2023 05 26
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 2:
- Code of Conduct for civil servants
- Water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
GS Paper 3:
- The 2023-2033 Implementation Plan for Advancing Climate, Environment and Health Science
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
- Elayaperumal
- Tina Turner
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- Migration, Mobility Pact with Australia (MMPA)
- New Development Bank (NDB)
- India’s Child Wasting
- SAMARTH campaign
- Industrial Corridor Development in Andhra Pradesh
- International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs)
- Certification of Indian organic products
- Cosmic Dust Particles
Code of Conduct for civil servants
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Role of Civil Services in a Democracy
Source: IE
Context: Specially designed Conduct Rules govern a civil servant’s behaviour and conduct.
What are the civil services?
- There are 3 All India Services (governed by Article 312 of the Indian Constitution) – the IAS, IPS and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) – with officers allotted to various state cadres by the central government.
- The Centre then gets a certain percentage of officers from each state on central deputation.
- Other services are called Central Civil Services (such as the Indian Foreign Service, the Indian Revenue Service, Customs and Central Excise Service, etc).
- These are under the central government with no state cadre system.
Rules governing civil services:
- There are two sets of rules for civil servants – one for AISs (The AIS Conduct Rules, 1968) and the other for CCSs (The CCS Conduct Rules, 1964).
- These were framed based on recommendations from a committee – Committee on Prevention of Corruption headed by K Santhanam – constituted in 1962.
Code of conduct highlighted in the rules:
- Every member of the Service shall –
- Maintain high ethical standards, integrity and honesty; political neutrality; accountability and transparency; fairness and impartiality; responsiveness to the public, etc.
- Use public resources efficiently, effectively and economically; declare any private interests relating to his public duties to resolve any conflict of interest.
- At all times maintain devotion to duty, and do nothing which is unbecoming of a member of the Service.
- No member of the Service shall –
- Use his/her position to secure employment for any of his/her family members with any private undertaking/NGO;
- Give or take or abet the giving or taking of
- A member of the service may accept gifts from his near relatives or friends having no official dealings with them.
- But, he shall report to the government if the value of such gift exceeds Rs.25,000.
- While members can hold personal political beliefs, these rules restrict the degree to which they can act on them. For example, members not allowed –
- To be part of, assist political parties; interfere with or take part in an election to any legislature or local authority.
- To criticise any current policy or action of the government. However, civil servants are allowed to express their opinion on official documents.
Penalties for transgressions:
- Major penalties can include “dismissal” from the service as well.
- Besides, there are also the penal provisions mentioned under the Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA).
Issues with the Conduct Rules:
- Vague: For example, while the promotion of casteism is not covered under any specific Conduct Rules, casteist behaviour can be interpreted as “unbecoming of a member of the Service”.
- Ambiguous: Ideas like personal integrity are not well defined. That is why evils like taking dowry are banned but seemingly common.
- There is no ethical code for civil servants in India.
Insta Links:
PUBLIC SERVICE ETHICS/ADMINISTRATIVE ETHICS
Mains Links:
Has the Cadre-based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow in India? Critically examine. (UPSC 2014)
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, 26 May CA, Code of conduct for civil servants, Code of conduct v. Code of Ethics, GS 2, Today's Article, Today’s article
Water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Inter-State water dispute
Source: TH
Context: The water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, stemming from the Krishna River, remains unresolved even after nine years since the bifurcation of the combined state.
About the Dispute:
The dispute began with the erstwhile Hyderabad and Mysore states and later continued between successors Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It originated from the Gentlemen’s Agreement signed in 1956, which aimed to protect the Telangana region’s interests regarding water resources. In 1969, the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) was set up under the Inter-State River Water Dispute Act, of 1956, and presented its report in 1973. It divided water between Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
After the bifurcation of the state, both states have proposed new projects (e.g., the project to increase Krishna water utilization above the Srisailam Reservoir) without proper clearance from river boards and authorities as required by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. This led to complaints and disputes between the two states. Also, Telangana has been pushing for an equal share.
Legal Provisions:
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 mandates for the constitution of an Apex Council by the Central Government for the supervision of the functioning of the Godavari River Management Board and Krishna River Management Board. The Apex Council comprises the Union Water Resources Minister and the Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Constitutional provisions:
Inter-State River Water Disputes: Under Article 262, Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution and control of waters of any inter-state river and river valley. The Parliament enacted two laws, the River Boards Act (1956) and the Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956).
About River board:
The River Boards Act provides for the establishment of river boards by the Central government for the regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys. A River Board is established at the request of state governments concerned to advise them.
About Inter-State Water Disputes Act:
It empowers the Central government to set up an ad hoc tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between two or more states in relation to the waters of an inter-state river or river valley. The decision of the tribunal is final and binding on the parties to the dispute. Neither the Supreme Court nor any other court is to have jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute which may be referred to such a tribunal under this Act.
Way forward:
To address water disputes effectively, it is necessary to establish a permanent tribunal with Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction and amend Article 262 and the Inter-State Water Disputes Act. Communication channels must be improved for consensus-building, and the central body should represent states adequately. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has issued a gazette notification defining the jurisdiction of river management boards, which can help overcome challenges. Clear demarcation of power for each state should be followed.
Other Inter-State River Water Sharing Disputes:
| River (s) | States |
| Ravi and Beas | Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan |
| Narmada | Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan |
| Krishna | Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana |
| Vamsadhara | Andhra Pradesh, Odisha |
| Cauvery | Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry |
| Godavari | Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha |
| Mahanadi | Chhattisgarh, Odisha |
| Mahadayi | Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka |
| Periyar | Tamil Nadu, Kerala |
| About | Description | |
Godavari River |
The river (Source: Trimbakeshwar near Nasik; Length: 1465km) extends over the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in addition to smaller parts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and the Union territory of Puducherry. Its tributaries are: Pravara, Purna, Manjra, Penganga, Wardha, Wainganga, Pranhita (combined flow of Wainganga, Penganga, Wardha), Indravati, Maner and the Sabri | |
Krishna River |
The river (source: Mahabaleshwar (Satara); Length: 1400 km; third-longest river in India, after the Ganges and Godavari; fourth-largest in terms of water flows, after the Ganges, Indus and Godavari). It runs from four states Maharashtra, North Karnataka and the rest of its journey in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh before it empties into the Bay of Bengal. Its tributaries are Tungabhadra, Mallaprabha, Koyna, Bhima, Ghataprabha, Yerla, Warna, Dindi, Musi and Dudhganga. | |
| Srisailam project | It is constructed across the Krishna River in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana and Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh. It is the 2nd largest (1670 MW; after Koyna Dam 1960 MW) capacity working hydroelectric station in India. The dam was constructed in a deep gorge in the Nallamala Hills. | |
Insta link:
Mains Links:
Write a critical note on the Krishna River water dispute and critically evaluate the successes of tribunals in resolving river water disputes in India. (250 Words)
Prelims Links:
Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2019)
Famous place River
- Pandharpur Chandrabhaga
- Tiruchirappalli Cauvery
- Hampi Malaprabha
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Consider the following rivers: (UPSC 2015)
- Vamsadhara
- Indravati
- Pranahita
- Pennar
Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: D
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, Krishna water dispute, Today's Article, Water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
The 2023-2033 Implementation Plan for Advancing Climate, Environment and Health Science
GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation
Source:
Context: The World Meteorological Congress, the supreme body of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), is currently holding its 19th session (Cg-19).
The outcome of the Congress: It recognised climate change as a threat to human health and endorsed a 10-year plan – The 2023-2033 Implementation Plan for Advancing Climate, Environment and Health Science and Services by the WHO-WMO, to scale up health services.
About the plan:
Aim: To achieve better health and well-being for people facing existing and emerging extreme weather events, climate change and environmental risks.
How?
- Through the effective integration of climate, environment and health science and services across the world.
- It will promote a coordinated approach to managing the impact of climate, weather, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, extreme events, etc., on health.
Significance: It is significant when
- Climate-related illnesses (like malaria and dengue), premature deaths, malnutrition and threats to mental health and well-being are increasing.
- Climate-related cascading risks of extreme heat (15,000 people died in Europe in 2022), wildfire and air quality-related health risks are increasing.
Significance for India:
- In 2022, India recorded its hottest March which triggered an early onslaught of heat waves across north, central and east India from March-May.
- Extreme heat will oust 600 million Indians from their climate niche, exposing them to extreme temperatures by 2030.
Challenges:
Way ahead:
- The Early Warnings for All initiative: Extreme heat is a focus area of this UN initiative, which is one of the top strategic priorities at Cg-19.
Insta Links:
Is climate change affecting global health?
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, Environment and Health Science; WMO; GS 3; Today’s article; 26 May CA, The 2023-2033 Implementation Plan for Advancing Climate, Today's Article
Elayaperumal
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Source: TH
Elayaperumal, a late Dalit leader, played a crucial role in the abolition of hereditary priesthood in Tamil Nadu. The recommendations of the committee headed by Elayaperumal formed the basis for the historic amendment to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 1970. This amendment aimed to abolish the system of hereditary priesthood and allow individuals of all castes to become priests.
Usage: Values that we can use from his life: Equality; Social justice; Human dignity; Integrity; etc.,
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, hereditary priesthood, L. Elayaperumal, Today's Article
Tina Turner
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Source: IE
Tina Turner, the legendary musician, passed away at the age of 83. She was a trailblazer, especially as an African-American woman in rock and roll. Her singing talent and on-stage persona highlighted the pivotal role of African-American women in the genre.
Tina’s journey, marked by her escape from an abusive marriage, served as an inspiration to many. Her reinvention as a pop icon in the 1980s solidified her place in music history. Tina Turner’s contributions were widely celebrated, and she received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her impact extended beyond music, with a bestselling autobiography and a stage show based on her life. Tina Turner’s legacy as a pioneer across genres will continue to resonate.
Usage: Her life can be used as a story in an Essay paper. Also, values from her life e.g., Resilience and Perseverance; Overcoming Obstacles; Self-Belief and Empowerment; Embracing Change and Reinvention; etc. can be used in the Ethics paper
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, Tina Turner, Today's Article
Migration, Mobility Pact with Australia (MMPA)
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: LM
Context: India and Australia signed a migration partnership agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia.
Features of the Agreement:
- Aim: It is aimed at promoting two-way exchange of students, graduates, researchers, and business people, and expanding people-to-people ties.
- New Pathway: Their mobility will be facilitated through a new skilled pathway named MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme) specifically created for India.
Other developments:
- India announced the opening of a consulate in Brisbane, adding to its existing consulates in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney.
- The India-Australia hydrogen task force was established, to explore opportunities in green hydrogen and address energy targets.
To know details of India-Australia relations: Click here
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, India-Australia relations, Migration, Mobility Pact with Australia (MMPA), Today's Article
International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs)
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: ET
Context: The Indian finance ministry has announced that courses in financial management, fintech, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) offered by foreign institutions in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) (such as GIFT City) will be exempt from certain provisions of the University Grants Commission Act and the All-India Council for Technical Education Act.
Regulation: Regulatory framework of the respective home country shall apply in all academic matters in such FIs. Also, the regulatory authority for IFSCs, the IFSC Authority (IFSCA), will have limited jurisdiction over these courses.
Aim: This move aims to provide flexibility and encourage the participation of foreign institutions in offering specialized courses in the financial and technology sectors within IFSCs.
About IFSCs:
International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) are designated areas within a country that facilitate the conduct of global financial services. They are designed to attract international financial institutions, banks, and other financial service providers by offering a business-friendly environment and a range of tax benefits. It caters to customers outside the jurisdiction of the domestic economy.
Examples: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC); GIFT City; Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC); Shanghai International Financial Centre (SIFC)
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, GIFT City, International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs), Today's Article
India’s Child Wasting
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: According to the latest UN inter-agency estimates, India has the highest child-wasting rate globally, with over 18% of Indian children affected by wasting in 2020.
Other findings:
- India had a stunting rate of 31.7 per cent in 2022, down from 41.6 per cent in 2012
- India had an overweight percentage of 2.8 per cent in 2022, compared to 2.2 per cent in 2012.
- India is the largest country in southern Asia, where half of all children with wasting in the world live
- More than three-quarters of all children with severe wasting live in Asia
- There is insufficient progress to reach the 2025 World Health Assembly (WHA) global nutrition targets and UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goal target 2.2.
Comparison of stunting, wasting, and malnutrition:
| Stunting | Wasting | Malnutrition | |
| Definition | Low height-for-age due to chronic or recurrent undernutrition | Low weight-for-height due to recent and severe weight loss | Deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients, or impaired utilization |
| Causes | Poverty, poor maternal health and nutrition, frequent illness, inappropriate feeding and care in early life | Inadequate food intake and/or frequent illnesses | Inadequate nutrition, poor dietary diversity, poverty, food insecurity |
| Impacts | Physical and cognitive developmental delays | Increased risk of mortality, weakened immunity | Impaired growth and development, weakened immunity, increased susceptibility to diseases |
| Prevalence | Globally, over 22% of children under 5 were affected by stunting in 2022 (148.1 million children) | Globally, around 7% of children under 5 were affected by wasting in 2022 (45 million children) | The double burden of malnutrition affects many countries, with undernutrition and overweight/obesity coexisting |
| Long-term consequences | Stunting can lead to permanent physical and cognitive impairments, reduced productivity in adulthood | Severe wasting without timely treatment can result in death | Malnutrition can have long-term health consequences, including increased risk of noncommunicable diseases |
| Interventions | Improving maternal health and nutrition, promoting breastfeeding, access to nutritious food, improving sanitation and hygiene, health education | Timely detection and treatment, therapeutic feeding, access to healthcare services | Promoting balanced and nutritious diets, improving food security, and addressing socioeconomic factors |
 |
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| World Health Assembly (WHA) global nutrition targets | In 2012, the World Health Assembly identified six nutrition targets to be met by 2025. These are: Reduce stunting by 40% in children under 5; Reduce the prevalence of anaemia by 50% among women in the age group of 19-49 years; Ensure 30% reduction in low-birth-weight; Ensure no increase in childhood overweight; Increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months up to at least 50%; Reduce and maintain childhood wasting to less than 5%. |
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, child wasting rate, malnutrition, stunting, Today's Article
SAMARTH campaign
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: SAMARTH campaign was launched to promote digital transactions at Gram Panchayat Level
About the Campaign:
The SAMARTH campaign is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, to promote digital transactions at the Gram Panchayat level in rural areas.
Aim:
- To increase the adoption of digital payment methods, particularly among women, in 50,000 Gram Panchayats across the country.
- It seeks to empower rural communities by enabling them to participate in the digital economy and access the benefits of digital transactions.
It is part of the larger AmritMahotsav celebrations and is being implemented under the AzadiKaAmritMahotsav, which commemorates 75 years of India’s independence.
Don’t get confused with a similar named initiative: Samarth Scheme (search in FFP section) (under Ministry of Textiles)
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, SAMARTH campaign, Today's Article
Industrial Corridor Development in Andhra Pradesh
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: LM
Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India have signed a $ 141 million loan agreement to support the development of infrastructure in three industrial clusters in Andhra Pradesh.
Clusters are:
- Visakhapatnam node: Rambilli and Nakkapalli industrial clusters; Nakkapalli cluster
- Srikalahasthi-Chittoor node: Chittoor–South industrial cluster; Naidupeta industrial cluster
This financing is part of a larger $500 million multi-tranche financing facility approved by ADB in 2016. The funds will be used to improve roads, water supply systems, and electricity distribution networks in the clusters.
Aim: To promote industrialization, boost manufacturing, enhance competitiveness, and create job opportunities in these areas. The project also includes measures to strengthen resilience to extreme weather, improve disaster risk management, and promote gender-responsive and socially inclusive development.
Other Industrial Corridors:
| Corridor | States Covered | Funding |
| Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) | Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra | Government of India, Japanese loans; Japan depository receipts issued by Indian companies |
| Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) | Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka | Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) |
| Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC) | Maharashtra, Karnataka | Developed with the help of Britain (UK) |
| Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) | Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal | Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor is the backbone of this economic corridor. Being developed by the Government of India |
| East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) | West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu | Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) | Andhra Pradesh | Asian Development Bank (ADB) loans and grants |
 |
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, Andhra Pradesh, Industrial Corridor, Today's Article
International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs)
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: ET
Context: The Indian finance ministry has announced that courses in financial management, fintech, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) offered by foreign institutions in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) (such as GIFT City) will be exempt from certain provisions of the University Grants Commission Act and the All-India Council for Technical Education Act.
Regulation: Regulatory framework of the respective home country shall apply in all academic matters in such FIs. Also, the regulatory authority for IFSCs, the IFSC Authority (IFSCA), will have limited jurisdiction over these courses.
Aim: This move aims to provide flexibility and encourage the participation of foreign institutions in offering specialized courses in the financial and technology sectors within IFSCs.
About IFSCs:
International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) are designated areas within a country that facilitate the conduct of global financial services. They are designed to attract international financial institutions, banks, and other financial service providers by offering a business-friendly environment and a range of tax benefits. It caters to customers outside the jurisdiction of the domestic economy.
Examples: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC); GIFT City; Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC); Shanghai International Financial Centre (SIFC)
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, GIFT City, International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs), Today's Article
Certification of Indian organic products
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: HBL
Context: A European Union (EU) audit has found “many weaknesses” in the certification of Indian organic products for exports to the EU.
Issues highlighted:
- Farmers of various organic producer groups (PGs) lacked knowledge of organic farming.
- Infringement of NPOP norms, inadequate supervision and implementation of controls.
Regulator of Organic Products:
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) (under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale or import of Organic products through the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017 (under FSSA 2006).
Certification of Organic products:
| Certification | Description |
| Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) | Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Ensures organic product production adheres to quality standards. Does not require third-party certification agencies. Certification is carried out by local groups consisting of producers and consumers and is based on trust. Involves a documented logo or statement as proof of certification. |
| National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) | Implemented by APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. Regulates organic farming certification. Involves accreditation of Certification Bodies. Sets standards for organic production. Promotes organic farming and marketing. It’s Standards have been recognized by the EU, Switzerland, and the US. |
| Other Programs for Organic Production | NMSA (National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture): Promotes sustainable agriculture, including organic production. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY): Promotes organic farming. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER): Supports the development of organic value chains in the North East region of India. |
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, Certification of Indian organic products, Organic Farming, Today's Article
Cosmic Dust Particles
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: Indian scientists (from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics) have created a computer model of cosmic dust particles that can imitate the unique way interstellar comet 2I/Borisov scatters light.
Use: By studying the way light scatters off these cosmic particles, they can better understand how comets behave. The model accurately reproduced the scattering of light seen in experiments and observations. It revealed the presence of a large number of porous cosmic dust particles.
Cosmic dust particles:
| Description | |
| About | Cosmic dust particles are tiny solid particles that exist in outer space. They are composed of various materials, including minerals, metals, ice, and organic compounds. |
| Shape | From spherical to irregular or fractal-like structures. |
| Size | Ranging from nanometers to micrometres |
| Composition | Amorphous silicate (Forsterite) and amorphous carbon |
| Found in | Cosmic dust particles can be found in different environments, such as interstellar space, planetary systems, and the atmospheres of planets and moons. |
| Role played | They contribute to the formation of stars and planetary systems by providing material for accretion. They also scatter and absorb light, affecting the radiation properties of celestial objects. Additionally, these particles serve as building blocks for the formation of larger objects, such as asteroids, comets, and planets. |
May 26, 2023 /26 May 2023, cosmic dust particles, Today's Article