[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 23 March 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.
#### How to Follow Secure Initiative?
#### How to Self-evaluate your answer?
#### MISSION – 2023: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
#### Join IPM 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday
Answer the following questions in 150 words:
General Studies – 1
1. In the context of the World Happiness Report 2024, what criteria are used to measure happiness? Should India consider establishing its own happiness index? Examine.
Reference: Live Mint
Introduction
India was ranked 126th out of 143 nations in the World Happiness Report 2024, a global happiness index which was released on March 20 to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness. For the seventh successive year, Finland topped the list of the happiest countries in the world. Perhaps we need a more people-centric approach that results in a more even distribution of economic gains.
Highlights of the report w.r.t India
• Older age is associated with higher life satisfaction in India.
• The report said that older Indian men, particularly those in higher age brackets, presently married, and those with an education, tend to report greater life satisfaction compared to their counterparts.
• Marital status, social engagement, physical health, and satisfaction with living arrangements influence life satisfaction among older Indians.
• Older Indian women tend to report higher life satisfaction despite facing more stressors and health challenges.
• Satisfaction with living arrangements, perceived discrimination, and self-rated health emerged as the top three predictors of life satisfaction.
Factors Measuring Happiness:
• GDP per Capita: Economic prosperity significantly impacts well-being. Countries with higher GDP per capita tend to have better living standards, access to resources, and opportunities. However, GDP alone doesn’t capture overall happiness, as it neglects social and emotional aspects.
• Economic prosperity significantly impacts well-being. Countries with higher GDP per capita tend to have better living standards, access to resources, and opportunities.
• However, GDP alone doesn’t capture overall happiness, as it neglects social and emotional aspects.
• Social Support: Strong social networks, family bonds, and community connections contribute to happiness. Feeling supported and having meaningful relationships positively affect mental health.
• Strong social networks, family bonds, and community connections contribute to happiness.
• Feeling supported and having meaningful relationships positively affect mental health.
• Life Expectancy: Longer life expectancy correlates with better health, access to healthcare, and overall contentment. A healthy population tends to be happier.
• Longer life expectancy correlates with better health, access to healthcare, and overall contentment.
• A healthy population tends to be happier.
• Freedom and Autonomy: Personal freedom, civil liberties, and political stability foster happiness. The ability to make choices without undue restrictions enhances well-being.
• Personal freedom, civil liberties, and political stability foster happiness.
• The ability to make choices without undue restrictions enhances well-being.
• Generosity and Altruism: Societies that exhibit kindness, empathy, and generosity experience higher levels of happiness. Acts of giving create a positive feedback loop.
• Societies that exhibit kindness, empathy, and generosity experience higher levels of happiness.
• Acts of giving create a positive feedback loop.
• Corruption Levels: Low corruption promotes trust in institutions and social cohesion. Trust positively influences happiness.
• Low corruption promotes trust in institutions and social cohesion.
• Trust positively influences happiness.
Need for a Happiness Index:
• Holistic Measurement: GDP alone doesn’t reflect citizens’ quality of life. A happiness index provides a more comprehensive view. It considers emotional, social, and psychological well-being.
• GDP alone doesn’t reflect citizens’ quality of life. A happiness index provides a more comprehensive view.
• It considers emotional, social, and psychological well-being.
• Policy Guidance: Policymakers can use happiness data to design effective policies. Prioritizing well-being leads to sustainable development.
• Policymakers can use happiness data to design effective policies.
• Prioritizing well-being leads to sustainable development.
• Public Awareness: A happiness index educates citizens about holistic well-being. It encourages discussions beyond material wealth.
• A happiness index educates citizens about holistic well-being.
• It encourages discussions beyond material wealth.
Bottlenecks and Issues in India:
• Diverse Population: India’s vast cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity poses challenges. A one-size-fits-all approach may not capture regional nuances.
• India’s vast cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity poses challenges.
• A one-size-fits-all approach may not capture regional nuances.
• Subjectivity and Cultural Bias: Happiness is subjective and culturally influenced. Standardizing measurements across diverse contexts is complex.
• Happiness is subjective and culturally influenced.
• Standardizing measurements across diverse contexts is complex.
• Data Collection Challenges: Gathering accurate happiness data requires robust surveys and methodologies. India faces data gaps and uneven coverage.
• Gathering accurate happiness data requires robust surveys and methodologies.
• India faces data gaps and uneven coverage.
• Corruption and Inequality: High corruption levels and income disparities impact happiness. Addressing these issues is crucial.
• High corruption levels and income disparities impact happiness.
• Addressing these issues is crucial.
Way Forward:
• Contextualized Index: Customize the index to India’s unique context. Consider regional variations and cultural factors.
• Customize the index to India’s unique context.
• Consider regional variations and cultural factors.
• Invest in Data Infrastructure: Improve data collection mechanisms. Regular surveys on well-being are essential.
• Improve data collection mechanisms.
• Regular surveys on well-being are essential.
• Promote Mental Health: Prioritize mental health awareness and support. Address stigma and provide accessible services.
• Prioritize mental health awareness and support.
• Address stigma and provide accessible services.
• Inclusive Policies: Policies should target vulnerable populations. Focus on education, healthcare, and social safety nets.
• Policies should target vulnerable populations.
• Focus on education, healthcare, and social safety nets.
• Community Engagement: Involve citizens in shaping policies. Foster a sense of ownership and participation.
• Involve citizens in shaping policies.
• Foster a sense of ownership and participation.
Conclusion
A happiness index, when thoughtfully designed and implemented, can guide India toward a more holistic and fulfilling future.
2. What is the Anthropocene epoch? Throw light on the geological markers used in declaring Anthropocene epoch. Discuss its significance.
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Introduction
The term ‘Anthropocene’ was coined in 2000 by Nobel Laureate Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer. Anthropocene denotes the present geological time interval in which human activity has profoundly altered many conditions and processes on Earth. The word combines the root “anthro”, meaning “human” with the root “cene”, the standard suffix for “epoch” in geologic time.
The International Commission on Stratigraphy rejected the proposal of the Anthropocene epoch after a committee of 18 scientists recently voted against it.
The Anthropocene is distinguished as a new period either after or within the Holocene, the current epoch, which began approximately 10,000 years ago (about 8000 BC) with the end of the last glacial period. Anthropocene Epoch, unofficial interval of geologic time, making up the third worldwide division of the Quaternary Period (2.6 million years ago to the present), characterized as the time in which the collective activities of human beings (Homo sapiens) began to substantially alter Earth’s surface, atmosphere, oceans, and systems of nutrient cycling.
Some of the geological markers used in declaring Anthropocene epoch are:
• Artificial radionuclides:spread across the world by atomic bomb tests from the early 1950s would serve as the golden spike. The radionuclides are present almost everywhere from marine sediments to ice layers and even stalagmites and stalactites.
• The rate of soil erosion:increased from intensive agriculture and the land-use conversion will leave a mark in rock strata.
• Global warming:The rising air temperatures have caused glaciers and polar ice to melt and seawater to expand, both of which have contributed to a measurable rise in global sea level. Rising waters will change the stratigraphy in some places by submerging low-lying areas and allowing the ocean to deliver sediments farther inland than they do at present.
• The decline in seawater PH:the depth at which carbonate minerals (e.g., limestone and chalk) form in the ocean will be shallower than it was during preindustrial times. Many pre-existing carbonate formations will dissolve in response to increases in ocean acidity, leaving a signature of striking dark layers of carbonate-depleted rock.
• The rapid extinction rate:It is the most significant evidence of the Anthropocene in rock strata. Several ecologists have noted that the rate of species extinction occurring since the middle of the 20th century has been more than 1,000 times that of the preindustrial period, comparable to the pace of other mass extinctions occurring over the course of Earth’s history.
• Deterioration of Forests: The ongoing conversion of forests: and other natural areas to agriculture and urban land and accelerated climate change resulting from alterations to the carbon cycle.
Significance of the Anthropocene Epoch:
• increase in erosion and sediment transport associated with urbanisation and agriculture,
• rapid environmental changes
• global dispersion of many new ‘minerals’ and ‘rocks’ including concrete, fly ash and plastics, and the myriad ‘technofossils’ produced from these and other materials.
• Although the scale of humanity’s influence over Earth is large in modern times, there is much debate in the scientific community surrounding when human activities began to dominate the planet’s natural systems.
• Extinction of large Pleistocene mammals:is considered as the first signs occurred approximately 14,000 years ago. Though the incontrovertible proof linking humans to the demise of those mammals is lacking.
• Rise of agriculture:Others note that the rise of agriculture between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago might mark the onset of the Anthropocene. however, this start time may be problematic since it roughly coincides with the beginning of the Holocene Epoch.
• Dawn of the Industrial Revolution:a period of rapid change that brought about the advances in medicine, food production, and other technologies that fueled the recent growth in the world’s human population is also considered as the popular views among those who push for the formalization of the Anthropocene Epoch.
Conclusion
Anthropocene highlights the scale of our impact on Earth. It shows that the impact of our activities is global and irreversible which has generated a new geological epoch. It is necessary to think about the global issues which affect our planet like climate change, loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation, deforestation etc. which are being affected by human influence. The Anthropocene allows us to re-examine the relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world.
General Studies – 2
3. India faces several security challenges in the Indian Ocean region, which include traditional maritime threats, as well as emerging challenges of the twenty first century. Analyse.
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Introduction
The Indian Ocean region (IOR) accounts for more than two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments. One-third of bulk cargo and more than half of container traffic pass through it. The safety of these sea routes is not only directly connected to our economic interests, but it also establishes India as a net security provider in the IOR.
With challenges such as piracy, aggressive China’s String of Pearls, terror threats like Mumbai attack and disasters, there is growing need for a stable IOR with India at its helm. Towards this end, India has been actively participating in IOR in various aspects.
Growing instability and security issues in IOR
Sovereignity:
• China’s regressive behavior in the critical sea lanes in the South China Sea and there inroad to Indian Ocean are the centre of the entire maritime security challenge. Thus there is Concerns over maritime security and of rule-based order in Indo-Pacific.
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) includes maritime infrastructure projects in the IOR, leading to strategic competition and concerns among regional countries..
• The sea lanes of communication are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific region.
• The increasing presence of external powers in the IOR, including China, raises concerns about sovereignty and security for countries in the region. This has led to efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and build maritime capabilities.
Terrorism:
• The undertaking of terrorist acts and activities within the maritime environment, using or against vessels or fixed platforms at sea or in port, or against any one of their passengers or personnel, against coastal.
• Mumbai Attack on November 26, 2008, is the most glaring examples of how vulnerable the country’s coasts are.
Piracy:
• The movement by sea of large volume of commercial freight and its mandatory movement through maritime choke points, such as the Panama Canal, Suez Canal, Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Bab-el-Mandab, the Malacca Strait and the Bosporus Strait invite piracy. Near Somalia and the Gulf of Aden Piracy has been predominant in the seas of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden between 2005 and 2012.
Smuggling and human trafficking:
• Organized crime, trafficking and smuggling are increasingly linked to global patterns of violence. Drugs and arms smuggling jeopardizing much of the Indian Ocean.
• The IOR is a major route for trafficking in drugs, arms, and people. Trafficking networks exploit the vastness of the ocean and the porosity of maritime borders, posing a challenge to maritime security forces.
• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that the trafficking of drugs, arms, and people generates up to $90 billion annually.
• Trafficking networks exploit the vastness of the ocean and the porosity of maritime borders, posing a challenge to maritime security forces.
Infiltration, Illegal Migration:
• India’s land boundaries have always been porous to infiltration by large scale illegal migration. These large scale influxes over the decades have resulted in widespread political turmoil in the Border States.
• Creek areas of Gujarat have been highly vulnerable.
• The Tamil Nadu coast has been experiencing a steady inflow of Sri Lankan refugees since civil war broke out in that country.
Environmental security
• The degradation of the environment, climate change and the overexploitation of ocean resources are threatening the interests and futures of all the region’s countries and peoples.
• This will increase the likelihood of flooding, resulting in loss of life and damage to property, as illustrated by recent tsunamis and cyclones.
Unsustainable Ocean resources usage- Competition for resources in and under the oceans, specifically energy and protein, is intensifying.
India’s response in IOR and multiple initiatives
• Security and Growth for All (SAGAR) Policy: India’s SAGAR policy is an integrated regional framework, unveiled by Indian Prime Minister during a visit to Mauritius in March 2015. The pillars of SAGAR are:
• The primary responsibility for peace, stability and prosperity in the IOR would be on those “who live in this region”.
• Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA): The aim of IOR-ARC is to open the region based on four major components: trade liberalisation, trade and investment facilitation, economic and technical cooperation, and trade and investment dialogue. It does not address defence and security cooperation directly as the aim of ‘open and free trade’ implies maritime security.
• It does not address defence and security cooperation directly as the aim of ‘open and free trade’ implies maritime security.
• The ‘Indian Ocean Naval Symposium’ (IONS): IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. The objectives of the IONS are to expand it to the next level of cooperation, create allied maritime agencies, establish a high degree of interoperability, share information to overcome common trans-national maritime threats and natural disasters, and maintain good order at sea. The group has 35 members.
• The objectives of the IONS are to expand it to the next level of cooperation, create allied maritime agencies, establish a high degree of interoperability, share information to overcome common trans-national maritime threats and natural disasters, and maintain good order at sea.
• The group has 35 members.
• Indian Ocean Commission (COI): The COI (Commission de l’océan indien in French) is an intergovernmental organisation created in 1984 with the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, France and the Seychelles as members. Engaging with countries beyond our shores with the aim of building greater trust and promoting respect for maritime rules, norms and peaceful resolution of disputes is one of the goals.
• Engaging with countries beyond our shores with the aim of building greater trust and promoting respect for maritime rules, norms and peaceful resolution of disputes is one of the goals.
• India is working on a range of projects to improve maritime logistics in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles.
Conclusion
Indian occupies a central and strategic location in the Indian Ocean area. Its national and economic interests are inseparably linked up with Indian Ocean. Hence to keep the Indian Ocean as a zone of Peace free from superpower rivalry and increasing cooperation among littoral countries in the region has always been India’s foreign Policy’s goal for example Look East policy, Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation, BIMSTEC and Ganga-Mekong Cooperation etc.
*Value addition*
*About IOR region*
• The region has 51 coastal and landlocked states, namely 26 Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) states, five Red Sea states, four Persian Gulf states, Saudi Arabia, France, Britain and 13 landlocked states.
• Four critically important access waterways are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb (Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran, Oman), and Strait of Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia).
• The region contains 1/3 of the world’s population, 25% of its landmass, 40% of the world’s oil and gas reserves.
• A major concern of India in the Indian Ocean is energy. India is almost 70 per cent dependent on oil import, major part of which comes from gulf region.
• The sea lanes in the Indian Ocean are considered among the most strategically important in the world. More than 80 % of the world’s seaborne trade in oil transits through Indian Ocean choke points, with 40 % passing through the Strait of Hormuz, 35 % through the Strait of Malacca and 8 % through the Bab el Mandab Strait.
General Studies – 3
4. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), while offering various benefits, it also presents challenges that need to be addressed for successful implementation. Comment.
Reference: Insights on India. , Insights on India
Introduction
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a set of farming methods, and also a grassroots peasant movement, which has spread to various states in India. It has attained wide success in southern India, especially the southern Indian state of Karnataka where it first evolved. The movement in Karnataka state was born out of collaboration between Mr Subhash Palekar, who put together the ZBNF practices, and the state farmers association Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS).
About Zero budget natural farming
• The “four wheels” of ZBNF are ‘Jiwamrita’, ‘Bijamrita’, ‘Mulching’ and ‘Waaphasa’.
• Jiwamrita is a fermented mixture of cow dung and urine (of desi breeds), jaggery, pulses flour, water and soil from the farm bund. This isn’t a fertiliser, but just a source of some 500 crore micro-organisms that can convert all the necessary “non-available” nutrients into “available” form.
• Bijamrita is a mix of desi cow dung and urine, water, bund soil and lime that is used as a seed treatment solution prior to sowing.
• Mulching, or covering the plants with a layer of dried straw or fallen leaves, is meant to conserve soil moisture and keep the temperature around the roots at 25-32 degrees Celsius, which allows the microorganisms to do their job.
• Waaphasa, or providing water to maintain the required moisture-air balance, also achieves the same objective.
• Palekar also advocates the use of special ‘Agniastra’, ‘Bramhastra’ and ‘Neemastra’ concoctions again based on desi cow urine and dung, plus pulp from leaves of neem, white datura, papaya, guava and pomegranates for controlling pest and disease attacks.
Benefits of ZBNF to farm incomes
• Low input cost: Zero budget’ farming promises to end a reliance on loans and drastically cut production costs, ending the debt cycle for desperate farmers.
• Higher yield: Besides reduced input cost, farmers practising ZBNF gets higher yields. In Andhra Yields of five crops (paddy, groundnut, black gram, maize and chillies) have increased by 8-32 per cent for ZBNF farmers. Farmers are able to get five quintals of red gram under ZBNF compared to three quintals under non-ZBNF. Farmers use bio fertilizers and that make the soil fertile, thus giving higher yields.
• Farmers are able to get five quintals of red gram under ZBNF compared to three quintals under non-ZBNF.
• Farmers use bio fertilizers and that make the soil fertile, thus giving higher yields.
• Net income raised: There will be increase in net income for farmers and will improve the cash flow of poor and vulnerable farmers, and may enhance their ability to deal with economic shock Crop cutting experiments from 2016 and 2017 indicate that ZBNF farmers in AP earn better net incomes and can raise their disposable incomes. Farmers vulnerable to economic shocks have an important safety net against short-term shocks.
• Crop cutting experiments from 2016 and 2017 indicate that ZBNF farmers in AP earn better net incomes and can raise their disposable incomes. Farmers vulnerable to economic shocks have an important safety net against short-term shocks.
• Andhra Pradesh: With its combination of delta regions, arid and hilly tribal areas, districts in Andhra Pradesh are similar to those in other parts of the country and could therefore serve as a model for replication. The approach taken to monitor the improvements is vital to understanding the outcomes of large-scale changes that are under way; this is critical to expanding the ZBNF to other States. As ZBNF is applied in India’s various agro-ecological zones, making farmers the innovators is essential.
• The approach taken to monitor the improvements is vital to understanding the outcomes of large-scale changes that are under way; this is critical to expanding the ZBNF to other States.
• As ZBNF is applied in India’s various agro-ecological zones, making farmers the innovators is essential.
• Resilient food systems are the need of the day given the variability of the monsoons due to global warming and declining groundwater in large parts of India. The drought-prone Rayalaseema region (Andhra Pradesh) is reportedly seeing promising changes already in farms with the ZBNF.
• The drought-prone Rayalaseema region (Andhra Pradesh) is reportedly seeing promising changes already in farms with the ZBNF.
• Mixed cropping is the key to recover the cost of production:
• The farmers have to practise mixed cropping, the cost of main crop is recovered by the sale of cash crops that you sow alongside. Also, it is about using organic manure,” It takes time but ultimately yields positive results.
• Also, it is about using organic manure,” It takes time but ultimately yields positive results.
Conclusion
The implementation of this project at scale will impact a multitude of stakeholders, and also help India progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN) to facilitate the post-2015 development agenda.
Agricultural scientists in India have to rework their entire strategy so that farming is in consonance with nature. The dominant paradigm of chemical-based agriculture has failed and regenerative agriculture is the emerging new science.
The world is at critical junctures on many planetary boundaries, and establishing a system that shows promise in improving them while supporting people sustainably is surely one worth pursuing.
5. What is Mixed Reality (MR)? MR has diverse applications, as well as associated concerns. Addressing these concerns is crucial for realizing MR’s potential responsibly. Examine.
Reference: The Hindu , en.wikipedia.org
Introduction
Mixed reality (MR) is a term referring to a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input, such as sound, graphics, labels or 3D (animated) models.
MR is a hybrid technology that combines AR and VR to provide an interactive virtual experience over the real world. It merges the real and virtual worlds to create a new environment where physical and 3D digital objects coexist and interact in real-time. With MR, the users are not totally removed from their real environment, like with VR.
When Apple unveiled its Vision Pro in June 2023, it called the device a “revolutionary spatial computer”. But most tech enthusiasts preferred calling it a ‘mixed reality headset’.
Applications
• Gaming and Entertainment: MR can revolutionize gaming by merging virtual objects with the real environment. Imagine battling virtual creatures in your living room or exploring historical sites through holographic overlays. Example: Pokémon GOcombines AR and MR, allowing players to catch Pokémon in real-world locations using their smartphones.
• MR can revolutionize gaming by merging virtual objects with the real environment. Imagine battling virtual creatures in your living room or exploring historical sites through holographic overlays.
• Example: Pokémon GOcombines AR and MR, allowing players to catch Pokémon in real-world locations using their smartphones.
• Education and Training: MR enhances learning experiences by visualizing complex concepts. Medical students can dissect virtual organs, and engineers can simulate machinery maintenance. Example: Microsoft HoloLensprovides interactive anatomy lessons for medical students.
• MR enhances learning experiences by visualizing complex concepts. Medical students can dissect virtual organs, and engineers can simulate machinery maintenance.
• Example: Microsoft HoloLensprovides interactive anatomy lessons for medical students.
• Enterprise and Industry: MR improves productivity by overlaying digital information on physical objects. Engineers can visualize 3D models during construction, and factory workers receive real-time instructions. Example: Forduses MR to design cars collaboratively and streamline assembly processes.
• MR improves productivity by overlaying digital information on physical objects. Engineers can visualize 3D models during construction, and factory workers receive real-time instructions.
• Example: Forduses MR to design cars collaboratively and streamline assembly processes.
• Healthcare and Rehabilitation: MR aids in medical visualization, surgical planning, and physical therapy. Surgeons can practice complex procedures, and stroke patients regain motor skills. Example: AccuVeinuses MR to visualize veins for easier blood draws.
• MR aids in medical visualization, surgical planning, and physical therapy. Surgeons can practice complex procedures, and stroke patients regain motor skills.
• Example: AccuVeinuses MR to visualize veins for easier blood draws.
• Retail and Marketing: MR enhances shopping experiences by allowing customers to virtually try products. Furniture buyers can see how a couch fits in their living room. Example: IKEA Placelets users visualize furniture in their homes using MR.
• MR enhances shopping experiences by allowing customers to virtually try products. Furniture buyers can see how a couch fits in their living room.
• Example: IKEA Placelets users visualize furniture in their homes using MR.
Challenges
• Privacy and Data Security: MR devices collect sensitive data about users’ surroundings. Ensuring data protection and preventing unauthorized access are critical. Example: Unauthorized access to a user’s home layout through MR glasses.
• MR devices collect sensitive data about users’ surroundings. Ensuring data protection and preventing unauthorized access are critical.
• Example: Unauthorized access to a user’s home layout through MR glasses.
• Health Effects: Prolonged MR use may cause eye strain, motion sickness, and fatigue. Balancing immersion with user comfort is essential. Example: Extended use of MR headsets leading to discomfort.
• Prolonged MR use may cause eye strain, motion sickness, and fatigue. Balancing immersion with user comfort is essential.
• Example: Extended use of MR headsets leading to discomfort.
• Ethical Considerations: MR can manipulate perception, blur reality, and create deepfakes. Ensuring responsible content creation and preventing misinformation are vital. Example: Misleading MR advertisements or altered historical events.
• MR can manipulate perception, blur reality, and create deepfakes. Ensuring responsible content creation and preventing misinformation are vital.
• Example: Misleading MR advertisements or altered historical events.
• Accessibility Challenges: MR experiences may exclude people with disabilities. Designing inclusive interfaces and addressing accessibility gaps are crucial. Example: Lack of MR solutions for visually impaired users.
• MR experiences may exclude people with disabilities. Designing inclusive interfaces and addressing accessibility gaps are crucial.
• Example: Lack of MR solutions for visually impaired users.
• Integration and Standardization: MR ecosystems involve various hardware, software, and platforms. Achieving seamless integration and industry standards is a challenge. Example: Compatibility issues between different MR devices.
• MR ecosystems involve various hardware, software, and platforms. Achieving seamless integration and industry standards is a challenge.
• Example: Compatibility issues between different MR devices.
Way forward
• Regulation and Guidelines: Governments and industry bodies should establish guidelines for MR development, usage, and privacy.
• Governments and industry bodies should establish guidelines for MR development, usage, and privacy.
• User Education: Educating users about MR risks, privacy settings, and safe practices is essential.
• Educating users about MR risks, privacy settings, and safe practices is essential.
• Collaboration: Developers, researchers, and policymakers must collaborate to address concerns collectively.
• Developers, researchers, and policymakers must collaborate to address concerns collectively.
• Ethical Design: MR creators should prioritize ethical content, transparency, and user well-being.
• MR creators should prioritize ethical content, transparency, and user well-being.
Conclusion
MR’s potential lies in its ability to transform how we interact with the world. Responsible development, user education, and ethical considerations will shape its impact positively.
Answer the following questions in 250 words(15 marks each):
General Studies – 1
6. The growth of quick commerce (Q-commerce) in India has been significant in recent years. While quick commerce offers convenience and speed to consumers, it also presents several challenges that companies in this space need to address. Examine.
Reference: Live Mint
Introduction
Quick commerce (Q-commerce), is an emerging business model in India that targets fulfilling orders quickly and mostly caters to delivering varied foods and daily essentials in smaller quantities, such as everyday staples like kitchen items, medicines, and more.
The quick commerce sector in India has a market size of $700 million and is expected to grow to $5.5 billion by 2025. Some of the major players in the Indian q-commerce industry include: Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, Zomato Blinkit, and Dunzo Daily.
Factors that has led to the growth of quick commerce in the country
• Increasing Smartphone Penetration: Widespread smartphone adoption has facilitated easy access to Q-commerce platforms. Mobile apps enable seamless ordering, tracking, and quick deliveries.
• Widespread smartphone adoption has facilitated easy access to Q-commerce platforms.
• Mobile apps enable seamless ordering, tracking, and quick deliveries.
• Urbanization and Time Constraints: Urban lifestyles demand convenience. Q-commerce caters to busy professionals and families. Quick deliveries save time, making it an attractive option for time-pressed consumers.
• Urban lifestyles demand convenience. Q-commerce caters to busy professionals and families.
• Quick deliveries save time, making it an attractive option for time-pressed consumers.
• Young, Tech-Savvy Population: India’s youth are comfortable with digital platforms. They embrace Q-commerce for daily essentials. Convenience and speed resonate with this demographic.
• India’s youth are comfortable with digital platforms. They embrace Q-commerce for daily essentials.
• Convenience and speed resonate with this demographic.
• Changing Consumer Behavior: Shift from price-focused to convenience-focused buying patterns. Consumers prioritize doorstep delivery over traditional shopping.
• Shift from price-focused to convenience-focused buying patterns.
• Consumers prioritize doorstep delivery over traditional shopping.
• Wide Product Assortment: Q-commerce offers a diverse range of products beyond groceries. From medicines to electronics, consumers find everything at their fingertips.
• Q-commerce offers a diverse range of products beyond groceries.
• From medicines to electronics, consumers find everything at their fingertips.
• Discounts and Offers: Attractive deals and discounts encourage repeat purchases. Q-commerce platforms use promotions effectively.
• Attractive deals and discounts encourage repeat purchases.
• Q-commerce platforms use promotions effectively.
• Ease of Payment: Digital payment options simplify transactions. Cashless payments enhance the overall Q-commerce experience.
• Digital payment options simplify transactions.
• Cashless payments enhance the overall Q-commerce experience.
Challenges in Q-commerce
• Logistical Complexities: Last-Mile Delivery: Ensuring swift deliveries within densely populated urban areas is a logistical challenge. Navigating traffic, congested streets, and diverse delivery locations demands efficient logistics. Inventory Management: Maintaining a wide range of products in dark stores(warehouses optimized for quick deliveries) while minimizing operational costs requires robust inventory management.
• Last-Mile Delivery: Ensuring swift deliveries within densely populated urban areas is a logistical challenge. Navigating traffic, congested streets, and diverse delivery locations demands efficient logistics.
• Inventory Management: Maintaining a wide range of products in dark stores(warehouses optimized for quick deliveries) while minimizing operational costs requires robust inventory management.
• High Operational Costs: Hub Operations: The cost of running hubs (dark stores) and managing inventory can be substantial. Companies must strike a balance between proximity to consumers and operational expenses. Last-Mile Delivery Costs: Q-commerce companies often operate on thin margins due to the high cost of last-mile delivery. They may lose anywhere between 20 to 50 rupees per delivery.
• Hub Operations: The cost of running hubs (dark stores) and managing inventory can be substantial. Companies must strike a balance between proximity to consumers and operational expenses.
• Last-Mile Delivery Costs: Q-commerce companies often operate on thin margins due to the high cost of last-mile delivery. They may lose anywhere between 20 to 50 rupees per delivery.
• Intense Competition: The Q-commerce space in India is fiercely competitive. Several players entered the market, leading to cash burn and consolidation. Some startups faced funding challenges, while others struggled with structural issues such as product-market fit, hyperlocal complexities, and supply chain inefficiencies.
• The Q-commerce space in India is fiercely competitive. Several players entered the market, leading to cash burn and consolidation.
• Some startups faced funding challenges, while others struggled with structural issues such as product-market fit, hyperlocal complexities, and supply chain inefficiencies.
• Brand Recall and Differentiation: Creating a strong brand recall is crucial. Amid intense competition, companies need to differentiate themselves to retain customers. Building trust and loyalty in a crowded market is challenging, especially when multiple players offer similar services.
• Creating a strong brand recall is crucial. Amid intense competition, companies need to differentiate themselves to retain customers.
• Building trust and loyalty in a crowded market is challenging, especially when multiple players offer similar services.
• Margins and Turnaround Times (TAT): The pressure to deliver orders quickly (often within minutes) puts strain on operations. Maintaining low TAT while ensuring quality service is a delicate balance. Low margins and high delivery costs make Q-commerce a risky model. Companies must innovate to sustain profitability.
• The pressure to deliver orders quickly (often within minutes) puts strain on operations. Maintaining low TAT while ensuring quality service is a delicate balance.
• Low margins and high delivery costs make Q-commerce a risky model. Companies must innovate to sustain profitability.
• Scaling Responsibly: While Q-commerce has expanded rapidly, scaling responsibly is essential. Expanding to new cities without compromising service quality is a delicate task. The top players are expected to reach 45 to 55 citieswithin the next 3 to 5 years, up from the current 25 cities.
• While Q-commerce has expanded rapidly, scaling responsibly is essential. Expanding to new cities without compromising service quality is a delicate task.
• The top players are expected to reach 45 to 55 citieswithin the next 3 to 5 years, up from the current 25 cities.
• User Experience and Retention: Regular Q-commerce customers order three to four times per month, with impressive retention rates of 60% to 65%. Ensuring a seamless user experience, timely deliveries, and personalized services is critical for retaining customers.
• Regular Q-commerce customers order three to four times per month, with impressive retention rates of 60% to 65%.
• Ensuring a seamless user experience, timely deliveries, and personalized services is critical for retaining customers.
Way forward
• Timely Salary Disbursement and Compliance Management is crucial to ensuring that the workforce is content and gets social security benefits too
• Some of these q-commerce firms are already running hundreds of stores across the country and manage thousands of employees.
• It’s vital to ensure that the workforce is managed in a uniform manner and their experience across regions is standardized, lest efficiency go for a toss.
• ~90% of the workforce in this industry is unskilled and does not have any qualifications beyond high school.
• Continuous training, preferably app-based as it’s quick to scale; and long term learning solutions such as 1 or 2 year diplomas or degree connect programs, which could not only serve to upskill and retain the workforce, but could open up growth opportunities for them in their respective organizations, would be vital cogs in the wheels of people management.
• staffing firms need to evolve into people supply chain organizations, in order to cater to the complex needs of managing this workforce.
• This would go a long way in ensuring the long term sustainability and success of q-commerce firms.
• To their credit, most if not all q-commerce firms want to do right by their workforce, in ensuring that they are well treated, paid adequately, on time, and are provided statutory benefits as per the law of the land.
General Studies – 2
7. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of a democratic society, serving as a fundamental mechanism through which citizens can express their political will and shape the course of their governance. Analyse.
Reference: The Hindu
Introduction
In electoral democracies, free and fair elections convert voters’ preferences into a political mandate that forms the basis for policymaking. More precise and efficient voting procedures boost the strength of democratic institutions. Our legislation that governs elections Representation of People’s Act, 1951 falls short in preventing the electoral offences.
The general election to the 18th Lok Sabha will be spread over seven phases and 44 days, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4.
Importance of free and fair elections
• Democratic Governance: India is the world’s largest democracy, and free and fair elections are essential for the functioning of its democratic governance system. Elections provide a mechanism through which citizens can participate in the decision-making process, choose their representatives, and shape the direction of the country.
• Representation of Diversity: India is characterized by its vast diversity in terms of culture, language, religion, and socio-economic factors. Free and fair elections ensure that the diverse population is adequately represented in the political landscape, preventing the dominance of a particular group or community.
• Accountability of Leaders: Elections serve as a tool for holding leaders accountable for their actions. Through the electoral process, voters have the opportunity to express approval or disapproval of the performance of political parties and leaders, ensuring that elected representatives remain responsive to the needs and expectations of the people.
• Protection of Minority Rights: India is home to numerous religious and ethnic minorities. Free and fair elections help protect the rights of minorities by ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in the political process. This inclusivity is vital for maintaining harmony and preventing the marginalization of any particular group.
• Peaceful Transition of Power: India has a long-standing tradition of the peaceful transition of power. Free and fair elections contribute to this by allowing for a change in government through democratic means. This helps maintain political stability and prevents the emergence of authoritarian tendencies.
• Constitutional Principles: The Constitution of India enshrines the principles of democracy, equality, and justice. Free and fair elections are a manifestation of these constitutional ideals, providing citizens with the means to participate in governance and ensuring that political power is derived from the people.
• Civic Engagement: Elections stimulate civic engagement by encouraging political awareness, public discourse, and participation in the democratic process. Citizens become more informed about political issues and policies, leading to an active and informed electorate.
• Conflict Resolution: In a diverse and multi-cultural society like India, free and fair elections serve as a peaceful means to resolve political and social conflicts. The electoral process provides a platform for competing interests to be negotiated and reconciled through democratic channels.
• International Reputation: India’s commitment to free and fair elections enhances its international reputation as a vibrant and thriving democracy. A strong democratic image contributes to diplomatic relations and fosters goodwill on the global stage.
Issues with Indian elections
• Expenditure: There are three drivers of expenditure in elections viz. *legitimate electioneering cost, party running cost, and TV air time cost. However, the accounted legitimate expenditure is a mere percentage of actual spending by the candidate and their corresponding political parties. According to the report of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution* (NCRWC), high cost of elections creates a high degree of compulsion for corruption in the public arena.
• However, the accounted legitimate expenditure is a mere percentage of actual spending by the candidate and their corresponding political parties. According to the report of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC), high cost of elections creates a high degree of compulsion for corruption in the public arena.
• Freebies: Increasing attempts to entice the voters with short-term benefits (in the form of populist schemes for electoral advantage) at the cost of governance, besides adversely impacting the long-term interests of the poor and the middle class.
• Vote-buying: The rise of illegitimate expenditure on vote-buying has become a matter of great concern as it is making only the rich to be more qualified to become an MP (Member of Parliament) or an MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) over a well-qualified public-spirited person. As can be seen, out of 533 candidates elected to the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-present), 475 Parliamentarians (accounting for 88%) are ‘crorepatis’. This reflects the paradoxical situation of poor India with rich Parliamentarians raising concerns about the growing role of money power in politics.
• As can be seen, out of 533 candidates elected to the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-present), 475 Parliamentarians (accounting for 88%) are ‘crorepatis’. This reflects the paradoxical situation of poor India with rich Parliamentarians raising concerns about the growing role of money power in politics.
• Paid news is any news or analysis appearing in any media (Print and Electronic) for a price in cash or kind. An issue like Paid News disrupts the level playing field and circumvents the election expenditure limits. This creates a hurdle for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct the smooth run-off elections in a free, fair and transparent manner.
• Criminalization of politics: It refers to a situation in which the anti-social elements enter the electoral process by contesting elections, getting elected to the legislature, and consequently occupying public offices. This happens due to existing strong nexus between the criminals and some politicians abusing the loopholes in the present system.
Reforms needed
• State Funding of Elections: System in which the State bears the election expenditure of political parties that are contesting elections. This can bring transparency in the funding process as public finance can limit the influence of interested donors’ money and thereby help curb corruption.
• Simultaneous Polls: The time has come to implement simultaneous polls because of its underlying advantages including reducing the costs of holding elections by the ECI and spending by political parties.
• Central Legislation: In the *Public Interest Foundation & Ors. vs. Union of India 2018 case, SC put the onus on the Parliament to frame a law to prevent criminalization of politics and take concerted efforts to cleanse the political system of the country. The time has come to frame suitable legislation on the lines of FRBMA, 2003 (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act- that puts a cap on fiscal deficit*). If a cap is introduced on populist announcements (based on the proportion of budgetary resources they have) by the parties within the ambit of law, then perhaps all political parties will have a level playing field and the unsustainable populist measures could be kept under check.
• The time has come to frame suitable legislation on the lines of FRBMA, 2003 (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act- that puts a cap on fiscal deficit).
• If a cap is introduced on populist announcements (based on the proportion of budgetary resources they have) by the parties within the ambit of law, then perhaps all political parties will have a level playing field and the unsustainable populist measures could be kept under check.
• Law Commission in its 255th Report on Electoral Reforms inter-alia recommended strengthening of the office of the ECI in order to provide more independence and tooth to the institution.
• The ‘First Past the Post System’, in which a person with the highest votes (even with one extra vote) is declared winner, needs to be changed. Rather, a minimum percentage of total votes polled can be fixed for declaring a candidate as the winner. This could restrict the criminals from getting elected as not everybody in a constituency vote on party lines.
• Political parties need to be brought under the ambit of Right to Information Act (RTI) Act, 2005.
• All parties should be given equal media space or air time so as to provide a level playing field.
Conclusion
Free and fair elections are the bedrock of any healthy democracy. But conducting free and fair elections is easier said than done. In a huge and diverse country like India, it is much more complex and challenging. Humongous logistics issues in terms of material and manpower are involved in the entire process. Free and fair elections need to provide level playing field to all the players in the game. The entire electoral process should be capturing true mood of the electorate. This is possible today with technology and technology must be accessible to all before this can truly be called as fair.
Value addition
*Technology aiding free and fair election*
• *Use of EVMs: Use of EVMs was not simply the replacement of sturdy ballot boxes and ballot papers. It was a paradigm shift for everyone including the political parties, candidates and the voters.* *With introduction of EVMs, booth capturing in its traditional sense of the term lost its sheen.* The muscle power at the local level* could not guarantee conversion of physical booth capturing into votes polled in favour of a particular candidate.* Conducting elections used to be round the clock strenuous nightmarish *exercise beginning from cleaning of the ballot boxes to counting of votes running over a few days.*
• With introduction of EVMs, booth capturing in its traditional sense of the term lost its sheen.
• *The muscle power at the local level* could not guarantee conversion of physical booth capturing into votes polled in favour of a particular candidate.
• *Conducting elections used to be round the clock strenuous nightmarish *exercise beginning from cleaning of the ballot boxes to counting of votes running over a few days.
• *VVPAT*: An additional technical device called VVPAT (Voter-verified Paper Audit Trail) machine has been introduced to instil the confidence among the stakeholders. The voter can view the symbol of the candidate of his choice on the screen of VVPAT machine after casting his vote by pressing the button of the EVM.
• The voter can view the symbol of the candidate of his choice on the screen of VVPAT machine after casting his vote by pressing the button of the EVM.
• *e-EPIC*: Now users can download their e-EPIC card online, especially the newly registered voters. It is another matter that other proofs of identity are also allowed on the day of poll to absolutely ensure that no one is derived from exercising his franchise
• It is another matter that other proofs of identity are also allowed on the day of poll to absolutely ensure that no one is derived from exercising his franchise
• *De-duplication software: The electoral roll has also been cleaned by using de-duplication software across the constituencies.* *Earlier having the same name at multiple places resulted in the electoral malpractices.* *Use of suitable software has also ensured cropping of the electors image on the electoral roll.* This ensures prohibition of forged voting on the day of poll.
• Earlier having the same name at multiple places resulted in the electoral malpractices.
• Use of suitable software has also ensured cropping of the electors image on the electoral roll.**
• This ensures prohibition of forged voting on the day of poll.
• *Linking Aadhar to EPIC: L*inking of electoral roll with Aadhar database would further buttress the integrity of the roll and thus purity of the election process.
• *Election personnel: Database of the polling personnel is thoroughly randomized using a software developed by the National Informatics Centre* to ensure concealment of the identity of the polling station where any polling staff would be posted. This obfuscates any kind of intimidation or inducement of the polling personnel. Intermix of the personnel in a polling party is carried out in such a way that no official is from the same department, region or class. Such finesse has been made possible only by use of appropriate technology.
• This obfuscates any kind of intimidation or inducement of the polling personnel.
• Intermix of the personnel in a polling party is carried out in such a way that no official is from the same department, region or class.
• Such finesse has been made possible only by use of appropriate technology.
• *Cvigil app:* This can be used by the citizens for posting their complaints directly. They can click photographs and videos which can be uploaded. The app is in public domain.
8. Forced counselling is a violation of the fundamental rights of LGBTIA+ individuals. Discuss the measures needed to protect the rights and well-being of LGBTIA+ individuals and creating more inclusive and equitable communities.
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Introduction
The LGBTQIA+ community faces a lot of problems. The main problem is acceptance from people outside the community. For the Indian LGBT community, a truly inclusive society remains a distant dream. In urban India, where social media and corporate initiatives have created increasing awareness of LGBT rights, the scenario looks more upbeat for gay men than for transgender people or lesbian women. While urban LGBT voices that are heard through several online and real-world platforms form an important part of LGBT activism, these expose only a small part of the diverse challenges faced by the community.
The Supreme Court has cautioned judges against using the court-ordered counselling of members of the LGBTQ+ community as a way to turn them against their own identity and sexual orientation.
Evolution of LGBTQIA+ rights in India
• The Delhi High Court’s verdict in Naz Foundation vs Government of NCT of Delhi (2009) was a landmark in the law of sexuality and equality jurisprudence in India.
• The court held that Section 377 offended the guarantee of equality enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution, because it creates an unreasonable classification and targets homosexuals as a class.
• In a retrograde step, the Supreme Court, in Suresh Kumar Koushal vs Naz Foundation (2013), reinstated Section 377 to the IPC. This setback highlighted the need for sustained advocacy and legal reform.
• The Supreme Court in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (2014) recognized transgender people as the third gender. It affirmed their right to self-identify and access affirmative action.
• In K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) case, the Right to Privacy was upheld as a fundamental right. This decision indirectly supported LGBTQIA+ rights by emphasizing individual autonomy.
• However, the Supreme Court in Navtej Singh Johar & Ors. vs Union of India (2018) declared that the application of Section 377 IPC to consensual homosexual behaviour was “unconstitutional”.
• This Supreme Court judgment has been a great victory to the Indian individual in his quest for identity and dignity.
• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 aimed to protect transgender rights but faced criticism for inadequate provisions. It advocates continue to push for comprehensive legislation.
• The Kerala High Court in June 2022 set a trailblazing precedent recently by sanctioning a lesbian couple, Adhila Nasarin and Fathima Noora, to live together after they were coercively separated by their parents.
Forced Counselling and Fundamental Rights:
• Violation of Fundamental Rights: Forced counseling infringes upon an individual’s right to privacy, autonomy, and dignity. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines the right to self-identify.
• Forced counseling infringes upon an individual’s right to privacy, autonomy, and dignity.
• It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines the right to self-identify.
• Ultra Vires to Constitution: Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, including the right to make personal choices. Forced counseling violates this right by imposing external judgments on an individual’s identity.
• Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, including the right to make personal choices.
• Forced counseling violates this right by imposing external judgments on an individual’s identity.
Steps for Achieving True Equality:
• Legal Reforms: Enact comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQIA+ rights in employment, education, and healthcare. Recognize same-sex marriages and provide equal rights in inheritance, adoption, and guardianship.
• Enact comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQIA+ rights in employment, education, and healthcare.
• Recognize same-sex marriages and provide equal rights in inheritance, adoption, and guardianship.
• Education and Awareness: Promote inclusive sex education in schools to foster acceptance and understanding. Sensitize the public through media campaigns and workshops.
• Promote inclusive sex education in schools to foster acceptance and understanding.
• Sensitize the public through media campaigns and workshops.
• Healthcare Access: Ensure transgender-friendly healthcare services. Address mental health needs and combat substance abuse.
• Ensure transgender-friendly healthcare services.
• Address mental health needs and combat substance abuse.
• Workplace Equality: Prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Encourage diversity and inclusion policies.
• Prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Encourage diversity and inclusion policies.
• Social Acceptance: Challenge stereotypes through positive representation in media. Celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride events and create safe spaces.
• Challenge stereotypes through positive representation in media.
• Celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride events and create safe spaces.
• Legal Literacy: Educate LGBTQIA+ individuals about their rights and legal recourse. Strengthen legal aid services for marginalized communities.
• Educate LGBTQIA+ individuals about their rights and legal recourse.
• Strengthen legal aid services for marginalized communities.
Conclusion
India’s journey toward LGBTQIA+ equality involves legal reforms, societal change, and compassion. By dismantling discriminatory barriers, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone’s rights are respected and celebrated.
General Studies – 3
9. To achieve inclusive growth and realize the vision of Viksit Bharat, India needs comprehensive policy interventions that address structural barriers to inclusive development. Explain.
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Introduction
The concept of inclusive growth focuses on equitable growth for all sections of society. This involves ensuring that fruits of growth and development reach the poor and marginalized sections as well. Inclusiveness is a multi-dimensional concept. Inequalities that include, social exclusion, discrimination, restrictions on migration, constraints on human development, lack of access to finance and insurance, corruption – are sources of inequality and limit the prospect for economic advancement among certain segments of the population, thereby perpetuating poverty.
Major impediments to inclusive growth:
• Poverty alleviation is one of the big challenges for India. Eradication of poverty in India is generally only considered to be a long-term goal. Poverty alleviation is expected to make better progress in the next 50 years than in the past, as a trickle-down effect of the growing middle class.
• Increasing stress on education, reservation of seats in government jobs and the increasing empowerment of women and the economically weaker sections of society, are also expected to contribute to the alleviation of poverty
• Government schemes should target eradication of both poverty and unemployment (which in recent decades has sent millions of poor and unskilled people into urban areas in search of livelihoods) attempt to solve the problem, by providing financial assistance for setting up businesses, skill honing, setting up public sector enterprises, reservations in governments, etc.
• Disparity The disparity between -> Rich and Poor The disparity between -> Urban and Rural The disparity between -> Educated and Uneducated
• The disparity between -> Rich and Poor
• The disparity between -> Urban and Rural
• The disparity between -> Educated and Uneducated
• Demography: We have 550 million young people below 25 age, we have the ready workforce for the world, everything we do today must focus on this population, we need to provide them nutrition food, skills, and job opportunities to grow.
• Improving the delivery of core public services: The incomes rise, citizens are demanding better delivery of core public services such as water and power supply, education, policing, sanitation, roads and public health. As physical access to services improves, issues of quality have become more central.
• Maintaining rapid growth while making growth more inclusive: The growing disparities between urban and rural areas, prosperous and lagging states, skilled and low-skilled workers, the primary medium term policy challenge for India is not to raise growth from 8 to 10 percent but to sustain rapid growth while spreading its benefits more widely.
• Developmental challenges:
• Expansion: Expansion is happening every day in developing countries like India, but perhaps not happening in the pace we would like. We have roads but we need more roads likewise we need to expand energy, infrastructure, facilities, etc.
• Excellence: Leaving of our top 5 or 10% quality of our education, our services, our governance, is really not that so great, we must collectively work towards improving quality in everywhere.
• Equity: We need to make sure that the poorest to the poorer can indeed get the best education, health, jobs, and other facilities.
• Social development is possible through achieving Women Empowerment and eradicating the regional disparities. Though the Government is giving the women empowerment by giving special reservations, the women’s advancement in India is still not matched the expectations for inclusive growth.
Measures needed to overcome:
• Lowering the incidence of poverty and inequality requires a comprehensive strategy.
• Important steps need to be taken like framing policies to improve health, nutrition and education.
• Labour market reforms and reforms of direct taxation will have redistributive effects on the system.
• Schemes like National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), provide 100 days or more of employment at a wage determined by government are already in progress but there is a need to check the cost effectiveness of these schemes
• Reforms to plug the leakages in the PDS, introduction of GPS tracking, activating vigilance committees, must be undertaken across the country.
• Research needs to be carried out by government agencies to document the ‘best practices’ in the implementation of government schemes.
• Minorities and other excluded groups, including the poor in upper castes, also need special programmes to bring them into the mainstream.
• Rapid investments from public and private sectors are necessary to translate India’s high growth to meaningful human development.
• Only then can our Human Development Index rise to levels worthy of a developed nation.
• Our private sector and financial system should gear up to enable this effort for a more equitable growth benefiting all of India.
Conclusion
A democratic political system, stable governance, liberalized economy, demographic advantage, consumption trends, upgrading infrastructure and a strong financial sector embodied by robust regulators are contributing to India’s economic resilience. Reducing poverty is to be taken as key element in our inclusive growth strategy and there has been some progress in that regard.
10. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments in India. Addressing its shortcomings will be essential for ensuring its sustained growth and relevance in the evolving payments landscape. Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Introduction
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a technology that consolidates various bank accounts into a single mobile app (of any participating bank) – Providing an instant real-time payment system; Allowing users to transfer money across multiple bank accounts without revealing details of one’s bank account to the other party. It is an enhanced version of Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), around–the–clock funds transfer service that enables faster, easier, and more seamless cashless payments.
Background
• The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), set up by the NPCI in 2016 in conjunction with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks Association (IBA), has revolutionized payment practices in India.
• The number of transactions and amount transacted during February 2024 were 12.1 billion and ₹18.3 trillion, respectively.
• UPI transactions have crossed 80% of the total digital payments through various modes in the country.
Success of UPI
• Preferred Payment Mode: BHIM UPI has emerged as the preferred payment mode of the citizens and has recorded 803.6 crore digital payment transactions with the value of ₹ 12.98 lakh crore in January 2023.
• Instant and convenient mode of payment: Unlike cash, money can be instantaneously transferred to the beneficiary account using digital modes like BHIM-UPI and IMPS. Moreover, using the BHIM-UPI mode, one can effect a digital transaction via mobile phone using mobile number or easy-to-remember virtual payment address (email-like address). BHIM-UPI has enabled access to multiple Bank accounts in a single mobile app, facilitating ease of payments.
• Enhanced financial inclusion: Digital payments offer anytime, anywhere access to accounts, thus making it easy for citizens to receive payments in their accounts and to also make payments using their phone. People who may have been deterred by the time, and travelling cost involved in physically accessing a bank outlet for transactions can now conveniently access the bank account digitally and get various benefits of being part of the formal banking system and becoming financially included. Recently launched UPI 123PAYenables feature phone users to make digital transactions through UPI in assisted voice mode, facilitating digital transactions and financial inclusion in rural areas.
• Increased transparency in government system: Earlier cash payments were subject to “leakage” (payments that do not reach the recipient in full) and “ghost” (fake) recipients, particularly in the context of social security benefits by government transfers. Now, benefits are directly transferred to target beneficiary (direct benefit transfer) account through digital modes of payments.
• Improved speed and timely delivery: In contrast to a cash payment that travels at the speed of its carrier, digital payments can be virtually instantaneous, regardless of whether the sender and receiver are in the same town, district or country.
• National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) system: NETC system enables the customer to make electronic payments at NETC-enabled toll plazas on the highway without stopping at the toll, using Radio Frequency Identification technology.
• Bharat Bill Payment System: Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) provides an interoperable and easily accessible bill payment service to consumers via multiple channels like Internet banking, mobile banking, mobile apps, BHIM-UPI etc. Citizens can make easy bill payments anytime, anywhere through BBPS.
• Enhanced Credit Access: Unlike cash payments, digital payments automatically establish a user’s financial footprint, thereby increasing access to formal financial services, including credit. Banks and other lending institutions can utilise digital transaction histories to take cashflow-based lending decisions for both retail lending and lending to businesses, including small businesses who may face difficulty in getting credit in the absence of verifiable cashflows.
• Safe and secure: Recipients of cash payments not only often have to travel considerable distances to receive their payments but are also particularly vulnerable to theft. Digital payments across India are secure as multiple levels of authentication are required for making transactions.
Shortcomings of UPI
• The threat of cybercrime in the global banking and financial services industry has increased amid the coronavirus pandemic. g. Malicious Software Cerberus
• g. Malicious Software Cerberus
• Fraudulent claims, chargebacks, fake buyer accounts, promotion/coupon abuse, account takeover, identity theft, card detail theft and triangulation frauds are emerging as challenges.
• The lack of digital literacy is another challenge facing many.
Way forward & conclusion
• A rightly structured Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy may provide a 21st century engine to harness the power of market players for greater digital infrastructure, access, and literacy for the Indian population.
• In a vibrant Indian democracy, a public policy-driven digital empowerment of the Indian electorate can help ensure responsible digital conduct in the interest of consumers and the larger public interest.
Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram ID HERE