{GS1 – IS – Issues} Bhopal’s New Order Criminalising Begging
Context (IE): Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has introduced a district-wide ban on begging, following a similar move by Indore, implementing stringent actions, including FIRs for receiving and giving alms.
Legal Framework for the Ban
Section 163 of BNSS, 2023: Empowers authorities to issue orders in cases of public nuisance or danger.
Section 223 of BNS: Punishes disobedience of official orders, with fines or imprisonment (up to one year) for non-compliance.
Enforceability: Orders are valid for a maximum of six months, with potential extensions.
Historical Legal Context
Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959: The first law criminalising begging in India, aimed at clearing streets of destitute people. It allowed the detention of “incurably helpless” beggars in institutions.
Colonial Roots: Originally derived from laws like the Bengal Vagrancy Act, 1943, the Act still allows police to detain beggars, with detention lasting up to 10 years in some cases.
State Variations: While Delhi decriminalised begging in 2018, many states, such as Maharashtra, continue to uphold the 1959 Act, leading to varied enforcement.
Supreme Court, 2021: Rejected a petition seeking to remove beggars from public spaces, reinforcing that begging is a social problem, not a criminal issue.
Factors Leading to Prevalence of Begging in India
Census 2011: India has approximately 413,670 beggars, with the highest numbers in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
Economic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and migration drive begging, with rural-to-urban migration often leaving individuals destitute.
Social Factors: The caste system and certain communities, like Nats and Bajigars, have historically been associated with begging.
Natural Disasters: Disasters like floods or droughts lead to widespread displacement, pushing more people into begging.
Organized Begging: Criminal networks exploit beggars, including children, often using drugs to elicit sympathy-driven donations.
Impact of Begging
Public Health: Begging hotspots lack sanitation, contributing to the spread of diseases. Malnourished beggars burden public healthcare.
Crime and Exploitation: Organized begging rings involve forced labor, child trafficking, and drug abuse which exploit vulnerable people, violating their human rights.
Urban Image: Aggressive begging affects tourism and creates urban security issues, straining city infrastructure.
Cultural and Social Impact: Begging is tied to historical social exclusion and marginalized communities. In some cases, it is a hereditary occupation, exacerbating social inequality.
Alternatives to Criminalisation
Model Bill on Protection and Rehabilitation (2016): Suggested repealing the Beggary Act, focusing on rehabilitation through care centres and social security measures.
Central Government’s Campaign (2020): Proposed a “begging-free” initiative emphasizing rehabilitation instead of punishment. However, the Beggary Act remains in force.
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Addresses the care of mentally ill homeless individuals, offering some support for those begging due to mental illness.
Government Measures and Schemes
SMILE (2022): A government initiative aimed at rehabilitating beggars by providing medical care, education, and skill training. It aims for a “beggar-free” India by 2026.
Arguments Against Criminalisation
Anti-Poor Criticism: The criminalisation approach is seen as harsh on the poor, neglecting the root causes of begging, such as lack of welfare support.
Lack of Rehabilitation: There is insufficient focus on rehabilitation, leaving beggars with no alternatives.
Way Forward
Focus on Rehabilitation: Shift from punitive measures to providing social welfare, including vocational training, housing, and rehabilitation centres.
Social Security: Ensure adequate financial support, healthcare, and welfare for all citizens, particularly marginalized groups.
Revisions to Law: Reevaluate or repeal outdated laws like the Beggary Act, focusing on human rights and dignity for beggars.
Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with NGOs, local businesses, and communities to provide sustainable livelihoods for rehabilitated individuals.
{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Feminisation of Agriculture
Context (IE | WES): Feminisation of agriculture in rural dynamics raises questions about whether it leads to empowerment or reinforces existing gender disparities.
Feminisation of agriculture refers to the increasing participation of women in agricultural activities (as cultivators or casual agricultural wage workers), driven largely by male migration.
Status of Female Workforce Participation in Agriculture
Labour Force Participation:Women constitute 63% of India’s agricultural labour force but face significant challenges regarding land ownership, financial resources, and decision-making power.
Rural Involvement: Over 76% of rural women are engaged in agriculture, yet land ownership and control remain skewed.
Land Ownership:Only 11.72% of India’s agricultural land is managed by female operational holders, reflecting gender disparity in land ownership.
Factors Driving Feminisation of Agriculture
Male Migration: Economic distress and limited non-farm employment opportunities push men to migrate, leaving women to take on farm responsibilities.
Rural Distress: Declining agricultural production, higher input costs, and climate change have worsened rural economic conditions, forcing women to step into agriculture.
Limited Non-Farm Jobs: Most rural women have limited access to non-farm employment, pushing them into agriculture, where opportunities are more prevalent.
Challenges to Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture
Double Burden: Women balance paid agricultural work with unpaid household and caregiving responsibilities.
Limited Control: Despite heavy involvement in farm tasks, women lack decision-making power in areas like fertilizer use and crop selection.
Cultural and Social Norms: Patriarchal norms prevent women from inheriting or controlling land, hindering their economic independence.
Land Ownership Disparity: Women face significant barriers to land ownership due to cultural, social, and financial constraints. Only 8.4% of women in India own land.
Gender Bias in Land Distribution: Programs like the 2017 Uttar Pradesh land distribution gave only 7% of titles to single women, showcasing the limited access women have to land rights.
Access to Credit: The absence of land as collateral limits women’s access to loans, preventing investment in agriculture and hindering empowerment.
Feminisation of Poverty: With limited land ownership, women face economic vulnerability, leading to further economic distress in rural areas.
Benefits of Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture
Economic Growth: Equal access to agricultural resources can increase yields by 20-30%, enhancing food security and rural economic stability.
Strengthened Decision-Making: Empowering women in agriculture boosts their participation in decision-making, increasing their agency over household and agricultural matters.
Improved Livelihoods: Access to land and credit can help women secure a better livelihood, reducing poverty and economic dependency.
Way Forward for Empowering Women in Agriculture
Policy Reforms: Women should be central to policies addressing agriculture, land rights & credit access.
Land Distribution and Rights: Equal distribution of land and ensuring women’s legal rights over land can enable better access to resources, increasing productivity.
Financial Support: Providing women with easier access to credit and subsidies will enable them to invest in land and farming technology.
Replicate Kudumbashree Model: In Kerala, the Kudumbashree initiative has successfully empowered women through community-based organisations, enhancing their agricultural roles & economic security.
Gender-Responsive Climate Policies: Developing policies that address climate change effects on agriculture while considering gender dynamics can enhance women’s resilience in farming.
Implement Collective Action:Multi-tier collectives focused on poverty eradication have raised women’s status from agricultural labourers to cultivators and entrepreneurs.
{GS3 – A&T – AI} AI-Driven Genetic Testing
Context (TH): AI’s impact on genetic testing, while enhancing data processing efficiency, raises concerns similar to those in the Human Genome Project regarding data security and ethical challenges.
Human Genome Project (HGP)
Human Genome Project was formally launched in 1990 and finally declared complete in 2003.
Human Genome Project is a publicly funded international collaborative scientific research project aimed at determining the sequence of chemical base pairs which make up human DNA, and of identifying and mapping all of the genes of the human genome.
All our genes together are known as our ‘genome.’ The HGP has revealed that there are probably about 20,500 human genes.
Objective: Decipher the entire DNA sequence of the human genome, identifying 20,000-25,000 genes.
Significance: Developed technologies for storing and analyzing genomic data.
Key Features: HGP identified 3 billion base pairs in human DNA and addressed ethical, legal, and social implications.
A base pair (bp) is a unit consisting of two nucleobases bound to each other by hydrogen bonds. They form building blocks of the DNA double helix & contribute to the folded structure of both DNA & RNA.
Potential Applications and Benefits of HGP
Understand diseases including: genotyping of specific viruses to direct appropriate treatment,
Identification of mutations linked to different forms of cancer,
Understand the design of medication and more accurate prediction of their effects,
Understand evolution much more accurately.
Advancement of forensic applied sciences, biofuels and other energy applications, agriculture, animal husbandry, etc.
Commercial development of genomics research related to DNA based products, a multibillion-dollar industry.
Role of AI in Genomics
Accelerates the analysis of vast genetic datasets gathered under HGP, uncovering complex patterns.
Help identify links between non-coding (junk) DNA and tumors.
Predicts genetic predispositions.
Interprets gene-environment interactions.
Offers personalized health recommendations.
Continuous Updates: AI models are updated with the latest researches for improved accuracy.
Challenges in AI-Driven Genetic Testing
Genetic Predictions: AI can’t reliably predict complex outcomes like academic success or career prospects.
Uncertain Results: Some genetic variations are of “unknown significance” and may require additional testing or family history.
Alzheimer’s Risk: AI can identify risk genes but doesn’t guarantee disease development.
Ethical Issues: Predicting mental health conditions raises concerns about privacy and misuse of data.
Data Security Concerns
Data Breaches: Rise of AI in genomics increases the risk of genetic data breaches, as seen with 23andMe.
Privacy Measures: Strong encryption, limited data access, multi-factor authentication, and anonymization of data are critical.
Transparency and Consent: Companies must be transparent with users and obtain informed consent before analyzing genetic data.
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} India’s Ethanol Production
Context (TH | TH): Union Minister announced that India will achieve its target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol within next two months, a year ahead of schedule.
Ethanol Fuel
What is Ethanol Fuel?
Ethanol is a renewable biofuel derived from sugarcane, grains, and other biomass.
Blended with petrol to reduce crude oil dependency, lower emissions, and enhance energy security.
How is Ethanol Produced?
Fermentation: Sugars from sugarcane juice, molasses, maize, and rice are fermented using yeast.
Distillation: Ethanol is extracted from the fermented mixture and purified.
Dehydration: Water is removed to produce anhydrous ethanol for blending with petrol.
Blending: Ethanol is mixed with petrol at 5%, 10%, or 20% (E5, E10, E20) ratios.
Sources of Ethanol Production
Sugarcane and Molasses
400 crore litres expected from sugar-based ethanol in 2024-25.
Sugar production is estimated at 315 lakh tonnes, with 40 lakh tonnes allocated for ethanol.
Non-fuel ethanol comes from C Heavy molasses, which does not affect sugar production.
Rice and FCI Stocks
Government reduced FCI rice price for distilleries from ₹28/kg to ₹22.5/kg.
110 crore litres of ethanol will be produced from FCI rice this ethanol year.
Maize Contribution
Maize is projected to provide 350-400 crore litres of ethanol.
Until 2020, ethanol from maize was negligible; expansion of grain-based distilleries has increased output.
Sugar distilleries are adopting dual-feed systems to produce ethanol from maize in the off-season.
Ethanol Distillery Capacity in India
India’s ethanol distillery capacity has expanded to 1,600 crore litres, with a target of 1,700 crore litres by 2025.
Ethanol blending reached 15% in 2024, with 20% (E20) blending targeted by 2025.
Government incentives and a stable ethanol market have driven capacity expansion.
Role of Maize in Ethanol Production
Increasing Maize Demand
India’s maize production is primarily used for poultry feed, livestock feed, starch, and human consumption.
The ban on sugar and high-grade molasses for ethanol led to increased maize imports in 2024.
Maize Imports and Production Trends
Maize imports surged in 2024, reaching ₹100 crore from April to June and $188 million from April to November.
Farmers are shifting to maize cultivation due to its lucrative ethanol demand.
2024-25 maize production: 42 million tonnes, with 9 million tonnes allocated for ethanol production.
Sustainability of Maize-Based Ethanol
10% increase in maize cultivation area with higher yields.
Maize-based ethanol is more sustainable than sugarcane due to lower water consumption.
Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), a byproduct, serves as an alternative poultry feed, balancing food security.
Potential risks: Shift towards ethanol production may impact foodgrain availability.
Challenges in Ethanol Production
Feedstock Constraints: Dependence on sugarcane and grains may affect food security and cause price instability.
Water and Sustainability Issues: High water usage in crops like sugarcane and rice raises environmental concerns; alternative low-water feedstocks are needed.
Infrastructure and Logistics: Limited storage and blending facilities, along with regulatory hurdles in interstate transport, hinder supply chain efficiency.
Economic Viability: High production costs and fluctuating raw material prices impact profitability; stable government policies are essential for long-term growth.
Market Disruptions: Sudden shifts in crop demand can lead to market disruptions, affecting supply consistency.
Government Initiatives and Policies
Policy Reforms: Reducing Food Corporation of India (FCI) rice prices for ethanol production and promoting dual-feed distilleries to encourage grain-based ethanol.
Farmer Support: Ensuring support through MSP and ethanol procurement policies, while encouraging crop diversification for ethanol feedstocks like maize.
Diversifying Feedstock: Increase use of damaged grains, agricultural waste, and lignocellulosic biomass for ethanol production.
Strengthening Infrastructure: Expand ethanol depots and blending facilities across the country; Improve transport and distribution networks to ensure smooth supply chains.
Sustainable Production Models: Balance food security & ethanol production to avoid negative impacts on staple crop; Promote water-efficient crops (maize) instead of water-intensive sugarcane & rice.
Boosting Research and Innovation: Invest in advanced biofuels and green technologies to enhance ethanol efficiency; Develop alternative bioenergy solutions to supplement ethanol blending initiatives.
Also refer to Bioethanol
{GS3 – IE – Employment} Employment Sectors for a Viksit Bharat
Context (TH): Budget 2024 introduced Employment Linked Incentives (ELI) to create 4 crore jobs over 5 years, but long-term reforms in climate, AI & aspiration-driven employment are crucial for ‘Viksit Bharat’.
India’s Current Climate Vulnerability
India’s Climate Vulnerability: India ranked 7th in terms of climate change impact in 2019, with a $159 billion income loss in 2021.
Impact on Economy: Climate change adversely affects agriculture, labor productivity, and livelihoods, requiring massive investment in adaptation measures.
Climate-Resilient Job Creation
Providing state-subsidized e-rickshaws in 6 lakh villages to create 2 million jobs, especially for women.
Promoting private investment in compressed biogas plants, aiming for 5,000 plants by 2024.
Expanding decentralized and rooftop solar energy projects, which are labor-intensive, creating over 1 million jobs.
AI-Resilient Jobs
AI Disruption: With AI advancements, many jobs, especially in IT and business services, face automation risks. By 2030, 50% of automation could affect India’s workforce.
Protecting Employment
Prioritize jobs leveraging human creativity and physical engagement.
Expand funding for education & healthcare to address the shortage of teachers & healthcare workers.
Support the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to connect rural artisans and farmers with global markets, ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
Aspiration-Centric Jobs
Youth Aspirations: Rural youth often face barriers due to poor foundational education, especially in English, and rely on government jobs or coaching institutes.
Strategies for Aspirational Employment
Rapid infrastructure development like building 70,000 integrated pack-houses to create 2 million jobs in agriculture.
Promote local manufacturing of agri-inputs and high-value exports, creating off-farm employment.
Revitalize rural oilseed processing to reduce dependency on edible oil imports, creating jobs in rural areas.
Utilize tech & social media to rebrand rural industries, making them aspirational career paths for youth.
Measures for Structural Employment Growth
Climate-Resilient Jobs: Incentivize sustainable job creation through environmental initiatives like biogas plants and decentralized solar projects.
AI-Resilient Jobs: Safeguard jobs by enhancing human-centric industries like education, healthcare, and rural livelihoods.
Infrastructure and Manufacturing: Invest in infrastructure and manufacturing to bridge gaps, creating sustainable, off-farm job opportunities for rural youth.
{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Advancements in India’s Biomedical Research
Context (PIB): India advanced biomedical research by inaugurating its first Ferret Research Facility, launching GARBH-INi-DRISHTI, and signing a technology transfer agreement.
THSTI partnered with Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd. to transfer Lactobacillus crispatus.
Lactobacillus crispatus is a synthetic microbial consortium isolated from women’s reproductive tracts; Has potential use in nutraceutical products to promote health through microbiome interventions.
Ferret Research Facility at THSTI
Purpose: Dedicated to research on vaccines, therapeutics, and emerging infectious diseases.
Location: Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana.
Significance: Enhances India’s pandemic preparedness, supports vaccine development, and boosts global research collaboration.
Role of THSTI in Biotech Ecosystem
Mission: THSTI bridges laboratory research and clinical application in health science.
Contribution: Develops high-impact research, fostering innovation in biotechnological solutions for national health challenges.
GARBH-INi Program and DRISHTI Data Repository
GARBH-INi aims to improve maternal and child health by developing predictive tools for preterm births.
GARBH-INi-DRISHTI serves as a comprehensive data dashboard, housing clinical data, biospecimens, and images from over 12,000 women and children.
One of South Asia’s largest maternal health databases.
Provides research guidance for approved users, fostering collaboration, thus empowering global researchers to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
{GS3 – S&T – Nuclear Energy} India’s Atomic Energy Revamp
Context (IE): Finance Minister announced amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) in the 2025 Budget, aiming to boost India’s nuclear energy prospects.
Need for Reform
India’s nuclear power ambitions have been held back by outdated laws and government monopolies.
Rewriting key laws, such as the Atomic Energy Act and CLNDA, is crucial for attracting investment and advancing nuclear energy.
The global trend is shifting towards nuclear energy revival, necessitating timely reforms to align with international practices and to overcome challenges.
Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA): Legislation that outlines liability in the event of a nuclear accident but has deterred private investment due to its complex framework.
Historical Background and Decline
India was a pioneer in nuclear energy, building its first nuclear plant in 1969 at Tarapur.
Initially, India had an optimistic goal of generating 10,000 MW by 2000, but its nuclear power capacity is now only 8,200 MW, far behind countries like China (58,000 MW) and South Korea (32,000 MW).
Global sanctions, especially after the 1974 nuclear test, slowed India’s progress.
India’s nuclear program has been hindered by lack of foreign collaboration post-1970, following NPT.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): International treaty that limits the spread of nuclear weapons & nuclear tech. India’s nuclear energy progress slowed due to its non-signatory status to the NPT.
Current Issues in India’s Nuclear Energy Sector
Complex Liability Framework: The CLNDA discourages private and foreign investment by making operators liable while allowing lawsuits against suppliers.
Government Monopoly: The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 restricts nuclear power to the government, limiting innovation and private participation.
Funding Constraints: The DAE depends solely on government funding, slowing expansion and technological advancements.
Limited Private Sector Role: Strict regulations and liability risks deter private-sector involvement, affecting nuclear energy growth.
Challenges
Ambiguous Nuclear Stance: India’s unclear position on nuclear weapons until 1998 hindered nuclear energy development.
Contradictory Liability Law: The 2010 CLNDA conflicted with global norms, restricting sectoral growth.
International Competition: While India lagged, countries like China and South Korea have emerged as nuclear power exporters, with the UAE rapidly developing its own nuclear program.
Benefits of Reform
Attracting Investment: Amending the CLNDA will allow for quicker and more substantial foreign investments in nuclear power, necessary for India’s energy transition.
Private Sector Participation: A liberalized nuclear energy market would lead to innovation, economies of scale, and a competitive nuclear ecosystem, similar to the recent success seen in India’s space sector.
Technological Advancements: Allowing the private sector to handle equipment production and plant construction will drive technological evolution and accelerate India’s nuclear capabilities.
Way Forward
Reform Nuclear Laws: Amend the Atomic Energy Act and CLNDA to enable private participation, simplify liability, and align with global norms for investment and collaboration.
Involve Private Companies: Enable companies like Tata, L&T, and BHEL to build nuclear power plants and invest in technological advancements.
Learn from the Space Sector: Implement regulatory reforms inspired by the space sector to encourage private-sector participation and boost innovation in nuclear energy.
Set Clear Goals for 2047: The new target of 1,00,000 MW by 2047 is ambitious but achievable with the right policy changes, investment, and collaboration.
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