Mains Paper 2
Context: World leaders are set to convene in Poland to honor Holocaust Memorial Day and mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a former Nazi concentration camp.
What is Holocaust?
- The Holocaust, called the Shoah in Hebrew, refers to the organized, state-sponsored extermination of around six million Jews by Nazi Germany and its allies during World War II, mainly between 1941 and 1945.
- This genocide involved mass killings through various methods, including mass shootings and the operation of extermination camps like Auschwitz-Birkenau and Treblinka.
| What is Constitutes Genocide? Under international law, genocide is defined as a series of actions carried out with the intent to eliminate, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. This definition is established in Article II of the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (commonly known as the Genocide Convention). How is it Recognized Internationally? Legal Frameworks: The 1948 Genocide Convention defines genocide and mandates its prevention and punishment by signatory states. This convention has been integrated into the statutes of various international tribunals, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), creating a foundation for prosecuting and holding perpetrators accountable for acts of genocide.International Courts and Tribunals: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other tribunals have authority to handle cases involving genocide. They apply and enforce the provisions outlined in the Genocide Convention, enabling legal actions against individuals or states accused of committing genocide.Recognition by States and Organizations: Many countries and international organizations have officially recognized certain events as acts of genocide, shaping diplomatic relations and global responses. For instance, several nations have formally acknowledged the Armenian Genocide, while the European Parliament has recognized ISIS’s actions against the Yazidis as genocide. |
Why do global powers often remain silent or inactive in the face of genocidal acts?
- Geopolitical and Strategic Interests: Major global powers often prioritize regional influence and alliances over humanitarian intervention. For instance, during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, despite receiving clear warnings, the UN and leading nations failed to take decisive action. Rwanda’s lack of strategic importance contributed to the massacre of over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
- Economic Dependencies and Trade Priorities: Economic relationships, including trade and energy partnerships, frequently discourage strong actions against genocidal crimes. A notable example is China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims. Countries like the U.S. and EU are reluctant to impose significant penalties on China due to its role as a key trading partner, even amid extensive reports of atrocities in Xinjiang.
- International Bureaucratic Deadlock: Global organizations like the UN often face gridlock due to veto power and disagreements among major nations. For example, allegations of genocide and mass atrocities during the Syrian Civil War resulted in inaction, as resolutions in the UN Security Council were blocked by vetoes from Russia and China, preventing international intervention.
What responsibilities do nations have to prevent and respond to genocide?
- Primary Responsibility to Protect: It is the duty of individual states to safeguard their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. This obligation is reinforced by the 2005 United Nations World Summit Outcome, which stresses that national governments must take active steps to prevent such atrocities within their borders.
- International Cooperation and Support: The global community has a responsibility to support states in meeting their protective obligations. This can involve providing diplomatic assistance, humanitarian aid, and other peaceful measures to protect vulnerable populations. If a state is clearly failing to protect its citizens, the international community must be ready to take collective action, including military intervention, if necessary, in line with the UN Charter.
- Early Warning Systems and Preventive Measures: Nations and international bodies should implement early warning systems to detect indicators of potential genocide. This includes gathering information, promoting human rights, addressing the underlying causes of conflict, and adopting measures to build social harmony and eliminate discrimination.
Way forward:
- Enhance International Accountability Mechanisms: Countries should work together to strengthen the efficiency and impartiality of international courts and tribunals, ensuring timely prosecution of genocidal crimes. This effort should include reforms to the UN Security Council’s veto system to
- Focus on Prevention and Early Intervention: Develop comprehensive early warning systems and emphasize diplomacy, economic support, and programs that promote social cohesion. Addressing the root causes of conflicts early can help prevent the escalation of situations into genocidal acts.
How has India revised obesity parameters?
Mains Paper 2
Context: A report by The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission highlighted body fat distribution as a crucial factor in assessing health and disease risk, surpassing the reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI) alone. In response, India has updated its obesity guidelines for the first time in 15 years.
What is the present status of Obesity?
- Rising Obesity Rates: Obesity in India has seen a sharp rise, with 9.8% of women and 5.4% of men categorized as obese in 2022, compared to just 1.2% of women and 0.5% of men in 1990. This equates to roughly 80 million people, including 10 million children aged 5 to 19 years, being classified as obese.
- Economic Impact and Healthcare Costs: According to the World Obesity Federation, India is projected to spend approximately $13 million annually by 2025 on treating illnesses related to obesity. The growing obesity epidemic is linked to various non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart conditions.
- Shifting Demographics: Obesity rates are expected to rise further, with projections indicating that by 2040, around 30.5% of men and 27.4% of women in India will be overweight or obese.
What are the initiatives taken by the government?
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS): This initiative focuses on identifying obesity-related risk factors through screenings and ensuring timely interventions to prevent complications linked to obesity. It operates under the larger framework of the National Health Mission.
- Eat Right India Movement: Introduced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this program aims to reform the food system by encouraging the consumption of safe, nutritious, and sustainable food. It also conducts awareness campaigns to promote healthy eating habits and better nutrition.
- Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centres: These centres enhance preventive healthcare by promoting wellness initiatives and conducting community-level outreach to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including obesity.
- Regulatory Measures: The FSSAI has implemented regulations to limit trans fat content in food products to a maximum of 2% by weight. Additionally, labelling guidelines now require food packaging to display nutritional information, enabling consumers to make healthier dietary choices.
About the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Form | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India |
| Established | 2008 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Mission | To ensure the safety and quality of food in India through effective regulation and enforcement. |
| Regulatory Framework | FSSAI operates under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. |
| Key Functions | – Formulating food safety standards. – Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. – Licensing and registration of food businesses. |
| Primary Goals | – Safeguarding public health. – Ensuring food safety. – Promoting a healthy food culture. |
| Guidelines Issued | FSSAI sets food safety standards for products, food labeling, additives, and contaminants. |
| Key Programs | – Eat Right India Campaign – Food Fortification – Clean Street Food Campaign |
| Compliance and Enforcement | FSSAI conducts regular inspections and audits to enforce food safety standards across food industries. |
| FSSAI License/Registration | – All food businesses in India must obtain an FSSAI license or registration based on business size. |
| Food Safety Awareness | FSSAI promotes consumer awareness about food safety and quality through campaigns and initiatives. |
What are the new guidelines?
- Terminology Update: The term “overweight” has been eliminated, and obesity is now categorized into Grade I (BMI >23 kg/m² without health complications) and Grade II (BMI >23 kg/m² with related health limitations) to highlight the different stages of obesity.
- Focus on Abdominal Obesity: Waist circumference (>90 cm for men, >80 cm for women) and waist-to-height ratio are now emphasized as key indicators for evaluating health risks in Asian Indians.
Why has it been revised after 15 years?
- Rising Prevalence of Obesity: Obesity rates in India have doubled over the last two decades, with significant increases in both adults and children. This troubling trend has prompted a reassessment of existing guidelines to better address the growing public health challenge.
- Limitations of Previous Guidelines: The guidelines set in 2009 were based solely on Body Mass Index (BMI) for diagnosing obesity. However, this approach proved insufficient as it overlooked important factors like abdominal fat distribution and the distinct metabolic responses of Asian Indians, who are prone to obesity-related health issues at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations.
- Global Framework Alignment: The updated guidelines are now in line with global recommendations from The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission, which calls for a more comprehensive understanding of obesity as a chronic disease, not just as excess weight.
What are the health issues that can develop due to obesity?
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Obesity notably raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. It contributes to high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels, both of which are key risk factors for cardiovascular conditions.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Excess weight can impair the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, leading to insulin resistance and a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This chronic disease is strongly associated with obesity and can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed.
- Certain Cancers: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, endometrial, and liver cancers. The excess body fat can affect hormone levels and inflammation, both of which may play a role in the development of cancer.
Way forward:
- Comprehensive Public Health Strategies: Strengthen preventive efforts by running awareness campaigns, encouraging healthy lifestyles, regulating unhealthy food products, and expanding screening programs through initiatives like NPCDCS and Ayushman Bharat.
- Collaborative Policy Reforms: Foster inter-sectoral cooperation to tackle issues such as urbanization, sedentary behaviors, and dietary habits, while aligning with global frameworks for obesity management to create effective, long-term solutions.
India with Indonesia
Mains Paper 2
Context: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s trip to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day parade underscored the deep and longstanding ties between the two nations.
| Evolution of the bilateral relationship between India and Indonesia Historical Foundations and Early Cooperation: India and Indonesia established diplomatic ties in 1949, after India recognized Indonesia’s independence in 1946. In the early years, both nations formed a strong alliance against colonialism, highlighted by President Sukarno attending India’s first Republic Day in 1950 and their joint efforts at the 1955 Bandung Conference, which laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement.Revitalization in the 1990s: The relationship experienced a significant boost with India’s ‘Look East Policy’ in the 1990s, designed to strengthen connections with Southeast Asian countries. This period saw greater political engagement and economic collaboration, culminating in the creation of a strategic partnership during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s visit to India in 2005.Contemporary Engagement and Strategic Partnership: In recent years, bilateral ties have deepened through comprehensive agreements on defense, maritime security, and economic cooperation. The signing of the “Shared Vision of Maritime Cooperation” in 2018 and continued joint military exercises reflect a commitment to enhancing security collaboration, especially in response to regional challenges, such as China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. |
What are the implications of India-Indonesia bilateral relations?
- Strengthened Strategic Partnership: The decision to place an Indonesian liaison officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre underscores both countries’ commitment to improving maritime cooperation and information sharing, which are essential for regional security, particularly in light of rising tensions in the South China Sea.
- Collective Security Efforts: India and Indonesia have emphasized the need to combat terrorism and agreed to enhance their cooperation in countering it. This reflects a shared understanding of mutual security challenges and the importance of working together to address them.
- Maritime Dialogue: The initiation of early discussions on maritime and cybersecurity reflects a proactive strategy to tackle emerging threats and ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
How will the agreements reached during this visit impact regional security dynamics?
- Promotion of Peaceful Resolutions: By advocating for a “full and effective” Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, India and Indonesia are positioning themselves as influential advocates for a rules-based order in the region, counteracting China’s assertive territorial claims.
- Support for International Law: Their joint statement emphasizes the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS, which could act as a counterbalance to China’s unilateral actions in the South China Sea.
- Enhanced Cooperation with ASEAN: Both nations are expected to strengthen their relations with ASEAN countries that share similar concerns regarding China’s maritime ambitions, helping to build a unified front in regional diplomacy.
What economic benefits are anticipated from enhanced collaboration?
- Local Currency Transactions: Focusing on local currencies for bilateral trade is expected to lower transaction costs and increase trade volumes between India and Indonesia, thereby strengthening their economic relationship.
- Increased Trade Opportunities: Increased collaboration in areas such as hydrography and defense could create new opportunities for economic cooperation, potentially attracting more investments and fostering joint ventures.
- Maritime Commerce: By supporting unimpeded lawful maritime trade, both countries aim to safeguard essential trade routes that are vital for their economies, especially considering the South China Sea’s importance as a global trade hub.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Multilateral Diplomacy: India and Indonesia should continue working with ASEAN and other regional partners to advocate for a unified approach to maritime security, focusing on the comprehensive implementation of the South China Sea Code of Conduct and adherence to international law.
- Enhance Economic Integration: Both countries should prioritize strengthening economic connections through initiatives such as local currency transactions and joint ventures in the defense and maritime sectors, promoting sustainable growth and enhancing regional economic stability.
SEBI proposes sachetization of mutual funds to boost financial inclusion
Mains Paper 3
Context: SEBI is working with the mutual fund industry to explore options for enabling monthly SIPs of just Rs 250, with the goal of encouraging more individuals from lower-income groups to invest in mutual funds.
| What is Sachetisation? Sachetisation refers to providing products in small, affordable quantities, making them accessible to a wider consumer base, particularly those in price-sensitive segments. The concept originated in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) sector, where items like shampoos were sold in small sachets at lower prices to cater to low-income consumers. SEBI is now suggesting a similar model for mutual funds, enabling small-ticket investments through SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) with low monthly contributions, such as Rs 250. |
What are the significances of Sachetisation?
- Affordable Financial Products: Just as small sachets of consumer goods made them accessible to lower-income groups, small-ticket SIPs in mutual funds can offer investment opportunities to a broader population, especially those who may not be able to invest larger amounts.
- Promoting Financial Empowerment: By reducing the entry barriers for mutual fund investments, sachetisation can empower underserved communities by allowing them to participate in the expanding financial markets and benefit from potential returns.
- Expanding Reach: This strategy would encourage mutual fund companies to extend their services to remote areas, helping them reach rural and low-income markets and fostering a culture of saving and investing.
- Financial Inclusion for the Bottom of the Pyramid: The main focus of sachetisation in mutual funds is low-income groups with limited access to traditional investment options. By providing small, regular investment opportunities, SEBI aims to enhance financial inclusion at the grassroots level.
How does it work?
- SEBI has proposed the introduction of small-ticket SIPs at Rs 250 per month, allowing new investors from low-income groups to engage in mutual funds without the burden of higher minimum investment thresholds. This differs from existing schemes, which often require a minimum SIP of Rs 500 or more.
- Investors can commit to a small-ticket SIP for a term of five years (60 installments), but they have the flexibility to withdraw or pause their investments at any time, if necessary. This structure encourages consistent investment while offering an exit option for investors.
- To support the success of small-ticket SIPs, SEBI plans to offer discounted rates for intermediaries and reimburse certain costs from the Investor Education and Awareness Fund. This will assist asset management companies (AMCs) in recovering their investments in these small-ticket offerings more quickly.
- The sachetised SIPs will be available under specific mutual fund schemes, excluding high-risk options like small-cap and mid-cap equity schemes, which are considered unsuitable for new investors from lower-income groups. This approach aims to protect these investors while still encouraging their participation in the market.
- To further advance financial inclusion, SEBI suggests providing incentives to distributors who successfully guide investors through 24 installments of the small-ticket SIP, thus boosting participation and support for new investors in mutual funds.
Conclusion:
- The strategy could lead to a substantial rise in domestic investor participation, enhancing the resilience of India’s equity market and promoting long-term financial stability.
Rakhigarhi is giving us more clues on Saraswati River
Mains Paper 1
Context: A large water reservoir recently discovered at Rakhigarhi highlights advanced Harappan water management techniques associated with the Saraswati River.
| Do you know? The Centre of Excellence for Research on the Saraswati River (CERSR) at Kurukshetra University carried out an extensive study confirming that the Saraswati River, often referred to as “mythical,” flowed through Haryana until 1402 AD. |
About Rakhigarhi
- Rakhigarhi, located in Hisar, Haryana, is the largest site of the Indus-Saraswati Civilisation, dating back to the mature Harappan period (2600–1900 BCE). It lies in the plains of the Saraswati River, around 27 km from the seasonal Ghaggar River.
- First excavated in 1969 by archaeologist Suraj Bhan, it comprises seven mounds and has been a crucial site for understanding Harappan urban planning and water management. Recent discoveries have extended the civilisation’s timeline back to as early as 6000 BCE.
- In 2020, Rakhigarhi was designated an Iconic Site under the Union Budget for its development and preservation. NCERT reports that DNA studies from Rakhigarhi suggest the genetic roots of the Harappans trace back to 10,000 BCE.
Significant Features
- Urban Planning: Evidence shows well-organized streets, brick houses, and a sophisticated drainage system.
- Water Management: A 3.5–4 feet deep reservoir found at Mound 3 indicates advanced water storage techniques.
- Cultural Significance: Artifacts like pottery, terracotta figurines, beads, and copper tools reflect artistic and technological progress.
- Trade and Economy: Marine shells and fishhooks suggest long-distance trade and local craftsmanship.
- River Proximity: Situated near the paleochannels of the Drishadvati River, a significant tributary of the Saraswati River, supporting agriculture and daily activities.
Key Findings
- Large Water Reservoir at Mound 3: Layers of siltation verify water storage practices from the late Harappan period.
- Artifacts: Objects such as copper tools, marine shells, and decorative pottery indicate trade and everyday life activities.
- Burials: Human remains and burial items offer insights into Harappan rituals and societal structures.
- DNA Analysis: A 4,600-year-old skeleton showed no Steppe ancestry, challenging the Aryan invasion theory.
- Related Sites: Nearby sites like Bhirrana and Farmana help extend the timeline of the civilisation.
