13 Oct 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. The case for caste census in India C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. A key step by Bihar to promote social justice F. Prelims Facts 1. India ranks 111 in Hunger Index 2. IIP rises at a 14 month high G. Tidbits 1. P-20 summit 2. Saraswati Samman H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Category: GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. The case for caste census in India
Syllabus: Government policies and interventions aimed at development in various sectors, issues arising out of their design and implementation; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population, mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Mains: Caste senses: historical perspective, present demand and wayforward.
Context
The article discusses the demand for a nationwide caste census in India, highlighting socio-economic disparities, educational and employment inequalities, and the historical background.
Introduction
- The demand for a nationwide caste census in India has gained momentum in recent times.
- Caste-based data is crucial for understanding and addressing socio-economic disparities and inequalities in the country.
- This article explores the historical context, socio-economic implications, and the need for accurate caste data.
Socio-Economic Data and Caste-Based Deprivation
- Data shows that Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) face economic disparities.
- Estimates indicate that STs, SCs, and OBCs are disproportionately affected by multidimensional poverty, with a significant share of the country’s poor.
- Caste-based discrimination and exclusion are linked to poverty and deprivation, as reflected in various studies.
Education and Employment Disparities
- Official data reveals disparities in education and employment based on caste.
- The general category has a higher proportion of literates, graduates, and post-graduates compared to OBCs, SCs, and STs.
- Employment statistics also show a concentration of STs, SCs, and OBCs in informal, low-paying jobs, while the general category has more formal employment opportunities.
Historical Context
- Caste surveys were introduced during British colonial rule and continued until the 1931 census.
- Independent India discontinued full caste enumeration due to concerns about reinforcing caste divisions and the caste system.
- The Mandal Commission’s report in 1980 estimated that OBCs constituted 52% of India’s population, leading to a 27% reservation for OBCs.
Indra Sawhney Judgment and OBC Reservations
- The Indra Sawhney judgement in 1992 upheld the 27% OBC reservation.
- However, the exact population share of caste groups in the OBC category remains unknown, which is a driving force for the demand for a caste census.
- Recent developments, such as the 10% EWS reservation for the general category, have also triggered discussions about expanding OBC reservations.
The Way Forward
- Accurate caste data is crucial for evolving scientific criteria for sub-categorization within the OBCs.
- A nationwide socio-economic caste census can help identify the numbers and proportions of individual caste groups within the OBC category.
- This is essential for addressing concerns about reservations and benefits getting concentrated among specific dominant caste groups.
- Such data will also be vital for states with their own state-level OBC lists, considering the diversity in caste composition.
Nut Graf: Amid growing calls for a nationwide caste census, this article underscores the pressing need for accurate caste-based data to address socio-economic disparities, employment imbalances, and inequalities in India, offering historical context and highlighting the importance of such data for informed policy decisions.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. A key step by Bihar to promote social justice
Syllabus: GS-2, Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections of the population
Mains: Significance of caste-based census
Context: On October 2, 2023, the Bihar government released the data for a caste-based survey known as the Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana. This caste-based census marks a significant step in promoting social justice in India. The data obtained through this survey is crucial for evidence-based policy formulation and implementation.
Genesis of caste survey
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Addressing Caste-Based Discrimination and Injustices
- Caste-based Discrimination and Oppression:
- India has a long history of caste-based discrimination and oppression.
- The census can quantify the extent of historical injustices and disparities that persist in society.
- Accuracy for Efficacy:
- Accurate caste-based data is essential for targeted welfare programs and tracking progress.
- It ensures fair representation of marginalised communities in various sectors.
- Preventing Misuse:
- Without accurate data, there’s a risk of caste certificates being misused.
- A caste-based census can help verify the caste status of individuals, reducing fraud.
Significance:
- Accurate data enables the government to develop more effective and targeted welfare programs tailored to the specific needs of different caste groups.
- It allows for the evaluation of policies and affirmative action, ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
- Promotes transparency and accountability in government efforts to promote social justice.
Way forward:
- Government Intervention: The government must take committed steps to address caste-based discrimination and historical injustices.
- Constitutional Mandate: The Indian Constitution recognizes caste-based discrimination and provides for affirmative action measures.
- Human Rights: Discrimination based on caste is a violation of human rights, and the government must protect citizens’ rights.
- Social Cohesion: Government intervention is necessary to promote social harmony and unity.
- Economic Development: Affirmative action policies can bridge economic disparities and promote economic development.
- Education: Government intervention ensures access to quality education for all and eliminates discrimination.
- Employment: The government should enforce anti-discrimination laws and promote fair employment practices.
- Political Representation: Promoting political participation and representation is crucial for addressing the concerns of marginalized groups.
- Awareness and Sensitization: The government can play a significant role in creating awareness and promoting inclusivity.
- Legal Framework: Strengthening and enforcing anti-discrimination laws is essential.
Nut Graf: Caste discrimination is deeply rooted in India, requiring sustained and committed government intervention. Such intervention is necessary to rectify historical injustices and uphold principles of equality, justice, and human rights for all citizens, regardless of their caste or social background.
F. Prelims Facts
1. India ranks 111 in Hunger Index
Syllabus: GS 3 – Economy
Prelims: About Global Hunger Index
Introduction
- India’s ranking in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 has placed it at 111 out of 125 countries.
- The GHI is a measure of hunger that combines multiple indicators to assess a country’s performance in addressing hunger and malnutrition.
India’s GHI Rank and Score
- India’s GHI ranking is 111, with a GHI score of 28.7 on a scale of 0 to 100.
- A score of 0 represents no hunger, while 100 indicates the worst hunger.
- India’s score categorises its severity of hunger as “serious.”
Key Indicators in GHI
- The GHI uses a formula that considers four key indicators to assess hunger: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality.
- These indicators reflect the multi-dimensional nature of hunger and malnutrition.
Controversy Over India’s GHI Ranking
- The Indian government has contested its GHI ranking for the third consecutive year, citing methodological flaws.
- The Ministry of Women and Child Development questions the GHI’s accuracy in representing India’s true hunger situation.
Global Context
- Afghanistan, Haiti, and 12 sub-Saharan countries fared worse than India on the GHI.
- India’s performance against hunger has nearly stalled since 2015, in line with a global trend of slowing progress.
Response to Controversy
- Miriam Wiemers, senior policy advisor at the GHI, defended the index’s methodology, stating that it uses the same data sources and comparable methodologies for all countries.
2. IIP rises at a 14 month high
Syllabus: GS 3- Economy
Prelims: Index of Industrial Production
Introduction
- India’s industrial output saw significant growth in August, marking a 14-month high.
- The growth in industrial production was influenced by various factors, including a favourable base effect and robust manufacturing performance.
Key Industrial Output Figures
- Industrial output in India increased by 10.3% in August, compared to a revised 6% rise in July.
- The favourable base effect is attributed to last year’s production levels, which had contracted by 0.7%.
- This marks the best manufacturing performance since April.
Sector-Specific Growth
- Electricity and mining sectors experienced substantial growth, with a 15.3% and 12.3% increase, respectively.
- Manufacturing output grew by 9.3% in August, with most major segments showing growth and fewer contractions compared to July.
- Some sectors, like apparel, chemicals, and computers/electronics, saw a decline in production.
Consumer Goods Production
- Consumer goods production displayed a mixed trend.
- Durable goods output grew by 5.7%, reaching its highest level since September 2022.
- Non-durable consumer items increased by 9% year-on-year but were 3.9% lower compared to July levels.
Use-Based Segments
- Three of the six use-based segments recorded double-digit growth, driven by infrastructure and construction goods, which have shown consistent growth.
- Production of capital goods surged by 12.6%, signifying a bolstered demand for investments.
- Primary goods and intermediate goods also experienced growth at 12.4% and 6.5%, respectively.
Economic Outlook
- Economists and experts are closely watching whether this industrial buoyancy will be reflected in the sales and performance of Indian companies in their second-quarter results.
- The revival of rural demand is a critical factor for sustained growth.
- The external environment may present challenges in the coming months as major Western economies decelerate.
G. Tidbits
1. P-20 summit
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla spoke at the Parliamentary Forum on ‘LiFE: Lifestyle for Environment’ ahead of the ninth G-20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P-20).
- He emphasised the need for collective efforts beyond policies and laws to address climate change.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the P-20 Summit.
- The pre-P-20 Summit event involved presiding officers of G-20 nations and invited countries and focused on Mission Lifestyle.
- Mr. Birla highlighted that while laws and policies are important, they alone cannot solve climate change issues.
- He referred to discussions in the Indian Parliament and the need for collective contributions to change daily routines.
- Mission Lifestyle encourages the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle to protect the environment.
- Mr. Birla stressed that adopting such a lifestyle is an individual and collective responsibility to avoid harming the environment.
Introduction
- Noted Tamil writer Sivasankari has been honoured with the ‘Saraswati Samman’ for the year 2022.
- The prestigious award is presented for her memoir “Surya Vamsam.”
- The ‘Saraswati Samman’ was established by the K.K. Birla Foundation and it includes an award citation, a commemorative plaque, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh.
Memoir “Surya Vamsam”
- “Surya Vamsam” is a two-volume memoir that offers a unique perspective on the life journey of the author and the evolving society over the past seven decades.
- It traces the transformation of an innocent child into a celebrated author and reflects the societal changes during this period.
About Sivasankari
- Sivasankari, born in 1942, boasts a literary career spanning over five decades.
- Her extensive body of work comprises 36 novels, 48 novelettes, 150 short stories, five travelogues, seven essay collections, and three biographies.
- She is best known for her four-volume work “Knit India Through Literature,” a comprehensive compilation of Indian literature.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. The Ninth P20 Summit, to be held in New Delhi on 13-14 October 2023, has the theme:
- Parliaments for Global Peace and Security
- Parliaments for Sustainable Development
- Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future
- Parliaments for Democracy and Good Governance
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: The Ninth P20 Summit will have the theme “Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future.” This theme is inspired by the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means “The World is One Family.”
Q2. With reference to the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019, which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
- It provided 10% reservation to economically weaker sections (EWS) in the general category.
- It also amended Article 15 to additionally permit the government to provide for the advancement of “economically weaker sections”.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: The Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019, amended Article 15 and Article 16, and provided 10% reservation to economically weaker sections (EWS) in the general category.
Q3. Who won the 2022 ‘Saraswati Samman’ award for her book of memoirs Surya Vamsam?
- Sivasankari
- Indira Parthasarathy
- Mahasweta Devi
- Ashapurna Devi
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: Sivasankari is a Tamil writer who won the Saraswati Samman 2022 award for her book of memoirs Surya Vamsam.
Q4. With reference to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in India, which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
- It provides a measure of the specific output of each industrial sector.
- IIP is published annually by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: IIP is a composite indicator of industrial activity and does not measure specific outputs of individual sectors. It is calculated and published by the NSO every month.
Q5. With reference to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023, consider the following statements:
- It is an annual report, jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.
- GHI includes indicators of child stunting and child wasting only in its calculation.
- India ranks among the top 10 countries in the GHI 2023 report.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect, India ranks 111 in the GHI 2023 report, not among the top 10. The Global Hunger Index includes indicators like undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality in its calculation.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- What are the parameters used to calculate the ‘Global Hunger Index’? Comment on India’s abysmal performance in the latest set of indicators. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS- II: Social Justice]
- Discuss the genesis of the caste census in India. Elaborate upon the pros and cons of holding a caste census across the country. (250 words, 10 marks) [GS- II: Polity & Governance]
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