Karol Bagh | IAS GS Foundation Course | date 26 November | 6 PM Call Us
This just in:
UPSC CSE Prelims Test Series 2025 PCS Parikshan 2024UPSC Calendar 2025
Language: ENहिंदी
Search
RSS
Cart
Classroom

Achievers Corner

Prelims

Mains & Interview

Current Affairs

Drishti Specials

Study Material

State PCS

Test Series

Videos

    

Drishti Store

  • 11 Nov 2024
  • 64 min read
Indian Polity

SC Orders Re-evaluation of AMU’s Minority Status

For Prelims: Article 30, Socialist, Fundamental Right, Directive Principles, Articles 14 and 19, 1st Amendment Act, 1951, Constitutional Amendment, Parliament.  

For Mains: Minority Educational Institution, AMU and Minority Institutions, Implications of SC judgment. 

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, a 7-judge bench of the Supreme Court (by 4:3 majority) in the case relating to the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), overruled the 1967 judgment in S. Azeez Basha vs. Union Of India which held that an institution incorporated by a statute cannot claim to be a minority institution. 

  • The issue of whether AMU is a minority institution as per Article 30 of the Constitution is now left to be decided by a regular bench based on this view of the majority. 

What are the Major Highlights of the Supreme Court Judgement? 

  • Main Aspects of the Case Considered by the Court: 
    • Whether a University, established and governed by a statute (AMU Act 1920), can claim minority status. 
    • The correctness of the 1967 judgment of the Supreme Court in S. Azeez Basha vs. Union Of India which rejected the minority status of AMU. 
    • The nature and correctness of the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act, 1920 which accorded minority status to the University after the decision in  S. Azeez Basha vs. Union Of India Case. 
    • Whether reliance placed on the S. Azeez Basha vs. Union Of India decision by Allahabad High Court in AMU v. Malay Shukla in 2006 was correct in concluding that AMU being a non-minority institution could not reserve 50% seats for Muslim candidates in Medical PG Courses. 
  • Key Highlights of the Recent Ruling: 
    • The Overruling of Azeez Basha Judgment: The SC overturned the 1967 ruling in S Azeez Basha vs Union of India. 
      • In the Azeez Basha case, the SC Constitution bench had held that AMU is not a minority institution and to enjoy the status, it should have been both established and administered by the minority. 
    • Question of Minority Status Referred to Regular Bench: The court did not directly decide whether AMU is a minority institution leaving the determination to a regular bench to investigate AMU’s historical establishment. 
      • New Test for determining Minority status: 
        • Establishment: The first aspect of the test deals with the genesis or origin of the minority institution, the purpose of its establishment, and how the "idea" for the institution was finally implemented. 
        • Implementation: Who contributed the funds for the institution? How was the land obtained or donated? Who obtained the necessary permissions, and handled the construction and infrastructure? 
        • Administration: The courts can look at the administrative set-up to see if it "affirms" the minority character of an institution.  
          • If the administration does not seem to "protect and promote the interests of the minority", it could be "reasonably in ferred that the purpose was not to establish aneducational institution for the benefit of the minority community. 
  • Minority Charater of an Institution: The court held that an institution's minority status shouldn’t be dismissed solely because it was created by law, and courts shouldn’t rely strictly on legislative language to determine its establishment. This would make Article 30(1), a fundamental right subservient to a statutory enactment. 
    • The court held that the word “established” as used in article 30(1) cannot and should not be understood in a narrow and legalistic sense.  
    • The words used in clause 1 of article 30 have to be interpreted in view of the object and purpose of the article and the guarantee and protection it confers. 
    • The right under Article 30(1) is guaranteed to minorities as defined upon the commencement of the Constitution. 
    • The court further listed "core essentials" of minority character under Article 30(1). 
      • While the purpose of establishing a minority institution should be the conservation of language and culture, it need not be the only purpose; 
      • A minority institution will not lose its minority character by admitting students belonging to non-minorities; 
      • Secular education can be imparted as a minority affecting its minority character; 
      • If a minority institution has received aid from the government, no student can be forced to participate in religious instruction; 
      • if the institution is fully maintained out of state funds, it cannot provide religious instruction.  
        • However these institutions must still be considered minority institutions. 
    • Nature of Incorporation vs Establishment: The judgment clarified that incorporation by legislation does not negate minority status. Merely formalising a university through law doesn’t alter who originally established it. 
      • The court rejected the argument that Muslims were not a minority in 1920 or did not think of themselves as a minority.  
      • It said the group must be a minority on the commencement of the Constitution and pre-Constitution institutions are also entitled to protection under Article 30, even when founding a university. 
      • Article 30 will stand diluted if it is to apply prospectively only to the institutions which were established after the commencement of the Constitution. 
      • The words 'incorporation' and 'establishment' cannot be used interchangeably. Merely because the AMU was incorporated by imperial legislation would not mean that it was not 'established' by a minority.  
      • It cannot be argued that the University was established by the Parliament merely because the statute says it was passed to establish the University. Such a formalistic reading will defeat the objectives of Article 30. 
  • Dissenting Opinion: Three judges dissented from the majority holding differing views on the applicability of Article 30 to institutions established by statute. 

What are the Legal Provisions on Minority Educational Institution (MEI)?

  • Definition of Minority Educational Institution (MEI): Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions.  
  • Landmark Cases on MEIs: 
    • Mother Provincial Case, 1970: Defined "administer" in Article 30(1) as managing institutional affairs but allowed government interference in educational standards. 
    • AP Christian Medical Association Case, 1986: MEIs must benefit a significant portion of the minority community to qualify. 
    • Yogendra Nath Singh Case, 1999: Establishment and administration by minorities are both required for an institution to be considered a MEI. 
    • Unresolved Criteria for MEI Status: In the TMA Pai Case, 2022 it was established that minority status is determined at the state level, but criteria for MEI designation were left inconclusive. 
    • Azeez Basha Case, 1967 on AMU: The Supreme Court ruled that AMU was not a minority institution since it was established by the AMU Act, 1920 passed by Parliament, rather than by a minority community.  
  • Minority Status Exemptions: Article 15(5) exempts minority educational institutions from reserving seats for SC/STs, impacting AMU, which currently had no SC/ST quotas as its minority status was under judicial review. 
  • St. Stephen’s College Case, 1992 Reference: In 1992, the SC upheld St Stephen’s College’s right to administer independently and reserve 50% of seats for Christians.  

What is the Timeline of the AMU Dispute? 

  • The Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College Founded, 1875: 
    • Sir Syed Ahmad Khan established the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh, with the aim of providing modern education to Muslims in India, who were perceived to be socially and educationally backward. The institution later becomes the basis for AMU. 
  • AMU Takes Shape, 1920: 
    • The Aligarh Muslim University Act was passed by the Indian Legislative Council, formally transforming the MOA College into Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). 
  • S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of India, 1967: 
    • The Supreme Court ruled that AMU cannot be classified as a minority institution under Article 30. 
    • The ruling emphasizes that AMU was a central university, not one “established or administered” solely by the Muslim community, thus it does not qualify as a minority educational institution. 
  • AMU Act Amended to Grant Minority Status, 1981: 
    • In response to the 1967 ruling, the Union government amended the AMU Act in 1981, declaring that AMU was indeed “established by the Muslims of India” to promote the educational and cultural advancement of Muslims. 
      • This amendment grants AMU minority status. 
  • AMU Reservation Controversy, 2005: 
    • AMU introduces 50% reservation for Muslim students in postgraduate medical courses. 
    • The Allahabad High Court struck down the reservation policy in 2006, ruling that AMU could not claim minority status because it was not a minority institution as per the 1967 Supreme Court decision.  
    • This is based on the reasoning that AMU was not “established or administered” by the Muslim community, thus it does not meet the criteria under Article 30. 
  • Government Withdraws Appeal, 2016: 
    • The government withdraws its appeal in the Supreme Court against AMU’s minority status, arguing that AMU does not qualify as a minority institution, reinstating its position based on the 1967 ruling.  
    • The government maintains that AMU renounced its religious status when it was established as a central university in 1920. 
  • Seven-Judge Bench, 2019: 
    • A three-judge bench referred the issue to a larger seven-judge bench to resolve the legal questions surrounding AMU’s minority status. 
  • The Latest Verdict, 2024: 
    • A seven-judge Supreme Court Bench, by a 4:3 majority, overturned the Allahabad High Court’s ruling on minority status criteria in the S Azeez Basha vs Union of India case. 
    • This ruling opens the possibility for Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to obtain recognition as a minority institution.

Conclusion 

  • The recent Supreme Court decision to revisit the minority status of AMU highlights the ongoing legal and constitutional debate over Article 30, which grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions.  
  • By overturning the 1967 Azeez Basha judgment, the court has opened the door for AMU to potentially reclaim its minority status. As the issue now rests with a regular bench, the ultimate decision will shape the future of minority educational rights and set a precedent for similar institutions across India.

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss the implications of the Supreme Court's recent decision to review Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status on India's constitutional framework for minority rights.

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Mains:

Q. Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (2018)

Indian Economy

Development Economics

For Prelims: Development Economics, Economic Development, Poverty, GDP, Sustainable Development.  

For Mains:  About Development Economics, Approaches to Development Economics, Major Factors Propelling Economic Growth in India, Current Major Challenges in Development Economics. 

Source: HT

Why in News?

The recent October 2024 edition of IMF World Economic Outlook has sparked discussions on the need for development economics to align political and economic realities.  

  • The report emphasises an integrated approach to address global economic challenges, highlighting the importance of understanding the interplay between economic policies and political implications for effective governance. 

World Economic Outlook Report 

  • About: WEO is a key report produced by the International Monetary Fund and published biannually, in April and October.  
    • Focus: Provides analysis and projections for the global economy and individual countries.  
    • Purpose: Aims to assess economic developments, identify trends, and offer policy recommendations.  
  • Components:  
    • Economic Growth Projections: Forecasts for global and regional economic performance.  
    • Inflation Trends: Insights into inflation rates and their implications.  
    • Financial Stability Assessment: Evaluates risks to financial systems and markets.  
  • Importance:  
    • Serves as a critical tool for policymakers, researchers, and investors to understand and navigate the economic landscape.

What is Development Economics? 

  • About:
    • Development economics is a branch of economics that focuses on the study of how countries can achieve sustained economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the standard of living of their populations.  
    • It examines the processes of economic development, the factors that contribute to it, and the challenges faced by developing countries in achieving these goals. 
    • It emerged in the post-World War II era, particularly in response to the challenges faced by newly independent nations.  
  • Key Focus Areas: 
    • Economic Growth: It focuses on how economies grow and diversify, looking at factors like investment, technology, human capital, infrastructure, and institutions to drive long-term development. 
    • Poverty Reduction: It aims to reduce poverty through strategies like wealth redistribution, social welfare programs, and inclusive economic policies to improve living standards. 
    • Inequality: It examines income and wealth disparities within and between nations, exploring how inequality affects social cohesion and economic stability, and ways to address it through policy. 
    • Sustainable Development: It integrates sustainability, ensuring that economic growth doesn't harm the environment, while addressing challenges like climate change and resource depletion. 
    • Globalisation and Trade: It analyses the impact of international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and global financial markets on developing countries, focusing on issues like trade imbalances and market access. 
    • Institutional Development: It stresses the importance of strong institutions (legal systems, democratic governance, public administration) for economic development, examining how governance affects outcomes and how to improve institutions. 
  • Theoretical Approaches: Development economics includes several schools of thought, each offering different perspectives on how to achieve economic development. 
    • Neoclassical Theory: It focuses on free markets, private property rights, and competition as drivers of economic growth, advocating minimal government intervention. 
    • Structuralist Theory: It emphasises the need to address structural issues like poor infrastructure, over-reliance on primary sectors, and weak industrialisation, advocating for state-led development. 
    • Capability Approach: It was introduced by Amartya Sen. This approach shifts focus from GDP to human well-being, highlighting the importance of expanding individuals' freedoms and choices in development. 
    • Institutional Economics: It stresses the role of institutions (both formal and informal) in shaping economic outcomes, arguing that development is influenced by the quality of governance and societal norms. 

Why is there Need to Reevaluate the Current Approach to Development Economics? 

  • Macro-Level Challenges: Current development economics often focuses on micro-level interventions, overlooking large-scale macroeconomic challenges like national competitiveness, fiscal constraints, and global trade imbalances.  
    • A more comprehensive approach is needed to address these broader economic issues. 
  • Political Realities: In democratic nations like India, political realities, such as populist policies, often undermine long-term structural reforms.  
    • Development economics must align with political feasibility, ensuring that proposed solutions are practically implementable within existing political frameworks. 
  • Global Dynamics and Technological Shifts: With rapid technological advancements and global market disruptions, development economics must adapt to changing global dynamics. This includes focusing on competitiveness, innovation, and the implications of new technologies on national growth. 
    • The IMF’s World Economic Outlook (WEO) report highlights China's rise in electric vehicle production, driven by labour productivity, which has disrupted global markets, demonstrating the need for development economics to adapt to global shifts. 
  • Sustainable and Inclusive Growth: A reevaluation is essential to ensure that development economics fosters inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development, addressing inequality and the environmental challenges posed by rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. 
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Development economics needs to integrate insights from other fields like political science, sociology, and environmental science, creating a more holistic framework that considers the complex interdependencies between economic policies, political stability, and social well-being. 

How does India's Economic Performance Align with Global Development Economics? 

  • High Growth Rate: India’s GDP growth consistently outpaces the global average, with a forecasted growth rate of 7% in 2024-25 (IMF). This positions India as one of the standout emerging market economies. 
    • Despite global slowdowns, India’s growth remains resilient, reflecting its economic potential on the global stage. 
  • Domestic Demand as Growth Driver: A significant portion of India’s economic growth is driven by robust domestic demand, with consumer spending accounting for about 60% of GDP (World Bank, 2023). 
    • Government investment, particularly in infrastructure and social welfare programs, also plays a vital role in mitigating external shocks like global economic recessions. 
  • Demographic Dividend: India’s population is predominantly young, with a median age of 28.4 years in 2024 (UN Population Division), offering a substantial workforce and potential for long-term economic growth. 
    • By 2030, India is projected to have the world’s largest workforce, which, if harnessed effectively, can provide a significant boost to productivity. 
  • Service Sector Dominance: The services sector, particularly Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), is central to India’s economic performance. India’s IT exports stood at approximately USD 194 billion in FY 2023 (NASSCOM), making it a global leader in this domain. 
  • Infrastructure Development: India has ramped up public investment in infrastructure, with the government allocating USD 1.5 trillion (National Infrastructure Pipeline, 2020-2025) for infrastructure development. 
    • Key initiatives like the Bharatmala project (road infrastructure) and UDAN (regional air connectivity) are expected to create new economic opportunities and enhance competitiveness. 
  • Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion: India has made significant strides in digital transformation, particularly with the introduction of digital payment systems like UPI. The value of UPI transactions increased by 40% year-on-year to Rs. 20.07 trillion in June 2024, up from Rs.12.98 trillion in January 2023. 
    • There were 16.58 billion Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions worth Rs 23.5 trillion in October 2024, the highest numbers for the digital system since its inception in April 2016. 
    • Digital initiatives such as Jan Dhan accounts and Aadhar-based identity systems have improved financial inclusion, benefiting millions of previously underserved individuals. 

What are the Challenges in Development Economics for India? 

  • Political Economy Constraints: India’s development is impacted by political dynamics, where electoral cycles often prioritise populist policies, like cash transfers and subsidies, over long-term reforms in labor, tax, and industry.  
    • This short-term focus limits essential reforms that would support sustainable economic growth. 
  • Labour Market Rigidities: India faces skill gaps, low productivity, and rigid labour laws that restrict hiring flexibility.  
    • Without reforms to improve skill development and allow greater labour flexibility, India struggles to align its workforce with high-growth sectors and global standards. 
  • Social Unrest and Protests: Labour-business tensions, particularly in manufacturing sectors, highlight the social challenges in balancing worker protections with business needs.  
    • If not managed, these tensions can deter investment and weaken manufacturing competitiveness. 
  • Geopolitical Uncertainties: Trade tensions, especially between the US and China, present both opportunities and risks for India.  
    • While India can attract investment diversifying from China, it must reduce dependence on traditional markets and build diverse trade partnerships to remain resilient in a shifting global economy. 

Way Forward 

  • Balancing Growth and Equity: Ensuring that reforms not only enhance growth but also address income inequality and social justice is critical. This requires policies that promote inclusive growth, fair wages, and investment in education. 
  • Fostering Technological Adoption: India must embrace technological innovation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and green technologies, to stay competitive in the global economy.  
    • This requires a supportive policy environment, investments in infrastructure, and a focus on skill development. 
  • Boosting Labour-Intensive Sectors: India must focus on sectors such as textiles and garments, where it has competitive advantages in terms of cheap labor and infrastructure.  
  • Advancing Technological Innovation: India must invest in cutting-edge industries like electronics, microchips, and renewable energy. It should also strengthen STEM education to move up the value chain and foster innovation through R&D and venture capital. 
    • This will require a more favorable environment for R&D, improved access to capital, and a robust education system that produces skilled labor for high-tech sectors. 
  • Reforming Labour Laws and Regulatory Frameworks: India must simplify and modernize its labour laws to create a more business-friendly environment, as suggested by the IMF’s World Economic Outlook (WEO) report. 
    • Streamlining regulatory processes, reducing compliance burdens, and ensuring ease of doing business through initiatives like "Make in India" and "Ease of Doing Business" reforms are crucial for attracting foreign investment and enhancing competitiveness. 
  • Targeting Investment in Human Capital: Prioritise education, healthcare, and skill development to boost labor productivity and support long-term growth.  
    • Shift focus from cash transfers to building a skilled workforce aligned with high-value sectors.  
    • Increased public spending on education and vocational training will prepare India’s workforce for a competitive global economy. 
  • Engaging with International Institutions: India should strengthen its cooperation with global economic institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and WTO to secure favorable terms of trade and navigate the complexities of global supply chains and trade agreements.

Drishti Mains Question:

What is Development Economics? Why is there a need to Reevaluate the current approach of development economics? 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims

Q. In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight? (2015)

(a) Coal production 
(b) Electricity generation 
(c) Fertilizer production  
(d) Steel production 

Ans: (b)

Mains

Q.1 “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product(GDP) in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far are the recent changes in Industrial Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (2017) 

Q.2 Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry and then later to services, but India shifted directly from agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge growth of services vis-a-vis the industry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial base? (2014)

Indian Economy

Upgrading Wind Energy Generation

For Prelims: High Court, Wind Energy, Wind Turbine, Renewable Energy, National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), Chennai, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, Green Hydrogen, Electric Mobility, Panchamrit, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Carbon Intensity. 

For Mains: Role of renewable energy in meeting global climate targets.

Source: TH 

Why in News?

In August 2024, the Tamil Nadu government introduced the “Repowering, Refurbishment, and Life Extension Policy” to replace old turbines and optimise wind energy use. 

  • However, wind energy generators have opposed the policy, approached the Madras High Court and got a stay. 

What is Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment & Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2024? 

  • Context: Wind energy generators in Tamil Nadu with windmills older than 20 years needed upgradation for energy efficiency. 
  • Policy Focus: The policy includes three major aspects: 
    • Life Extension: Extending the operational life of windmills over 20 years old. 
    • Repowering: Replacing old windmills with new machines. 
    • Refurbishment: Upgrading or repairing old windmills. 
  • Capacity Overview: Approximately 300 MW of the 9,000 MW wind energy capacity in Tamil Nadu is over 20 years old. 
  • Reason for Opposition: For life extension, wind energy generators are expected to pay Rs 30 lakhs per MW every five years.  
    • For repowering, a one-time payment of Rs 30 lakhs per MW is required to replace old machines with new ones.

Note:

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) came out with the National Repowering & Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects-2023. 

  • The following Wind turbines are eligible for repowering/refurbishment under the policy:
    • All Wind turbines which are not in compliance with the quality control order issued by this Ministry; or
    • have completed their design life as certified under the Type Test Certificate in accordance with the applicable relevant standards; or
    • The Wind turbines of rated capacity below 2 MW;
    • Based on commercial/voluntary consideration after 15 years of installation.
  • Wind turbines which are to be replaced within the period of its design life due to malfunctioning, issues in workmanship, safety etc., shall also require to be repowered or refurbished.

What are the Key Facts About Wind Energy in India? 

  • Wind Energy Potential: India has a wind power potential of 1,163.86 GW at 150 metres above ground level while at a 120-metre turbine height, it is 695.51 GW. 
  • Wind Energy Utilisation: Only about 6.5% of India’s wind potential is used at the national level and nearly 15% in Tamil Nadu.  
  • Wind Power Generation: India has been ranked 4th in wind power capacity and fourth in renewable energy installed capacity, as of 2024. 
  • Cost Competitive: Power generation from wind projects is likely to be cost-competitive relative to thermal power generation in India in 2025-30. 
    • Wind Turbine Maintenance: 
      • Repowering: Replacing wind turbines older than 15 years or under 2 MW capacity with new ones. 
      • Refurbishing: Upgrading turbines by increasing height, changing blades, or installing higher-capacity gearboxes to boost energy output. 
      • Life Extension: Implementing safety measures to extend the lifespan of older turbines. 
  • Windy States: Major wind energy states are Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, which together contribute 93.37% of the country’s installed wind energy capacity. 
    • Tamil Nadu has the second largest installed wind energy capacity with 10,603.5 MW after Gujarat.                                                                            

What are the Challenges in Repowering and Refurbishing Wind Turbines? 

  • Land requirements: New turbines, especially those with higher capacities (2 MW and 2.5 MW), require more land (3.5 to 5 acres) compared to older, smaller turbines. 
  • Displacement: Since the 1980s when turbines were installed, habitats have come up between wind sites which pose new challenges of displacement and rehabilitation of population. 
  • Technology Evolution: Upgrading turbines, blades, and gearboxes to keep pace with advances requires significant investment, time, and expertise. 
  • Banking issue: Wind turbines installed after 2018 in Tamil Nadu do not have banking facilities, meaning that repowered turbines are treated as new installations, and generators cannot bank the energy generated, affecting financial viability. 

India's Renewable Energy Target 

  • India has presented the following five nectar elements (Panchamrit) of India’s climate action at COP-26 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom: 
    • It aims to reach 500 GW Non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. 
    • 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030. 
    • Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030. 
    • Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030, over 2005 levels. 
    • Achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070.

What are the Major Government Initiatives Related to Renewable Energy Transition? 

Way Forward  

  • Improved Tariff Mechanism: Offering competitive renewable tariffs will ensure stable pricing and reduce financial risks for project developers.  
  • Completion Deadlines: Ensuring strict adherence to project completion timelines will prevent delays, improve project efficiencies, and enhance the credibility of the wind energy sector. 
  • Integration with Solar Energy: India must focus on improving solar-wind grid integration to harness energy during periods when solar generation is low, such as at night. 
  • Transmission Infrastructure: Investing in advanced energy storage systems and upgrading transmission infrastructure will maximise wind energy efficiency. 
  • Long-Term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Securing long-term PPAs with discoms will provide a stable revenue stream for developers and foster greater interest in wind energy projects. 
  • Technology Upgradation: Innovations such as larger and more efficient turbines, offshore wind technology, and hybrid systems could further boost India’s wind energy capacity.

Drishti Mains Question: 

India ranks fourth globally in wind energy capacity but uses only a small fraction of its potential. What solutions are needed to overcome challenges in the sector?

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims

Q.“Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by (2018) 

(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 

(b) The UNEP Secretariat 

(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat 

(d) The World Meteorological Organisation 

Ans: (c)

Q.With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016) 

  1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
  2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global 
  3. temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels. 
  4. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 and 3 only  

(b) 2 only 

(c) 2 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (b)

Q.With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015) 

  1. It is a Public Limited Government Company.
  2. It is a Non-Banking Financial Company.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (c)

Mains 

Q. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)

Social Issues

Global Tuberculosis Report 2024

For Prelims: Tuberculosis (TB), WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), One World TB Summit" (2023), Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana 

For Mains: India’s Commitment and Initiatives to Eliminate TB, Future Strategies to eliminate TB, National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, Present Status of TB in India and Globe.

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

According to WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 India has achieved a notable 17.7% decline in tuberculosis (TB) incidence from 2015 to 2023. 

  • This decline, exceeding the global average of 8.3%, underscores India’s unwavering commitment to eliminating TB by 2025, under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). 

What are the Key Findings of the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024? 

  • Global TB Incidence Trends: 8.2 million new TB cases were reported in 2023, up from 7.5 million in 2022, marking the highest figure recorded by WHO since 1995. 
    • An estimated 1.25 million TB deaths were recorded in 2023, slightly lower than 1.32 million in 2022. 
  • Demographics of TB Cases: 30 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for 87% of the global TB burden. 
    • Five countries alone—India (26%), Indonesia (10%), China (6.8%), the Philippines (6.8%), and Pakistan (6.3%) contribute 56% of the global TB burden. 
    • 55% of TB cases occurred in men, 33% in women, and 12% in children and young adolescents. 
  • India's TB Scenario: India recorded an estimated 27 lakh TB cases in 2023, of which 25.1 lakh individuals were diagnosed and began treatment. 
    • TB incidence in India dropped from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh in 2023, reflecting a 17.7% decline over the period. 
    • Treatment coverage increased to 89% in 2023, up from 72% in 2015, significantly reducing the gap of undiagnosed or untreated cases.
  • End TB Strategy Goals (Post-2015): WHO Global TB Report 2024 indicates, India is unlikely to eliminate TB by 2025 as it is falling short of the WHO's End TB Strategy milestones, which require reducing TB deaths by 75% and incidence by 50% from 2015 levels.
    • Progress so far suggests India will not achieve the target of reducing TB deaths to 7 per 1,00,000 and incidence to 118.5 per 1,00,000 by 2025 

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • TB is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs. 
  • Transmission: TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. 
  • Symptoms: Cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. 
  • Treatment: TB is a treatable and curable disease. 
    • It is treated with a standard 6 month course of 4 antimicrobial drugs that are provided with information, supervision and support to the patient by a health worker or trained volunteer. 
    • Anti-TB medicines have been used for decades and strains that are resistant to 1 or more of the medicines have been documented in every country surveyed. 
      • Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful, first-line anti-TB drugs. MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs. India holds 27% of the global burden of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) 
      • Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) is a more serious form of MDR-TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to the most effective second-line anti-TB drugs, often leaving patients without any further treatment options.

India’s Commitment to Eliminate TB 

  • SDG Target 3.3: As part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India is committed to eliminating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global deadline of 2030. 
  • Goals: 
    • 80% reduction in TB incidence from 2015 levels. 
    • 90% reduction in TB mortality from 2015 levels. 
    • Elimination of catastrophic health costs for TB-affected households. 
  • High-Level Initiatives: The commitment was reiterated at events like the "End TB Summit" (2018) and the "One World TB Summit" (2023) and through India’s signing of the Gandhinagar Declaration (adopted at the end of the two-day meeting held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to follow up on the progress made to end TB by the countries of South-East Asia Region)

What are the Challenges Encountered in Eradicating TB?  

  • Insufficient Global Funding: In 2023, the total funding available in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) was USD 5.7 billion, equivalent to only 26% of the target of reaching USD 22 billion by 2027. 
  • Catastrophic TB Costs: Nearly 20% of Indian households with TB face catastrophic health expenses, well above the WHO target of zero. 
  • Limited Donor Support in LMICs: International donor funding in LMICs remains stagnant at around USD 1.1–1.2 billion annually. 
    • Although the U.S. and the Global Fund are major contributors, their support is insufficient to meet essential TB service needs. 
  • Underfunded TB Research: With only one-fifth of the USD 5 billion research target met in 2022, critical advancements in TB diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines are hindered.  
  • Complex and Interlinked Epidemic Drivers: The epidemic is driven by multiple risk factors, including undernutrition, HIV, alcohol use, smoking, and diabetes. 

India’s initiatives to Eliminate TB 

Way Forward 

  • Expanded Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT): Focus should be on scaling up TPT with shorter regimens to enhance accessibility and reduce TB transmission. 
  • Innovative Diagnostics and Decentralization: Efforts should be made to expand molecular diagnostic testing for early TB detection and improve reporting. 
  • Decentralising TB Service Delivery: Decentralisation of services through "Ayushman Arogya Mandirs" will improve accessibility and treatment efficiency across regions. 
  • Enhancing Community-Based Patient Support Systems: The initiative like Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) needs to be promoted to  strengthen community involvement and support systems to improve patient care and eliminate stigma. 
  • Conducting Studies on Adult BCG Vaccination: Holistic Studies should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG)  vaccination (is a vaccine for TB disease) in adults for preventing tuberculosis.

Drishti Mains Question 

Discuss India’s approach and progress in achieving TB elimination by 2025. What are the key challenges and future strategies necessary to meet this target? (250 words)

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (2017) 

  1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers. 
  2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women. 
  3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice. 
  4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only 

(d) 3 and 4 only

Ans: (a)

Mains: 

Q. “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (2021)

Important Facts For Prelims

Prior Sanction to Prosecute Public Servants Under PMLA

Source: IE

Why in News?

The Supreme Court (SC) of India recently upheld a decision by the Telangana High Court, mandating that public servants must receive prior government sanction before being prosecuted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

What is Section 197(1) of CrPC?

  • It mandates prior government sanction before prosecuting public servants, judges, or magistrates for actions performed in their official duties.
    • This aims to prevent malicious prosecutions and protect decision-making in good faith. The sanction must come from the Central Government for Union-affiliated individuals and from the State Government for those in State affairs.
  • Exceptions: Specific crimes, particularly those involving gender-based violence and sexual offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (BNS, 2023) do not require prior sanction for prosecution of public servants.

How Does the PMLA Interact with the CrPC?

  • Section 65 of PMLA: Provides for CrPC provisions to apply to PMLA cases unless they conflict with the PMLA itself.
  • Section 71 of PMLA: Asserts that PMLA provisions have overriding authority over other laws in cases of inconsistency.
  • Supreme Court’s Ruling: The appellant Enforcement Directorate (ED) had argued that Section 71 of the PMLA, which gives the PMLA overriding authority over other laws, should exclude the prior sanction requirement. However, the SC rejected this claim.
    • The SC held that Section 197(1) of the CrPC is not inconsistent with the PMLA, thus requiring its application in cases involving public servants under the PMLA.
    • It further clarified that Section 71 cannot nullify Section 197(1), as doing so would render Section 65 of the PMLA redundant.
  • Implications of SC Ruling: This sets a benchmark for applying the CrPC to PMLA cases, clarifying the limits of the PMLA’s overriding authority under Section 71.
    • The judgement limits the ED's ability to prosecute public servants under PMLA without government consent, highlighting the need for due process.
    • The SC ruling balances the government’s efforts to combat money laundering with the rights of public servants to fair legal procedures.

Note: In the CBI v. Dr. R.R. Kishore Case, 2023, the SC ruled that Section 6A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, requiring prior government sanction for arresting officers of joint secretary rank and above, was unconstitutional.

Constitutional Protection for Civil Servants

  • Part XIV of the Constitution: Deals with services under the Union and the States.
  • Article 309: Empowers Parliament and State legislatures to regulate the recruitment and conditions of service for civil servants.
  • Doctrine of Pleasure: Article 310 states civil servants hold office at the pleasure of the President or Governor, but this power is not absolute.
  • Article 311: It lays down two major safeguards for civil servants.
    • Dismissal or removal can only be done by the appointing authority or a higher rank.
    • Dismissal or reduction in rank requires an inquiry with a reasonable opportunity to defend.

Read more...

Important Facts For Prelims

Konark Wheels at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

Recently, four sandstone replicas of the iconic Konark wheels from the Konark Temple have been installed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan. This initiative is among various efforts to incorporate traditional cultural and historical elements into Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

  • Konark temple was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984. It is built in odisha school of temple architecture. 

Odisha School of Temple Architecture 

  • It is a sub-schools of Nagara School of architecture and comes under East Indian Temples. 
  • The main architectural features of Odisha temples are classified into three orders, i.e., rekhapida, pidhadeul and khakra. 
  • Most of the main temple sites are located in ancient Kalinga—modern Puri District, including Bhubaneswar or ancient Tribhuvanesvara, Puri and Konark. 
  • In general, the shikhara, called deul in Odisha, is vertical almost until the top when it suddenly curves sharply inwards. 
  • Deuls are preceded, as usual, by mandapas called jagamohana in Odisha. 
  • Odisha temples usually have boundary walls. 
  • The ground plan of the main temple is almost always square, which, in the upper reaches of its superstructure, becomes circular in the crowning mastaka. 
  • Compartments and niches are generally square, the exterior of the temples are lavishly carved, their interiors generally quite bare. 

What is are Key Facts and Significance of the Konark Sun Temple? 

  • About Konark Temple: 
    • The 13th-century Konark Sun Temple, near Puri in Odisha, was built by King Narasimhadeva I (1238–1264 AD). Its grand scale and intricate design symbolise the strength and cultural values of the Eastern Ganga Empire. 
      • The Eastern Ganga dynasty also known as Rudhi Gangas or Prachya Gangas. 
      • It was a major Indian royal dynasty that ruled Kalinga from the 5th to early 15th century. 
    • Key Features of Temple: 
      • The vimana (principal sanctuary) was surmounted by a high tower with a shikhara (crowning cap) also known as Rekha deul, which was razed in the 19th century. 
      • To the east, the jahamogana (audience hall or Mandap) dominates the ruins with its pyramidal mass. 
      • Farther to the east, the natmandir (dance hall), today unroofed, rises on a high platform.

  • Architectural Significance: 
    • Chariot Design: Temple is shaped as a colossal chariot with 7 horses symbolising the days of the week and 24 wheels representing 24 hours in a day. 
    • Wheel Construction: Each wheel, 9 feet 9 inches in diameter, has 8 thick and 8 thin spokes, serving as ancient sundials.  
      • The intricate carvings include circular medallions, animals, and foliage on the rims, as well as luxury scenes within the medallions. 
    • Symbolic Elements: The 12 pairs of wheels signify the months of the year, while some interpretations relate the wheel to the ‘Wheel of Life’—the cycle of creation, preservation, and realization. 
  • Cultural Heritage: 
    • Dharma and Karma: The Konark Wheel is akin to the Buddhist Dharmachakra, symbolising the cosmic cycle of Dharma (righteousness) and Karma (action). 
    • Zodiac Representation: Another interpretation suggests the 12 wheels represent the zodiac signs, linking it to astrological and cosmic principles. 
  • Sundial Functionality:  
    • Time Measurement: Two of the wheels can determine the time from sunrise to sunset. 
    • Spoke Arrangement: Wider spokes denote 3-hour intervals, thinner spokes represent 1.5-hour periods, and beads between spokes mark 3-minute increments. 
    • Midnight Mark: The top center wider spoke symbolizes midnight, with the dial moving anti-clockwise to display time.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims 

Q. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the (2012) 

(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent 

(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified 

(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture 

(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India  

Ans: (c)

Rapid Fire

No Midway Changes in Recruitment Criteria

Source: IE

Recently, the Supreme Court in the Tej Prakash Pathak vs Rajasthan High Court Case, 2013 ruled that recruitment rules for government jobs cannot be changed mid-process unless explicitly allowed.

  • It endorsed the principles laid down in K Manjusree v. State of Andhra Pradesh Case, 2008 which held that changing recruitment criteria during the selection process is impermissible.
  • The Court clarified that the K Manjusree case 2008 cannot be ignored for not considering the State of Haryana vs Subhash Chander Marwaha Case, 1973 ruling.
    • In the Marwaha case, the Court ruled that meeting minimum eligibility marks doesn't guarantee selection, as the government can set higher standards for public interest.
  • Recruitment rules must meet constitutional standards of equality (Article 14) and non-discrimination in public employment (Article 16).

Read More...

Rapid Fire

National Education Day 2024

Source: BS 

Recently, the National Education Day (NED) is observed annually on 11th November to honour  Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's birth anniversary and his contributions to India's educational landscape. As India’s first Education Minister, he played a crucial role in establishing foundational institutions and advocating for accessible and inclusive education. 

  • The Government of India first declared NED in 2008 to honour Azad's birth anniversary on November 18th 1888. 

Read more: Abul Kalam Azad: National Education Day 

Rapid Fire

Acharya J. B. Kriplani

Source: AIR 

The birth anniversary of Acharya Jiwantram Bhagwandas Kripalani is observed every year on 11th November.  

  • About: Acharya Kripalani was born in Hyderabad (Sind, now in Pakistan) in 1888, was a prominent parliamentarian, and crusader for social justice. 
  • Role in Independence movement: Deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy. 
  • Contributions: Kripalani served as a member of the Constituent Assembly and Chairman of the Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee.  
    • Post-Independence he formed the Krishak Mazdoor Praja Party (1951), merged with Praja Socialist Party, and later became an independent member of Parliament. 
    • He authored his autobiography My Times and ran the weekly journal Vigil. 

Death: 19th March 1982.      

Read more: Acharya Kripalani 

close
SMS Alerts
Share Page
images-2

 
images-2
× Snow