UPSC Key: AFSPA, Birsa Munda, and Wayanad landslidesSubscriber Only

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security; Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism

What’s the ongoing story: A year and a half after the start of ethnic violence in Manipur, the Centre Thursday reimposed the Disturbed Areas status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the jurisdiction of six police stations in the state’s valley areas, including violence-hit Jiribam.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)?

• What are the arguments in favour and against AFSPA?

• What is the history of ethnic conflict in Manipur?

• What are the steps taken by the government to control Manipur violence?

• What are the main tribes of Manipur?

• Why is there unrest in Manipur?

• What are the important recommendations on AFSPA?

Key Takeaways:

• The Disturbed Areas status, which was in place for all of Manipur except 19 police stations in the Meitei-dominated valley areas from where it was withdrawn between April 2022 and April 2023, has now been extended to the jurisdictions of Sekmai and Lamsang police stations in Imphal West, Lamlai in Imphal East, Moirang in Bishnupur, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi and Jiribam police station in Jiribam.

• The first four areas are located on the borders of the central Imphal valley, along the borders of Kuki-Zomi majority hill areas, where the Disturbed Areas notification under AFSPA is already in place.

• Jiribam, which is currently in the throes of violence, is located at the state’s western-most extreme along Assam’s Cachar district. It has a mixed population and is bordered by the hill districts of Pherzawl and Tamenglong.

• The Disturbed Area status had been rolled back from Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai and Jiribam in 2022, and from Moirang and Leimakhong in 2023, just a month before the ongoing conflict began.

• Leimakhong is the home of the 57 Mountain Division, also known as the Red Shield Division and part of the III Corps of the Indian Army.

• The AFSPA provides immunity to armed forces personnel – it disallows prosecution of persons acting under the Act except with the sanction of the Central government. It empowers an officer of the armed forces to “fire upon or otherwise use force, even to the causing of death” against “any person who is acting in contravention of any law or order” if they are of the opinion that it is necessary.

• Manipur has had the Disturbed Area status under the AFSPA since 1980, and it was only withdrawn from some parts of Imphal in 2004 following strong protests after the killing of 32-year-old Thangjam Manorama earlier that year.

• Since 2022, areas notified as Disturbed Areas have been incrementally reduced. It had been removed from 15 police stations in six districts in April 2022, and with its removal from another four police stations on April 1, 2023, it had been withdrawn from the jurisdiction of 19 police stations in total, all located in the Meitei-dominated valley.

• The Disturbed Areas notification is applicable for a period of six months, following which it can be periodically extended by the MHA after assessing the situation. Just a few weeks ago, on September 30, the MHA had extended the Disturbed Areas notification for the parts of Manipur where it was already in place.

Do You Know:

• What is AFSPA: The Act in its original form was promulgated by the British in response to the Quit India movement in 1942. After Independence, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru decided to retain the Act, which was first brought in as an ordnance and then notified as an Act in 1958.

• AFSPA provides for special powers for the armed forces that can be imposed by the Centre or the Governor of a state, on the state or parts of it, after it is declared “disturbed’’ under Section 3. The Act defines these as areas that are “disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary’’. AFSPA has been used in areas where militancy has been prevalent.

• The Act, which has been called draconian, gives sweeping powers to the armed forces. It allows them to open fire’, even causing death, against any person in contravention to the law or carrying arms and ammunition. It gives them powers to arrest individuals without warrants, on the basis of “reasonable suspicion”, and also search premises without warrants.

• The Act further provides blanket impunity to security personnel involved in such operations: There can be no prosecution or legal proceedings against them without the prior approval of the Centre.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????Explained: What is AFSPA, and why are states in Northeast against it?

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

Human rights activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court. (UPSC CSE 2015)

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: History of India and Indian National Movement

Mains Examination: General Studies I: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, issues.

What’s the ongoing story: President Droupadi Murmu writes: As the nation begins the year-long celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of this iconic figure in the history of modern India, I bow in gratitude to his blessed memory. I also recall how, during my childhood, hearing the legends of Bhagwan Birsa Munda made me and my friends feel very proud of our legacy.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What are tribal movements?

• Why are Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrated?

• What is the Munda Rebellion?

• What is the cultural significance of Birsa Munda?

• What are the important tribal movements of colonial India?

• How tribal movement is different from the peasant movements?

• What are the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

• What are the important schemes of the government for the welfare of PVTGs?

• What is the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)?

• What are the government schemes related to tribes in India?

Key Takeaways:

• In a short life of only 25 years, the boy from Ulihatu in today’s Jharkhand became the hero of the people’s resistance against colonial exploitation. When the British authorities and local landlords were exploiting tribal communities, grabbing their lands and committing atrocities, Bhagwan Birsa rose against this social and economic injustice and led people to fight for their rights.

• Known as “Dharti Aba” (“Father of the Earth”), Bhagwan Birsa organised the “Ulgulan” or the Munda Rebellion against British oppression in the late 1890s.

• The Ulgulan, of course, was much more than a rebellion. It was a fight for both justice and cultural identity. Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s astute understanding brought together, on the one hand, the right of tribal people to own and cultivate their lands without interference, and on the other hand, the importance of tribal customs and social values.

• Nursing the sick was a passion for him. He was trained as a healer, and a series of incidents made people believe that god had gifted him with a healing touch.

• There was a time when Bhagwan Birsa Munda and others were named among “unsung heroes” of history. In recent times, however, their valour and sacrifices have come to be appreciated in true light.

• During “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”, we celebrated the glorious history of India’s culture and achievements, which helped people, especially the youth, to learn more about the valiant contributions of great patriots who had remained lesser known earlier.

• This new engagement with history received a fillip when the government in 2021 decided to celebrate Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, November 15, as “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas” to remember the contributions of the tribal freedom fighters. The commemoration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s legacy puts the long underrepresented tribal histories at the centre of India’s history.

• This distinctive feature of the tribal societies needs to be nurtured for a better future of humankind. That is the precise reason behind the broader effort of the government, launched during the last decade, to give due recognition to the importance of tribal communities in India’s socio-cultural fabric. It has announced a series of programmes and schemes with a view to take welfare beyond slogans and to the ground.

• For a more holistic approach to tribal development and welfare, the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan was launched last month to fill the gaps in social infrastructure in nearly 63,000 tribal villages. Moreover, the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) focuses on 11 critical interventions to make welfare initiatives more effective.

• It was a humbling experience for me when I had an extensive interaction with representatives of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) who were invited to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan. They shared with me their joys and sorrows. If there is one accomplishment I am proud of, it is the fact that our tribal brothers and sisters see in me occupying the highest constitutional office an unprecedented recognition for us all.

Do You Know:

• PVTGs are a sub-classification of the Scheduled Tribes (STs) or a section of STs who are considered more vulnerable than regular STs. The PVTG list was created by the government with the aim to improve on priority the living standards of endangered tribal groups.

• On 29th November 2023, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). It was launched by the Prime Minister on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on 15th November 2023 at Khunti, Jharkhand targeting 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) communities.

• Under this umbrella scheme, nine ministries will implement 11 interventions, including the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission, among others.

• November 15 marks the 150th birth anniversary of the tribal icon Birsa Munda, which is celebrated as “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas” to honour the contributions of the tribal freedom fighters. Known as “Dharti Aba” (“Father of the Earth”), Birsa organised the “Ulgulan” or the Munda Rebellion against British oppression in the late 1890s.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????Knowledge nugget of the day: Birsa Munda

????Knowledge Nugget of the day: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(1) With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events? (UPSC CSE 2020)

(a) The Revolt of 1857

(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921

(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899 – 1900

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (UPSC CSE 2023)

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation

Mains Examination: General Studies III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

What’s the ongoing story: On Wednesday, the temperature in Delhi dipped below normal for the first time this winter. The onset of the cold weather was accompanied by a deterioration in the city’s air quality. The city’s air quality index (AQI) registered as “severe” for the first time this season — the most delayed arrival of the extreme polluting condition in the past 10 years.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is the AQI?

• How AQI is measured in India?

• What is GRAP?

• What are various air pollutants and their impact on human health?

• What are the steps taken by the government to curb air pollution?

Key Takeaways:

• Analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment has shown that while the peak particulate matter (PM) levels have fallen this season, the city’s average pollution has risen. In other words, pollutant concentration remains a cause for worry.

• The average PM 2.5 levels, this year, are the highest in five years. Also, the fact that Delhi continues to experience bad air way past the crop residue burning season points to an imperative long highlighted by experts — a policy focus beyond a seasonal approach.

• Smog towers are supposed to act as giant air purifiers. However, by all accounts, their efficacy is restricted to the immediate vicinity, leaving the broader cityscape unaffected.

• Farm fire incidents in Haryana and Punjab have been coming down in the past few years. However, reports continue to indicate high pollution levels in the two states.

• Joining the dots between local and regional pollution could be beyond the capacities and mandate of municipalities. This is where an agency such as the CAQM should step in. Solutions such as airshed pollution management — which zeros in pollution hotspots in regions — require coordination between local and state-level agencies.

• The CAQM has largely been operating as a regulatory agency. The central government agency needs to step up and join the dots between local and regional pollution, beyond seasonal issues such as stubble burning.

Do You Know:

• According to the Central Pollution Control Board, part of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, the AQI transforms complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number (index value), nomenclature, and colour. The pollutants measured include PM 10, PM 2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, Carbon, etc.

• There are six categories of AQI, namely ‘Good’ (0-50), ‘Satisfactory’ (51-100), ‘Moderately polluted’ (101-200), ‘Poor’ (201-300), ‘Very Poor’ (301-400), and ‘Severe’ (401-500).

• AQI was launched by the central government in 2014 as part of the Swachh Bharat campaign to help simplify the common understanding of pollution. An expert group comprising medical professionals, air quality experts, academia, advocacy groups, and others was constituted and a technical study was awarded to IIT Kanpur. IIT Kanpur and the Expert Group recommended an AQI scheme.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????Knowledge Nugget of the day: Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

????Delhi chokes on pollution: What is AQI — and how is it measured?

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(2) In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? (UPSC CSE 2016)

1. Carbon dioxide x

2. Carbon monoxide

3. Nitrogen dioxide

4. Sulfur dioxide

5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation

Mains Examination: General Studies III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

What’s the ongoing story: A formal submission by China, India and some other countries to discuss climate change-related trade measures such as those introduced in the European Union (EU) delayed the opening plenary of the climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday (November 11) by several hours. The request was eventually put aside for the time being but the issue is unlikely to wither away.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

• What are the concerns related to CBAM?

• What is the significance of the Paris Agreement?

• What is climate financing?

• What are the important agreements related to climate financing?

• What is the ‘polluters pays’ principle?

• What is the Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capability (CBDR–RC)?

Key Takeaways:

• Last year, the EU rolled out its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which taxes certain products coming in from other countries on the basis of their emissions footprint in their production process. For instance, if the imported steel was produced through a process that entailed higher emissions than the emissions standards for that product in Europe, it would be taxed.

• CBAM allows industries in Europe to remain competitive while continuing to maintain high environmental standards. It prevents these industries from relocating their production to countries where the production might be cheap owing to less strict emission norms, a situation described as carbon leakage. In the process, it hopes to contribute to reducing global emissions.

• The developing countries also point out that CBAM overlooks the “differentiation” embedded in the global climate architecture that allows them to be treated differently than the developed nations.

• Industries in developed economies, with emissions standards comparable to the EU, stand to benefit from a CBAM-like measure, since their products would not be taxed and, hence, become more competitive in the European market. CBAM, thus, can have the net effect of helping industries in the developed world while putting those in developing countries at a disadvantage

• On behalf of the BASIC group of countries that also includes India, Brazil and South Africa, China made a request to discuss these issues at the climate meetings. It met with strong opposition from the EU and some other countries, and the proposal has been put on the backburner for now.

• CBAM is not the first-of-its-kind trade measure linked to climate change but likely to be the most impactful till now. The EU is a large market, accounting for about 15% of global imports. CBAM currently applies to only a handful of goods — emission-intensive products such as steel, aluminium or cement — but is set to be expanded on a large number of other items in coming years.

• There are also other non-tariff trade measures linked to climate change. Several regions, including the EU, for example, ban the import of products made from illegally harvested forests. Even the incentives offered in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to clean energy technology or electric vehicle industries in the United States are examples of climate-related non-tariff measures that can impact and reshape global trade.

• Climate change is also accelerating a process of increasing protectionism that is being driven by several other considerations, including economic, strategic, and security-related.

• In fact, the dominance of China in the control of resources and technologies related to new energy sources — solar, wind, batteries, and critical minerals — far exceeds that of oil-producing countries in the fossil fuel era. This too has been facilitated by climate change that is forcing a global energy transition.

• There are other ways in which climate change could be reshaping global trade. Global supply chains, with footprints spread over a large number of countries, have large risk exposure from the increasing frequency and ferocity of natural disasters induced by climate change.

Do You Know:

Important decisions of COP28:

• The COP28 climate meeting delivered some important outcomes — a first-time acknowledgement of the need to move away from fossil fuels, a first promise to reduce methane emissions, operationalisation and capitalisation of the loss and damage fund, and an agreement on a framework for the global goal on adaptation.

• After much deliberations, the final agreement called upon countries to contribute towards “transitioning away” from fossil fuels, “so as to achieve net zero by 2050”. There were no time schedules and no targets. Some countries were extremely disappointed that the term “fossil fuel phase-out” had not been used.

• The agreement talks about “accelerating and substantially reducing non-cabon-dioxide emissions globally, including in particular methane emissions by 2030”. Methane is the most widespread greenhouse gas apart from CO2, accounting for nearly 25 per cent of all emissions. It is also about 80 times more potent than CO2 in causing global warming. Methane emission reductions can therefore bring substantial benefits. But several countries, including India, are extremely opposed to any mandate to cut methane emissions, mainly because one of the major sources happens to be agriculture and livestock.

• A decision to set up a Loss and Damage Fund had been taken last year in Sharm el-Shaikh but it had not been created, and no money had been promised. COP28 operationalised this fund on the opening day of the conference, and several countries, including hosts UAE, made funding commitments.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????COP28: What were the most important decisions, where they fell short

????What is carbon border tax, which India opposed at COP27

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(3) With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2016)

1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN, and it will go into effect in 2017.

2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5º C above pre-industrial levels.

3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.

Mains Examination: General Studies III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment.

What’s the ongoing story: The unfolding “correction” in India’s stock indices — the Nifty50 has shed a tenth of its end-September peak — has been linked to the build-up to the Chinese government stimulus to boost its flagging economy. An index is said to be in a “correction” phase when it falls more than 10% from its last peak level. A more-than-20% fall signals a “bear market” phase.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is the stock market?

• What is the role of SEBI?

• How do global factors impact the stock market in India?

• What is the Foreign Portfolio Investment?

• What is the difference between FPI and FDI?

• What is the role of RBI in regulating monetary policy in India?

• What is the significance of FPI?

• What recent initiatives have been taken by the Indian government to increase the flow of FPI?

Key Takeaways:

• After Beijing announced its first stimulus package in late September, foreign investors offloaded Indian shares to pick up Chinese equities that were trading at much lower price-earnings multiples (making Chinese stocks more attractive from a valuation perspective).

• The slide in the bourses has persisted — even though domestic money has continued to pour into India’s stocks. Last week, the Chinese government announced a second booster shot for its economy.

• Some other global factors too, are responsible for the current selloff in the Indian markets — these include the anticipated protectionist turn in the United States under Donald Trump, the impact of high tariff barriers on the policy stance of the Federal Reserve, and the expected rate hike by the Bank of Japan in its December meeting, which has triggered an unwinding of yen carry-trade positions across markets.

• Trump’s proposed tax-relief, tariff-hike, and immigration-control measures could stoke inflation in the US and disrupt the Fed’s rate-cut agenda. This would impact the trajectory of India’s monetary policy if the Reserve Bank of India decides to resolve the uncertainties before undertaking any significant action. Analysts have said a December rate-cut is pretty much ruled out — and the 14-month-high retail inflation in October could mean any such action could be pushed further into the next year.

Do You Know:

• India’s stock market has taken a hit, plummeting 10 per cent due to a combination of domestic and global factors in the last seven weeks. Foreign investors are pulling out of the Indian market, withdrawing over Rs 1.40 lakh crore since October this year. This massive sell-off has hampered the market sentiment despite heavy buying by domestic funds and institutions. To make matters worse, corporate performance has been declining, and high inflation is threatening to eat into profits, rein in consumer spending and delay a cut in interest rates.

• Huge investment by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) prevented a big crash in the market in October. However, the latest stimulus announced by China is weighing on the market sentiment.

• This (FPI sell-off) was primarily on account of expensive valuations in India, reallocation of funds to China, and optimism about US markets, according to Vineet Sachdeva.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????After a 10% fall in 7 weeks, the market trajectory still a cause for worry amid foreign selling

????FPIs pull out Rs 61,006 crore from financial services companies in ‘sell India, buy China’ shift

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(4) If another global financial crisis happens in the near future, which of the following actions/policies are most likely to give some immunity to India? (UPSC CSE 2020)

1. Not depending on short-term foreign borrowings

2. Opening up to more foreign banks

3. Maintaining full capital account convertibility

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: General Studies I: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

What’s the ongoing story: The Australian government announced it will introduce legislation to keep children under the age of 16 off social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last week that a bundle of “world-leading” measures would be introduced in Parliament soon. The proposed law will put the onus on social media platforms to show they take “reasonable steps” to prevent access to children, with no penalties for the users, he said.

Key Points to Ponder:

• What is the role of social media in today’s world?

• What is the impact of social media on adolescents?

• What is the fear of missing out?

Key Takeaways:

• The draft Bill put the onus on “providers of social media service” to prevent anyone under 14 years from accessing the platforms and allowed access to 14- and 15-year-olds only with parental consent.

• A regulator was also proposed for fining providers for non-compliance. The fines will constitute a Children’s Online Safety Fund that can help in the implementation of the Act, discretionary payment to children who have suffered mental or physical harm, and other uses.

• One of the biggest challenges in implementing such bans is age verification. While platforms like Instagram have age limits at present, they simply ask users about their date of birth and do not require verification. As a result, many children enter false information to access platforms. Country-specific age requirements can also be bypassed through Virtual Private Networks (VPN), which can show the Internet being accessed from a different domicile.

• Studies say problematic social media use — inability to control usage, experiencing withdrawal and neglecting other activities to use social media — has been on the rise. It has been associated with lower mental well-being, higher levels of substance abuse and less sleep.

• “Many adolescents evaluate their worth based on what people say about them online or how many likes they get.” There is a fear of missing out, with constant social media use also making in-person communication difficult. “In that sense, there is a logic to restricting access and use of social media,” he said.

• Age-appropriate health and safety standards should be developed, requiring higher standards of data privacy for children. Policymakers should pursue policies that limit access of children to social media and support the development of digital literacy curricula in schools.

• Social media companies were urged to be transparent and share potential risks of online interactions, take steps to prevent misuse, ensure default settings for children are set to the highest safety and privacy standards, and enforce age limits.

• Create a family media plan, encourage children to foster in-person friendships, model responsible social media behaviour, empower kids to be responsible, and report any cyberbullying or online abuse.

Do You Know:

• A report by Boston Consulting Group earlier this year found that around 84 per cent Indian smartphone users check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up.

• According to experts, when you wake up in the morning, your brain moves from delta state (restful) to theta state, a kind of dreamy state, and later to alpha state, a stage when you are awake but not fully processing information. Later, the brain moves to the beta state, which is when you are fully alert.

• And, when you use your phone immediately after you wake up, and jump to the beta state from the delta state, this puts stress on the brain. Researchers say this rapid transition could lead to an increase in anxiety, irritation, and make one feel less productive throughout the day.

• The use of smartphones right before bed and immediately after waking up has become increasingly common in the last few years. And these habits have been formed owing to a variety of factors such as the surge of social media apps and short-form video apps that bring a plethora of content.

• There are numerous studies that show how the blue light emitted by your smartphones affects your sleep and impacts overall well-being.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????Why you shouldn’t reach for your phone first thing in the morning

????Your smartphone is frying your brain: Neuroscientist explains how increased screen time is impacting our lives

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

Social Media is Triggering ‘Fear Of Missing Out’ Amongst the Youth Precipitating Depression and Loneliness. (Essay, 2024)

Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (UPSC CSE 2023)

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: General Studies III: Disaster and disaster management

What’s the ongoing story: The Union government informed Kerala that the Wayanad landslides of July 30 cannot be declared a national calamity, and expressed the view that sufficient funds are available with the state for relief operations.

Key Points to Ponder:

• How is a disaster declared a national calamity?

• What is a landslide?

• What were the reasons for the Wayanad landslides?

• What is an eco-sensitive area?

• How unscientific constructions have led to multiple disasters in India?

• Why is Western Ghat classified as an ecologically sensitive area?

• Highlight the significance of sustainable development practices.

• What is the structure and functioning of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)?

Key Takeaways:

• The state government had sought assistance of Rs 900 crore from the Centre towards the relief and rehabilitation of the people affected by the tragedy, which killed 231 and left 47 others still missing. Around 900 families were displaced due to the landslides, leaving three hamlets nearly deserted.

• “Under the existing provisions of SDRF/NDRF, there is no provision to declare any calamity as national disaster,” Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said in a letter to Kerala government’s special representative in Delhi, K V Thomas.

• The Union minister said primary responsibility for disaster management rests with the state.

Do You Know:

• The Western Ghats have been classified as an ecologically fragile region. Recent research by experts at the Indian Institute of Science divided the 1.6 lakh sq km of Western Ghats into four ecologically sensitive regions (ESR). Promoting sustainable land-management practices such as reforestation, controlled deforestation, and sustainable agriculture is crucial to maintaining hillside stability and reducing soil erosion, thereby mitigating the effects of heavy rains.

• The Central government on Friday issued the sixth iteration of a draft notification, declaring 56,825.7 sq km of the Western Ghats an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

• The ESAs proposed across these states are spread over 449 sq km in Gujarat, Maharashtra (17,340 sq km), Goa (1,461 sq km), Karnataka (20,668 sq km), Tamil Nadu (6,914 sq km), and Kerala (9,993.7 sq km). The Centre has provided a window of 60 days to submit objections and suggestions on the draft.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

????Govt reissues draft notification to declare over 56,000 sq km of Western Ghats as eco-sensitive

????Before the landslide: Wayanad tragedy is a warning – don’t ignore ecology

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(5) ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to (UPSC CSE 2016)

(a) constitutional reforms

(b) Ganga Action Plan

(d) protection of Western Ghats

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (UPSC CSE 2021)

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