INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: E- Vehicle and Production Linjked Incentives (PLI) matter for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Project Tiger cells and India- Bangladesh relationship important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for August 8, 2024 |
🚨 UPSC EXAM NOTES presents the July edition of our comprehensive monthly guide. Access it to enhance your preparation. We value your input - share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section or via email at Support@upscexamnotes.com 🚨
Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on August 08, 2024
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II& III - Governance, Environment&ecology
Context:
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme in 2015 to promote adoption of electric/ hybrid vehicles (xEVs) including electric buses in India. Under this scheme, 425 electric and hybrid buses were deployed across various cities in the country with Government Incentive of about Rs. 280 Cr
Read about:
What is an E- Vehicle?
Significance of E-Vehicle Ecosystem
Key takeaways:
FASTER ADOPTION AND MANUFACTURING OF (HYBRID &) ELECTRICAL VEHICLES (FAME-II) is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at promoting the adoption and manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles. Launched in April 2019, it is an extension of the earlier FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme.
Here are the key aspects:
- The main goal is to support the development of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in India, reduce pollution, and decrease dependence on fossil fuels
- The scheme provides financial incentives to buyers of electric and hybrid vehicles to make them more affordable. It includes subsidies for purchasing EVs, charging infrastructure, and advanced battery technologies
- FAME-II covers a range of electric and hybrid vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and cars. It also supports the installation of charging stations and battery swapping stations
- The scheme has a budget allocation of ₹10,000 crore over a period of three years, focusing on increasing the adoption of EVs and building necessary infrastructure
- The scheme is managed by the Department of Heavy Industry, which is responsible for disbursing subsidies and ensuring compliance with the guidelines
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has introduced several initiatives to support the growth of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the adoption of electric buses in India:
- The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme, launched in 2015, aims to encourage the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, including electric buses. This initiative led to the deployment of 425 electric and hybrid buses across various cities, supported by government incentives totaling approximately ₹280 crore.
- The FAME India Scheme Phase-II was introduced in 2019, extending over five years with a total budget of ₹11,500 crore. This phase resulted in the sanctioning of 6,862 electric buses, with government incentives amounting to around ₹3,009 crore.
- The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the Automobile and Auto Component Industry (PLI-AAT) provides a budget of ₹25,938 crore to boost India’s manufacturing capabilities for advanced automotive products, including electric vehicles and their components. This scheme offers incentives for various types of electric vehicles, such as electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, trucks, and buses
Follow Up Question
1.Choose the correct option regarding FAME Scheme?
A.To promote the manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology
B.FAME stands for Faster adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles
C.FAME India is part of the National Electric mobility Mission Plan
D. All of the above
|
Answer (D)
The FAME Scheme aims to promote the manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology, stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, and is part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan
|
Categories of Specialty Steel under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international events
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance
Context:
Five broad categories of Specialty Steel were identified under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, which are – (i) coated/plated steel products; (ii) high strength/wear resistant steel; (iii) specialty rails; (iv) alloy steel products and steel wires and (v) electrical steel. Selected companies under the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel have committed to an additional investment of about ₹29,530 crores and an additional direct employment for about 18,000 persons by the end of scheme tenure.
Read about:
What is Production Linked Incentive (PLI)?
Benefits of PLI Scheme
Key takeaways:
- Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, five key categories of steel were identified: (i) coated or plated steel products, (ii) high-strength or wear-resistant steel, (iii) specialty rails, (iv) alloy steel products and steel wires, and (v) electrical steel.
- Companies selected under this scheme have pledged to invest approximately ₹29,530 crores and create around 18,000 additional direct jobs by the scheme's conclusion.
- The 'Made in India' branding initiative allows domestic steel products to be labeled with a ‘Made in India’ mark and a QR Code that provides detailed product information.
- This pilot rollout has been implemented by major Integrated Steel Plants. The 'Made in India' brand will help consumers access product details via the QR Code, fostering greater confidence in Indian-made steel products.
- Additionally, steel producers can market their products under the 'Brand India' banner internationally, attracting customers who prefer Indian-made steel.
- The Quality Council of India (QCI) facilitated stakeholder consultations to define the Country of Origin and quality criteria for steel and also developed and manages the technology platform for the 'Made in India' label, enabling manufacturers to register on this platform
Follow Up Question
1.Consider, the following statements : (UPSC 2023)
Statement-I : India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods.
Statement-II : Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India's ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
|
Answer (d)
Thus, Statement-I is incorrect while Statement-II is correct |
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Tiger Conservation Program, Project Tiger
Context:
Insufficient investigation into possible poaching cases, lapses during postmortem, and medical negligence leading to deaths — these are some of the red flags raised by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that was looking into the deaths of 43 tigers between 2021 and 2023 in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (34 deaths) and Shahdol Forest Circle (9 deaths)
Read about:
What is the National tiger conservation authority (NTCA)
Key takeaways:
- The report indicated that investigations into at least ten tiger deaths were insufficient. It pointed out a general lack of engagement from higher authorities and Forest Range Officers, which resulted in arrests in only two of five cases with unnatural causes of death or seized body parts.
- It also noted a failure to recover missing body parts in 10 out of 34 cases. The report criticized the absence of crucial evidence, such as mobile forensics, call detail records, and electric trip data in cases of electrocution, and the lack of effort to gather information on land ownership.
- Additionally, the SIT observed that in 17 cases, tiger deaths were hastily attributed to infighting without thorough investigation. The SIT was commissioned by the Chief Wildlife Warden to examine the high number of tiger deaths in the two regions
- The report detailed specific incidents, such as the discovery of a male tiger’s skeletal remains on May 14, 2021. The remains, missing 12 nails and all vital organs and whiskers, led to the arrest of three individuals for poaching.
- However, the SIT criticized the final report's errors and inadequacies, which resulted in the suspects being released on bail due to the failure to properly identify the seized body parts. The cause of death remained unclear due to the incomplete investigation
Project Tiger
Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative launched by the Government of India to protect and conserve the Bengal tiger population. It was officially launched on April 1, 1973, by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Key aspects of Project Tiger include:
- The project aimed to create and maintain a network of protected areas, known as tiger reserves, where tigers and their habitats could be safeguarded. These reserves provide a safe environment for tigers and help in preserving their natural habitats.
- Project Tiger focuses on a range of conservation strategies, including anti-poaching measures, habitat management, and the prevention of human-wildlife conflicts. It involves monitoring tiger populations and their health, as well as implementing policies to reduce threats to their survival.
- The project recognizes the importance of maintaining the broader ecosystem to ensure the survival of tigers. This includes conserving the flora and fauna within their habitat, which supports the tigers' prey and overall ecological balance
- Project Tiger emphasizes the role of local communities in conservation efforts. It involves engaging and educating local populations about the benefits of tiger conservation and providing alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on forest resources.
- The project supports research on tiger behavior, genetics, and ecology. It also involves regular monitoring of tiger populations to assess their health and threats, ensuring that conservation strategies are effective and adaptive.
- Over the years, Project Tiger has led to the establishment of numerous tiger reserves across India. The project has contributed to significant improvements in tiger conservation, though challenges remain, including habitat loss and poaching
Follow Up Question
1.The term ‘M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (UPSC 2017)
(a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
(b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
(c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
(d) Security of National Highways
|
Answer (b)
The term M-STRIPES stands for Management and Survey of Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status. It is a software tool used for the maintenance of tiger reserves in India
M-STRIPES, which stands for Management and Survey of Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status, is a comprehensive software system developed for the management and monitoring of tiger reserves in India. It was introduced by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to improve the efficiency of tiger conservation efforts and management practices.
|
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
Context:
Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana landed in Delhi as jubilant crowds thronged the streets of Dhaka and roamed the rooms and grounds of the Prime Minister’s residence, and the army declared it was taking charge of the country.
Read about:
Relation between India and Bangladesh
Learn about the Bangladesh Liberation movement
Key takeaways:
- Bangladesh's democratic history has been marked by several military interventions. In November 1975, the army appointed Chief Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem as president, leading to military rule.
- In 1977, General Ziaur Rahman assumed the presidency but was assassinated in 1981. His successor, Abdus Sattar, was ousted in a 1982 coup, which saw Army Chief H.M. Ershad take over until mass protests led to his resignation in 1990.
- Civilian governments then took charge, with Khaleda Zia (the widow of General Ziaur Rahman) serving from 1991-96 and 2001-06, and Sheikh Hasina from 1996-2001. There was also an attempted coup in 1996.
- After Hasina returned to power in 2008, she ensured the army remained out of political affairs. By 2010, the Supreme Court had closed legal loopholes that allowed military intervention and reaffirmed the secular values of the Bangladeshi constitution.
- In 2009, the Manmohan Singh administration extended humanitarian aid, aided by Hasina's close personal ties with the Gandhi family, which had played a crucial role in Bangladesh's liberation.
- Hasina's repeated election victories in 2013, 2018, and 2024 faced criticisms of legitimacy and alleged electoral fraud, particularly from the US and Western countries. However, she consistently received unwavering support from India.
- This support stemmed from India's concerns during the BNP-Jamaat rule from 2001-06, when anti-India terror groups operated freely from Bangladesh. For India, Hasina is seen as the leader who stabilized its eastern borders.
- Looking ahead, India faces diplomatic challenges. Over the past fifteen years, it has favored Hasina's Awami League over the BNP and Jamaat. This preference has led to perceptions of India supporting Hasina, while the Bangladeshi opposition and Western countries have viewed India as biased.
- Past issues from the BNP-Jamaat era might resurface, complicating India's position, especially when it is already dealing with tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and the ongoing standoff with the PLA in eastern Ladakh.
- On August 5, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman announced plans for an interim government to manage the country, urging the public to maintain peace.
- During the 1970 elections, Mujibur Rahman's Awami League won a decisive victory in what was then East Pakistan. However, Pakistan Army Chief General Yahya Khan refused to transfer power, leading to unrest in East Pakistan.
- On March 7, 1971, Mujib called for a struggle for independence, prompting the Pakistan Army's brutal Operation Searchlight, which involved mass killings, arrests, and widespread violence. This led to the Bangladesh Liberation War, with India intervening.
- After Bangladesh's independence, Mukti Bahini members were incorporated into the Bangladesh Army.
- On August 15, 1975, a group of young soldiers assassinated Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family, except his daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, marking the beginning of military coups in Bangladesh.
- On November 3, Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf, a supporter of Mujib, led a coup and named himself the new army chief. This was followed by a second coup on November 7, executed by left-wing army personnel and politicians from the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal.
- Ziaur Rahman established the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978, which won the general election that year. However, he was overthrown in 1981 by a mutinous army unit led by Major General Manzur.
- On March 24, 1982, Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammad Ershad led a bloodless coup, suspending the constitution and imposing martial law.
- Although parliamentary democracy was restored in 1991, military interference persisted. In 2006, political instability erupted after the BNP-Jamaat government’s term ended
Read also:
What is Teesta Agreement?
.jpg)
Follow Up Question
1.With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
- The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
- River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
- River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
|
Answer (b)
|
For Preliminary Examination: Unemployment, Types of Unemployment
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Economy
Context:
Between 70-85 per cent of currently employed youth in rural areas desire to change their jobs, the ‘State of Rural Youth Employment Report 2024’ has found. The report also indicated that agriculture and self-employment, traditionally key sources of rural labour absorption, are no longer seen as aspirational career paths by many young people in rural India
Read about:
What is Unemployment?
Statistics regarding Indian Unemployment
Key takeaways:
- According to the ‘State of Rural Youth Employment Report 2024,’ 70-85% of currently employed young individuals in rural areas are seeking new job opportunities. The report, which was compiled by the Development Intelligence Unit (DUI)—a collaboration between Transform Rural India (TRI), Sambodhi Research, and the Global Development Incubator (GDI)—reveals that agriculture and self-employment, traditionally significant for rural labor, are no longer viewed as desirable career paths by many young people in these regions.
- The report surveyed 5,169 ‘opportunity youth’ across 21 states, defining them as individuals who are either unemployed or underemployed, making up 70% of all rural youth in India.
- Among those employed who are looking to switch jobs, many prefer starting small businesses in manufacturing, retail, or trading, or seeking salaried positions in the public or private sectors. Of those interested in entrepreneurship, 90% of men and 50% of women indicated they require assistance with seed capital, whereas only 10% felt they needed comprehensive training.
- The report highlights that most respondents do not view agriculture as aspirational in its current form, with 70% citing low productivity and inadequate profits as key factors. They suggest that enhancing technical support, crop diversification, and access to affordable, high-quality agricultural inputs could make agriculture a more appealing option.
- Additionally, over 60% of men and 70% of women prefer working in or near their villages, even if it means accepting 20-30% lower income, underscoring the necessity for increased local employment opportunities.
- The report concludes that while rural youth are inclined to stay close to their villages for work despite lower wages, agriculture and self-employment are not currently attractive career options. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving sustainable rural employment solutions at scale
Read also:
What is Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE)?
Follow Up Question
1.Disguised Unemployment generally means (UPSC CSE 2013)
A. Large number of people remain unemployed
B. Alternative Employment is not available
C. Marginal Productivity od Labour is Zero
D. Productivity of Workers is Zero
|
Answer (c)
Disguised unemployment generally refers to a situation where a large number of people are employed in a job but their marginal productivity is zero. This often means that the extra workers do not contribute additional output or value, indicating that their presence is not adding to productivity. So the correct answer is: C. Marginal Productivity of Labour is Zero |
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Internal Security
Context:
During last 10 years since 2014-15 Rs. 6908 crore have been released for capacity building of the LWE affected states under the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), Security Related Expenditure (SRE) and Special Central Assistance (SCA) schemes. Further, Rs. 1000 crore have been given to Central Agencies for helicopters and addressing critical infrastructure in security camps in LWE affected areas, under Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM) Scheme
Read about:
What is Left Wing Extremism?
Differences between Naxalism and terrorism
Key takeaways:
- According to the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the subjects of Police and Public Order fall under the jurisdiction of State Governments.
- However, the Government of India (GoI) has been supporting states affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) through various means.
- To tackle the LWE issue comprehensively, a National Policy and Action Plan was established in 2015. This plan outlines a multi-faceted approach that includes security measures, development initiatives, and the protection of local communities' rights and entitlements.
- On the security front, the GoI aids LWE-affected state governments by providing Central Armed Police Forces battalions, training, funding for modernization of state police forces, equipment, weapons, intelligence sharing, and the construction of Fortified Police Stations.
- For development, the GoI has implemented several targeted initiatives in LWE-affected areas, focusing on expanding road networks, enhancing telecommunication infrastructure, and improving skill development and financial inclusion.
- Over the past decade, from 2014-15 to the present, Rs. 6908 crore has been allocated for the capacity building of LWE-affected states through the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), Security Related Expenditure (SRE), and Special Central Assistance (SCA) schemes.
- Additionally, Rs. 1000 crore has been provided to central agencies for procuring helicopters and improving critical infrastructure in security camps in LWE-affected regions, under the Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM) Scheme.
- The effective implementation of these policies has led to a significant decrease in violence and a reduction in the geographical extent of LWE activities.
- Incidents of LWE violence have dropped by 73% from their peak in 2010, with related deaths (civilians and security forces) falling by 86%, from 1005 in 2010 to 138 in 2023. In 2024 (up to June 30), there has been a 32% decrease in LWE-related incidents and a 17% reduction in resultant deaths compared to the same period in 2023.
- The geographic reach of LWE violence has also narrowed, with affected districts decreasing from 126 in 10 states in 2013 to 38 districts in 9 states as of April 2024.
- The number of police stations reporting LWE-related violence has decreased from 465 in 96 districts in 2010 to 171 in 42 districts in 2023. In 2024 (up to June), violence is reported in 89 police stations across 30 districts
Follow Up Question
1. The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discussthe corrective strategies needed to win the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into mainstream of social and economic growth. (UPSC 2015)
2. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left-wing extremism. (UPSC 2018)
3. What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (UPSC 2020)
For Preliminary Examination: Blue Revolution, Green revolution, Yellow revolution
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Economy
Context:
Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, for overall development of fisheries and aquaculture sector in a sustainable and responsible manner is implementing various schemes and details of such schemes including amount of subsidies, scheme components given to aquaculture farmers to increase fish production and to encourage trout fish farming etc
Read about:
What is a Blue revolution?
What is Maritime Governance and blue economy?
Key takeaways:
- The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a five-year initiative, running from the financial year 2020-21 to FY2024-25, with a total investment of ₹20,050 crore in the fisheries sector across all States and Union Territories.
- This scheme offers financial support up to 40% of the unit cost for general category beneficiaries and 60% for SC/ST/Women beneficiaries.
- It covers various developmental activities such as building ponds and tanks for aquaculture, providing input support, constructing hatcheries, and incorporating advanced technologies like Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Bio-floc systems.
- Other areas of support include installing cages in reservoirs, pen culture in open water bodies, supplying boats and nets to traditional fishermen, seaweed and bivalve cultivation, ornamental fisheries, and developing post-harvest infrastructure.
- This infrastructure includes cold storage, ice plants, refrigerated transport, fish vending centers, fish feed mills, retail markets, and value-added enterprises. The scheme also supports e-trading, upgrading fishing vessels, ensuring fishermen safety, providing livelihood support during fishing bans, and offering insurance, training, and extension services.
- Additionally, PMMSY promotes cold-water fisheries development, particularly trout farming, through support for trout raceways, brood banks, hatcheries, RAS, training, skill development, and import of improved cold-water strains.
- Over the past four years (2020-21 to 2023-24), the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has approved ₹193.53 crore for trout farming projects, including the establishment of 46 trout hatcheries, 5038 raceways, and 58 RAS units, along with the import of 804 germplasm units.
- The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), with a total fund of ₹7522.48 crore, provides concessional financing for developing fisheries infrastructure, including trout farming. This scheme offers an interest subvention of up to 3% per annum for a repayment period of 12 years, with a 2-year moratorium.
- In February 2024, the Government of India introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PMMKSSY), a Central Sector Sub-scheme under PMMSY, with an investment of ₹6000 crore.
- PMMKSSY focuses on formalizing the fisheries sector, incentivizing aquaculture insurance, enhancing micro and small enterprises, and adopting safety and quality systems for fish production.
- Since the financial year 2018-19, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility has been extended to fishers and fish farmers to support their working capital needs for fisheries and aquaculture activities, including trout farming
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following statements about India's Blue Revolution are correct?
- It was launched in 1985-1990 during the Seventh Five-Year Plan.
- Its primary focus is on marine fisheries development.
- The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a key component.
- It aims to increase both inland and marine fish production.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
|
Answer (a)
|
Subject and Subject Wise Notes for the Sunday Exam (Free)
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Indian Constitution | Non Constitutional bodies |
| History | Ancient History | Prehistoric times |
| Economy | NCERT Class 9 | Poverty as a Challenge |
| Geography | NCERT Class 9 | India Size and Location |
|
UPSC EXAM NOTES will be conducting both Prelims and Mains exams every Sunday as part of the Integrated Mains and Prelims (IMPM) Program. This program provides a comprehensive approach to UPSC exam preparation, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for both stages of the exam. Program Highlights:
Duration: The IMPM plan is a one-year program, ensuring continuous and structured preparation over 12 months. With regular testing and consistent study guidance, this program is designed to maximize your chances of success in the UPSC exams |