Topic 1 : Odisha’s new rural development scheme
Why in news: Odisha government rolled out a scheme, ‘Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha’ (our Odisha, new Odisha).
Key details:
- Under this every panchayat of the state will get assistance of Rs 50 lakh to take up projects for:
- protecting places of worships,
- upgrading sites of historical significance, and
- improving rural infrastructure and digital access.
- Under the new scheme, the government has allocated funds for various projects based on suggestions by people from rural areas, who comprise 80% of the state’s population.
- These projectsrange from:
- strengthening internet connectivity,
- developing playgrounds and science parks,
- training facilities,
- work hubs and skill centres for rural entrepreneurs,
- projects to bridge the gap in education infrastructure,
- providing banking facilities, and
- digital infrastructure at the village level.Topic 2 : Udaipur set to become country’s first wetland city
Why in news: The Rajasthan government is making all efforts to make Udaipur, the City of Lakes, the country’s first wetland city.
Key details:
- The Environment and the Forest Department has chosen the city as per the Ramsar Convention of International Importance.
- Udaipur is already included in the restoration project of the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) of the central government.
- It is surrounded by five major lakes, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
- The wetlands and lakes of the city are majorly managed by the tourism and the local self-government departments.
- The state Environment and Forest Department is sending the nomination to the Ramsar Convention to declare it of international standard
How a Ramsar site is selected:
- If we go by the Ramsar Convention, a wetland has to be considered internationally important if it contains:
- a rare, representative, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type found within the appropriate biogeographic region and
- supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
- According to state authorities, Udaipur, with an area of 37 sq km, fulfils all the necessary requirements to earn the designation of a wetland city.
- This title is a rare distinction, with only a few cities worldwide having received this recognition.
- Aside from Udaipur, Bhopal is also vying for this prestigious status.About the Ramsar Convention:
- The Ramsar Convention is formally known as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat.
- It is a global treaty aimed at the preservation and sustainable use of Ramsar-designated sites.
- It is often referred to as the Convention on Wetlands and takes its name from the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the agreement was signed in 1971.
- Presently, there are 42 wetland cities situated across 17 nations around the world, with China boasting the highest number at 13 such cities.
Wetlands in India:
- The total wetland area estimated is 15.98 million hectare (mha) including rivers and excluding paddy field areas that is around 4.86% of the geographic area of the country.
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
- MoEF&CC has notified Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as regulatory framework for conservation and management of wetlands across the country without restricting the wise use.
- The State/UT Wetland Authorities have been constituted and powers for identification and notification of wetlands have been delegated to the State Governments and UT Administrations.
Currently there are 75 Ramsar sites in India:
| Sr. No. | State/Union Territory | Wetland |
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | Kolleru |
| 2 | Assam | Deepar Beel |
| Urpad Beel | ||
| Sone Beel | ||
| 3 | Bihar | Kabar |
| Barilla | ||
| Kusheshwar Asthan | ||
| 4 | Gujarat | Nalsarovar |
| Great Rann of Kachh | ||
| Thol Bird Sanctuary | ||
| Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary | ||
| Little Rann of Kachh | ||
| Pariej | ||
| Wadhwana | ||
| Nanikakrad | ||
| 5 | Haryana | Sultanpur |
| Bhindawas | ||
| 6 | Himachal Pradesh | Renuka |
| Pong Dam | ||
| Chandratal | ||
| Rewalsar | ||
| Khajjiar | ||
| 7 | Jammu & Kashmir | Wullar |
| Tso Morari | ||
| Tisgul Tso & Chisul Marshes | ||
| Hokersar | ||
| Mansar-Surinsar | ||
| Ranjitsagar | ||
| Pangong Tsar | ||
| Gharana | ||
| Hygam | ||
| Mirgund | ||
| Shalbugh | ||
| Chushul & Hanley | ||
| 8 | Jharkhand | Udhwa |
| Tilaiya Dam | ||
| 9 | Karnataka | Magadhi |
| Gudavi Bird Sanctuary | ||
| Bonal | ||
| Hidkal & Ghataprabha | ||
| Heggeri | ||
| Ranganthittu | ||
| K.G. Koppa wetland | ||
| 10 | Kerala | Ashtamudi |
| Sasthamkotta | ||
| Kottuli | ||
| Kadulandi | ||
| Vembnad Kol | ||
| 11 | Madhya Pradesh | Barna |
| Yashwant Sagar | ||
| Wetland of Ken River | ||
| National Chambal Sanctuary | ||
| Ghatigaon | ||
| Ratapani | ||
| Denwa Tawa wetland | ||
| Kanha Tiger Reserve | ||
| Pench Tiger Reserve | ||
| Sakhyasagar | ||
| Dihaila | ||
| Govindsagar | ||
| Sirpur | ||
| 12 | Maharashtra | Ujni |
| Jayakawadi | ||
| Nalganga wetland | ||
| 13 | Manipur | Loktak |
| 14 | Meghalaya | Umiam lake |
| 15 | Mizoram | Tamdil |
| Palak | ||
| 16 | Odisha | Chilika |
| Kuanria wetland | ||
| Kanjia wetland | ||
| Daha wetland | ||
| Anusupa | ||
| 17 | Punjab | Harike |
| Ropar | ||
| Kanjli | ||
| Nangal | ||
| 18 | Rajasthan | Sambhar |
| 19 | Sikkim | Khechuperi Holy Lake |
| Tamze Wetland | ||
| Tembao Wetland Complex | ||
| Phendang Wetland Complex | ||
| Gurudokmar Wetland | ||
| Tsomgo wetland | ||
| 20 | Tamil Nadu | Point Calimere |
| Kaliveli | ||
| Pallaikarni | ||
| 21 | Tripura | Rudrasagar |
| Gumti reservoir | ||
| 22 | Uttar Pradesh | Nawabganj |
| Sandi | ||
| Lakh Bahoshi | ||
| Samaspur | ||
| Alwara Wetland | ||
| Semarai Lake | ||
| Nagaria lake | ||
| Keetham Lake | ||
| Shekha wetland | ||
| Saman Bird Sanctuary | ||
| Sarsai Nawar | ||
| Patna Bird Sanctuary | ||
| Chandotal | ||
| Taal Bhaghel | ||
| Taal Gambhirvan & Taal Salona | ||
| Aadi jal Jeev Jheel | ||
| 23 | Uttarakhand | Ban Ganga Jhilmil Tal |
| Asan | ||
| 24 | West Bengal | East Kolkata Wetland |
| Sunderbans | ||
| Ahiron Beel | ||
| Rasik Beel | ||
| Santragachi | ||
| Patlakhawa- Rasomati | ||
| 25 | Chandigarh (UT) | Sukhna |
| 26 | Puducherry ( UT) | Ousteri lake |
Topic 3 : The case for caste census in India
Why in news: After the publication of a caste survey in Bihar, Prime Minister of India criticised and rejected the demand for a nationwide caste census made by Opposition parties.
What do socio-economic data indicate?
- The intersection between class and caste-based deprivation in Indian society is evident in a gamut of socio-economic statistics.
-
Consumption expenditures:
- The average monthly per capita consumption expenditures (MPCE) of the MPCE of the ‘Others’, i.e. the general category, as per the National Sample Survey (NSS), 2011-12 in rural areas were:
- Scheduled Tribes (ST) — 65%,
- Scheduled Castes (SC)- 73% and
- OBC households – 84%
- In urban areas the average MPCE of ST, SC and OBC households were 68%, 63% and 70% of the general category in 2011-12.
- The average monthly per capita consumption expenditures (MPCE) of the MPCE of the ‘Others’, i.e. the general category, as per the National Sample Survey (NSS), 2011-12 in rural areas were:
-
Multidimensional poverty:
- The persistence of inequality across caste categories in India can also be seen in the multidimensional poverty estimates based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4/2015-16).
- While on average 25% of Indians were multidimensionally poor in 2015-16, the poverty ratio among STs was 44.4%, SCs 29.2%, OBCs 24.5% and Others 14.9%.
- As per this estimate, while STs, SCs and OBCs taken together comprised around 73% of the Indian population, they accounted for 84% of the country’s poor.
- Over 50% of India’s multidimensionally poor belonged to the OBC category.
-
Poverty Headcount ratio:
- Poverty headcount ratio is the percentage of the population living below the national poverty line.
- Estimates by scholars from the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) show that the poverty headcount ratio among STs was 50.6%, SCs 33.3%, OBCs 27.2% and Others 15.6%.
- The multidimensional poverty headcount ratio among Muslims at 31% was also higher than that of Hindus (28%), Christians (16%) and other religious communities (15.7%).
- The Sachar Committee report (2006) had estimated that 31% of Muslims were ‘Below Poverty Line’ on the basis of the NSS 61st round, 2004-05.
- While the poverty headcount ratio among SCs & STs together was 35%, Hindu OBCs 21% and other Hindus (general category) 8.7%.
-
Stability of poverty among various sections:
- The disproportionate concentration of poverty among the STs, SCs, OBCs and Muslims in India have remained stable over time.
- This clearly indicate that discrimination and exclusion based on caste via-a-vis STs, SCs and OBCs as well as religion, particularly with regard to Muslims, have a causal relationship with poverty and deprivation.
- The Niti Aayog has not published the caste and religion wise data in its publications on national multidimensional poverty index based on NFHS-4/2015-16 and NFHS-5/2019-21.
Education and employment
-
Education:
- The general category has a much higher proportion of literates, secondary and high school pass outs, graduates and post-graduates than OBCs, SCs and STs.
- As per NSS 75th round (2017-18), while only 3% of STs, 4% of SCs and 6% of OBCs are graduates, the proportion of graduates in the general category is over 12%.
- The proportion of post-graduates within the general category is over 3%, among OBCs around 1% and among SCs and STs, below 1%.
-
Employment:
-
Regular job:
- In terms of employment status (PLFS 2021-22), over 30% of the workforce in the general category had a regular job.
- The proportion of regular or salaried workers among OBCs and SCs was around 20% and among STs just over 12%.
-
Casual labour:
- In contrast, almost 29% of STs, 38% of SCs and 20% of OBCs were casual labourers, against only 11.2% of the general category.
- This indicates that the informal sector is largely populated with STs, SCs and OBCs while the general category has a disproportionately large share of formal employment.
-
Government jobs:
- The proportion of employees in the general category is much greater at over 64% in the most qualified and highest paid cohort, i.e. Group A employees.
-
Regular job:
- This indicates that the persistence of caste-inequality in educational outcomes is reproducing a similar pattern of caste-inequality in skilled, formal employment, even three decades after the official implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations.
When did caste surveys begin?
- Caste wise enumeration of the population was introduced under the British colonial administration in 1881 and continued till the 1931 census.
- Independent India’s governments abandoned full caste enumeration on the apprehension that it would strengthen caste divisions and perpetuate the caste system.
- The Mandal Commission report had extrapolated from the caste/community-wise population figures of the 1931 census and estimated the combined population of Hindu and non-Hindu OBCs to be 52% of India’s population.
- While the population share of OBCs was estimated at 52%,only 27% reservation for OBCs in all government services, technical and professional institutions was recommended by the Mandal commission.
- This was done in order to keep the overall reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs together below the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney & others versus Union of India judgment in 1992.
Arguments against a caste census:
-
It will break the 50% ceiling:
- The revelation of the exact population share of OBCs greater than or equal to 52%, as estimated by the Mandal commission, would trigger demands for enhancing the 27% reservation quota for OBCs.
- Such demands, however, were already set into motion following the enactment of the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019, which provided 10% reservation to “economically weaker sections” (EWS) within the general category — excluding SC/ST/OBCs — in admission to public and private educational institutions as well as civil posts and services.
- The law breached the 50% ceiling on reservation and faced legal challenges, but was ultimately upheld by a majority judgment of the Supreme Court .
Way forward
- Only a full caste enumeration can help in ascertaining an accurate number.
- More importantly, ascertaining the numbers and proportions of individual castes within the OBC category have assumed much significance in the light of concerns regarding reservations and other benefits for OBCs getting concentrated among certain dominant caste groups.
- The Bihar caste survey for instance, shows that 122 small caste groups combined together in the EBC category, accounted for 36% of the state’s population, which was the largest share among social categories.
- Justice Rohini Commission, which was constituted in 2017 by the Modi government to examine the sub-categorisation of OBCs in the Central list, submitted its report in August 2023.
- A nationwide socio-economic caste census is necessary to evolve scientific criteria for such sub-categorisation.
- This would also be necessary for all States, which have their own State-level OBC lists, given the wide variety in caste composition.Topic 4 : What war crimes laws apply to the Israel-Palestinian conflict?
Why in news: The war falls under a complex international system of justice that has emerged since World War Two.
What Laws Govern The Conflict?
-
Geneva Conventions:
- Internationally accepted rules of armed conflict emerged out of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which have been ratified by all UN member states and supplemented by rulings at international war crimes tribunals.
-
Various Treaties:
- A series of treaties governs the treatment of civilians, soldiers and prisoners of war in a system collectively known as the “Law of Armed Conflict” or “International Humanitarian Law”.
- It applies to government forces and organised armed groups, including Hamas militants.
-
International Criminal Court:
- If alleged Palestinian perpetrators of atrocities in Israel and all alleged perpetrators of crimes on the occupied Palestinian territories are not brought to justice at home, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague is the only international legal organ able to bring charges.
- Domestic courts can apply so-called universal jurisdiction in war crimes cases, but that would be limited in scope.
- The ICC’s founding Rome Statute gives it legal authority to investigate alleged crimes on the territory of its members or by their nationals, when domestic authorities are unwilling or unable to do so.
Role Of The ICC
- The International Criminal Court (ICC), the world’s permanent war crimes tribunals, opened in The Hague in 2002.
- It has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in its 123 member states or committed by its nationals.
- Many of the world’s major powers are not members, including:
- China,
- the United States,
- Russia,
- India and
- Egypt.
- The ICC recognises Palestine as a member state, while Israel rejects the court’s jurisdiction and does not formally engage with it.
- The ICC has had an ongoing investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the occupied Palestinian territories since 2021.
- It has not issued any arrest warrants.
What Acts Could Violate War Crimes Law?
- Possible war crimes could be:
- the deliberate targeting of civilians,
- indiscriminate rocket attacks,
- the taking of civilians as hostages by Palestinian armed groups,
- the Israeli counter-strikes in Gaza that killed hundreds of Palestinians.
Application of the Geneva Conventions
- A siege can be considered a war crime if it targets civilians, rather than a legitimate means to undermine Hamas’ military capabilities, or if found to be disproportionate.
- Attacks on military objectives have to be proportional under international law which means they must not lead to excessive loss of civilian life or damage to civilian objects in relation to the direct and concrete military advantage expected.The Geneva Conventions:
- The Geneva Conventions are international humanitarian laws consisting of four treaties and three additional protocols that establish international legal standards for humanitarian treatment in war.
- The term Geneva Convention usually denotes the agreements of 1949, negotiated in the aftermath of the Second World War (1939–1945).
- The Geneva Conventions extensively define the basic rights of wartime prisoners, civilians and military personnel, established protections for the wounded and sick, and provided protections for the civilians in and around a war-zone.
- The Geneva Conventions concern only protected non-combatants in war.
- The use of wartime conventional weapons is addressed by the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 and the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
- The biological and chemical warfare in international armed conflicts is addressed by the 1925 Geneva Protocol.
Topic 5 : Saraswati Samman
Why in news: Tamil writer Sivasankari was presented with the ‘Saraswati Samman’ 2022 for her book of memoirs Surya Vamsam.
Key details:
- The Saraswati Samman is an annual award for outstanding prose or poetry literary works in any of the 22 languages of India listed in Schedule VIII of the Constitution of India.
- It is named after the Hindu goddess of knowledge, Saraswati.
- The Saraswati Samman was instituted in 1991 by the K. K. Birla Foundation.
- It carries a citation, a plaque, and prize money of ₹15 lakh.
- Candidates are selected from literary works published in the previous ten years by a panel that included scholars and former award winners.
- The inaugural award was given to Harivanshrai Bachchan for his four volume autobiography, Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon, Needa Ka Nirman Phir, Basere Se Door and Dashdwar se Sopan Tak.
About Surya Vamsam
- Surya Vamsam is a book of memoirs in two volumes.
- These two volumes together present not only the evolution of an innocent child into an acclaimed author but also unfold the transformation society has undergone in these seven decades.
- The book is an autobiography.Topic 6 : Global Hunger Index 2023
Why in news: India’s ranking in the Global Hunger Index 2023 fell to 111 out of 125 countries from 107 in 2022.
Key findings about India:
- The index also stated that India has the highest child-wasting rate in the world at 18.7 per cent, reflecting acute undernutrition.
- With a score of 28.7, India has a level of hunger that is “serious“.
- India’s neighbouring countries Pakistan (102nd), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal (69th) and Sri Lanka (60th) fared better than it in the index.
- According to the index, the rate of undernourishment in India stood at 16.6 per cent and under-five mortality at 3.1 per cent.
- The report also said that the prevalence of anaemia in women aged between 15 and 24 years stood at 58.1 per cent.
- The government, however, rejected the index, calling it a flawed measure of hunger that does not reflect India’s actual position.
What is the Global Hunger Index?
- Global Hunger Index is a tool for comprehensively measuring and tracking hunger at global, regional, and national levels.
- It is released by the Alliance2015, a network of seven European non-government organisations engaged in humanitarian and development action.
- The index captures three dimensions of hunger:
- insufficient availability of food,
- shortfalls in the nutritional status of children and
- child mortality (which is, to a large extent, attributable to undernutrition).
- It, accordingly, includes threeequally weighted indicators:
- the proportion of people who are food energy-deficient, as estimated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO),
- the prevalence of underweight in children aged under five years, as compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and
- the mortality rate of children aged under five years, as reported by UNICEF.
- Countries are ranked on a 100-point scale, with 0 and 100 being the best and worst possible scores, respectively.
What does GHI 2023 say about the world?
- After many years of advancement up to 2015, progress against hunger worldwide remains largely at a standstill.
- The 2023 GHI score for the world is 18.3, considered moderate and less than one point below the world’s 2015 GHI score of 19.1.
- Furthermore, since 2017, the prevalence of undernourishment, one of the indicators used in the calculation of GHI scores, has been on the rise, and the number of undernourished people has climbed from 572 million to about 735 million.