SEDITION LAW
1. Context
Recently, The Supreme Court said petitions challenging the constitutional validity of sedition law Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code need to be heard by a five-judge Constitution bench and directed that they be placed before the Chief Justice of India for this.
2. About ‘Sedition’
- The word "sedition" comes from the Latin word "seditio", which means "a going apart" or "insurrection".
- It is thought to have originated in the Roman Republic, where it was used to describe any act that threatened the stability of the state.
- Sedition is any attempt to overthrow or subvert the government by force or violence, or to incite rebellion against the government.
- It is a serious crime in most countries and can be punishable by imprisonment or even death.
- In the modern era, sedition laws are typically used to prosecute people who make public statements that are intended to incite violence or rebellion against the government.
- For example, someone who publishes an article calling for the overthrow of the government, or who gives a speech that encourages people to take up arms against the state, could be charged with sedition.
3. Sedition laws in India
- Sedition was incorporated into the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 1870.
- It is defined as any action that brings or attempts to bring contempt or hatred toward the government of India.
- Sedition cases are punishable with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
- It categorizes four sources of seditious acts-spoken words, written words, signs, and visible representations.
- It is classified as 'cognizable' (No need of a Court warrant to arrest the person ) and a 'non-bailable' and 'non-compoundable' offence.
- Some people believe that it is necessary to protect the stability of the state, while others believe that it is used to suppress dissent and free speech.
- It is important to note that the sedition law is only one of many laws that the government can use to crack down on dissent.
- Other laws, such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), have also been used to target critics of the government.
4. Historical Background of Sedition Law
The sedition law in India, as codified in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), has its historical roots in the colonial period during British rule. It was not drafted by Indian authorities but by the British colonial administration.
1. British Colonial Era: The sedition law was introduced by the British colonial administration in India during the mid-19th century. It was part of a series of legal measures enacted by the colonial authorities to suppress dissent and control the Indian population.
2. Lord Macaulay's Draft: The Indian Penal Code (IPC), which includes Section 124A on sedition, was drafted by Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay, a British historian, and politician. Macaulay was tasked with creating a comprehensive legal code for India, which would serve the interests of the British colonial rulers. The IPC was ultimately enacted in 1860.
3. Objective of the Sedition Law: The primary objective of the sedition law during the colonial era was to curb any form of opposition, criticism, or resistance to British rule. It aimed to quell nationalist movements, suppress publications, and silence voices advocating for Indian self-rule or independence.
4. Legal Context: Under colonial rule, the sedition law was used to prosecute and imprison Indian freedom fighters, journalists, activists, and intellectuals who were deemed to be challenging British authority. Prominent leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru faced sedition charges at various points in their lives.
5. Post-Independence Retention: After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the newly formed Indian government decided to retain the sedition law as part of the Indian Penal Code. While there have been discussions and debates about amending or repealing the law, it continues to be on the statute books.
5. Sedition law used against Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak
The sedition law was used against Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak on multiple occasions.
Mahatma Gandhi
In 1922, Gandhi was arrested and charged with sedition for his articles in the Young India newspaper. He was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison but was released after two years due to health reasons.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- In 1897, Tilak was arrested and charged with sedition for his speeches at the Shivaji festival. He was convicted and sentenced to 12 months in prison.
- In 1908, Tilak was arrested and charged with sedition for his articles in the Kesari newspaper. He was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison.
- Both Gandhi and Tilak were staunch critics of British rule in India, and their sedition trials were seen as attempts by the British government to silence them.
- However, their trials also helped to raise awareness of the Indian independence movement and galvanize support for it.
- In addition to Gandhi and Tilak, many other Indian independence leaders were also charged with sedition, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
6. About Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code
Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offence of sedition. It states that whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in India shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine. "Disaffection" is defined as "disloyalty and all feelings of enmity".
7. Punishment for the Offence of Sedition in India
- The punishment for the offence of sedition in India is imprisonment for life, to which a fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which a fine may be added, or with a fine.
- In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of sedition cases filed in India.
- This is partly due to the rise of social media, which has made it easier for people to share their views and opinions. It is also partly due to the government's crackdown on dissent.
The following are some examples of sedition cases that have been filed in India in recent years:
- In 2019, a journalist named Gauri Lankesh was assassinated. After her death, it was revealed that she had been facing sedition charges for her critical writings about the government.
- In 2020, a student named Disha Ravi was arrested for sedition for sharing a toolkit on social media that was related to the farmers' protests in India.
- In 2021, a comedian named Munawar Faruqui was arrested for sedition for allegedly making jokes about Hindu gods and goddesses.
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For Prelims: Young India newspaper, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Penal Code, Section 124 A, sedition
For Mains:
1. Discuss the challenges posed by the increasing use of sedition laws in India in recent years. Highlight specific cases and their impact on freedom of speech and dissent. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. The editor of ‘Young India’ was : (UKSSSC Forest Guard 2020)
A. Mahatma Gandhi B. C. Rajagopalachari C. Lala Lajpat Rai D. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer: A
2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was associated with (UPSC CAPF 2015)
1. Poona Sarvajinik Sabha
2. The Age of Consent Bill
3. Gaurakshini Sabha
4. Atmiya Sabha
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only B. 1, 2 and 4 C. 3 and 4 D. 2 and 4 only
Answer: A
3. Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, "Unto this Last" and the book transformed his life, what was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi? (UPSC 2011)
A. Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man.
B. The good of individual is contained in the good of all.
C. The life of celibacy and spiritual pursuit are essential for a noble life.
D. All the statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct in this context.
Answer: B
4. When was the infamous section 124-A relating to 'sedition' was incorporated into the Indian Penal code by an Act XXVII? (UGC NET 2020)
A. 1860 B. 1861 C. 1870 D. 1879
Answer: C
5. With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2015)
1. The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the 'Sedition Committee'.
2. In Rowlatt Satyagraha Gandhiji tried to utilize the Home Rule League.
3. Demonstrations against the arrival of the Simon Commission coincided with Rowlatt Satyagraha.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
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Source: indianexpress
OPERATION POLO
1. Context
September 13th marks the 75th anniversary of Operation Polo, the military action launched by the Indian Army on September 13, 1948, to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad
The Nizam of Hyderabad was dithering on joining India ever since Independence on August 15, 1947
2. Operation Polo
- Operation Polo, also known as the Police Action, was a military operation conducted by the Indian government in September 1948 to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad into the newly formed Dominion of India.
- Hyderabad was one of the princely states that had not immediately acceded to either India or Pakistan after the partition of British India in 1947
- The Nizam of Hyderabad state, Mir Osman Ali Shah, had the intention of keeping his state as an independent entity and did not join India or Pakistan after Independence
- he Nizam took advantage of the fact that the Indian government got preoccupied with the Kashmir war soon after Independence and all focus and resources were diverted toward tackling the Pakistani threat to Jammu and Kashmir.
- The Nizam signed a standstill agreement with India in November 1947
- This essentially meant that a status quo would be maintained between the Indian dominion and the Hyderabad state till a solution was found to the imbroglio
- The agreement was signed for a period of one year during which the Indian government would not exercise any authority over Hyderabad and all conditions prevalent at the time of signing the agreement would continue.
3. Background to launch Operation Launch
- Situated in the Deccan, Hyderabad was one of the most populous and richest states and had 17 districts including Aurangabad (now in Maharashtra) and Gulbarga (now in Karnataka)
- The landlocked state had a majority Hindu population with the state administration almost entirely run by its Muslim rulers.
- There was no common border with Pakistan but the Nizam had every intention to have fraternal relations with that country
- The Nizam’s administration in Hyderabad had taken advantage of the standstill agreement signed with India and the lull which followed to increase the number of its irregular force called Razakars which was led by Maj Gen SA El Edroos, the Arab commander in chief of the Hyderabad state forces
- The excesses of the Razakars on the predominantly Hindu population of the state, their belligerence along the state borders through cross-border raids, the overtures being made to Pakistan and the intention to establish an independent country in the heart of India were the reasons why the Indian government decided to act against Hyderabad and remove the threat of secession.
4.Nizam's forces vs Indian Army
- Hyderabad state forces numbered little less than 25,000 and only a fraction was well-trained. By one estimate, there were not more than two brigades worth of opposition.
- There were a substantial number of Razakars in the state but these ill-trained volunteers were more of a nuisance than any particular military opposition
- The Prime Minister of Hyderabad, Mir Laik Ali, had boasted that if the Indian Army acted against the state, then a force of 1,00,000 troops was ready to meet the challenge. In the end, this proved to be a hollow claim and the Hyderabad opposition to the Indian Army crumbled within the first two days of the offensive.
- The Indian forces were led by Maj Gen Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri, the General Officer Commanding of 1 Armoured Division, who later went on to become the Chief of Army Staff
- The primary strike against Hyderabad state forces was led by Maj Gen Chaudhuri’s division from the west aided by subsidiary and supporting thrusts from north, south and east of the state
- The primary strike by 1 Armoured Division from the west included 1 Horse (less one squadron) and 9 Dogra (less one company). This strike element included a Smash Force comprising 3 Cavalry, 17 Horse (less one squadron) and one company of 9 Dogra
- There was a Kill Force led by 7 Infantry Brigade which comprised 2 Sikh, 1 Grenadier, 14 Rajpur and one squadron of 14 Horse
- The Nizam of Hyderabad announced a ceasefire on September 17.
- On September 18, Maj Gen Chaudhuri entered Hyderabad city with his forces and Maj Gen El Edroos surrendered to him. Maj Gen Chaudhuri was later appointed the Military Governor of Hyderabad
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Previous Year Questions
1.Operation Polo was undertaken to merge which of the following State? (MPSC 2018)
A.Junagadh
B. Hyderabad
C. Kasmir
D. Limdi
Answer (B)
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Source: indianexpress
G20: CLIMATE ACTION
1. Context
The only new and clear deliverable on climate action at the recent G20 summit was a commitment to work towards tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030
According to an assessment by the International Energy Agency (IEA) earlier this year, this single measure could prevent 7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. Not surprisingly, in the past few years, countries have been repeatedly urged to accept this as a goal
2.Renewable energy
- Renewable energy refers to energy that is generated from naturally replenishing sources and is considered environmentally friendly because it produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions or other harmful pollutants. These sources of energy are often referred to as "renewable" because they are naturally replenished on a human timescale, unlike fossil fuels which are finite and contribute to climate change
- Incidentally, tripling of renewable capacities was also among the lowest-hanging fruits available to the G20 grouping on the climate front, despite some initial reservations from traditional fossil fuel-producing countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia
- Renewable energy is already being deployed at a rapid pace across the world, with annual capacity additions growing by around 10% every year. And though the push no doubt came from the developed countries, there is no inherent objection to the deployment of renewable energy from the developing countries
- For countries like India and China, the growth of renewable energy is also the most preferred way to contribute to the global fight against climate change, and bring down the role of fossil fuels in their economies.
Source: International Renewable Energy Agency
- Tripling capacities within seven years is an ambitious task, nonetheless. The current global installed capacity of renewable energy is just short of 3,400 GW. In 2022, about 295 GW of new capacity was added, the highest ever.
- To triple the total capacity by 2030, the world would have to add nearly 1,000 GW of new capacity every year.
- That is what agencies like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the IEA, and climate activists and civil society organisations have been pushing for
- Tripling renewable capacity by 2030 is an ambitious, yet achievable goal. Annual capacity additions have more than doubled from 2015 to 2022, rising by about 11% per year on average
Source: International Renewable Energy Agency
3. International Solar alliance role renewable Energy
- As part of their climate action plans, about 135 countries have promised to create or enhance their renewable energy capacities, but as of now most of the new capacity addition is happening in a handful of large developing countries.
- India and China together account for more than 50% of global capacity additions in each of the last five years.
- In 2022, out of the 295 GW of additional capacity installed throughout the world, China alone added 140 GW, or nearly 48%.
- The tripling target cannot be achieved without the rapid growth in demand from other developing countries, mainly in Africa
- The addition of the African Union to the G20 is expected to provide the right impetus for this. Also, it is likely that this commitment will be adopted by the COP28 climate change meeting in Dubai this year, in which case it will have global ownership
- In 2022, out of the 295 GW of new renewable capacity created, 191 GW, or 65%, came from solar energy. The ISA was created specifically for the purpose of rapidly scaling up solar energy across the world, but it is still to realise its full potential
4. Funds regarding Climate Action
- The other big challenge, of course, is the availability of financial resources. According to an IRENA outlook, investments of about 5.3 trillion USD would be required per year, till 2050, to enable the energy transition that will limit the global rise in temperatures to within 1.5 degree Celsius from pre-industrial times.
- But even if the tripling target is achieved by 2030, it alone would not be sufficient for the 1.5 degree Celsius goal.
- According to current projections, the greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 would exceed the 1.5 degree Celsius compatible levels by about 24 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Renewable energy, if tripled, would be able to avoid only 7 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, or less than one third of what is required.
- It is for this reason that many climate observers were disappointed with the G20 outcome
5. Way forward
he G20 meeting skirted most of the contentious issues greater emission cuts, phase-out of fossil fuels, massive mobilisation of financial resources and stuck to previously stated positions
G20 is not the forum where climate decisions are taken. That is the job of the climate change conferences called COPs. But with their heft and influence, G20 countries have the ability to galvanise global action. That is what the forum has decided to do with the promise on the renewable energy side
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Previous Year Questions
1. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substance? (UPSC CSE 2015)
A.Bretton woods conference
B. Montreal Protocol
C. Kyoto Protocol
D. Nagoya Protocol
Answer (B)
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Source: indianexpress
MARATHA RESERVATION
1. Context
With Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in sight, the complex politics of Maratha reservation has once again taken the centre-stage in Maharashtra politics
2. Who are Marathas?
- The Marathas are a group of castes comprising peasants and landowners among others constituting nearly 33 per cent of the state’s population
- While most Marathas are Marathi-speaking, not all Marathi-speaking people belong to the Maratha community
- This politically dominant community in state comprises nearly one-third of the population of the state
- Historically, they have been identified as a ‘warrior’ caste with large land holdings
- Since the formation of Maharashtra state in 1960, of its 20 chief ministers, 12 (including Eknath Shinde) have been from the Maratha community
- While division of land and agrarian problems over the years have led to a decline of prosperity among middle class and lower middle-class Marathas, the community still plays an important role in the rural economy
3. Demand for reservation
- Maratha reservation is a demand for reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and educational institutions in Maharashtra, India.
- The Maratha community is a large and influential community in Maharashtra, and they have been at the forefront of the Indian independence movement and other social movements. However, they argue that they are still socially and economically backward, and that they need reservation to improve their condition
- In 2018, the Maharashtra government passed a law to provide 16% reservation to Marathas in government jobs and educational institutions.
- However, the law was challenged in the Supreme Court, and in 2021, the Supreme Court struck down the law on the grounds that it violated the 50% ceiling on reservation set by the court in its 1992 Indra Sawhney (Mandal) judgment
- The new Maharashtra government, which was formed in June 2023, has said that it is committed to providing reservation to Marathas. However, it is unclear how the government will achieve this goal without violating the Supreme Court's 50% ceiling on reservation
- Some people argue that Marathas do not need reservation because they are not socially and economically backward.
- They point to the fact that the Maratha community has produced many successful politicians, businessmen, and professionals. Others argue that Marathas do need reservation because they are still struggling to achieve equality with other communities.
- They point to the fact that Marathas are overrepresented in manual labor and underrepresented in white-collar jobs.
4. Courts on Maratha reservation
- The court heavily relied on the findings of the 11-member Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) headed by Justice G M Gaikwad (retd). The commission surveyed nearly 45, 000 families from two villages from each of 355 talukas with more than 50 per cent Maratha population
- The HC expressed satisfaction over the data and observed that the commission had conclusively established the social, economic and educational backwardness of the Maratha community.
- It had also established inadequacy of representation of Maratha community in public employment in the state.
- In May 2021, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan struck down the provisions of Maharashtra law providing reservation to the Maratha community, which took the total quota in the state above the 50 per cent ceiling set by the court in its 1992 Indra Sawhney (Mandal) judgment.
- In November 2022, after the SC upheld the 10 per cent quota for the Economically Weaker Sections, the state government said that until the issue of Maratha reservation is resolved, economically weaker members of the community can benefit from the EWS quota
5. Way forward
Nearly five years later, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the important home portfolio, is once again the target of his opponents riding the Maratha quota politics. When MVA was in power (2019 to 2022), BJP also explored reservation issues to consolidate its base among Marathas. It yielded results, with BJP emerging as the number one party in local bodies elections
Source: indianexpress
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI)
1. Context
India’s retail inflation rate eased to 6.83 per cent in August from a 15-month high of 7.44 per cent in July 2023, mainly due to a slide in prices of food items, especially vegetables, data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) showed.
2. Consumer Price Index
- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the change in prices of a basket of goods and services that are commonly purchased by consumers. It is the most commonly used measure of inflation.
- The CPI is calculated by comparing the prices of the goods and services in the basket in a particular period to those of the same in a base period.
- The base period is usually the previous year's corresponding period. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the CPI inflation rate.
- The CPI is calculated for eight different categories of goods and services Food and beverages, Housing, Clothing and footwear, Transport, Health, Education, Communication, Recreation and Miscellaneous goods and services.
- The weights of each category in the CPI are determined by the expenditure patterns of urban households. For example, food and beverages have the highest weight in the CPI, followed by housing and transport.
- The CPI inflation rate is an important indicator of the cost of living.
- It is used by the government to set monetary policy and by businesses to make pricing decisions.
3. Wholesale Price Index
- The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is a measure of the change in prices of goods and services at the wholesale level.
- It is calculated by comparing the prices of a basket of goods and services in a particular period to those of the same in a base period.
- The base period is usually the previous year's corresponding period. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the WPI inflation rate.
- The WPI is calculated for 67 groups of commodities, which are further divided into 225 subgroups.
- The weights of each group and subgroup in the WPI are determined by the value of the goods and services produced in each group and subgroup.
- The WPI inflation rate is an important indicator of inflation at the wholesale level.
- It is used by businesses to make pricing decisions and by the government to set monetary policy.
4. Findings of the Report
4.1. Food inflation
- Food inflation in India remained high in August, at 9.94%. This was driven by rising prices of essential food items, such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, and oils.
- Eleven of the 12 items on the heavyweight food and beverages group of the CPI logged price increases, with oils and fats, the sole item logging a year-on-year decline in prices, posting its first sequential increase in nine months.
- Vegetables provided some relief, with tomatoes leading an appreciable month-on-month deflation of 5.88% in the 19-member basket.
- However, the cooking staples of potatoes and onions were among the seven items that continued to log sequential inflation (2.3% and 12.3%, respectively).
4.2. Monsoon deficit and rising crude oil prices
- The near-term inflation outlook is also made more uncertain by other factors, including a distinct deficit in monsoon rainfall.
- Besides the overall 10% shortfall, sharp regional and temporal anomalies in rain distribution have impacted either the sowing or the quality of produce of several farm items.
- Kharif's sowing of pulses had, as of September 8, recorded an 8.6% shortfall compared with the year-earlier period.
- Another inflation driver, crude oil, has also seen a steady rise in prices as the output cuts by major oil producers of the OPEC+ grouping start to bite.
- The price of India's crude basket had, as of September 12, climbed 7.2% from the average in August to $92.65/barrel, according to official data.
4.3. RBI measures to control inflation
- For the RBI, the latest inflation data further roils its interest rate calculus.
- Unless CPI inflation decelerates by an incredible 250 basis points in September to a 4.33% pace, price gains are certain to substantially overshoot the monetary authority's 6.2% forecast for the July-September quarter, leaving it with few real options to achieve its medium-term price stability goal of 4% inflation.
- As the RBI has been at pains to stress, failure to anchor inflation expectations risks hurting growth.
5. About the sticky Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- The sticky Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a subset of the CPI that includes goods and services that change prices relatively infrequently.
- These goods and services are thought to incorporate expectations about future inflation to a greater degree than prices that change more frequently.
- Some of the items included in the sticky CPI are Rent, Housing costs, Utilities, Education, Healthcare, Transportation, Household furnishings and appliances, Personal insurance, Recreation, and Miscellaneous goods and services.
- The sticky CPI is often used by economists to measure inflation expectations.
- This is because prices of sticky goods and services are less likely to be affected by short-term changes in supply and demand, and are therefore more likely to reflect changes in inflation expectations.
- The sticky CPI is also used by central banks to set monetary policy.
- This is because the central bank wants to make sure that inflation expectations are anchored at a low level.
- If inflation expectations start to rise, the central bank may raise interest rates to bring them back down.
6. How India’s retail inflation is measured?
- India's retail inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a basket of goods and services commonly purchased by urban households.
- The CPI is calculated by the National Statistical Office (NSO) every month.
- The CPI is calculated by comparing the prices of the goods and services in the basket in a particular month to those of the same in a base month.
- The base month is usually the previous year's corresponding month. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the CPI inflation rate.
- The CPI is calculated for eight different categories of goods and services, Food and beverages, Housing, Clothing and footwear, Transport, Health, Education, Communication, Recreation and Miscellaneous goods and services.
- The weights of each category in the CPI are determined by the expenditure patterns of urban households. For example, food and beverages have the highest weight in the CPI, followed by housing and transport.
- The CPI inflation rate is an important indicator of the cost of living in India.
- It is used by the government to set monetary policy and by businesses to make pricing decisions.
7. Calculation of Inflation
- Inflation is the rate at which the prices of goods and services increase over time.
- It is calculated by comparing the prices of a basket of goods and services in a particular period to the prices of the same basket of goods and services in a base period.
- The base period is usually the previous year's corresponding period. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the inflation rate.
There are two main ways to calculate inflation
1. Consumer Price Index (CPI): The CPI is a measure of the change in prices of a basket of goods and services that are commonly purchased by consumers. It is the most commonly used measure of inflation.
The CPI is calculated by the following formula:
CPI = (Cost of a basket of goods and services in current period / Cost of a basket of goods and services in base period) * 100
2. Producer Price Index (PPI): The PPI is a measure of the change in prices of goods and services that are produced by businesses. It is used to track inflation at the wholesale level.
The PPI is calculated by the following formula:
PPI = (Cost of a basket of goods and services at the wholesale level in the current period / Cost of a basket of goods and services at the wholesale level in the base period) * 100
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For Prelims: Consumer Price Index, Wholesale Price Index, Inflation, retail inflation, Producer Pirce Index, National Statistical Office, OPEC+, Crude oil, Kharif season, Monsoon,
For Mains:
1. Analyse the factors contributing to high food inflation in India in recent months. Discuss the impact of high food inflation on the Indian economy and suggest measures to mitigate it. (250 words)
2. Explain the concept of sticky inflation. What are the various factors that contribute to sticky inflation? Discuss the implications of sticky inflation for the Indian economy. (250 words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct? (UPSC 2015)
A. Controlling the inflation in India is the responsibility of the Government of India only
B. The Reserve Bank of India has no role in controlling the inflation
C. Decreased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation
D. Increased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation
Answer: C
2. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010)
1. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India is available on a monthly basis only.
2. As compared to Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI(IW)), the WPI gives less weight to food articles.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
3. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
1. The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
2. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does.
3. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
4. India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the reasons? (UPSC 2011)
1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last five years by about 30.
2. As a consequence of increasing incomes, the consumption patterns of the people have undergone a significant change.
3. The food supply chain has structural constraints.
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
Answer: B
5. The Public Distribution System, which evolved as a system of management of food and distribution of food grains, was relaunched as _______ Public Distribution System in 1997. (SSC JE EE 2021)
A. Evolved B. Transformed C. Tested D. Targeted
Answer: D
6. Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, up to what quantity of rice and wheat can be purchased at a subsidised cost? (FCI AG III 2023)
A. 35 kg B. 40 kg C. 30 kg D. 25 kg E. 50 kg
Answer: A
7. As per the the National Statistical Office (NSO) report released on 7 January 2022, India's Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow at ___________ per cent (in first advance estimates) in the fiscal year 2021-22? (ESIC UDC 2022)
A. 17.6 per cent B. 9.5 per cent C. 11 per cent D. 9.2 per cent E. None of the above
Answer: D
8. The main emphasis of OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is on which of the following? (UKPSC 2016)
A. The production of petroleum
B. Control over prices of petroleum
C. Both (a) and (b)
D. None of the above
Answer: C
9. In the context of global oil prices, "Brent crude oil" is frequently referred to in the news. What does this term imply? (UPSC 2011)
1. It is a major classification of crude oil.
2. It is sourced from the North Sea.
3. It does not contain sulfur.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 2 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
10. The term 'West Texas Intermediate', sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of (UPSC 2020)
A. Crude oil B. Bullion C. Rare earth elements D. Uranium
Answer: C
11. With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crops in India in the last five years, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
1. Area under rice cultivation is the highest.
2. Area under the cultivation of jowar is more than that of oilseeds.
3. Area of cotton cultivation is more than that of sugarcane.
4. Area under sugarcane cultivation has steadily decreased.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 2 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
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Source: The Hindu
