Current Affairs Reverse Engineering- CARE (26-11-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| International Relations: What is Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched at Brazil G20? |
| Economy: Cabinet nod to Rs 2,481-crore Natural Farming Mission |
| Environment and Ecology: Chhattisgarh’s newest tiger reserve |
| Polity and Governance: Supreme Court upholds ‘secular, socialist’ in Preamble of the Constitution |
| Government announces ₹1,435 crore PAN 2.0 Project |
| ₹6,000 crore scheme to help government institution students access journals launched |
What is Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched at Brazil G20?
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 International Relations:
Context: Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
Why in News
The upcoming global conference of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) in New Delhi marks a historic milestone for the global cooperative movement.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
In 2015, all UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which included 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among these, two primary objectives were:
- Ending poverty in all its forms (SDG 1).
- Eradicating hunger and achieving food security and improved nutrition (SDG 2).
However, progress toward these goals has significantly slowed due to:
- The Covid-19 pandemic, which reversed gains by increasing extreme poverty and lowering global nutrition standards.
- Economic inequality in the post-pandemic recovery, especially in the Global South.
- Rising global conflicts and forced displacements.
- Severe impacts of climate change on food production and livelihoods.
Urgency of the Issue
- Current Projections (2030):
- 622 million people will live below the extreme poverty line of $2.15/day, which is double the 2030 target.
- 582 million people are expected to face hunger, a figure similar to 2015 levels.
The Alliance responds to this dire situation, serving as a collaborative platform to accelerate global efforts in combating hunger and poverty.
Main Objectives
The Alliance seeks to:
- Facilitate cooperation among member countries and stakeholders.
- Promote evidence-based policies to combat hunger and poverty.
- Act as a matchmaker, connecting countries needing assistance with partners offering expertise or funding.
Core Functions
- Provide access to proven best practices in eradicating hunger and poverty.
- Help countries develop and implement national models based on shared knowledge.
- Focus on the most vulnerable populations through targeted interventions.
Membership
As of its launch, the Alliance includes:
- 81 countries, including India.
- 26 international organisations.
- 9 financial institutions.
- 31 philanthropic foundations and NGOs.
Headquarters
The Alliance’s main office is expected to be located in the Global South, likely in Brasilia, Brazil, with an additional office at the FAO headquarters in Rome.
Operational Model
Unlike traditional initiatives, the Alliance:
- Does not rely on a central fund.
- Operates with an annual budget of $2–3 million, funded by contributions from member countries and institutions such as:
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- UNICEF.
- The World Bank.
- Functions primarily as a platform for coordination rather than a direct implementer of programs.
Key Initiatives: The “Sprints 2030”
The Alliance has identified six high-impact priority areas called the “Sprints 2030,” which aim to accelerate progress in eradicating hunger and poverty. These include:
- School Meals Programs:
- Ensures children in schools receive nutritious meals, promoting health and learning outcomes.
- Cash Transfer Programs:
- Provides direct financial support to low-income households, empowering them to meet basic needs.
- Smallholder and Family Farming Support:
- Encourages sustainable agricultural practices, enhances productivity, and supports small farmers.
- Socio-economic Inclusion Programs:
- Aims to integrate marginalized groups into the economic mainstream, addressing social and economic disparities.
- Maternal and Early Childhood Interventions:
- Focuses on health, nutrition, and education for mothers and young children to break the cycle of poverty.
- Water Access Solutions:
- Enhances access to clean and safe water, which is critical for health and agricultural productivity.
Role and Impact
- The Alliance connects countries in need with donors or technical experts rather than managing funds directly.
- By acting as a knowledge-sharing platform, it helps countries adapt successful models and practices from others.
- Aligns international efforts to address pressing global challenges of hunger and poverty.
- Focuses on the Global South, where these issues are most severe.
Significance of Brazil’s Leadership
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva emphasized the historical and moral responsibility of the global community to address hunger and poverty. With Brazil’s deep experience in successful programs like Bolsa Família, the country is well-positioned to lead this initiative. Lula highlighted:
- The urgent need for action amidst growing inequalities and extreme weather events.
- The symbolic importance of eradicating hunger as a step toward addressing broader socio-economic challenges.
Conclusion
The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty represents a timely and critical initiative, leveraging global collaboration to address hunger and poverty. With its evidence-based approach, emphasis on the Global South, and focus on impactful policies, the Alliance is a significant step toward meeting the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Consider the following statements about the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty:
1. It was launched during the 2024 G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 2. The Alliance relies on a central fund to finance hunger and poverty eradication programs. 3. It focuses on knowledge-sharing and facilitating partnerships between countries in need and donors or technical experts. 4. India is one of the founding members of this initiative. Which of the above statements are correct? A. 1, 2, and 3 only |
Q. With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A 1 and 2 only B 2 and 3 only C 1 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3 Ans: D
|
| Answer – 1 – B
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct: The Alliance was launched at the 2024 G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. · Statement 2 is incorrect: The Alliance does not rely on a central fund; instead, it acts as a matchmaking platform for countries in need and donors/experts. · Statement 3 is correct: The initiative focuses on knowledge-sharing and partnership facilitation. · Statement 4 is correct: India is one of the 81 countries that joined the Alliance at its launch. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
Cabinet nod to Rs 2,481-crore Natural Farming Mission
Source: Indian Expres
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
Why in News
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a ₹2,481 crore Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at promoting sustainable, chemical-free farming among 1 crore farmers in India.
Overview
- The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)is a newly announced Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at promoting sustainable, chemical-free farming practices across India.
- Approved by the Union Cabinet on Monday, the initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfarewith a budget outlay of ₹2,481 crore and a target of covering 1 crore farmers.
Key Features of the NMNF
- Objectives
The NMNF seeks to:
- Enhance soil quality by eliminating the use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture.
- Provide chemical-free, healthier food to consumers.
- Build a sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture ecosystem for future generations.
- Increase farmers’ income through cost-effective natural farming methods.
- Budget and Coverage
- Budget Allocation: ₹2,481 crore has been allocated to the mission.
- Farmer Inclusion: The scheme aims to bring 1 crore farmers under the natural farming fold.
- Current Reach: Natural farming is currently practiced on approximately 10 lakh hectares of agricultural land in India.
- Nationwide Implementation
- The NMNF will operate in a mission mode, scaling up natural farming practices tested in pilot projects conducted between 2019-20 and 2022-23.
- Institutional Support
- The mission will leverage the support of state governments, agricultural universities, and grassroots organizations to promote natural farming techniques.
Why Natural Farming?
- Soil Quality and Environmental Health
- Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has degraded soil fertility, polluted water bodies, and affected biodiversity.
- Natural farming rejuvenates soil health, improves water retention, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
- Human Health
- The move to chemical-free food production addresses concerns over the negative health impacts of pesticide residues in food.
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Natural farming reduces input costs for farmers as it relies on locally available materials like cow dung, cow urine, and plant-based extracts instead of costly synthetic inputs.
- Alignment with Global Sustainability Goals
- NMNF aligns with India’s commitments to environmental sustainability and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Background and Rationale
- Previous Success: Experiments in natural farming from 2019-20 to 2022-23 demonstrated promising results, encouraging the government to scale up efforts.
- Policy Framework: NMNF is part of the broader strategy to promote agroecological approaches, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, and achieve sustainable food systems.
Expected Benefits
- Environmental Benefits
- Restored soil health and fertility.
- Increased biodiversity on agricultural land.
- Mitigation of climate change through reduced greenhouse gas emissions from synthetic fertilizers.
- Economic Benefits
- Lower input costs for farmers.
- Improved income through better-quality produce and premium pricing for organic products.
- Health and Social Benefits
- Safer, nutrient-rich food for consumers.
- Long-term reduction in health issues linked to chemical exposure.
Way Forward
- The government’s focus on natural farming as a sustainable agricultural modelrepresents a significant shift toward environmentally conscious farming.
- With proper implementation, training, and farmer support, the NMNF can become a transformative initiative addressing both agricultural and environmental challenges.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2 With reference to the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), consider the following statements:
1. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. 2. The scheme aims to promote sustainable and chemical-free farming among 10 crore farmers across India. 3. The NMNF will cover the cost of synthetic fertilizers for farmers who transition to natural farming. 4. Pilot projects for natural farming were conducted between 2019-20 and 2022-23. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 4 only
|
Q. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate -Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d)
|
| Answer 2– A
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct: NMNF is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. · Statement 2 is incorrect: The scheme targets 1 crore farmers, not 10 crore. · Statement 3 is incorrect: The NMNF promotes natural farming but does not subsidize synthetic fertilizers; it focuses on reducing their usage. · Statement 4 is correct: Pilot projects for natural farming were successfully conducted between 2019-20 and 2022-23. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
Chhattisgarh’s newest tiger reserve
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/chhattisgarhs-newest-tiger-reserve-9684697/
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Environment and Ecology
Context: Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
Why in News
The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh’s fourth tiger reserve and India’s 56th, aims to boost tiger conservation, biodiversity, and eco-tourism while addressing human-wildlife conflicts.
Overview
- The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, located in Chhattisgarh, was officially notified as India’s 56th tiger reserve in November 2024.
- This initiative aims to boost Chhattisgarh’s dwindling tiger population and aligns with broader conservation and eco-tourism goals.
Significance and Background
- The state’s tiger population has drastically declined, from 46 tigers in 2014 to 17 in 2022, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla already hosts five to six tigers, along with diverse flora and fauna.
Cheetah Reintroduction Potential
- The reserve’s history as the last known habitat of the cheetah in India (last spotted in the 1940s) makes it a prime candidate for reintroduction, similar to efforts in Madhya Pradesh.
Geographical and Ecological Features
- Spread over 2,829.387 sq km, it is India’s third-largest tiger reserve.
- Located in the northern tribal region of Sarguja, it spans four districts:
- Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB)
- Korea
- Surajpur
- Balrampur
Connectivity with Other Reserves
- Positioned between Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand).
- Adjacent to the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, making it an important corridor for tiger migration.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
- Home to a wide range of wildlife:
- Fauna: Tigers, elephants, sloth bears, wolves, leopards, otters, and vultures.
- Flora: Rich vegetation of sal, saja, dhavda, and kusum.
- Diverse terrain includes hills, plateaus, valleys, and a river system.
Conservation and Development Plans
- Relocation of Tigresses: Chhattisgarh plans to relocate tigresses from Bandhavgarh and Sanjay Dubri reserves to increase breeding opportunities.
- Prey Base Development:
- Grasslands and water bodies are being developed.
- Hundreds of cheetals and wild boarshave been translocated to increase prey availability.
Strengthening Corridors
- Wildlife corridors connecting Sanjay and Bandhavgarh reserves are being enhanced for tiger migration.
- The focus includes mitigating human-wildlife conflicts along these corridors.
Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP)
- Infrastructure: Improved road and wireless connectivity for patrolling the hilly terrain.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: Villagers will be relocated voluntarily, with efforts to raise awareness and offer eco-tourism-related employment opportunities.
Eco-Tourism and Heritage Plans
- Development of an eco-tourism circuitto promote sustainable tourism.
- Infrastructure for activities such as jungle safaris, river walks, and vulture sightings.
- Highlighting ancient cave paintings, waterfalls, and religious sites.
- Efforts to secure a heritage site tagfor the reserve.
Challenges and Future Plans
- Encroachment Prevention: Wildlife activists emphasize the need for strict measures to prevent human encroachments.
- Cheetah Reintroduction: Wildlife advocates support the idea of introducing cheetahs, considering the reserve’s history and ecological suitability.
Conclusion
- The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve marks a significant step in India’s conservation journey.
- With comprehensive measures targeting tiger population growth, biodiversity preservation, and community involvement, the reserve aims to become a model for sustainable development and wildlife protection.
- Its potential for cheetah reintroduction adds a unique dimension to its ecological importance.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||
Q3. Match the following Tiger Reserves with their respective locations:
Select the correct option: A) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D |
Q. Consider the following protected areas: 2012 1. Bandipur 2. Bhitarkanika 3. Manas 4. Sunderbans Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves? [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 1, 3 and 4 only [C] 2, 3 and 4 only [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: B
|
| Answer 3– A
Explanation – · Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla – B. Chhattisgarh · The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is located in Chhattisgarh. It was recently notified as the 56th tiger reserve in India and is situated in the northern tribal Sarguja region of Chhattisgarh. · Bandhavgarh – A. Madhya Pradesh · Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is located in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most well-known tiger reserves in India, famous for its high tiger density. · Sanjay Dubri – C. Jharkhand · Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve is located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. It shares its boundaries with the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve. · Udanti-Sitanadi – D. Chhattisgarh · Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Chhattisgarh. It is one of the key reserves in the state for tiger conservation. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
Supreme Court upholds ‘secular, socialist’ in Preamble of the Constitution
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS2 Polity and Governance
Context: socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble
Why in News
The Supreme Court’s ruling on the inclusion of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution was a significant legal development.
Background
- The case arose from petitions filed in 2020, challenging the inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
- These words were added through the 42nd Amendmentin 1976. The petitioners, including prominent public figures like Subramanian Swamy, argued that the insertion of these words amounted to a fraud on the Constitution because they were introduced retrospectively, i.e., they were considered to be part of the Constitution from its adoption in 1949, even though the words were not originally included in the 1950 version.
They also raised two key points:
- The word ‘secular’ had been deliberately avoided by the Constituent Assembly and, thus, its inclusion later was contrary to the Assembly’s original intent.
- The word ‘socialist’ restricted the economic policies of the government by imposing a particular ideological stance, thus undermining the flexibility of democratic governance.
The Court’s Ruling
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, dismissed the petitioners’ arguments, finding them without merit. The court provided several key clarifications:
- Inalienable Part of the Constitution:
- The court emphasized that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution. It clarified that Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, including the Preamble, under Article 368.
- The retrospective amendment was upheld, meaning the insertion of ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in 1976 was valid and did not invalidate the original document from 1949.
- Constitution as a Living Document:
- The court emphasized that the Constitution is a “living document”, meaning it evolves with time to meet the needs and changing circumstances of the nation.
- It recognized that the interpretation of terms like ‘secularism’ and ‘socialism’ have evolved in the Indian context and are now part of the Constitution’s core values.
- Interpretation of Secularism:
- The court explained that secularism in India means that the state does not favor any particular religion nor does it discriminate against any religious practices.
- This secular principle is enshrined in Articles 14, 15, and 16, which guarantee equality before the law, prohibit religious discrimination, and ensure equal opportunity in public employment.
- The Indian interpretation of secularism has developed over time, which implies a balance where the state remains neutral towards religions but allows the free practice of all religions without interference.
- Socialism in the Indian Context:
- The court defined ‘socialism’ as a commitment to welfare and social justice rather than prescribing a specific economic system.
- The term ‘socialist’ in the Preamble signifies a welfare state, where the government is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to its citizens and ensuring social justice.
- The ruling clarified that socialism does not dictate a specific economic policy or structure (like left-wing or right-wing ideologies). Instead, it supports the idea of a mixed economy, where both the private sector and the public sector coexist and contribute to national development.
- Fraternity, Equality, and Liberty:
- The court further explained that the original tenets of the Constitution — fraternity, equality of status and opportunity, and liberty — reflect the secular ethos of the Indian state, which treats all religions equally and ensures that no individual is discriminated against on religious grounds.
- Criticism of Petitioners’ Motives:
- The court found the petitioners’ challenge to be questionable as it was filed nearly 44 years after the amendment in 1976. This long delay in filing the petition raised doubts about the motives behind the petitions.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling essentially affirmed the validity of the 42nd Amendment of 1976, which introduced the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ into the Preamble. It highlighted that these principles are not just symbolic but reflect India’s core constitutional values:
- Secularism stands for the equal treatment of all religions.
- Socialism denotes the nation’s commitment to social welfare and justice, not a specific economic policy.
| CARE MCQ | |
| Q4. Which of the following statements correctly reflect the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the inclusion of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
1. The inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ was retroactively valid as per the Supreme Court’s ruling, and it considered the Preamble as an inseparable part of the Constitution. 2. The word ‘secular’ signifies that the Indian state supports one particular religion over others, while ‘socialist’ mandates the adoption of a specific economic policy such as socialism in its classical form. 3. The Supreme Court held that the power to amend the Constitution under Article 368 does not extend to modifying the Preamble, which remains unaltered. 4. The interpretation of ‘secularism’ in India means the state neither supports nor penalizes the profession and practice of any religion, ensuring equality and non-discrimination on religious grounds. Select the correct answer from the options below: A. Only One B. Only Two C. Only Three D. All Four |
Q. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is (2020)
(a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect (b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either (c) a part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part (d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts Ans: (d)
|
| Answer 4- B
Explanation · Option 1 is correct: The Supreme Court upheld the inclusion of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ as valid and integral to the Constitution, confirming that the Preamble is an inseparable part of the Constitution and Parliament can amend it. · Option 4 is correct: The Court explained that ‘secularism’ in India means the state remains neutral, neither supporting nor penalizing any religion, and ensures equality and non-discrimination on religious grounds. · Option 2 is incorrect: The Supreme Court clarified that the word ‘socialist’ does not mandate a specific economic policy but signifies a commitment to a welfare state. · Option 3 is incorrect: The Court ruled that the power to amend the Constitution under Article 368 does extend to modifying the Preamble. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
Government announces ₹1,435 crore PAN 2.0 Project
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: PAN 2.0 Project
Why in News
The government has approved the ₹1,435 crore PAN 2.0 Project to transform the Permanent Account Number (PAN) system into a common digital identifier for various government services, enhancing efficiency and security.
Overview
- The PAN 2.0 Projectis a major initiative announced by the Indian government on November 25, 2024, with a financial outlay of ₹1,435 crore.
- It aims to modernize and streamline the permanent account number (PAN) system, making it more efficient, secure, and adaptable to the needs of modern digital governance. Here are the key aspects of the project:
Objective of the PAN 2.0 Project
- The primary objective of PAN 2.0 is to transform the PAN systeminto a “Common Business Identifier” for all digital systems used by government agencies.
- This means that PAN will no longer just be a tax identification number, but a common reference for various digital transactions and services within the government ecosystem. This will simplify and integrate multiple functions, improving data consistency and reducing redundancy across various departments.
Technology-Driven Transformation
- The PAN 2.0 project involves a complete re-engineering of taxpayer registration services. The current PAN/TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) system will be upgraded, focusing on enhanced digital services for taxpayers.
- The project will integrate new technologies to offer a more streamlined, faster, and user-friendly experience for citizens and businesses.
- The transformation includes the consolidation of core and non-core activities associated with PAN/TAN management, making the system more efficient.
Features and Benefits
- Single Source of Truth and Data Consistency: PAN will act as a unified reference point, reducing discrepancies between various government records and improving data accuracy across different departments.
- Eco-Friendly Processes: The initiative will optimize infrastructure to promote digitalization, which will significantly reduce paperwork, contributing to an environmentally-friendly approach.
- Cost Optimization: By improving operational efficiency, the project aims to reduce the overall cost of managing PAN/TAN services.
- Security and Infrastructure Optimization: The project will enhance the security of PAN-related data, ensuring better protection against fraud and data breaches. The infrastructure will also be optimized for greater agility, making it more adaptive to future needs.
PAN as a Common Identifier
One of the key elements of PAN 2.0 is the concept of using PAN as a “Common Identifier” across all digital systems of specified government agencies. This means that PAN will serve as a universal key for identification in various government services, making processes like tax filing, government welfare programs, and other public services more efficient and interconnected.
Upgrade to PAN/TAN 1.0
- The current system, referred to as PAN/TAN 1.0, will be upgraded to provide a more robust and digitally advanced service.
- This will consolidate various activities and improve PAN validation services, ensuring faster processing and more accurate identification.
Expected Outcomes
- Ease of Access: The project will make the PAN system more user-friendly, enabling taxpayers to interact seamlessly with government systems.
- Speedy Service Delivery: The use of advanced technologies will speed up the processing of PAN applications, modifications, and validations.
- Improved Quality of Service: By integrating various government systems with PAN, the quality and accuracy of services will be enhanced, offering a better experience to taxpayers.
Current Status of PAN
- As of now, approximately 78 crore PANshave been issued, with 98% of these being to individuals.
- The PAN 2.0 Project aims to manage and utilize this massive database more efficiently, ensuring that PAN serves as a modern, digital, and multi-functional tool.
Conclusion
- The PAN 2.0 Project aligns with the government’s Digital India initiative, which seeks to digitize and modernize public administration.
- By transforming PAN into a common digital identifier for multiple government services, it promises to enhance the taxpayer experience, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen the security of government operations.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5 Consider the following statements regarding the PAN 2.0 Project:
Which of the statements above are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only |
Q. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: 2022
Which of the statements, given above are correct?
Ans: B |
| Answer 5- B
Explanation · Statement 1: Correct. The PAN 2.0 Project aims to make the Permanent Account Number (PAN) a “common business identifier” for various government digital systems, enabling smoother integration and functioning across different platforms. · Statement 2: Correct. The PAN 2.0 Project is in line with the government’s Digital India initiative, which aims to digitize and improve the efficiency of public services. · Statement 3: Correct. The project includes the consolidation of core and non-core PAN/TAN activities and aims to improve PAN validation services, enhancing the digital experience for taxpayers. · Statement 4: Incorrect. The PAN 2.0 Project is not solely about issuing new PAN cards. It is a larger initiative to re-engineer the taxpayer registration services and optimize the PAN/TAN system for digital transformation. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
₹6,000 crore scheme to help government institution students access journals launched
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: “One Nation One Subscription” Scheme:
Why in News
The Union Cabinet approved the “One Nation One Subscription” scheme with an allocation of ₹6,000 crore to provide countrywide access to scholarly research articles and journals.
Overview
- The “One Nation One Subscription” scheme is a new government initiative aimed at expanding access to scholarly research articles, journals, and academic publications for students, faculty, and researchers across India.
- This initiative has been approved by the Union Cabinet and is expected to play a key role in promoting research and academic growth in the country. The scheme will be implemented through a user-friendly digital process, ensuring wider accessibility.
Key Features of the Scheme:
- National Coverage: The scheme will provide access to a wide range of scholarly publications across all fields of study for students, researchers, and faculty members in India. It will cover more than 6,300 government higher education institutions and research & development laboratories across the country. This includes institutions under both the Central and State Governments.
- Target Audience: The scheme is designed to benefit nearly 1.8 crore students, faculty members, and researchers in institutions nationwide. This includes not just large urban centers but also institutions in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, aiming to democratize access to scholarly knowledge across all regions of India.
- Digital Access: The scheme will operate through a fully digital platform, making it simple and accessible to users. This ensures that the subscription process is streamlined, and access to research articles and journals is quick and easy.
- Centralized Management: The scheme will be managed by INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC). INFLIBNET will coordinate the national subscription, ensuring that all eligible institutions are included and have access to the relevant resources.
- Financial Outlay: The total allocation for this scheme is ₹6,000 crore for a period of three years (2025–2027). This significant investment underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing academic research and knowledge sharing in the country.
- Promoting Interdisciplinary Research: The scheme is expected to benefit research across all disciplines, supporting not just core fields but also interdisciplinary research, thereby fostering a more holistic academic ecosystem.
- Monitoring and Review: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation will periodically review the usage of the subscription and the publication of research papers by Indian authors in these institutions. This review will help in assessing the impact of the scheme and ensuring that it meets the academic needs of the institutions and researchers.
- Focus on Accessibility: One of the major goals of this scheme is to improve access to scholarly resources for institutions in remote areas, including those located in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. By doing so, the scheme aims to bridge the knowledge gap between urban and rural academic institutions, ensuring equitable access to high-quality research.
Expected Benefits:
- Enhancement of Research Quality: By expanding access to global scholarly publications, the scheme is expected to improve the quality of research in Indian institutions. Researchers will have access to the latest publications, which will help in conducting more informed and innovative research.
- Promotion of Indian Research: The scheme also focuses on promoting publications by Indian authors, ensuring that Indian research gains visibility and recognition globally.
- Improved Academic Infrastructure: By making scholarly resources more accessible, the scheme will contribute to the overall academic infrastructure of India, fostering a research-friendly environment.
Conclusion:
- The “One Nation One Subscription” scheme is a transformative step towards improving academic research in India.
- By providing nationwide access to a wealth of scholarly resources, the initiative will enhance the quality and reach of research, making it more inclusive, accessible, and impactful.
- This scheme will benefit a large number of students, researchers, and faculty members, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas, ensuring that academic excellence is not confined to the metros but spreads across the country.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5 Which of the following statements is/are correct about the “One Nation One Subscription” scheme?
Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1, 2, and 4 only b) 1, 3, and 4 only c) 2, 3, and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 |
|
| Answer 5- A
Explanation · Statement 1: Correct. The “One Nation One Subscription” scheme is aimed at providing countrywide access to scholarly research articles and journals. · Statement 2: Correct. The scheme has a financial allocation of ₹6,000 crore for the period from 2025 to 2027. · Statement 3: Incorrect. The scheme is designed to benefit institutions across the country, including those in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, not just major cities. · Statement 4: Correct. INFLIBNET, an autonomous inter-university centre of UGC, will coordinate the national subscription under this scheme. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |