25th October 2024

Article: 25^th October, 2024

Topic: Competency Model for Civil Servants

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Governance

Source: Indian Express

Context

• The Karmayogi Competency Model for civil servants was created by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC).
  
  

About

• It is a set of functional and behavioral skills intended to help them become karmayogi (committed worker) rather than karmachari (employee).
• According to their competencies, which are also linked to courses on the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) portal, the approach seeks to assign officials to positions as efficiently as possible.
  
  

The Competency Model’s Elements

• The 34 competences in the paradigm are divided into two categories: behavioral and functional.
• Behavioral Proficiencies: Two subcategories comprise the thirteen behavioral competencies.
  – Fundamental Skills
  – Capabilities of Leadership
• Self-awareness, personal effectiveness, creativity and innovation, and strategic leadership are important behavioral characteristics.
• The four resolutions that every public official should uphold—Vikas (Development), Garva (Pride), Kartavya (Duty), and Ekta (Unity)—are the inspiration for these competences.
• Functional Proficiencies: The 21 functional competences highlight the abilities needed to carry out particular responsibilities in governance.
  – Citizen-centricity, policy architecture, digital fluency, financial management, and data analytics are among the essential functional competencies.
  
  

Mission Karmayogi National Program

• The Government of India established this flagship program in 2020 to teach civil workers with the goal of changing the Civil Services from a “rule-based” to a “role-based” and citizen-centered approach.
• The six pillars of Mission Karmayogi are the following:
• Policy Framework,
• Institutional Framework,
• Competency Framework,
• Digital Learning Framework (Integrated Government Online Training Karmayogi Platform (iGOT-Karmayogi),
• Electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS), and
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.

Important aspects of the Mission Karmayogi

• Capacity Building Commission (CBC): CBC oversees and evaluates the execution of capacity-building initiatives, ensuring that they are in line with Mission Karmayogi’s goals.
  – Established in April 2021, the CBC has a unique team that includes representatives from civil society and the commercial sector.

• The platform known as iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training): Civil workers can access individualized learning courses based on their roles and skill gaps thanks to this digital platform, which offers training at any time and from any location.
• Annual Capacity Building Plans (ACBP): In accordance with its goals and priorities, every government agency develops and carries out its own capacity-building plans.
• Role-based Competency Framework: By emphasizing the particular abilities needed for each position, the program aims to help civil servants acquire role-based competencies.

Conclusion

• By improving their readiness and citizen-focused approach, Karmayogi aims to revolutionize India’s civil services and ultimately support the country’s aspirational objectives.
• It is a revolutionary program that gives government servants the ability to spearhead India’s development. By cultivating tech-savvy, citizen-focused Karmayogis, we open the door to a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Mission Karmayogi

1. The fundamental idea that underpins Mission Karmayogi is technology-driven governance.
2. Performance evaluation is the main foundation of Mission Karmayogi’s integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: a

Explanation

Technology-driven governance is one of Mission Karmayogi’s guiding concepts. The program’s goal is to use technology to provide government servants with training and capacity-building initiatives that will improve their abilities and output. An essential part of this strategy is the iGOT Karmayogi digital platform.
The main goal of iGOT is not performance evaluation. The platform’s primary focus is on developing public servants’ skills and capacity, even though it might provide certain training modules or materials about performance management best practices and principles.

Mains Model Questions Q. Evaluate Mission Karmayogi’s goals and results in order to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the Indian civil services.

Introduction:

A national initiative called Mission Karmayogi aims to establish the groundwork for civil officials’ capacity building. Its main goal is to develop future public officials by making them more technologically savvy, creative, forward-thinking, and open. The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) was established in 2021 as a component of Mission Karmayogi to offer tools and policy recommendations to improve the capacities of India’s extensive public services at all levels.

Body:

Goals

• Competency-based training: concentrating on competencies unique to each function in order to transition from a “rule-based” to a “role-based” approach.
• Anywhere, at any time: For ongoing skill development, the iGOT Karmayogi platform provides online, in-person, and blended learning options.
• Using platform data to optimize training programs and pinpoint areas for development is the goal of data-driven decision making.
• The citizen-centric approach places a strong emphasis on improving communication between the public and the government by educating officials to better serve the demands of the people.
  
  

Possible Results

• Better Skills: Giving public workers the appropriate tools for their jobs may help them make better decisions and solve problems.
• Enhanced Efficiency: A staff that is more efficient may result from streamlined training and an emphasis on pertinent skills.
• Improved Public Service: The delivery of public services may be enhanced by a citizen-centric strategy and better-trained officials.
• Data-driven HR Management: To improve workforce management, data analysis can be used to pinpoint skill gaps and customize training initiatives.

Conclusion: All things considered; Mission Karmayogi could revolutionize the Indian civil service. However, successfully resolving the issues and guaranteeing the program’s long-term viability are essential to its success.

Article: 25^th October, 2024

Topic: World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly 2024

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Governance

Source: PIB

Context

• The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (ITU-WTSA 2024), organized by the International Telecommunications Union, just wrapped up in New Delhi.

What is WTSA?

• Every four years, WTSA serves as the International Telecommunication Union’s governing convention for its standardization efforts.
• India and the Asia-Pacific region are hosting the ITU-WTSA for the first time.
• More than 3,000 business executives, legislators, and technology specialists from more than 190 nations, representing the telecom, digital, and ICT sectors, have gathered for this significant international gathering.
  
  

Importance

• In addition to strengthening India’s position as a leader in ICT and telecommunication, these projects also perfectly complement Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s goal of a strong Digital Public Infrastructure, which he outlined during India’s G-20 Presidency.

• The significance of these resolutions for global governance is highlighted by the focus on developing a global framework for digital technologies.
• These resolutions also support PM Modi’s four pillars of Digital India: affordable devices, widespread digital connectivity throughout the nation, easily available data, and the “Digital First” objective.

Principal Aspects

• Bharat 6G Alliance: Important Memorandums of Understanding were inked with foreign parties, marking a step toward India’s pledge to contribute 10% of the world’s 6G patents.

• Participation in Academic Activities: Global interest in the future of digital infrastructure was reflected in the record number of papers submitted to the 15th ITU Kaleidoscope Conference.
• Promoting Gender Balance: With the highest female participation rate of 26%, the event honored historically strong female engagement, furthering gender equity in telecommunications.

Resolutions voted at ITU-WTSA 2024

• Key recommendations by India:
• A new resolution on enhancing the standardization efforts on digital public infrastructure,
• A new ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector Resolution on Standardization Activities on AI Technologies to Support Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Telecommunications.
• Enhancing the standardization efforts on sustainable digital transformation, advancing and fortifying metaverse standardization, and advancing and fortifying standardization activities for vehicular communications are some of the other new ITU-T resolutions.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA)

1. To enable the successful development of the 6G network, countries from the Global South collaborate through the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA).
2. Beyond technical requirements, the goal of B6GA is to comprehend the corporate and societal needs of 6G.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: b

Explanation

A collaborative platform, the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) is made up of academic institutions, research centers, standards development organizations, and both governmental and commercial businesses. It will endeavor to establish India’s 6G network.
Beyond technological requirements, B6GA aims to comprehend the corporate and societal needs of 6G.

Mains Model Questions Q. Discuss about the importance and possibilities of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India.

Introduction:

Blocks or platforms like digital identity, financial infrastructure, and data exchange solutions that assist nations in providing basic services are referred to as digital public infrastructure (DPI). India was the first nation to create the three fundamental DPIs—digital identification (Aadhar), real-time quick payment (UPI), and a platform for securely exchanging personal information without jeopardizing privacy—through India Stack.

Body:

Significance of India’s DPI:

• DPI has become the most practical approach because of its low cost, scalable design, interoperability, and protections against digital colonization and monopolies.
• It made it possible for Aadhaar to serve as India’s launchpad for good governance. Aadhaar is being used in more than 1,700 Union and State government programs.
• Aadhaar numbers can be stored in secure vaults by licensed businesses, and Aadhaar holders are free to use their numbers for private sector purposes.
• Currently, UPI transacts $180 billion every month, which represents an astounding 65% of India’s annual GDP. This represents 55% of India’s GDP and is higher than the total digital payment volumes of the US, UK, Germany, and France.
• In order to facilitate low-cost cross-border payments, India integrated UPI with Singapore’s PayNow to launch its first cross-border real-time payment system.
• While lowering the regulatory burden for manufacturers, e-RUPI, E-Way Bill, and TReDS for MSMEs have guaranteed customers genuine value for their money.
  
  

The DPI’s potential in India

• It can unlock a number of services, including DigiLocker, which has six billion stored documents, and DigiYatra, which provides a free biometric-enabled smooth travel experience through facial recognition technologies.
• India’s flourishing start-up ecosystem is being fueled by its DPI. Startups have used open networks for financial data exchange, United Payments Interface (UPI) payment settlement, and consent-based identity verification (Aadhaar).
• One of the main drivers of ICT innovation and investment in India has been UPI.
• More than a dozen additional countries have already implemented UPI or are in experimental programs, and several more have shown interest in the India Stack’s different APIs. This gives Indian businesses that are developing financial services on top of these railroads access to a global cross-border payments market of USD 500 billion.
• India’s potential GDP growth rate may increase by 60–100 basis points (BPS) due to the country’s DPI.
  The platforms will lower transaction costs, facilitate interoperability, and democratize digital payments. This might change the way that companies and customers now communicate.

Conclusion: By becoming the new backbone of the Indian economy, DPI is helping the country reach its target of $25 trillion in GDP by the 100th anniversary of its political independence.

Article: 25^th October, 2024

Topic: Emissions Gap Report

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Environment

Source: Indian Express

Context

• The United Nations Environment Programme has released its annual Emissions Gap Report.

About

• Every year, UNEP releases its focus report ahead of the annual climate negotiations.
• With existing country commitments, it tracks the gap between global emissions and where they should be to keep warming to 1.5°C.
• Methods to close the emissions gap are examined in each edition.
• To estimate how much the world may warm if these plans were completely implemented, the research evaluated countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which they must update every five years.
  
  

Key Findings

• 1.5 Degree Target: It issued a warning that the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius would vanish in a matter of years.
• In 2023, global emissions increased by 1.3% over the year before.
• Two of the top three polluters, China and India, had increases in their greenhouse gas emissions of 5.2% and 6.1%, respectively.

• Future Predictions: Even in the best of circumstances, current climate actions could only cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 10% from 2019 levels by 2030.
• Unless nations drastically ramp up their climate initiatives to cut global emissions in two years, the 2-degree Celsius threshold might be surpassed.
• In the absence of significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the global temperature may unavoidably climb by 3.1°C.
• Suggestions:
• A significant increase in funding for carbon reductions is required.
• Increases in wind and solar photovoltaic energy use might account for 38% of the overall decrease by 2035 and 27% in 2030.
• Additionally, about 20% of the required reductions in both years might be supplied by forest conservation.
• Other successful tactics include increasing energy efficiency, electrifying different industries, and moving away from fossil fuels in industry, transportation, and buildings.
  
  

The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Objectives of India

• By 2030, India hopes to accomplish the following goals:
  – Emission Reduction: By 2030, India wants to cut its GDP’s emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels.
  – Renewable Energy: By 2030, the nation aims to install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity, with 50% of its energy coming from non-fossil fuel sources.
  – Carbon Sink: Through afforestation and reforestation initiatives, India intends to produce an extra carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Emission Gap Report 2024

1. UNEP releases its emissions gap study.
2. India’s greenhouse gas emissions per person fell short of the global average.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: c

Explanation

India’s greenhouse gas emissions per person were significantly lower than the global average of 6.3 tCO2e, according to a new analysis published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Emission Reduction: By 2030, India wants to cut its GDP’s emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels.

Mains Model Questions Q. Discuss global warming and mention its effects on global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gasses which cause global warming in the light of the Kyoto Protocol 1997. (UPSC PYQ 2022)

Introduction:

One urgent environmental concern that has a significant impact on the Earth’s climate system is global warming. It alludes to the gradual rise in mean temperatures brought on by the buildup of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. Rising sea levels, melting glaciers and polar ice caps, an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and ecological disturbances are just a few of the ways that this warming affects global climate patterns.

Body:

GHG emissions and fostering global collaboration:

The Kyoto Protocol was ratified in 1997 in order to counteract global warming and rising GHG levels. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) are the six main greenhouse gases whose emissions were to be reduced by the protocol.

• Emission reduction goals: Developed nations, referred to as Annex I countries, were required to meet the Kyoto Protocol’s emission reduction goals. These nations had to cut their greenhouse gas emissions to predetermined levels below their baseline from 1990.
• Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Annex I countries were able to get carbon credits by investing in emission reduction initiatives in developing nations. This system sought to lower global emissions while advancing sustainable development.
• Annex I countries were able to undertake emission reduction projects together and gain emission reduction units (ERUs) as credits toward achieving their reduction targets thanks to Joint Implementation (JI).
• Emissions trading was made possible by the Kyoto Protocol, which gave Annex I nations the ability to purchase and sell emission allowances, giving them more flexibility in achieving their goals.
• Technology Transfer and Financial Support: To help developing nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the effects of climate change, the protocol placed a strong emphasis on rich nations providing financial support and technology transfer to developing nations.

Conclusion: The Kyoto Protocol, which was created in 1997 and set carbon reduction goals for signatory nations, was essential in combating global warming. Adopting renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, putting carbon price systems in place, and encouraging sustainable habits are some control strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To lessen the negative consequences of global warming and create a resilient and sustainable future, continued international collaboration and adherence to such norms are crucial.

Article: 25^th October, 2024

Topic: Space Sector Startups

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Space

Source: DD News

Context

• A ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund has been approved by the Union Cabinet to assist companies in the space technology industry.
  
  

Historical Advancements

• Over the course of more than 50 years, India’s space program has developed, concentrating on application-driven projects that benefit the general public.
• With plans for space telescopes, manned trips, and expeditions to the moon and sun, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is making progress.
• To produce space components, ISRO has collaborated with both public and private companies, including Godrej Aerospace, Antrix, and HAL.
• In 1992, Antrix Corporation was established to market ISRO’s goods abroad.
• A growing private space industry complements ISRO’s expansion.
• Currently operating a sizable fleet of GEO communication and LEO remote sensing satellites, ISRO is among the six biggest space agencies in the world.

Participation of the Private Sector

• India’s private space industry has grown significantly in the last several years.
• Since the early 2010s, more than 200 start-ups with an emphasis on satellite design, production, and launch services have appeared.
• Among the notable start-ups are Dhruva Space, which designs and builds custom satellites and ground stations.
  – Skyroot Aerospace: Successful launches and private launchers.
  – In 2022, Skyroot Aerospace launched Vikram-S, the country’s first private rocket.

– Agnikul Cosmos: Cutting-edge mobile propulsion and launchpad technologies.
– In 2024, Agnikul Cosmos used its private launch pad to launch the first rocket in history to use an entirely 3D-printed engine.
– Manastu Space: Eco-friendly satellite services and propulsion technologies.

Regulatory Structure:

• IN-SPACe: Created in 2020 to encourage private sector involvement in space activities, IN-SPACe is an independent agency under the Department of Space.
• In addition to implementing a number of helpful programs including the Seed Fund Scheme and Technology Transfer efforts, IN-SPACe has inked about 45 Memorandums of Understanding with NGEs.
• Anusandhan National Research institution: With a five-year budget of ₹50,000 crore, mostly from non-government funding, this institution seeks to strengthen public-private partnerships in scientific research.

• Private access to geospatial data is made easier under the National Geospatial Policy (2021).
• Indian Space Policy (2023): Increases market participation by permitting private entities to run satellites and launch vehicles.

• FDI Policy: To promote international investment, the Indian government permits 100% FDI in the space industry.
• Changes: The Center modified its FDI policy to permit up to 74% FDI for construction and operation of satellites, up to 49% FDI for launch vehicles, spaceports, and related systems, and 100% FDI to manufacture components and systems/sub-systems for satellites, ground and user segments.

• NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) was founded in 2019 with the goal of boosting domestic production and serving domestic clients.
  
  

Recent Developments

• To assist the expansion of India’s space economy, which is currently valued at 8.4 billion dollars with a goal of reaching $44 billion by 2033, IN-SPACe has proposed a Rs. 1000 crore venture capital fund.
• Starting with ₹150 crore in the fiscal year 2025–2026, the fund will be distributed over five years, with ₹250 crore every year for the following three years and ₹100 crore in 2029–2030.
• According to SEBI regulations, it will function as an Alternative Investment Fund, giving firms early-stage funding so they may grow and attract more private equity investments.
• By assisting entrepreneurs throughout the Indian space industry, the proposed fund is anticipated to increase employment in the entire space supply chain—upstream, midstream, and downstream.
• It will assist companies in growing their personnel, investing in R&D, and scaling.
  
  

Way Forward

• Even with the expansion of the private sector, ISRO continues to be a major participant, leading several important missions and launching a large number of foreign satellites.
• With sustained leadership from ISRO and cooperation with commercial start-ups, the objective is to increase India’s space industry from $8 billion to $100 billion by 2040.
• Strong policy implementation, enabling environments, and smooth cooperation between the government, ISRO, and private organizations are essential for the sector’s future development in order to fulfill India’s space aspirations both at home and abroad.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding IN-SPACe

1. It has its own cadre and has been set up as a single window nodal agency.
2. IN-SPACe has administrative authority over the Indian Space Association (IsPA).

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: a

Explanation

With its own cadre, IN-SPACe has been set up as a single window nodal agency.
It serves as a separate, “single-window” organization that facilitates the opening of the space industry to private companies and start-ups. Additionally, the group will collaborate with IN-SPACe, a regulatory body that facilitates private firms’ use of government facilities.

Mains Model Questions Q. “The innovation required to develop space-based applications and services can be brought in by private players.” Emphasize the private sector’s contribution to India’s space research and technology in light of this assertion.

Introduction:

With 3.6% of all space-tech companies worldwide, India is the sixth-largest player in the sector globally as of 2021, according to Space Tech statistics. 56.4% of all businesses in the space-tech ecosystem are based in the US.
Germany (4.1%), China (4.7%), Canada (5.3%), and the United Kingdom (6.5%) are other significant participants.
By 2024, the Indian space industry is expected to have grown from its 2019 valuation of $7 billion to $50 billion. The nation’s affordability is its most notable attribute.

Body:

The private sector’s function in India

• Encourage Innovation: Private companies can contribute the creativity required to create space-based services and applications. Additionally, as satellite data, imagery, and space technology are utilized in the majority of industries, there is a growing need for these services both globally and in India.
• Cost-effective: The private sector would make sure that the latest technology improves both its efficiency and cost.
• Large conglomerate infrastructure: Even while large firms have assembly lines, testing facilities, and production capabilities, space manufacturing only makes up a small portion of their overall industrial output. These conglomerates must take the first move to increase private sector engagement because the space sector is a capital-intensive industry.
  
  

Associated Projects:

• IN-SPACE: IN-SPACe was established to give private businesses access to Indian space infrastructure on an even playing field.
  – It serves as a single point of contact for anyone wishing to access India’s space resources or take part in space-related activities on behalf of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
• The goal of New Space India Limited (NSIL), which was introduced in the 2019 Budget, is to leverage ISRO’s years of research and development for business objectives by partnering with Indian companies.
• ISpA, or the Indian Space Association:
  – ISpA wants to represent the Indian space sector as a whole. Leading domestic and international companies with cutting-edge space and satellite technology skills will represent ISpA.

Conclusion: A new strategy is required to break ISRO’s monopoly on the Indian space industry by making technology and information, including the ability to build satellites and rockets, available to anybody who wishes to use it.
The decision to permit the private sector to operate in space will increase India’s influence in the global space economy, since the country boasts one of the strongest space programs in the world.