155th Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
Syllabus: GS1/ Personalities in news
Context
- Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2nd, marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation.
- It is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.
About Mahatma Gandhi
- Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.
- He was an Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer who became the leader of the nationalist movement against the British rule of India.
- He played a crucial role in India’s independence movement by leading nonviolent protests against British rule.
Role in freedom Struggle of India
- Champaran Satyagraha (1917): This was Gandhi’s first significant application of Satyagraha in India, where he supported indigo farmers in Bihar against oppressive plantation systems.
- Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Gandhi organized a non-violent movement to help farmers in Gujarat who were facing economic hardship due to crop failures and British taxation policies.
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): Encouraged Indians to boycott British institutions and goods, which shook British authority.
- Salt March (1930): A peaceful protest against the British salt tax, where Gandhi marched 240 miles to make salt from seawater. This act of defiance became symbolic of India’s resistance.
- Quit India Movement (1942): A mass protest demanding an end to British rule, leading to widespread participation across India, especially among the youth.
Teachings of Gandhi
- Non-Violence: He believed that peace and justice could only be achieved through non-violent resistance.
- His interpretation of non-violence extended beyond physical acts to include non-violence in thought, speech, and relationships.
- Satyagraha: This principle involves the force of truth and passive resistance, aiming for justice without coercion or aggression.
- Self-Suffering: Gandhi believed that the path to changing the oppressor’s heart lies in the willingness to suffer oneself, rather than inflict suffering on others.
- The Satyagrahi must endure physical, emotional, or material hardship to bring moral pressure on the oppressor, showing the strength of their convictions.
- Sarvodaya (Welfare of All): Gandhi stressed the importance of social welfare and upliftment of all sections of society, particularly the marginalized.
- Unity and Compassion: He promoted unity among different communities, urging people to transcend caste, religion, and race.
- Simple Living: Gandhi’s lifestyle reflected simplicity, urging people to focus on necessities rather than material excess.
Literary work
- Hind Swaraj (1909)
- Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth
- Newspapers: Young India, Harijan, and Navajivan.
Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi
- His philosophy of Satyagraha (truth and non-violence) inspired countless people, including leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
- Gandhi was named Time’s Man of the Year in 1930 for his efforts in leading India’s independence struggle.
- Gandhi’s efforts ultimately helped India gain independence in 1947.
How a Direct Israel-Iran Conflict Affects India?
Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations
Context
- Rising tensions between Israel and Iran are escalating concerns about a regional crisis in the Middle East and posing significant risks to India’s economic stability.
Background
- The Israel and Iran conflict has reached new heights recently with Israel’s strikes on Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in Lebanon, culminating in the killing of key Hezbollah figures.
- Hezbollah, closely aligned with Iran, retaliates on Israel, increasing the likelihood of a broader regional conflict.
- The involvement of Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen further complicates the situation, particularly for global trade routes.
Implications on India
- Disruption in Trade Routes: A full-blown conflict could disrupt the crucial Red Sea shipping route, impacting global trade.
- In August 2024, Indian exports fell by 9%, largely due to the Red Sea crisis, with petroleum exports dropping by 38%.
- Indian exporters, especially in petroleum products, are facing increased shipping costs and reduced profitability, particularly in Europe, which accounts for 21% of India’s petroleum exports.
- Energy Security Risks: India relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil and gas imports, despite increased purchases from Russia. A war could disrupt key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a critical choke point for LNG from Qatar and oil from Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Any disruption here could severely affect India’s energy flows.
- Impact on Oil Prices: A full-scale conflict would likely drive up global crude oil prices, increasing inflation in India.
- A $10 increase in oil prices could push up India’s current account deficit by 0.3% of GDP, adding pressure on the economy.
- Longer Trade Routes: Disruptions in the Suez Canal and the Red Sea have forced ships to detour around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing shipping costs by 15-20%.
- This has particularly impacted labor-intensive industries such as textiles and engineering products in India, which rely on high-volume, low-margin exports.
- Effect on India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): The conflict could hinder the development of IMEC, a critical project aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade between India and Europe.
Silver Linings
- Neutrality of GCC Countries: Despite the conflict, major Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar remain uninvolved, helping to keep trade with India relatively stable.
- India’s trade with GCC countries increased by 17.8% between January and July 2024. Exports to Iran also grew by 15.2% during this period.
Way Ahead
- India needs to develop alternative trade routes and strategies to mitigate the risks posed by this conflict.
- Building stronger ties with neutral players and diversifying energy imports will be crucial in maintaining economic stability during these uncertain times.
Source: IE
NITI Aayog’s framework for future Public Health Emergency
Syllabus :GS 2/Health
In News
- An expert group formed by NITI Aayog has recommended a comprehensive framework to manage future public health emergencies.
What is a Public Health Emergency (PHE)?
- Public Health Emergency (PHE) refers to a significant occurrence or imminent threat of an illness or health condition, whether natural or man-made, that poses a risk of substantial injury or harm to public health.
- This includes threats from infectious diseases, biological toxins, chemical agents, nuclear agents, radiation hazards, and situations involving mass casualties or natural disasters.
About framework
- The Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response (PPER) framework advocates for a new Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) and additional measures to ensure a rapid and effective response within the first 100 days of an outbreak.
- It would empower both central and state governments to respond effectively to health emergencies, including pandemics and bioterrorism, and create public health cadres trained for emergency response.
- Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS): The report suggests forming an EGoS led by the Cabinet Secretary to oversee public health preparedness and monitor efforts during non-emergency times.
- This group would develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pandemics and establish sub-committees for various functions.
- Other Recommendations include enhancing the disease surveillance network, particularly monitoring human-bat interfaces due to the historical links between bat species and pandemics like Covid-19.
- A national biosecurity and biosafety network should be established, integrating research institutions and genome sequencing centers.
- Emergency Vaccine Bank: The establishment of an emergency vaccine bank is suggested to source vaccines both domestically and internationally.
- Epidemiology Forecasting Network: A network for predicting transmission dynamics and assessing countermeasures is proposed, along with a network of Centers of Excellence (CoE) focused on developing diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for priority pathogens as identified by the World Health Organization.
Importance in Present Scenario
- Public health emergencies and disasters present transnational challenges that necessitate a coordinated global response.
- Effective disaster and public health systems are essential for preparing communities to respond to and recover from these threats.
- The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need to strengthen the resilience of existing public health emergency and disaster management systems.
- To enhance national capacity for preparing for and responding to disasters and infectious diseases with pandemic potential, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial.
Issues and Concerns
- The Epidemic Diseases Act (EDA), 1897, and the National Disaster Management Act (NDMA), 2005 lack specific definitions for critical terms like “epidemic” and do not adequately address the processes for drug/vaccine dissemination or quarantine measures.
Conclusion
- The new framework serves as a foundational step for enhancing India’s preparedness and response to future pandemics, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 experience and providing a structured approach for effective management of public health emergencies.
- There is the need for special attention to the Indian regulatory system, highlighting the importance of global harmonization of regulatory norms.
- This would facilitate the acceptance of regulatory data by recognized authorities worldwide and establish a common framework for innovative technologies, enabling accelerated emergency approvals.
Source: IE
PM E-DRIVE Scheme
Syllabus: GS3/Economy
Context
- The government has launched the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, for faster adoption of electric vehicles
- By setting up of charging infrastructure and development of EV manufacturing ecosystem in India.
About PM E-DRIVE Scheme
- The scheme shall be implemented from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.
- The EMPS-2024 (Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme) is being subsumed under the PM E-DRIVE scheme.
- Subsidy: The subsidy under the scheme for electric two-wheelers has been fixed based on battery power at Rs 5,000 per kilowatt hour but the overall incentive will not exceed Rs 10,000 in the first year.
- In the second year, it will be halved by Rs 2,500 per kilowatt hour, and the overall benefit will not exceed Rs 5,000.
- Three-wheelers, including e-rickshaws, will get a demand incentive of Rs 25,000 in the first year, which will be halved to Rs 12,500 in the second year.
- For the L5 category (cargo three-wheelers), they will get a benefit of Rs 50,000 in the first year, and for the second year, it is Rs 25,000.
- e-Vouchers: Ministry of Heavy Industries is introducing e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail demand incentives under the scheme.
- One vehicle per Aadhaar will be allowed. As soon as the vehicle is sold, e-voucher will be generated.
- The signed e-voucher will be essential for OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to claim reimbursement of demand incentives under the scheme.
- Charging Stations: The scheme addresses range anxiety of EV buyers by promoting in a big way the installation of electric vehicle public charging stations (EVPCS).
- These EVPCS shall be installed in select cities with high EV penetration and also on selected highways.
What are Electric Vehicles?
- An electric vehicle (EV) is one that operates on an electric motor, instead of an internal-combustion engine that generates power by burning a mix of fuel and gases.
- Therefore, such a vehicle is seen as a possible replacement for current-generation automobiles, in order to address the issue of rising pollution, global warming, depleting natural resources, etc.
Benefits of the Electric Vehicles:
- Energy Efficiency: Electric motors are significantly more efficient than internal combustion engines, converting a higher percentage of the energy from the grid into vehicle movement.
- Lower Operating Costs: The running cost of an electric vehicle is much lower than an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle.
- Environmental Impact: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels: EVs decrease reliance on finite fossil fuels like oil and gas, promoting energy independence and reducing vulnerability to fluctuations in fuel prices and supply disruptions.
- Health Benefits: By reducing air pollution, EVs can have positive impacts on public health, potentially reducing the incidence of respiratory illnesses and other health problems associated with poor air quality.
India’s Electric Vehicle Policy
- Aim: To facilitate smooth growth in the sector and achieve the ambitious target of having EV sales penetration of 30% of private cars, 70% of commercial cars, 40% of buses and 80% of two and three-wheelers by 2030.
- National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP): The NEMMP was launched in 2013 with the goal of achieving national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles.
- FAME India Scheme: The Faster Adoption and Manufacture of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme was launched in 2015 to promote the manufacturing and adoption of EVs.
- GST Reduction: The Indian government has reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on electric vehicles from 12% to 5%, making EVs more affordable for consumers.
- Charging Infrastructure: The government is working on expanding the charging infrastructure across the country to address range anxiety and encourage EV adoption.
- Incentives for Manufacturers: In addition to incentives for consumers, the government provides subsidies and incentives to manufacturers to promote domestic production of EVs and their components.
- Battery Swapping Policy: To address concerns about battery charging infrastructure and range limitations, the government is exploring the possibility of implementing battery swapping stations where EV owners can quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones.
- PLI Scheme for National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage was launched in 2021 to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities for the manufacture of ACC.
Challenges in Adoption
- High Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing an electric vehicle in India is relatively high compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Limited Charging Infrastructure: The availability of charging infrastructure remains a significant barrier to EV adoption in India.
- Range Anxiety: Range anxiety, or the fear of running out of battery charge before reaching a charging station, is a prevalent concern among Indian consumers considering EVs.
- Battery Technology and Supply Chain: India relies heavily on imported lithium-ion batteries, which increases costs and makes EVs vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
- Consumer Awareness and Education: Many consumers in India lack awareness and understanding of electric vehicles, including their benefits, technology, and available models.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic factors such as income levels, consumer preferences, and infrastructure disparities across different regions of India influence the adoption of electric vehicles.
Way Ahead
- India has been actively seeking to secure lithium resources to meet the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the context of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage.
- States like Telangana are also aspiring to become the EV manufacturing hub of India.
- India also aims to exploit lithium deposits in places like Jammu and Kashmir.
- The government has been promoting the adoption of electric vehicles to address environmental concerns and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Securing a reliable supply of lithium is crucial for the development and growth of the electric vehicle industry in India.
Source: BS
10 Years of Swachh Bharat Mission
Syllabus: GS2/ Government Policies & Interventions
Context
- Swachh Bharat Mission completed the 10 years of implementation on 2nd October 2024.
- This year’s theme, ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,’ emphasises the importance of cleanliness and environmental well-being.
Swachh Bharat Mission
- The Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission (SBM) was launched in 2014 with the goal of achieving universal sanitation coverage by 2019, as a tribute to the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Goal: to make the country Open Defecation Free (ODF).
- Toilet infrastructure: By offering financial incentives for building household toilets, as well as community toilets for slums and migrant populations.
- Behavioural Changes: To bring changes to the age-old idea that toilets in the home were unclean, the government ran several programmes with the participation of the private sector and NGOs to educate the population on the benefits of ODF
- It consisted of two sub-missions, urban, and rural or Gramin (G).
- SBM(G) sought to improve “the levels of cleanliness through Solid and Liquid Waste Management activities and making Gram Panchayats Open Defecation Free (ODF), clean and sanitized.
- 2019 marked the end of the first phase of SBM(G), the second phase, started in 2020-2021, expands efforts with a focus on safe management of solid and liquid waste and sustainability of ODF.
- SBM (Urban) 2.0: Commenced in 2021 and is expected to run till 2026.
- Targets: Sustaining the achievements of phase 1 and
- ensuring that treatment of both liquid and solid waste is achieved through the help of technology and private sector engagement.
- Targets: Sustaining the achievements of phase 1 and
Achievements
- Improved Health Facilities: The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a significant decline in diarrhoea-related fatalities, with 300,000 fewer deaths in 2019 compared to 2014, attributed to enhanced sanitation facilities.
- The mission has also contributed to reductions in malaria, stillbirth rates, and low birth weights among children under five.
- Increased Toilet Access: The initiative has successfully constructed toilets for over 10 million rural households, benefiting around 50 million people across 630,000 villages.
- Many of these villages have been designated as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
- Enhanced Safety for Women: A UNICEF report indicates that 93% of women feel safer after installing toilets in their homes.
- Economic Benefits for Families: Households in ODF villages report annual health-related savings averaging Rs 50,000.
- Reduced Groundwater Contamination: In villages declared ODF, the risk of groundwater contamination due to human waste is 12.7 times lower.
- Swachh Iconic Places: The initiative has drawn support from both corporations and individuals to maintain cleanliness at India’s iconic locations.
- Recognition for Sanitation Efforts: Cities and towns across the nation are awarded titles of ‘Swachh Cities’ based on their sanitation and cleanliness achievements.
Challenges in Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)
- Lack of Awareness: Many communities lack awareness about hygiene practices and the importance of sanitation.
- Behavior Change: Changing long-standing habits and cultural practices regarding sanitation is difficult.
- Infrastructure Development: Inadequate infrastructure, especially in rural areas, hampers effective implementation.
- Maintenance and Sustainability: Ensuring that constructed toilets and facilities are maintained over time is crucial.
- Funding and Resources: While government support exists, consistent funding is needed for ongoing initiatives, maintenance, and education programs.
- Waste Management: Effective waste management systems are still lacking in many areas, leading to littering and pollution.
- Lack of Region Specific Strategy: India’s diverse geography means that solutions effective in one area may not work in another. Tailored approaches are necessary to address local needs.
- Monitoring: Effective monitoring of progress and impact is essential but can be difficult to implement consistently.
Way Ahead
- The Swachh Bharat Mission is not just a mission for cleanliness; it is a key driver of societal transformation in India, contributing to improved human capital and national economic growth.
- SBM’s focus on skilling has not only ensured the programme’s success but has also created a blueprint for sustainable community development that will continue to benefit India for generations to come.
- Continued funding and support from the government will ensure that the country can capitalise on past gains and ensure there is no sliding back to old ways.
Source: TH
