2nd October 2024

Article: 2^nd October, 2024

Topic: Gandhi Jayanti 2024

Relevance: GS Paper: 1 – Personalities in news

Source: Hindustan Times

Context

• Gandhi Jayanti, observed on October 2, commemorates the birth anniversary of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
  – The United Nations also observes it as the International Day of Non-Violence.
  
  

About Mahatma Gandhi

• On October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi was born.
• He was a writer, politician, social activist, and attorney from India who rose to prominence as the head of the nationalist movement opposing British rule in that country.
• He played a crucial role in India’s independence movement by leading nonviolent protests against British rule.
  
  

Role in Indian Freedom Struggle

• Gandhi’s first major use of Satyagraha in India was during the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), when he helped indigo farmers in Bihar fight against repressive plantation systems.
• Gandhi launched the Kheda Satyagraha in 1918 as a nonviolent protest to support Gujarati farmers who were suffering financially as a result of crop failures and British tax laws.
• Indians were urged to boycott British goods and institutions as part of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), which undermined British authority.
• Gandhi marched 240 miles in 1930 as part of the Salt March, a nonviolent demonstration against the British salt tax, to produce salt from seawater. This disobedient act came to represent India’s resistance.
• Quit India Movement (1942): A large-scale demonstration calling for the abolition of British rule that attracted significant participation from Indians, particularly the younger generation.
  
  

Gandhi’s teachings

• Non-Violence: He held that only non-violent resistance could bring about justice and peace.
• According to him, nonviolence encompassed not just physical acts but also nonviolent speech, thought, and relationships.
• Satyagraha: This principle seeks justice without force or aggression by utilizing the force of truth and nonviolent resistance.
• Self-Suffering: Gandhi felt that rather than causing suffering to others, the way to change the oppressor’s heart is to be willing to suffer oneself.
• It takes material, psychological, or physical suffering for the Satyagrahi to put moral pressure on the oppressor and demonstrate how strong their beliefs are.

• Gandhi emphasized the significance of social welfare and the advancement of all societal segments, especially the marginalized, in his speech Sarvodaya (Welfare of All).
• Unity and Compassion: He pushed people to go beyond racial, religious, and caste boundaries in order to foster unity among various communities.
• Simple Living: Gandhi encouraged people to prioritize needs over material excess by leading a simple lifestyle.

Literary composition

• Hind Swaraj (1909)
• Newspapers: Young India, Harijan, and Navajivan
• Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth.
  
  

The Mahatma Gandhi Legacy

• Many people were influenced by his Satyagraha (truth and non-violence) philosophy, including notable figures like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr.
• Gandhi’s leadership of the Indian independence movement earned him the Time Man of the Year award in 1930.
  – In the end, Gandhi’s actions contributed to India’s 1947 independence.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Champaran Satyagraha

1. Gandhi was asked to investigate the issues facing farmers in relation to the Champaran indigo planters in Bihar by Rajendra Prasad.
2. The tinkathia system was being used in Champaran by the European planters.

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 local named Rajkumar Shukla asked Gandhi to investigate the issues facing the farmers in relation to the indigo planters in Champaran, Bihar.
On 3/20 of the total land, the European planters had been forcing the peasants to grow indigo (a practice known as the tinkathia system).

Mains Model Questions Q. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (UPSC PYQ 2018)

Introduction:

The ideas and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi are still very important today because they continue to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for people and societies all over the world.

Body:

Gandhi’s philosophy has several important tenets that hold true today, such as:

• Nonviolence (Ahimsa): Rather than using aggression or violence, people who subscribe to this philosophy are urged to resolve disputes and injustices through peaceful means. Numerous international movements that support social justice, equality, and human rights have found inspiration in it.
• Truth (Satyagraha): Upholding the values of truth and honesty is more crucial than ever in a world rife with disinformation, fake news, and propaganda.
• Self-rule, or Swaraj: His concept of Swaraj urges citizens to be responsible citizens who base their decisions on the well-being of the entire community.
• Sustainability in the environment: His values serve as a reminder to protect the environment, save resources, and work toward sustainable development.
• Social justice and equality: Modern social movements continue to draw inspiration from Gandhi’s unwavering battle against social injustices such as gender inequality, caste discrimination, and untouchability
• Education for all: His emphasis on the development of the mind, body, and spirit through holistic education can help modern educational systems create well-rounded people who make valuable contributions to society.

Conclusion: His beliefs in social justice, environmental sustainability, self-rule, nonviolence, truth, simplicity, and holistic education offer a way forward for people and societies to confront today’s issues and create a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Article: 2^nd October, 2024

Topic: Israel-Iran conflict

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – International Relations

Source: Times of India

Context

• The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel are raising fears of a regional Middle East crisis and presenting serious threats to the stability of India’s economy.

Background

• Israel’s strikes on Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of important Hezbollah figures, have raised the tensions between Israel and Iran to unprecedented levels.
• Closely allied with Iran, Hezbollah retaliates against Israel, raising the possibility of a wider regional conflict.
• The Houthi rebels in Yemen are supported by Iran, which makes matters more complicated, especially for international trade routes.
  
  

Consequences for India

• Trading Route Disruption: Global trade could be affected if a full-fledged conflict were to interrupt the vital Red Sea shipping route.
• The Red Sea crisis was a major factor in the 9% decline in Indian exports in August 2024, with petroleum exports dropping by 38%.

• Twenty-one percent of India’s petroleum exports go to Europe, where exporters of Indian goods, particularly petroleum products, face higher shipping costs and lower profitability.
• Risks to Energy Security: Despite growing purchases from Russia, India still depends significantly on gas and oil imports from the Middle East. Important shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea could be disrupted by a war.
• An essential choke point for oil and LNG from Saudi Arabia and Iraq is the Strait of Hormuz. India’s energy flows could be significantly impacted by any disruption here.

• Effect on the Price of Oil: A major war would probably result in higher global crude oil prices, which would raise India’s inflation rate.
• India’s current account deficit could increase by 0.3% of GDP with a $10 increase in oil prices, placing further strain on the country’s economy.
• Longer Trade Routes: Ships have been forced to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope due to disruptions in the Red Sea and Suez Canal, which has increased shipping costs by 15-20%.
• This has especially hurt labor-intensive sectors in India that depend on large-scale, low-profit exports, like textiles and engineering goods.
• Impact on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): The conflict may impede the IMEC’s growth, which is a vital initiative meant to improve connectivity and commerce between Europe and India.
  
  

Positive aspects

• GDP Neutrality of GCC Nations: Major Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar are not involved in the conflict, which helps to maintain relatively stable trade with India.

• India’s trade with GCC nations grew by 17.8% in the period from January to July of 2024. Additionally, exports to Iran also grew by 15.2% during this period.

Way Forward

• To lessen the dangers this conflict poses, India must create alternate trade routes and plans.
• Maintaining economic stability in these unpredictable times will require diversifying energy imports and fortifying ties with neutral parties.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements

Statement-I: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.

Statement-II: The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ Mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Ans: c

Explanation

The Arab Peace Initiative, also referred to as the Saudi Initiative, is a ten-point plan for resolving the Arab–Israeli conflict that was approved by the Arab League at the Beirut Summit in 2002 and again at the summits in 2007 and 2017. The Israeli government, led by Ariel Sharon, rejected the initiative as a “non-starter” because it called for Israel to retreat to its pre–June 1967 borders.

Mains Model Questions Q. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back” Discuss.

Introduction:

India-Israel relations exemplify realism in foreign policy. Diplomatic ties established in 1992 have grown rapidly, covering defense, homeland security, agriculture, water management, and education. Recent de-hyphenation of Israel and Palestine policies marks a turning point.

Body:

Transformation in the relationship can be attributed to the following factors:

• Defense and Security Cooperation: India and Israel have strengthened their defense and security cooperation, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and military training. This cooperation has been instrumental in enhancing India’s capabilities in dealing with cross-border terrorism. Example, in 2017, India signed a $2 billion deal with Israel for advanced missile defense systems.
• Agricultural Cooperation: India and Israel have also strengthened their agricultural cooperation through the exchange of expertise and knowledge-sharing. India has established agricultural centers of excellence in several states and has embraced a number of Israeli agricultural technologies, including drip irrigation. For instance, farmers in Haryana have benefited from the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project, which has increased crop yields and improved income.
• Economic Cooperation: Israel and India have also strengthened their ties, especially with regard to trade and investment. Israel is one of India’s top ten trading partners, and the two nations have established joint funds to encourage trade and investment. As an illustration, India and Israel established a joint innovation fund in 2020 to assist new businesses in both nations.
• Cultural Exchanges: In recent years, India and Israel have also increased their cultural exchanges. Many Indian motion pictures have been filmed in Israel, and Israeli artists have performed in India.

Conclusion: There is no going back on the depth and diversity of India’s relations with Israel. The two nations’ strategic partnership has developed into a multifaceted alliance founded on shared values and common interests.

Article: 2^nd October, 2024

Topic: Preparing for the next pandemic

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Health

Source: Indian Express

Context

• A comprehensive framework for handling public health emergencies in the future has been recommended by an expert group established by NITI Aayog.
  
  

Public Health Emergency (PHE)?

• A public health emergency (PHE) is defined as a noteworthy event or an impending threat of a disease or other health condition, whether caused by nature or human activity, that presents a substantial risk of harm to the public’s health.
• This includes situations involving mass casualties or natural disasters, biological toxins, chemical agents, nuclear agents, radiation hazards, and infectious disease threats.
  
  

About the framework

• In order to guarantee a prompt and efficient response within the first 100 days of an outbreak, the Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response (PPER) framework promotes the enactment of a new Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) as well as other measures.

• Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS): In order to supervise public health preparedness and keep an eye on activities during non-emergencies, the report recommends creating an EGoS under the direction of the Cabinet Secretary.
• This group would create subcommittees for different functions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pandemics.
• Other suggestions include strengthening the network for disease surveillance, with a focus on keeping an eye on human-bat interfaces because of the past connections between bat species and pandemics such as COVID-19.
• Research institutes and genome sequencing centers should be integrated into a national biosecurity and biosafety network.
• Emergency Vaccine Bank: To obtain vaccines from both domestic and foreign sources, it is advised to establish an emergency vaccine bank.
• The World Health Organization has identified priority pathogens, and a network of Centers of Excellence (CoE) devoted to developing vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics for these pathogens is proposed, as well as an epidemiology forecasting network for forecasting transmission dynamics and evaluating countermeasures.
  
  

Relevance in the Current Environment

• Emergencies and disasters related to public health pose transnational challenges that require a coordinated worldwide response.
  For communities to be ready to respond to and recover from these threats, effective public health and disaster response systems are crucial.
• The Covid-19 pandemic brought to light the pressing need to improve the emergency and disaster management protocols currently in place for public health.
  – A multidisciplinary approach is essential to improve national capacity for anticipating and responding to infectious diseases with pandemic potential as well as disasters.

Problems and Concerns 

• Both the National Disaster Management Act (NDMA), 2005, and the Epidemic Diseases Act (EDA), 1897, lack precise definitions for important terms like “epidemic” and fall short in discussing quarantine procedures or the distribution of medications and vaccines.
  
  

Conclusion 

• With its structured approach to public health emergency management and its lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the new framework lays the groundwork for improving India’s readiness and response to future pandemics.
• The regulatory system in India requires particular attention, underscoring the significance of harmonizing regulatory standards globally.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements

1. In India, drowning has been formally recognized as a public health emergency.
2. There is no comprehensive legal framework in India for anticipating and handling public health emergencies.

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

In India, drowning is not formally acknowledged as a public health emergency, even though a considerable number of people die from it each year. In India, drowning accounts for about 38,000 fatalities annually, making it a serious public health concern. It hasn’t, however, been classified as a public health emergency.

There isn’t a single, comprehensive legal framework in India that addresses emergency preparedness and response for public health. The Epidemic Diseases Act and the Disaster Management Act, for example, contain provisions that are currently in place but were not created with public health emergencies in mind.

Mains Model Questions Q. Health outcomes are the product of a confluence of factors, from a population’s civic consciousness to the degree of expertise possessed by medical professionals. Comment.

Introduction:

Public health services are inadequate in the Indian context. These services, which lower a population’s exposure to disease through methods like sanitation and vector control, are a crucial component of a nation’s development infrastructure.
In India, funding for public health has always been meagre (roughly 1.3% of GDP).

Body:

Issues facing India’s public healthcare system

• Absence of Primary Healthcare Services: The nation’s current public primary healthcare model has a narrow scope.
• Even in areas with well-functioning public primary health centers, only specific services like limited childcare, pregnancy care, and certain services related to national health programmes are provided.
• Supply-Side Deficiencies: The provision of the intended level of quality health services is hampered by health workers’ inadequate health management abilities, inadequate training, and unsupportive supervision.
• A public health system that is not at its best makes it difficult to address non-communicable diseases, which are primarily prevented and detected early.
  
  

Factors influencing the results of public health

• Hospital Infrastructure: Providing better care and wellness for all patients, as well as a positive experience with the healthcare system, is the main goal that infrastructure supports.
• Level of expertise of health personnel: The development of human resources for public health services needs to address a number of shortcomings.
• Establishing training facilities for public health specialists and determining the extent of their potential contributions to the field are urgently needed.
• By enhancing public health research, training, and policy development, the Public Health Foundation of India is a step in the right direction towards addressing the limited institutional capacity in India.
• Pre-service training is crucial for teaching public health leadership to the medical workforce and for imparting the knowledge and abilities needed to practice public health.
• Civic sense: Civic sense means social ethics and norms. Examples of this include maintaining hygiene and keeping streets, roads, and public areas clean. It displays each person’s responsibility and authentic personality.
• Following these social norms and ethical guidelines can lead to improved health outcomes.

Conclusion: Covid-19 and other pandemics serve as a stark reminder that public health systems are essential social institutions in any community. Through initiatives like the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana, etc., the government has made multiple attempts to address the gap in the public health system.
On the other hand, sufficient funding is urgently needed to build a health system that can provide universal health coverage and withstand any type of public health emergency.

Article: 2^nd October, 2024

Topic: 10 years of Swachh Bharat Mission

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Government Initiatives

Source: pmindia.gov

Context

• On October 2, 2024, the Swachh Bharat Mission’s ten-year implementation came to an end.
• The theme for this year is “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,” which highlights the value of environmental preservation and cleanliness.
  
  

Swachh Bharat Mission

• In honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birthday, the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission (SBM) was initiated in 2014 with the aim of attaining universal sanitation coverage by 2019.
  – The nation’s objective is to become open defecation free (ODF).
• Infrastructure for toilets: By providing financial incentives for the construction of private restrooms and communal restrooms for migrant and impoverished populations.
• Behavioural Changes: With the help of the private sector and non-governmental organizations, the government conducted a number of programs aimed at educating the public about the long-held belief that home toilets were dirty.

• By implementing Solid and Liquid Waste Management initiatives and achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status for Gram Panchayats, SBM(G) aimed to raise the standard of cleanliness.
• The first phase of SBM(G) came to an end in 2019, and the second phase—which began in 2020–2021—expands efforts with a focus on the sustainability of ODF and the safe management of solid and liquid waste.
• SBM (Urban) 2.0: It is anticipated to begin in 2021 and continue until 2026.
  – Goals: Maintaining phase 1’s accomplishments and
  – guaranteeing that technology and private sector involvement are used to treat both liquid and solid waste.
  
  

Achievements

• Better Health Facilities: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there was a notable decrease in deaths from diarrhea in 2019 compared to 2014. There were 300,000 fewer deaths.
• Low birth weights among children under five, stillbirth rates, and malaria have all decreased as a result of the mission.
• Enhanced Access to Toilets: The program has built toilets for more than 10 million rural households, helping about 50 million people in 630,000 villages.

• Enhanced Safety for Women: According to a UNICEF report, 93% of women feel safer in their homes now that they have toilets.
• Financial Gains for Families: Families in ODF villages report yearly health-related savings of Rs 50,000 on average.
• Decreased Groundwater Contamination: The risk of groundwater contamination from human waste is 12.7 times lower in villages that have been declared ODF.
• Swachh Iconic Places: To preserve cleanliness at India’s iconic locations, the initiative has garnered support from both individuals and corporations.
• Acknowledgment for Sanitation Efforts: Based on their accomplishments in cleanliness and sanitation, towns and cities all over the country are given the title of “Swachh Cities.”
  
  

The Swachh Bharat Mission’s (SBM) challenges

• Lack of Knowledge: The value of sanitation and proper hygiene habits are not well understood in many communities.
• Behavior Change: It can be challenging to alter ingrained habits and cultural norms around sanitation.
• Infrastructure Development: Poor infrastructure makes implementation difficult, particularly in rural areas.
• Sustainability and Maintenance: It’s critical to make sure that built restrooms and other facilities are kept up over time.
• Resources and Funding: Although there is government support, regular funding is required for ongoing projects, upkeep, and educational initiatives.
• Waste Management: Pollution and littering are caused by the fact that many places still lack efficient waste management systems.
• Absence of a region-specific strategy: Due to India’s diverse geography, strategies that are successful in one place might not be appropriate in another. Customized strategies are required to meet regional requirements.
• Monitoring: Although it can be challenging to carry out regularly, effective monitoring of progress and impact is crucial.
  
  

Way Forward

• The Swachh Bharat Mission is more than just a cleaning campaign; it is also a major force behind India’s societal change, enhancing human capital and fostering economic expansion on a national scale.
• In addition to ensuring the program’s success, SBM’s emphasis on skill development has produced a model for long-term, sustainable community development that will benefit India.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Swachh Bharat Mission

1. Getting rid of open defecation and managing municipal solid waste in India using only science.
2. Creating plans to ensure that all rural Indian households have access to LPG, a clean energy fuel, in order to lower household pollution.
3. Supplying each home with clean drinking water to stop the spread of illnesses carried by the water supply.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 and 3
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2
4. 1, 2, 3

Ans: d

Explanation

Establishing 100% scientific management of municipal solid waste, eliminating open defecation in India, building individual household latrines (IHHL), community toilet (CT) seats, and public toilet (PT) seats;
establishing plans to supply LPG, a clean energy fuel, to every household in rural India in order to lower domestic pollution;
supplying every home with clean drinking water to prevent the spread of illnesses caused by contaminated water; and encouraging the use of unconventional energy sources like solar and wind energy.

Mains Model Questions Q. Discuss about the factors that contributed to the Swachh Bharat mission’s success. How can the accomplishment of this campaign to stop open defecation serve as a template for other programs and policies?

Introduction:

In the last five years, India has gone from having the greatest number of open defecators in the world to being declared to be a country free of open defecation. In rural areas of the nation, the cumulative sanitation coverage was only approximately 38% even several decades after independence. Nearly all rural households in the nation now have access to toilets since the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was introduced in 2014, making it a huge success.

Body:

There are several reasons for the Swachh Bharat mission’s success.

• Political Push: All political figures, including the Indian Prime Minister, placed a high priority on sanitation and hygiene. Giving the nation a deadline to work toward achieving clean and ODF India by October 2, 2019, helped to champion the cause. This made SBM much more prominent.
• Public Finance: The government set a deadline for the large-scale program’s funding release. With a budget exceeding $20 billion, India has the biggest rural sanitation program globally.
• Partnerships: In order to mainstream sanitation in all sectors, the government has formed a number of strategic alliances, which have assisted it in achieving its objective.

In what ways can the efficacy of the campaign against open defecation serve as a template for other programs and policies?

• Political leadership: Mission demonstrated how a significant social revolution and transformation can be sparked by political leadership. Therefore, other policies would produce excellent outcomes if they were supported by the same political will. People started to follow the prime minister when he got involved in the mission.
• Participation of the community: Mission serves as an example of how community and individual involvement can result in a significant policy success. A prime example of community involvement is the growing public participation in Umthli village, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
• Behavior aspect: It demonstrated that the goal of any program or policy requiring the formation of new habits should be to instill a change in behavior that would guarantee the success of any policy and scheme.

Conclusion: Thus, SBM, which was ultimately successful, demonstrated the amazing things that can be accomplished when community efforts and political will come together. SBM can serve as a model policy for other policies and demonstrated how a policy that aims to successfully instill a behavior change on a large scale should be approached.