Tag: India’s Coffee Export Surpasses USD 1 Billion For The First Time

UPSC DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (7TH JANUARY, 2025) Artesian Condition Syllabus: GS1/ Physical Geography In News Jaisalmer witnessed a unique natural event when artesian water began gushing to the surface, providing a striking example of artesian conditions. What is Artesian Condition? An artesian condition occurs when groundwater is confined under pressure between layers of impermeable rocks, creating what is known as an artesian aquifer. Factors Leading to Artesian Condition Confined Aquifer: Water is trapped between layers of impermeable rock, making it difficult for water to escape. Pressure Gradient: The natural geological pressure from the weight of overlying rock layers creates the internal pressure within the aquifer. Rupture or Drilling: When the confining layer is punctured, such as through drilling, the built-up pressure is released, forcing the water upward. How does it work? Once the top impermeable layer is breached, artesian water flows naturally to the surface, propelled by the internal pressure of the aquifer. The water can gush forcefully, depending on the depth and pressure within the aquifer. Global Examples Artois, France: Artesian wells in this region were among the first to be documented during the Middle Ages. Australia: Artesian wells are common in the dry central areas, helping support agriculture in otherwise dry regions. Africa: Certain regions of Africa, especially in desert areas, rely on artesian wells to access groundwater. Significance Water Source in Arid Regions: Artesian wells are particularly significant in desert and arid regions, where water is scarce. The natural flow of artesian water can provide a reliable water source without the need for energy-intensive pumps. Agricultural Utility: Artesian wells enable irrigation in places with limited access to surface water, allowing crops to be watered without the need for machinery. Geological Insight: Artesian conditions help scientists study subsurface water distribution, hydrology, and the overall geological makeup of a region. 10 Years of NITI Aayog Syllabus: GS2/Governance; Co-operative Federalism Context NITI Aayog has completed 10 years of its establishment. About NITI Aayog Established: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is a government think tank established in 2015. Aim: It replaced the Planning Commission, aiming to focus on more contemporary challenges like sustainable development, policy innovation, and governance reforms. Composition: It is led by the Prime Minister as the Chairperson, with the Vice-Chairperson and CEO leading the executive functions. Governing Council: The Prime Minister of India, It comprises the Chief Ministers of states and Union Territories, The Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, except Delhi and Puducherry, The Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Full-time members of NITI Aayog. Roles of NITI Aayog: Policy Formulation and Strategic Advice: It provides strategic and technical advice to the central and state governments. Promote Cooperative Federalism: By encouraging state governments to partner with the central government in decision-making. Monitoring and Evaluation: It monitors and evaluates the implementation of policies and programs, ensuring they align with long-term development goals. Innovation and Research: It aims to foster innovation, research, and new technologies in critical sectors. Promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): NITI Aayog plays a role in aligning India’s development programs with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The key differences between the Planning Commission and NITI Aayog are: AspectPlanning CommissionNITI AayogPurposeCentralized five-year planning and resource allocation.Focus on cooperative federalism, long-term development, and policy research.StructureLed by the Prime Minister with a Deputy Chairman and full-time members.Led by the Prime Minister with a Vice-Chairperson, CEO, and Governing Council.ApproachTop-down, centralized planning.Bottom-up, encouraging state participation and cooperation.Role in GovernanceExecutive authority over policy implementation.Advisory body, without direct enforcement power.Five-Year PlansFormulated and implemented Five-Year Plans.Does not formulate Five-Year Plans, focuses on long-term policy. Why did the Government replace Planning Commission with NITI Aayog? Need for Flexibility: NITI Aayog aims for a more flexible, adaptive approach to development. Cooperative Federalism: The Planning Commission was criticized for not adequately involving state governments in decision-making. Focus on Innovation and Research: NITI Aayog focuses on policy innovation, sustainable development, and technology, while the Planning Commission’s focus was primarily on resource allocation and fixed targets. Decentralization: NITI Aayog aims to empower states with greater autonomy to design development policies tailored to their unique needs. Challenges of NITI Aayog Limited Authority: NITI Aayog lacks the executive powers to enforce its recommendations, which limit its ability to drive significant change. Coordination Between States and Centre: Despite its emphasis on cooperative federalism, achieving effective collaboration between state governments and the central government remains a challenge. Data Gaps: NITI Aayog relies heavily on accurate data to guide policies, but inconsistent or incomplete data from states hinder effective policymaking and monitoring. Resource Constraints: Limited resources and competing priorities often make it challenging for NITI Aayog to fully implement its plans and initiatives. Resistance to Change: Some states and political entities resist NITI Aayog’s initiatives, especially if they feel their autonomy is being undermined or if there is a lack of alignment with local needs. Vision Plans of NITI Aayog for India Agenda for 2030: Focuses on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing poverty, education, healthcare, clean energy, and gender equality. 15-Year Vision Document: Aimed at creating a roadmap for India’s development from 2020 to 2035, with a focus on economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Focus on Data and Innovation: Promotes digitalization, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking to drive economic development and improve governance. Caste-Based Census in India Syllabus: GS2/Polity/Governance Context Analysis of the caste based census of Bihar signifies why a caste-based Census is imperative in India to understand the socio-economic conditions of disadvantaged groups. What is the Census? The Census refers to a periodic and systematic collection of demographic, economic, and social data of a population within a specific region. It is typically conducted by governments to gather detailed information about the population’s characteristics and living conditions. The Census provides crucial data that governments, businesses, researchers, and policymakers use for various purposes such as planning public services, allocating funding, and making informed decisions. Census in India– The Census in India has been conducted regularly since 1871. The first complete Census was conducted in 1881. – Constitutional Mandate: The Census of India is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act of 1948, which empowers the Government of India to conduct periodic population surveys. – Frequency: The Census of India is conducted decennially, meaning it takes place every ten years. The most recent Censuses were conducted in 2011. Caste Based Census Caste Based Census: It involves enumerating the population based on their caste affiliations during the national census. This data is used to understand the socio-economic status of different caste groups, identify disparities, and design policies for affirmative action. Background: From the colonial era’s regimental assignments to identify “criminal tribes,” caste data has been integral to administrative and political strategies. In 2011, the government undertook the first-ever Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC); however, it was never made public. There were many anomalies in the caste data as a large section of the population chose different ways to identify their castes. Constitutional Recognition: Post-independence, the Constitution institutionalised affirmative action through Articles 16(4) and 340, recognising the socio-economic backwardness of certain groups. However, these classifications were often based on “expert assessments” rather than empirical data, as seen with the Mandal Commission. While repeated calls for a national caste Census did not materialise, Bihar went ahead, conducting its own in 2023. Arguments in the Favour of the Caste Based Census Accurate Data for Targeted Welfare: It can provide precise data on the socio-economic conditions of different caste groups, allowing the government to tailor welfare programs effectively for marginalized communities. Identify Disparities: It helps identify existing inequalities in education, employment, and access to resources. Strengthen Affirmative Action: It helps ensure that affirmative action policies like reservations are based on accurate and updated data, ensuring fair representation for underrepresented communities. Social Justice: The census could push for better policies for upliftment, enhancing social justice for historically disadvantaged groups. Policy Evaluation and Reform: The data could be used to assess the impact of existing policies on different caste groups, leading to better policy reforms and improved governance. Arguments Against the Caste Based Census Perpetuation of Caste Divisions: It might reinforce caste identities, potentially deepening social divisions and promoting discrimination instead of fostering unity. Focus on Caste Over Development: Critics argue that focusing on caste may divert attention from more universal issues like poverty, education, and healthcare, which affect all communities. Inaccurate Representation: Some believe that caste-based data may be inaccurate due to the fluidity of caste identities and the reluctance of people to disclose their caste openly. Risks to National Integration: Some fear that caste-based enumeration could undermine national integration by creating a sense of competition among groups, rather than promoting a cohesive national identity. Conclusion A detailed look at the Bihar Census 2023 highlights the deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities in the State. The higher castes benefit from better income, education, and employment opportunities, while marginalised groups like Musahars and Bhuiyas remain excluded. The Bihar caste Census is proof of the need for detailed caste data. By offering comprehensive insights, this Census shows how it can become an essential tool for informing policies and ensuring resources are allocated effectively. Easing of Restrictions To Push Nuclear Deal With India

Tag: India’s Coffee Export Surpasses USD 1 Billion For The First Time

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