authority. This achievement has been made possible because as a constitutional authority, the ECI’s autonomy is guaranteed and its functioning insulated from the interference of the executive and judiciary.
The two vacancies in the Election Commission (EC), created by the surprise resignation of Arun Goel and the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey, are likely to be filled by March 15.
Powers of CEC & EC
• The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) of India have the authority to direct, superintend, and control the elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President of India.
• They function as a multi-member body with decision-making power by majority vote.
• The CEC can be removed only through impeachment by Parliament, while the ECs can be removed on the CEC’s recommendation.
• Their powers are equal, and their decisions in election-related matters are binding.
Appointment of Election Commissioner
• The election commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner and a such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the president may from time to time fix.
• The appointment of the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners shall be made by the President of India.
• The President makes the appointment on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
• They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
Issues with the appointment
• The Constitution does not lay down a specific legislative process for the appointment of the CEC and ECs.
• Appointments to the Election Commission are currently the central government’s prerogative.
• Currently, the Executive enjoys the power to make appointments that affect the ECI’s independenceand make the process of appointing election commissioners partial and biased.
• There have been instances where ECI’s unwillingness to censure the ruling party’s leadersfor violating the Model Code of Conduct while pulling up Opposition leaders during the 2019 general election.
• The Constitution has neither prescribed the qualification of the members of the ECI nor specified the terms of the members of the ECI.
• The Constitution has not debarred the retiring election commissioners from any further appointment by the government.
Way forward
• A CEC of the calibre of TN Sheshan is required to ensure free and fair elections and to strengthen democracy in India. Though such personalities appear occasionally, appointments based on merit can provide close to one.
• There is no reason to change the arm’s length relationship, which the judiciary has respected and maintained with the ECI previously.
• Allow Parliament to decide and debate whether to include the CJI or the Leader of the Opposition on the appointment panel.
• The ECI should be insulated from political and/or executive interferenceto prevent any kind of manipulation in the selection process.
Conclusion
The ECI ensures the smooth and successful functioning of the democracy. It cannot become arbitrary and partisan as that will lead to the failure of democracy. The ECI needs to continuously reinvent its powers given to it under the Indian Constitution for better functioning. The integrity and independence of the ECI and its process needs to be preserved for a free and fair election in India and to maintain the public’s faith and confidence in the Election Commission of India.
General Studies – 3
4. What is agrobiodiversity? Discuss the role played by climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in preserving agrobiodiversity.
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Introduction
Agrobiodiversity is the result of natural selection processes and the careful selection and inventive developments of farmers, herders and fishers over millennia. Agrobiodiversity is a vital sub-set of biodiversity. Many people’s food and livelihood security depend on the sustained management of various biological resources that are important for food and agriculture.
In July 2023, Dasra, a strategic philanthropy organisation, along with think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF) launched a report titled Our Uncommon Future: Intersectionality of Climate Change and SDGs in the Global South, which explores the impact of climate change on Sustainable Development Goals and on food insecurity and malnutrition.
Agricultural biodiversity, also known as agrobiodiversity or the genetic resources for food and agriculture, includes:
• Harvested crop varieties, livestock breeds, fish species and non domesticated (wild) resources within field, forest, rangeland including tree products, wild animals hunted for food and in aquatic ecosystems (e.g. wild fish);
• Non-harvested species in production ecosystems that support food provision, including soil micro-biota, pollinators and other insects such as bees, butterflies, earthworms, greenflies; and
• Non-harvested species in the wider environment that support food production ecosystems (agricultural, pastoral, forest and aquatic ecosystems).
AGROBIODIVERSITY IS CENTRAL TO OVERALL BIODIVERSITY
various threats faced agrobiodiversity in the country · India’s agricultural ecosystem is distinguished by high monsoon dependence and with 85% small and marginal landholdings, it is highly sensitive to weather abnormalities. · There has been less than normal rainfall during the last four years, with 2014 and 2015 declared as drought years. · There are also reports of an escalation in heat waves, which in turn affecting crops, aquatic systems and livestock. · The Economic Survey 2017-18 has estimated farm income losses between 15% and 18% on average, which could rise to 20%-25% for unirrigated areas without any policy interventions. · Locally varied food production systems are under threat, including local knowledge and the culture and skills of women and men farmers. · With this decline, agrobiodiversity is disappearing; the scale of the loss is extensive. · With the disappearance of harvested species, varieties and breeds, a wide range of unharvested species also disappear. · More than 90 percent of crop varieties have disappeared from farmers’ fields; half of the breeds of many domestic animals have been lost. · In fisheries, all the world’s 17 main fishing grounds are now being fished at or above their sustainable limits, with many fish populations effectively becoming extinct. · Loss of forest cover, coastal wetlands, other ‘wild’ uncultivated areas, and the destruction of the aquatic environment exacerbate the genetic erosion of agrobiodiversity. · Fallow fields and wildlands can support large numbers of species useful to farmers. In addition to supplying calories and protein, wild foods supply vitamins and other essential micro-nutrients. · In general, poor households rely on access to wild foods more than the wealthier. · However, in some areas, pressure on the land is so great that wild food supplies have been exhausted.
· India’s agricultural ecosystem is distinguished by high monsoon dependence and with 85% small and marginal landholdings, it is highly sensitive to weather abnormalities.
· There has been less than normal rainfall during the last four years, with 2014 and 2015 declared as drought years.
· There are also reports of an escalation in heat waves, which in turn affecting crops, aquatic systems and livestock.
· The Economic Survey 2017-18 has estimated farm income losses between 15% and 18% on average, which could rise to 20%-25% for unirrigated areas without any policy interventions.
· Locally varied food production systems are under threat, including local knowledge and the culture and skills of women and men farmers.
· With this decline, agrobiodiversity is disappearing; the scale of the loss is extensive.
· With the disappearance of harvested species, varieties and breeds, a wide range of unharvested species also disappear.
· More than 90 percent of crop varieties have disappeared from farmers’ fields; half of the breeds of many domestic animals have been lost.
· In fisheries, all the world’s 17 main fishing grounds are now being fished at or above their sustainable limits, with many fish populations effectively becoming extinct.
· Loss of forest cover, coastal wetlands, other ‘wild’ uncultivated areas, and the destruction of the aquatic environment exacerbate the genetic erosion of agrobiodiversity.
· Fallow fields and wildlands can support large numbers of species useful to farmers. In addition to supplying calories and protein, wild foods supply vitamins and other essential micro-nutrients.
· In general, poor households rely on access to wild foods more than the wealthier.
· However, in some areas, pressure on the land is so great that wild food supplies have been exhausted.
Climate Smart Agriculture: Solving food security and climate change problems
• Increased productivity: Produce more food to improve food and nutrition security and boost the incomes of 75 percent of the world’s poor who live in rural areas and mainly rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
• Enhanced resilience:Reduce vulnerability to drought, pests, disease, and other shocks; and improve capacity to adapt and grow in the face of longer-term stresses like shortened seasons and erratic weather patterns.
• Reduced emissions: Pursue lower emissions for each calorie or kilo of food produced, avoid deforestation from agriculture and identify ways to suck carbon out of the atmosphere.
• The climate-smart agriculture approach seeks to reduce trade-offs to make crop and livestock systems, forestry, and fisheries and aquaculture more productiveand more sustainable.
• Climate-smart agriculture explicitly looks for where there are synergies and trade-offs among food security, adaptation and mitigation. Climate smart agriculture works through several dimensions to reorient agricultural development and managementto take climate change into account.
• Management of farms, crops, livestock, aquaculture and capture fisheries to balance near-term food security and livelihoods needs with priorities for adaptation and mitigation.
• Ecosystem and landscape management to conserve ecosystem servicesthat are important for food security, agricultural development, adaptation and mitigation.
Way forward
• Farmers, especially smallholder farmers, need handholding during their scaling up to adopt CSA.
• Mobile telecommunicationsystems are increasingly cost-effective and an efficient way of delivering weather-based agro-advisories to farmers at a large scale (Kisan app). Radio (especially community radio), television, newspapers, folk media, and village level public address systems will also need to be used to bridge this “communication divide.”
• Weather-based agro-advisories must be locale-specific, crop-and farmer-specific; need to also recommend soil, water, and biodiversity conservation practices. Integrating this with Soil Health Card schemewill be a good step forward.
• Build adaptive capacities to climate variability and strengthen the sustainability of farming systems.
• On-site training and awareness campaigns, technology demonstrations, farmer-specialist interactions, and engagement with local governance bodies.
• Soil health and need-based irrigationmanagement need to be addressed adequately.
• Closer collaboration between public, civil society, and private technology and financial service providers so that farmers get access to accurate information, and affordable technologies.
Conclusion
Overall, climate-smart agriculture is a crucial approach for ensuring the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems in the face of climate change, while also contributing to broader environmental and socio-economic goals.
5. India has made significant strides towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence production. However, there is still a considerable distance to cover to achieve self-reliance. Examine.
Reference: The Print
Introduction
In the last 10 years, equipment worth Rs 6 lakh crore had been procured from Indian companies. During this period, defence production doubled to more than Rs 1 lakh crore. In the last 10 years, more than 150 defence startups had started and defence forces had given them orders worth Rs 1,800 crore, the Prime Minister said during Bharat Shakti exercise.
The Government has taken several policy initiatives and brought reforms to promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing. These policy initiatives are aimed at encouraging indigenous design & development, innovation and manufacture of defence equipment in the country, thereby reducing dependency on imports in long run.
Background
• The Bharat Shakti exercise included the T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons System, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and an array of UAVs among others.
• Indian Navy’s assets included Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Aerial Targets, highlighting maritime strength and technological sophistication.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters, demonstrating air superiority and versatility in air operations.
Measures taken to make India self-reliant in defence production
• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020) is promulgated to maximize acquisition of defence equipment through indigenous sources and promote domestic manufacturing.
• Government of India has ensured that the most preferred option for capital acquisition is ‘Buy Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)’ category equipment followed by ‘Buy (Indian)’ category. The ‘Make’ categories aim to achieve the objective of self-reliance by involving greater participation of Indian industrial eco-system including private sector.
• The provisions of Government funding have been introduced for Make-I, Technology Development Fund (TDF) and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) projects.
• TDF Scheme executed by DRDO supports indigenous development of components, products, systems and technologies by MSMEs and Start-ups. Funding under TDF scheme was enhanced from Rs 10 crore to Rs 50 crore per Project, and the same under iDEX Prime scheme has been enhanced from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore It will give further boost to the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta in defence’.
• Four ‘Positive Indigenization Lists’ of defence equipment and platforms for which there would be an embargo on the import.
• The ‘Development cum Production Partner (DcPP)’ model of DRDO is implemented where-in Industry is taken up as DcPP in system development projects. Both development and production units are manufactured by industry along with life cycle support.
• DRDO test facilities have been opened to the industries for utilisation. The test facilities have been listed on DRDO website and have been communicated to them. The facilities are being utilized by the industries.
• Two Defence Industrial Corridors have been set up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to catalyse indigenous production of defence and aerospace-related items.
• Defence R&D has been opened up for industry, start-ups and academia with 25% of defence R&D budget earmarked for the purpose. This is being implemented through various existing schemes and new schemes have been proposed.
• In order to promote indigenous design and manufacturing, funds have also been earmarked for procurement from indigenous sources. For the FY 2023-24, funds have been earmarked in the ratio 67.75:32.25 between Domestic and Foreign procurement in the Capital Acquisition Budget of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). In addition, the MoD has also directed for spending an amount of Rs 1,500 crore towards procurement from start-ups.
• Nil Transfer of Technology (ToT) fees are being charged from DcPPs/PAs/LSI.
• Industries have been provided with free access for DRDO patents.
• Lists of systems which will be developed by industry only have been identified by DRDO. The same has been promulgated by MoD. DRDO will not develop such systems.
• DRDO is skilling youth (Internships, apprenticeship, electives in B Tech, M Tech courses) to make ready for Defence industries.
More reforms that can be implemented
• The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) could examine the defence acquisitions from a tri-service angle, this may avoid delays and speed up the defence procurement process.
• Mandatory Transfer of Technology for Subsystems: It is imperative that when India imports any weapon systems, there should be a plan for the ammunition and spares to be eventually manufactured in India so that we are not driven to seek urgent replenishments from abroad during crises. The same goes for repair, maintenance and overhaul facilities for the upgrading of the weapons platforms.
• The same goes for repair, maintenance and overhaul facilities for the upgrading of the weapons platforms.
• Modernising Ordnance Factories Board: Over the decades, ordnance factories have been the backbone of indigenous supplies to India’s armed forces, from weapons systems to spares, ammunition and auxiliaries. Their structure, work culture and the product range now need to be responsive to technology and quality demands of modern armed forces.
• Their structure, work culture and the product range now need to be responsive to technology and quality demands of modern armed forces.
• Overhauling of Existing Regulations and Practices: A long-term integrated perspective plan of the requirements of the armed forces should give the industry a clear picture of future requirements. The next Defence Procurement Procedure should incorporate guidelines to promote forward-looking strategic partnerships between Indian and foreign companies, with a view to achieving indigenisation over a period of time for even sophisticated platforms.
• The next Defence Procurement Procedure should incorporate guidelines to promote forward-looking strategic partnerships between Indian and foreign companies, with a view to achieving indigenisation over a period of time for even sophisticated platforms.
• Promoting Defence Exports: Investment, Indian or foreign, will be viable when the door to defence exports is promoted with a transparent policy.
• Resolving Conflict of Interest: The role of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as the government’s sole adviser, developer and evaluator of technologies creates a conflict of interest for entry of private players. Thus, the role of DRDO should be revised, in order to give private industry a level playing field for developing defence technologies.
• Thus, the role of DRDO should be revised, in order to give private industry a level playing field for developing defence technologies.
Conclusion
Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is a crucial component of effective defence capability and to maintain national sovereignty and achieve military superiority. The attainment of this will ensure strategic independence, cost-effective defence equipment and may lead to saving on defence import bill, which can subsequently finance the physical and social infrastructure.
Answer the following questions in 250 words(15 marks each):
General Studies – 1
6. The plight of older women in India is a pressing issue that often goes unnoticed and unaddressed. These women face a myriad of challenges which exacerbate their vulnerability and marginalization within society. Discuss.
Reference: Down to Earth
Introduction
Older women face additional challenges of financial insecurity, destitution and health challenges related to ageing. In a neoliberal society, people are valued for their economic contribution. A similar logic operates in many Indian families.
By 2050, women over 60 years would exceed the number of elderly men by 18.4 million, which would result in a unique characteristic of ‘feminisation’ of the elderly population in India as is being experienced in many provinces of China.
Situation of elderly women in India
• Changing family structure:- Many are forced to either live in a house uncared for or leave their homes with nowhere to go to. Although the degree of isolation may vary, with urbanisation and nuclear families on the rise, elderly women living in metropolitan cities are more likely to feel socially alienated than their rural counterparts. The traditional norms and values of Indian society also laid stress on showing respect and providing care for the elderly. However with the emerging prevalence of nuclear family set-ups in recent years, the elderly are likely to be exposed to emotional, physical and financial insecurity in the years to come. Due to the ever increasing trend of nuclear families, elder care management is getting more difficult, especially for working adult children who find themselves responsible for their parents well-being. Managing home care for the elderly is a massive challenge as multiple service providers nursing agencies, physiotherapists and medical suppliers are small, unorganized players who extend sub-optimal care.
• Many are forced to either live in a house uncared for or leave their homes with nowhere to go to.
• Although the degree of isolation may vary, with urbanisation and nuclear families on the rise, elderly women living in metropolitan cities are more likely to feel socially alienated than their rural counterparts.
• The traditional norms and values of Indian society also laid stress on showing respect and providing care for the elderly. However with the emerging prevalence of nuclear family set-ups in recent years, the elderly are likely to be exposed to emotional, physical and financial insecurity in the years to come.
• Due to the ever increasing trend of nuclear families, elder care management is getting more difficult, especially for working adult children who find themselves responsible for their parents well-being. Managing home care for the elderly is a massive challenge as multiple service providers nursing agencies, physiotherapists and medical suppliers are small, unorganized players who extend sub-optimal care.
• Lack of infrastructure:- Lack of physical infrastructure is a major deterrent to providing comfort to the aged.
• Lack of physical infrastructure is a major deterrent to providing comfort to the aged.
• Health issues:- Challenges of health securityget aggravated by the fact that elderly women often tend to underplay their ailments. Emphasis on geriatrics in the public health system is limited with few dedicated geriatric services. The other issues of the public health system are lack of infrastructure, limited manpower, poor quality of care and overcrowding of facilities due to insufficient focus on elderly care.
• Challenges of health securityget aggravated by the fact that elderly women often tend to underplay their ailments.
• Emphasis on geriatrics in the public health system is limited with few dedicated geriatric services. The other issues of the public health system are lack of infrastructure, limited manpower, poor quality of care and overcrowding of facilities due to insufficient focus on elderly care.
• Gender discrimination:- They face life time of gender-based discrimination.The gendered nature of ageing is such that universally, women tend to live longer than men.
• They face life time of gender-based discrimination.The gendered nature of ageing is such that universally, women tend to live longer than men.
• Widowhood:- In the advanced age of 80 years and above, widowhood dominatesthe status of women with 71 per cent of women and only 29 per cent of men having lost their spouse. The life of a widow is riddled with stringent moral codes, with integral rights relinquished and liberties circumvented.
• In the advanced age of 80 years and above, widowhood dominatesthe status of women with 71 per cent of women and only 29 per cent of men having lost their spouse. The life of a widow is riddled with stringent moral codes, with integral rights relinquished and liberties circumvented.
• Societal influence:- Social mores inhibitwomen from re-marrying, resulting in an increased likelihood of women ending up alone. Social bias often results in unjust allocation of resources, neglect, abuse, exploitation, gender-based violence, lack of access to basic services and prevention of ownership of assets.
• Social mores inhibitwomen from re-marrying, resulting in an increased likelihood of women ending up alone.
• Social bias often results in unjust allocation of resources, neglect, abuse, exploitation, gender-based violence, lack of access to basic services and prevention of ownership of assets.
• Ageing women are more likely to get excluded from social security schemes due to lower literacy and awareness levels.
• Lack of insurance:- Social isolation and loneliness has increased. Insurance cover that is elderly sensitive is virtually non- existent in India. The preexisting illnesses are usually not covered making insurance policies unviable for the elders.
• Social isolation and loneliness has increased. Insurance cover that is elderly sensitive is virtually non- existent in India.
• The preexisting illnesses are usually not covered making insurance policies unviable for the elders.
• Failure of government schemes: Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) failure: The number of old age homes the Centre supports under the Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) has seen a decline from 269 homes in 2012-13 to a dismal 137 in 2014-15. The Centre has asked State governments to ensure that there are old-age homes whose functioning can be supported under IPOP, but since it is optional for the State governments to do so, the total number of old-age homes remains abysmally low. Concerns with Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in 2007 Despite this, however, it is a fact that most people in India would rather suffer than have the family name sullied by taking their own children to court for not providing for them. This need to maintain a facade is combined with a lack of knowledge of rights, the inherent inability of the elderly to approach a tribunal for recourse under the law, and poor implementation of the Act by various State governments. The elderly in India are much more vulnerable because of the less government spending on social security system.
• Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) failure: The number of old age homes the Centre supports under the Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) has seen a decline from 269 homes in 2012-13 to a dismal 137 in 2014-15. The Centre has asked State governments to ensure that there are old-age homes whose functioning can be supported under IPOP, but since it is optional for the State governments to do so, the total number of old-age homes remains abysmally low.
• The number of old age homes the Centre supports under the Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) has seen a decline from 269 homes in 2012-13 to a dismal 137 in 2014-15.
• The Centre has asked State governments to ensure that there are old-age homes whose functioning can be supported under IPOP, but since it is optional for the State governments to do so, the total number of old-age homes remains abysmally low.
• Concerns with Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in 2007 Despite this, however, it is a fact that most people in India would rather suffer than have the family name sullied by taking their own children to court for not providing for them. This need to maintain a facade is combined with a lack of knowledge of rights, the inherent inability of the elderly to approach a tribunal for recourse under the law, and poor implementation of the Act by various State governments.
• Despite this, however, it is a fact that most people in India would rather suffer than have the family name sullied by taking their own children to court for not providing for them.
• This need to maintain a facade is combined with a lack of knowledge of rights, the inherent inability of the elderly to approach a tribunal for recourse under the law, and poor implementation of the Act by various State governments.
• The elderly in India are much more vulnerable because of the less government spending on social security system.
Important measures taken by government
• The National Assistance Program consists of five sub-schemes:- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme(IGNWPS) introduced in the year 2009,provides BPL(Below Poverty Line) widows in the age group 40 to 64(later revised 40 to 59) with a monthly pension of Rs. 200 per beneficiary. After they attain the age of 60,they qualify for pension under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme(IGNOAPS). Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 years and above with more than 80% disability and living below the poverty line. Amount: ₹300 (US$4.70) per month (₹500 (US$7.80) for those 80 years and above). National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) In the event of death of a bread-winner in a household, the bereaved family will receive lumpsum assistance of ₹20,000 (US$310). The bread-winner should have been between 18–60 years of age. The assistance would be provided in every case of death of a bread-winner in a household. Annapurna Scheme This scheme aims to provide food security to meet the requirement of those senior citizens who, though eligible, have remained uncovered under the IGNOAPS. Under the Annapurna Scheme, 10 kg of free rice is provided every month to each beneficiary. Vayoshrestha Sammanis a Scheme of National Awards instituted by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment initially in 2005. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in 2007. The model Act makes it obligatory for children or relatives to provide maintenance to senior citizens and parents. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana has been launched in April 2017 to provide Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category. This is a 100% Central Sector Scheme, to be fully funded and implemented by the Central Government. The scheme has been launched for three years up to 2019-20. The eligible persons for this scheme are senior citizens from BPL category, suffering from any of the age related disability / infirmity such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disability. Such persons would be provided assisted-living devices. Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY): To provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.
• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme(IGNWPS) introduced in the year 2009,provides BPL(Below Poverty Line) widows in the age group 40 to 64(later revised 40 to 59) with a monthly pension of Rs. 200 per beneficiary. After they attain the age of 60,they qualify for pension under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme(IGNOAPS).
• After they attain the age of 60,they qualify for pension under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme(IGNOAPS).
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 years and above with more than 80% disability and living below the poverty line. Amount: ₹300 (US$4.70) per month (₹500 (US$7.80) for those 80 years and above).
• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 years and above with more than 80% disability and living below the poverty line.
• Amount: ₹300 (US$4.70) per month (₹500 (US$7.80) for those 80 years and above).
• National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) In the event of death of a bread-winner in a household, the bereaved family will receive lumpsum assistance of ₹20,000 (US$310). The bread-winner should have been between 18–60 years of age. The assistance would be provided in every case of death of a bread-winner in a household.
• In the event of death of a bread-winner in a household, the bereaved family will receive lumpsum assistance of ₹20,000 (US$310).
• The bread-winner should have been between 18–60 years of age. The assistance would be provided in every case of death of a bread-winner in a household.
• Annapurna Scheme This scheme aims to provide food security to meet the requirement of those senior citizens who, though eligible, have remained uncovered under the IGNOAPS. Under the Annapurna Scheme, 10 kg of free rice is provided every month to each beneficiary.
• This scheme aims to provide food security to meet the requirement of those senior citizens who, though eligible, have remained uncovered under the IGNOAPS.
• Under the Annapurna Scheme, 10 kg of free rice is provided every month to each beneficiary.
• Vayoshrestha Sammanis a Scheme of National Awards instituted by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment initially in 2005.
• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in 2007. The model Act makes it obligatory for children or relatives to provide maintenance to senior citizens and parents.
• The model Act makes it obligatory for children or relatives to provide maintenance to senior citizens and parents.
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana has been launched in April 2017 to provide Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category. This is a 100% Central Sector Scheme, to be fully funded and implemented by the Central Government. The scheme has been launched for three years up to 2019-20. The eligible persons for this scheme are senior citizens from BPL category, suffering from any of the age related disability / infirmity such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disability. Such persons would be provided assisted-living devices.
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana has been launched in April 2017 to provide Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category.
• This is a 100% Central Sector Scheme, to be fully funded and implemented by the Central Government. The scheme has been launched for three years up to 2019-20.
• The eligible persons for this scheme are senior citizens from BPL category, suffering from any of the age related disability / infirmity such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disability. Such persons would be provided assisted-living devices.
• Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY): To provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.
• To provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.
Way forward and conclusion
• As a signatory to Mipaa, India has the responsibility to formulate and implement public policy on population ageing. Issues of poverty, migration, urbanisation, ruralisation and feminisation compound the complexity of this emerging phenomenon. Public policy must respond to this bourgeoning need and mainstream action into developmental planning.
• Issues of poverty, migration, urbanisation, ruralisation and feminisation compound the complexity of this emerging phenomenon. Public policy must respond to this bourgeoning need and mainstream action into developmental planning.
• Gender and social concerns of elderly, particularly elderly women, must be integrated at the policy level. The elderly, especially women, should be represented in decision making. Increasing social/widow pension and its universalisation is critical for expanding the extent and reach of benefits.
• The elderly, especially women, should be represented in decision making.
• Increasing social/widow pension and its universalisation is critical for expanding the extent and reach of benefits.
Renewed efforts should be made for raising widespread awareness and access to social security schemes such as National Old Age Pension and Widow Pension Scheme. Provisions in terms of special incentives for elderly women, disabled, widowed should also be considered.
General Studies – 2
7. What criteria does the Finance Commission consider when devolving funds to the states? Examine the issues related to it and suggest measures that the Sixteenth Finance Commission must take to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of funds among the states.
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Introduction
The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under article 280 of the Constitution, mainly to give its recommendations on distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and amongst the States themselves. Two distinctive features of the Commission’s work involve redressing the vertical imbalances between the taxation powers and expenditure responsibilities of the centre and the States respectively and equalization of all public services across the States.
Criteria of Finance Commission consider when devolving funds to the states
Issues related to this devolution process
• Potential reduction of funds to certain states
• Geographical disparities
• Need for recognition of special state needs.
• Progressive states fear losing out if the population is based on the 2011 census, as states with better population control could be penalized, which was a concern with the 15th Finance Commission.
Areas on which the 16th FC should concentrate:
• Horizontal distribution: The very nature of the horizontal distribution is that richer States compensate poorer States. The challenge of the government before defining the ToR of the 16th FC is to ensure that this happens without further deepening the divide between States(North-South).
• The very nature of the horizontal distribution is that richer States compensate poorer States.
• The challenge of the government before defining the ToR of the 16th FC is to ensure that this happens without further deepening the divide between States(North-South).
• Restraining levying of cesses and surcharges: Raising taxes is the obvious choice for increasing revenue, but doing so would require the Centre to provide the States 41 paise (for every Rs raised). On the other hand, it gets to retain every rupee if it raises it through a surcharge. The FC should specify conditionsunder which cesses and surcharges may be imposed as well as a mechanism for capping the amount that may be raised.
• Raising taxes is the obvious choice for increasing revenue, but doing so would require the Centre to provide the States 41 paise (for every Rs raised).
• On the other hand, it gets to retain every rupee if it raises it through a surcharge.
• The FC should specify conditionsunder which cesses and surcharges may be imposed as well as a mechanism for capping the amount that may be raised.
• Restraint on freebies In theory, the restraints imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Actshould have acted as a check on such populist spending. Governments have, however, devised innovative methods to increase debt without it showing up in the budget books. The FC, in the interest of long-term fiscal sustainability, should lay down guidelines on the spending on freebies.
• In theory, the restraints imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Actshould have acted as a check on such populist spending.
• Governments have, however, devised innovative methods to increase debt without it showing up in the budget books.
• The FC, in the interest of long-term fiscal sustainability, should lay down guidelines on the spending on freebies.
To ensure a fair and equitable distribution of funds, the Sixteenth Finance Commission could consider the following measures:
• Expand the scope of tax devolution to include a portion of cess and surcharge, enhancing revenue sharing among states.
• Implement a more nuanced formula that accounts for states’ contributions to central taxes, ensuring that states receive a fair share relative to their contributions.
• Provide targeted grants for specific developmental programs, especially in states with special needs or those facing geographical disadvantages.
• Incentivize states to adopt fiscal reforms that promote efficiency and resource optimization, rewarding states with higher tax collection efficiency.
Conclusion
These measures could help address the disparities and concerns raised by the states, leading to a more balanced financial ecosystem within the country.
8. The signing of trade agreement between India and EFTA holds promises for economic diversification. However, the actual impact would depend on the details of the agreement, emphasizing the need for careful examination of its provisions. Analyse.
Reference: deccanherald.com , efta.int
Introduction
India-European Free Trade Association signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on 10th March 2024. India has been working on a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with EFTA countries comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway & Liechtenstein. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister has approved signing of the TEPA with EFTA States. EFTA is an inter-governmental organization set up in 1960 for the promotion of free trade and economic integration for the benefit of its four Member States.
Key features of the trade deal
• Scope of Agreement: The agreement covers tariff concessions for pharma, chemical products, minerals, and other key sectors, facilitating enhanced bilateral trade relations.
• Binding Commitments: The pact includes a binding commitment to increase FDI from EFTA states into India by $50 billion within the first ten years and an additional $50 billion in the subsequent five years.
• Mechanisms for Investment Facilitation: The agreement outlines mechanisms to facilitate investment flows from the private sector in EFTA countries, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Rebalancing Concessions: Provisions are in place to withdraw tariff concessions if the expected investment commitments are not met, ensuring accountability and adherence to agreed-upon terms.
• Market Access Commitments: The agreement opens avenues for Indian service providers, particularly in audio-visual services, with commitments from EFTA nations to ensure non-discrimination and market access.
• Visa Facilitation: EFTA countries have provided visa categories for intra-corporate transferees and independent professionals, enhancing opportunities for Indian service providers.
• Tariff Reduction: The agreement entails the elimination of tariffs on industrial goods exported to India by EFTA companies, including pharmaceuticals, machinery, watches, and chemicals.
• Agricultural Products Exemption: While agricultural items are largely excluded, meaningful tariff concessions have been granted for both basic and processed agricultural products.
Challenges in India-EFTA Trade Agreement
• Limited Tariff Benefits: Existing zero or low tariffs in EFTA countries limit the potential gains for Indian goods exports, particularly in industrial and agricultural sectors.
• Trade Deficit Concerns: India’s significant trade deficit with EFTA, especially driven by imports of gold and precious metals, raises concerns about the imbalance in trade relations.
• Market Access Limitations: The scope for increasing market access for Indian goods in EFTA remains low, posing challenges for trade expansion efforts.
• Competition from Other Countries: EFTA investment commitments may face competition from other countries like Vietnam and Mexico, potentially impacting India’s ability to attract investment.
• Political Uncertainty: The timing of signing the agreement is crucial due to upcoming elections in many countries, which could delay future trade agreements and geopolitical opportunities.
Conclusion
The forthcoming trade agreement with EFTA signals a paradigm shift in India’s trade dynamics, emphasizing economic diversification and bolstering strategic sectors.
As India navigates evolving global trade landscapes, leveraging investments from EFTA nations presents an opportunity to stimulate growth, foster innovation, and reduce dependency on a single market.
Value addition
Highlights of the Agreement
• EFTA has committed to promote investments with the aim to increase the stock of foreign direct investments by USD 100 billion in India in the next 15 years, and to facilitate the generation of 1 million direct employment in India, through such investments. The investments do not cover foreign portfolio investment.
• For the first ever time in the history of FTAs, a legal commitment is being made about promoting target-oriented investment and creation of jobs.
• EFTA is offering 92.2% of its tariff lines which covers 99.6% of India’s exports. The EFTA’s market access offer covers 100% of non-agri products and tariff concession on Processed Agricultural Products (PAP).
• India is offering 82.7% of its tariff lines which covers 95.3% of EFTA exportsof which more than 80% import is Gold. The effective duty on Gold remains untouched.Sensitivity related to PLI in sectors such as pharma, medical devices & processed food etc. have been taken while extending offers. Sectors such as dairy, soya, coal and sensitive agricultural products are kept in exclusion list.
• India has offered 105 sub-sectors to the EFTA and secured commitments in 128 sub-sectors from Switzerland, 114 from Norway, 107 from Liechtenstein, and 110 from Iceland.
• TEPA would stimulate our services exports in sectors of our key strength / interest such as IT services, business services, personal, cultural, sporting and recreational services, other education services, audio-visual services etc.**
• Services offers from EFTA include better access through digital delivery of Services (Mode 1), commercial presence (Mode 3) and improved commitments and certainty for entry and temporary stay of key personnel (Mode 4).
• TEPA has provisions for Mutual Recognition Agreements in Professional Services like nursing, chartered accountants, architects etc.
• Commitments related to Intellectual Property Rights in TEPA are at TRIPS level. The IPR chapter with Switzerland, which has high standard for IPR,shows our robust IPR regime.India’s interests in generic medicines and concerns related to evergreening of patents have been fully addressed.
• India signals its commitment to Sustainable development, inclusive growth, social development and environmental protection
• Fosters transparency, efficiency, simplification, harmonization and consistency of trade procedures
• TEPA will empower our exporters access to specialized inputs and create conducive trade and investment environment. This would boost exports of Indian made goods as well as provide opportunities for services sector to access more markets.
• TEPA provides an opportunity to integrate into EU markets. Over 40% of Switzerland’s global services exports are to the EU. Indian companies can look to Switzerland as a base for extending its market reach to EU.
• TEPA will give impetus to “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging domestic manufacturing in sectors such as Infrastructure and Connectivity, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Food Processing, Transport and Logistics, Banking and Financial Services and Insurance.
• TEPA would accelerate creation of large number of direct jobs for India’s young aspirational workforce in next 15 years in India, including better facilities for vocational and technical training. TEPA also facilitates technology collaboration and access to world leading technologies in precision engineering, health sciences, renewable energy, Innovation and R&D.
General Studies – 3
9. India’s issues with the WTO are emblematic of broader tensions between free trade and development objectives, as well as debates about the role of international organizations in setting global trade rules. Analyse.
Reference: Insights on India
Introduction
WTO as an organization was expected to play larger role for improved living standards, employment generation, trade expansion with increasing share for developing countries and overall sustainable development. Trade liberalization was seen as means for achieving the above-mentioned objectives.
A democratic inclusive WTO however, started showing signs of discontent. The issues came to surface in the very first Singapore Ministerial (1996). Singapore issues spilled over to Seattle, Cancun and finally to Doha Ministerial. The recent trade war between US and China where US is increasing import tariffs is a symptom of the larger rot
India and WTO: A chequered relationship
• Stalled Doha Development Round negotiations: They focused on reducing important trade barriers in sectors, such as agriculture, industrial goods and services. However, after a decade of talks, it still remains to be concluded.
• However, after a decade of talks, it still remains to be concluded.
• Growing protectionism: Over the past two years, governments have introduced trade restrictions covering a substantial amount of international trade — affecting $747 billion in global imports in the past year alone. WTO has been less affective in addressing them, including US China trade war.
• WTO has been less affective in addressing them, including US China trade war.
• New emerging issues: Groups of members are also working towards new rules on a range of issues — electronic commerce, investment facilitation, domestic regulation in services — that aim to make trade more efficient and predictable in cutting-edge sectors of the economy. However, the rising differences among developed and developing countries is delaying any early settlement. India has made it clear that no discussion can go on without settling the question of Peace clause and Doha rounds.
• However, the rising differences among developed and developing countries is delaying any early settlement.
• India has made it clear that no discussion can go on without settling the question of Peace clause and Doha rounds.
• Side stepping WTO: Since the launch of the Doha Round, countries have turned to free trade agreements (FTAs) in order to gain significant trade access in new markets and to explore new trade-related issues that are currently not addressed within the WTO. As more FTAs have been concluded, the central role of the WTO in liberalizing trade has been called into question.
• As more FTAs have been concluded, the central role of the WTO in liberalizing trade has been called into question.
• Limited success in major issues: WTO has played a very limited role in helping address other global issues related to trade, such as food security, climate change and global trade imbalances.
Way forward
• A vibrant WTO cannot accommodate conflicting economic models of market versus state. All WTO members will have to accept the operative assumption of a rules-based order steered by a market economy, the private sector, and competition.
• Launch negotiations to address the intertwined issues of agricultural subsidies and market access, while recognising that food security concerns will not disappear.
• A credible trading system requires a dispute settlement system that is accepted by all.
• Launch serious negotiations to restore the balance, and we must do so in an open-ended plurilateral manner that cannot be blocked by those who do not want to move ahead.
• *GATT/WTO rules in a number of areas are outdated. New rules are required* to keep pace with changes in the market and technology. Rules and disciplines on topics ranging from trade-distorting industrial subsidies to digital trade require updates.
Conclusion
The World Trade Organization remains an indispensable organisation but it requires urgent modernisation. Members have to face the reality that the organisation requires non-cosmetic, serious root-and-branch reform for a WTO adapted to 21st century economic and political realities.
*Value addition*
*Organizational Structure of WTO*
• Ministerial Conference – It Includes all members, meets once in 2 year and the 11th Ministerial Conference was held in Argentina
• General Council – It acts a Dispute Settlement Body and Trade Policy Review Body.
10. What is Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology? Mission Divyastra marks a very important milestone in India’s march towards greater geo-strategic role and capabilities. Discuss.
Reference: The Print , pib.gov.in
Introduction
A Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) is a ballistic missile payload designed for exo-atmospheric deployment, housing multiple warheads, each capable of targeting distinct objectives. While primarily associated with intercontinental ballistic missiles equipped with thermonuclear warheads, the concept extends beyond strict limitations. An intermediate variant, the Multiple Re-entry Vehicle (MRV) missile, disperses multiple warheads without individual targeting.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the development of “Mission Divyastra” — an indigenously developed, landmark weapons system that alters the country’s geopolitic and strategic position and significantly changes the situation in southeast Asia.
Background
• India on Monday carried out maiden flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with the Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology which allows the weapon system to tackle multiple nuclear warheads, strengthening the country’s strategic deterrence capability.
• The missile launch carried out under Mission Divyastra (divine weapon), made India’s entry into the elite list of the countries that have the capability to deploy MIRV missile systems, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and China.
MIRV technology
• According to the Washington-based Centre for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation (CACNP), MIRVs were originally developed in the early 1960s to permit a missile to deliver multiple nuclear warheads to different targets.
• Right now, some countries are reported to have the capabilities to have a single missile carry up to 16 warheads, each in a separate re-entry vehicle.
• Warheads on MIRVed missiles can be released at different speeds and in different directions, with such missiles capable of hitting targets as far as 1,500 km apart.
• MIRV is a complex technology because it needs a very delicate combination of large missiles, small warheads, accurate guidance, and a complex mechanism for releasing warheads sequentially during flight.
• The US was the first country to develop MIRV technology, deploying a MIRVed Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) in 1970 and a MIRVed Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) in 1971.
• The Soviet Union caught up quickly and developed their own MIRV-enabled ICBM and SLBM technology by the end of the 1970s.
• Besides these two countries, the UK, France and China have MIRV technology.
• However, deploying MIRV technology also poses complex challenges, including miniaturisation of warheads, development of advanced guidance systems, and ensuring the reliability of individual re-entry vehicles
Importance of Mission Divyastra
• Deployment of MIRV can enhance first-strike proficiency for strategic forces and also provide greater target damage for a given thermonuclear weapon payload.
• Moreover, as it can release multiple warheads, it serves the purpose of a cluster munition, as it reduces the number of missiles and launch facilities required.
• A single missile by India can deploy multiple war heads at different locations or at the same location with a time gap.
• These warheads could also include decoys to hoodwink the enemy’s ballistic missile defence programme.
• With the MIRV, the effectiveness of an anti-ballistic missile system that relies on intercepting individual warheads is also reduced.
• Possession of MIRV technology not only exhibits a country’s nuclear prowess but plays a crucial role in shaping international security and nuclear deterrence strategies.
Conclusion
The Agni-V adds to India’s existing arsenal of the Agni missile series, enhancing its deterrence capabilities. With missiles ranging from Agni-I to Agni-IV, India joins an elite league of nations possessing intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities, including the US, Russia, China, France, and Britain.
*Value addition*
*Agni-V*
• The Agni-5 weapon system is equipped with indigenous avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor packages, which ensured that the re-entry vehicles reached the target points within the desired accuracy.
• Weighing close to 50,000 kilograms and standing at 1.75 meters tall with a diameter of two meters, the Agni-V boasts impressive specifications.
• It carries a formidable 1,500-kilogram warhead atop three-stage rocket boosters powered by solid fuel.
• The missile can clock at 24 times faster than the speed of sound, reaching a staggering 8.16 km per second or 29,401 km per hour.
• Equipped with advanced navigation systems including a ring laser gyroscope inertial navigation system (NavIC) and satellite guidance, the missile ensures precise targeting capabilities, further enhanced by its launch flexibility from mobile launchers.
• With a range extending across Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa, the Agni-V significantly bolsters India’s strategic capabilities.
• Having undergone seven successful trials, the missile, with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, has attracted attention from global players, particularly China.
• India’s relentless testing regime underscores its commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities.
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