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[DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 24 MAY 2023]

CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM

 

1. Context 

Recently, the Carbon border adjustment mechanism, co-legislators at the European Commission signed the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). 
It has been described as a "landmark tool" to put a "fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive goods that are entering the EU and to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries".

2. About CBAM

  • Its primary objective is to avert carbon leakage. It refers to a phenomenon where an EU manufacturer moves carbon-intensive production to countries outside the region with less stringent climate policies.
  • In other words, replace EU-manufactured products with more carbon-intensive imports.
  • From 2026, once the CBAM is fully implemented, importers in the EU would have to buy carbon certificates corresponding to the payable carbon price of the import had the product been produced in the continent, under its carbon pricing rules.
  • Conversely, if a non-EU producer is paying a price (or tax) for carbon used to produce the imported goods, back home or in some other country, the corresponding cost would be deducted for the EU importer.
  • The Commission, in coordination with relevant authorities of the member states, would be responsible for reviewing and verifying declarations as well as managing the central platform for the sale of CBAM certificates.
  • Importers would have to annually declare by Mayend the quality and embedded emissions in the goods imported into the region in the preceding year.
  • The idea here is to avert the possibility of carbon leakage alongside encouraging producers in non-EU countries to green their manufacturing processes.
  • Moreover, it will ensure a level playing field between imports and EU products.
  • This would also form part of the continent's broader European Green Deal which endeavours to achieve a 55 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and become a climate-neutral continent by 2050.

3. Reasons for the Country's worry

  • CBAM would initially apply to imports of certain goods and selected precursors, whose production is carbon intensive and are at risk of "leakage" such as the cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen sectors.
  • In 2021, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) concluded that Russia, China and Turkey were most exposed to the mechanism.
  • Considering the level of exports to the union in these sectors, it stated India, Brazil and South Africa would be most affected among the developing countries.
  • Mozambique would be the most exposed least developing country.
  • Important to note, countries in the EU combined represent about 14 per cent of India's export mix for all products, steel and aluminium included.
  • India's exports in the five segments represented less than 2 per cent of the total exports to the EU between 2019 and 2021.
However, the impact of the regulation may appear limiting, its long-term effects can be severe for multiple factors.
  1. The EU is India's third largest trade partner and given the latter's projected growth trajectories, the size of exports (including in the CBAM sectors) will invariably rise.
  2. CBAM's scope would expand beyond its current ambit to include other sectors as well. Given India's products have a higher carbon intensity than its European counterparts, the carbon tariffs imposed will be proportionally higher making Indian exports substantially uncompetitive.
  3. International climate policies (including CBAM) will compel other countries to impose similar regulations eventually translating to "a significant impact" on India's trading relationships and balance of payments.
For Prelims: Carbon Leakage, EU, India, Climate Change, CBAM, European Green Deal, 
For Mains: 
1. What is Carbon Leakage? Discuss how will the new policy affect trade between India and European Union. (250 Words)
 
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? (UPSC 2014)
1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. The decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below
A. 1 and 3 only             B.  2 only              C. 1, 2 and 4 only          D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
 
Answer: C
 
2. Which of the following statements best describes the term 'Social Cost of Carbon'? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the  (UPSC 2020)
A. long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emission in a given year.
B. requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels.
C. efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place.
D. contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.
 
Answer: A
 
Source: The Hindu

NON SUGAR SWEETENER

 
 
1.Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued new guidelines on May 15, 2023 advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) like aspartame, saccharin, stevia and other derivatives as a “healthy” alternative to sugar. In its ‘conditional’ guideline, WHO says non-sugar sweeteners should not be used as a means of achieving weight control or reducing risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases. The spotlight on NSS intensified after 2015, when the WHO had said that high intake of free sugars is linked to weight gain and obesity, leading consumers to turn to NSS as an alternative.
sugar substitutes: FSSAI assessing WHO red flag on sugar substitutes - The Economic Times
2. About non-sugar sweeteners
Non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) are marketed as low or no-calorie alternatives to free sugars which aid in weight loss, and in controlling blood glucose in individuals with diabetes
NSS categories studied by WHO include acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, and stevia derivatives
Aspartame is popularly used to sweeten diet colas that claim to have ‘no sugar, no calories.’ Saccharin is used to sweeten tea or coffee.
3. WHO findings
  • The WHO analysed a total of 283 studies on the intake of NSS in adults and children
  • The outcome of the trials was that they noted ‘higher intake’ of NSS was associated with a 76% increase in risk of obesity and a 0.14 kg/m2 increase in BMI (Body Mass Index)
  • The WHO warned that long-term use of NSS could lead to increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease and cancer
  • Studies are required because currently the evidence cited by the WHO on non-sugar sweeteners has been categorised into either moderate, low or very low certainty
  • Moderate certainty indicates that WHO is moderately confident about the risks and that the true effect is likely to be close to the estimate, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different.
  • To prevent unfettered consumption of artificially sweetened products like chocolates and colas, as consumers tend to over-indulge in these with a perception that they may be better than sugary products
4. Concerns
  • Health experts point out that India should take necessary steps to guide people on non-sugar sweeteners because one in nine women and one in 25 men are obese, according to the latest National Family Health Survey
  • According to WHO data, Obese people are more prone to suffer from diabetes. There are an estimated 25 million people living with pre-diabetes in India
  • A food industry player who adds artificial sweeteners to the ice-creams the company sells says: “For us, developing products that have no added sugar but taste as sweet with similar palatability is a priority.”
  • The WHO says it is difficult to view the role of NSS in isolation when it comes to weight loss studies that were analysed, so it is important to note that the quality (nutritional profile) and quantity of diet are also crucial in this matrix
  • It recommends having alternative foods which are minimally processed, unsweetened foods and beverages
  • While analysing studies, WHO has found that weight loss in certain subjects cannot entirely be attributed to switching from sugars to NSS, as it also depended on having a reduced portion size or energy intake of food.
5. Way forward
The Ministry of Health will have to initiate discussions among policy-makers before it decides to adopt this ‘conditional’ recommendation as a national policy
The WHO recommends that with the help of this guideline, efforts should be made, with a focus on youngsters, to tweak taste preferences and eating behaviours
 
 
Source: The Hindu

TELANGANA AP WATER DISPUTE

 

1. Context

The nagging dispute over the water share of the Krishna River between Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) and Telangana remains unresolved, even nine years after the bifurcation of the combined State.
Krishna Water Dispute | 13 Jan 2022

2. What is the origin of the Krishna water dispute?

  • The dispute dates back to the formation of Andhra Pradesh in November 1956.
  • Before the formation of Andhra Pradesh, four senior leaders each from different regions of Andhra, including the Rayalaseema Region and the Telangana Region signed a Gentlemen’s Agreement on February 20, 1956.
  • Among others, one of the provisions of the agreement was the protection of Telangana’s interests and needs with respect to the utilization of water resources with equitable distribution based on treaties followed globally.
  • However, the focus of the combined dispensation with respect to irrigation facilities was on Andhra, which already had systems developed by the British at the cost of in­basin drought­prone areas in Telangana a fact which was argued by the leaders of the latter region from the beginning.
  • Further on, in 1969, the Bachawat Tribunal (KWDT­I) was constituted to settle the dispute around water share among the riparian States of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh (before bifurcation).

3. Allocation of water resources by Tribunal

  • The Tribunal allocated 811 tmcft of dependable water to Andhra Pradesh. The A.P. government later apportioned it in the 512:299 tmcft ratio between Andhra (including parts of Rayalaseema which comprise the Krishna Basin) and Telangana, respectively, based on the command area developed or utilization mechanism established by then.
  • The Tribunal had also recommended taking the Tungabhadra Dam ( a part of the Krishna Basin) water to the drought­prone Mahabubnagar area of Telangana.
  • However, this was not followed through, giving birth to discontent among the people. Telangana had time and again reiterated how it had been meted out with injustice in Andhra Pradesh when it came to the matter of distributing water resources.

4. What was the arrangement for water sharing after the bifurcation?

  • There is no mention of water shares in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, since the KWDT­I Award, which was still in force, had not made any region­wise allocation.
  • At a meeting convened by the then Ministry of Water Resources in 2015, the two States had agreed for sharing water in the 34:66 (Telangana: A.P.) ratio as an ad hoc arrangement with the minutes clearly specifying that it has to be reviewed every year.
  • The arrangement in the Act was only for the management of water resources by setting up two Boards, the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) and the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB).

5. Present dispute and latest developments

  • The recent dispute arose when Telangana ordered the generation of hydel power up to 100% installed capacity, leading to concerns about water availability for Andhra Pradesh’s drinking and irrigation purposes.
  • The Ministry of Jal Shakti communicated with TSGENCO, urging them to follow the water release orders issued by the KRMB. However, Telangana continued to generate hydel power, leading to further tensions.

6. Claims of the two states

  • Telangana has been asking the center to finalize water shares from day one of its formations. Citing treaties and agreements followed globally in sharing river waters, Telangana has been arguing that as per the basin parameters, it is entitled to at least a 70% share in the allocation of the 811 tmcft.
  • Besides, it has been highlighting how A.P. has been diverting about 300 tmcft of water to the areas outside the basin from fluoride-affected and drought-prone areas within the basin in Telangana.
  • On the other hand A.P. has also been staking claim for a higher share of water to project the interests of command areas already developed.

7. Stand of the Center

  • The Center convened two meetings of the Apex Council comprising the Union Minister and Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in 2016 and 2020 without making any attempt to deal with the issue.
  • Following a suggestion made by the MoJS in 2020, Telangana has withdrawn its petition over the issue in the Supreme Court as the Ministry had assured to refer the matter of water shares to a Tribunal.
  • However, the Centre has been sitting over the issue for over two years now even as the two states continue to spar over the matter in and day out.

8. About Krishna River

  • The Krishna is an east-flowing river. It Originates at Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra and merges with the Bay of Bengal Flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Together with its tributaries, it forms a vast basin that covers 33% of the total area of the four states. The principal tributaries joining Krishna are the Ghataprabha, the Malaprabha, the Bhima, the Tungabhadra, and the Musi.
  • Most of this basin comprises a rolling and undulating country, except for the western border, which is formed by an unbroken line of the Western Ghats.
  • The important soil types found in the basin are black soils, red soils, laterite and lateritic soils, alluvium, mixed soils, red and black soils, and saline and alkaline soils.
  • Right bank: Venna, Koyna, Panchganga, Dudhganga, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and Tungabhadra are the major right-bank tributaries.
  • Left Bank: Bhima, Dindi, Peddavagu, Halia, Musi, Paleru, and Munneru are the major left-bank tributaries.
  • Almatti Dam, Srisailam Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, and Prakasham Barrage are some of the major dams constructed on the river.

9. Constitutional Provisions

  • Entry 17 of the State List deals with water i.e., water supply, irrigation, canal, drainage, embankments, and water storage and waterpower.
  • Entry 56 of the Union List empowers the Union Government for the regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys.
Article 262
Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution, or control of the waters of, or in, any inter-State River or river valley.
Parliament may, by law provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint as mentioned above.
 
10. Laws Enacted by the Parliament under Article 262

10.1 River Board Act, 1956:

  • Purpose: To enable the Union Government to create Boards for Interstate Rivers and river valleys in consultation with State Governments.
  • The objective of Boards is to advise on the inter-state basin to prepare development schemes and to prevent the emergence of conflicts.
  • Till date, no river board as per the above Act has been created.

10.2 Inter-State Water Dispute Act, 1956:

  • When a State Government makes a request regarding a water dispute and the Central Government is of the opinion that it cannot be resolved by negotiation, a Water Disputes Tribunal is constituted to adjudicate the dispute.
  • The act was amended in 2002, to include the major recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission. The amendments mandated a one-year time frame to set up the water disputes tribunal and also a 3-year time frame to give a decision.
For Prelims: Krishna water dispute, Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), Inter-State Water Dispute Act, 1956, River Board Act, 1956, Article 262, Almatti Dam, Srisailam Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, and Prakasham Barrage, Tributaries of Krishna and Tributaries of Godavari.

Previous year Questions

1. Consider the following statements: (MPSC 2017)
1. According to Article 262 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of interstate river water disputes.
2. Article 262 empowers the President of India to set up an interstate river water dispute tribunal.
Select the incorrect statements
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
 
2. Consider the following statements: (MPSC 2018)
(a) Article 262 (2) of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to enact provisions barring the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court or other courts relating to water disputes of inter-state rivers.
(b) The Supreme Court verdict on the Cauvery Water dispute of 16th February 2018 expanded the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (by giving a re-interpretation of Article 136).
Select the correct option
A. Both statements are correct
B. Only the statement (a) is correct
C. Both statements are false
D. Only the statement (b) is correct
Answer: A
 Source: The Hindu

HARAPPAN CIVILISATION

 

1. Context

The latest round of excavations at the 5,000-year-old Harappan site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana’s Hisar has revealed the structure of some houses, lanes, and a drainage system, and what could be a jewelry-making unit, say Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials leading the project.
 
2. Harappan Civilisation
  • The Harappan/ Indus Valley civilization was the first urban civilization in South Asia, contemporaneous with the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt.
  • It was larger than ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia civilizations. First site excavated: Harappa site by Dayaram Sahni in 1921.
  • John Marshall: first scholar to use the term Indus Civilisation. Most accepted timeline: 2500 BC-1750 BC (Carbon-14 Dating).
  • Period: India Civilization belongs to the proto-historic period- Chalcolithic Age/Bronze Age. Heartland of Indus Civilization: Harappa-Ghaggar- Mohenjo Daro axis.
  • Indus sites found in Afghanistan: Shortughai and Mundigaq.
  • Capital cities: Harappa, Mohenjodaro.
  • Port cities: Lothal, Sutkagendor, Allahdino, Balakot, Kuntasi.
  • Areas covered: Harappan civilizationtion was triangular in shape and was the largest among the three ancient urban civilization the other two being ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). It roughly covers modern day Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Pakistan.
  • Father of Indian archaeology: Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Image Source: WEB

3. Four phases of Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC)

3.1 Pre-Harappan Phase from 7000 to 3300 BCE

  • This stage is located in eastern Balochistan.
  • Excavations at Mehrgarh- northwest of Mohenjodaro reveal the existence of Pre- Harappan culture.
  • The earliest evidence of farming and herding is in South Asia.
    This shows the first evidence of cotton cultivation. Nomadic people began to lead settled agricultural life.

3.2 Early Harappan Phase from 3300 to 2600 BCE

  • Characterized by rudimentary town planning in the form of muddy structures and elementary treat hearts and craft
  • Also related to Hakra Phase, identified with the Ghaggar-Hakra valley.
  • Village settlements in plain areas; Gradual growth of towns in Indus Valley.
  • The transition from rural to urban life in this period.
  • Indus script dates back to 3000 BC (This script is still undeciphered) Sites of Amri and Kot diji remain evidence for this stage.

3.3 Mature Harappan Phase from 2600 to 1900 BCE

  • Marked by a well-developed town with a burnt brick structure established foreign trade crafts of various types.
  • Excavation at Kalibangan with its elaborate town planning and urban features proves this the phase of evolution.
  • Slow southward migration of the South Asian monsoon allowed villages to develop by taming floods of the Indus and tributaries.

3.4 Late Harappan Phase from 1900 to 1300 BCE

  • It was the declining phase. During this several cities were abandoned and the trade disappeared.
  • A gradual decay of significant urban Traits is noticed. Reduction in rainfall triggered a reorganization into large urban centers.
  • Mature Harappan civilization was an ‘a fusion of the Bagor, Hakra, and Kot Diji traditions on Borders of India and Pakistan’- According to D.A. Lichtenstein
  • Large urban centers include Harappa, Ganeriwal, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi, Rupar, and Lothal. Excavation at Lothal revealed this stage of evolution.
  • Multiple regional cultures emerged within the area of IVC: Culture was in Punjab, Haryana, Western UP; Jhukar culture in Sindh, Rangpur culture was in Gujarat.
  • The latest phases of Harappan culture are Pirak in Balochistan, Pakistan, and Daimabad in Maharashtra.
  • The largest late Harappan sites are Kudwala in Cholistan, Bet Dwarka in Gujarat, and Daimabad in Maharashtra

4. Town planning and structure

  • The towns were in a rectangular grid pattern with roads at right angles. Used burnt mud bricks joined with gypsum mortar (contemporary Egyptian dried bricks were used).
  • The city was divided into two parts, the city on a raised platform, known as Upper Citadel & the lower town known as Lower Citadel (working-class quarters).
  • A fortified citadel was found, except in Chanhudaro. Most buildings have private wells and properly ventilated bathrooms.
  • Do not have large monumental structures such as temples or palaces for rulers, unlike Egyptian and Mesopotamian Civilization.
  • Evidence of an Advanced drainage system. At sites such as Dholavira and Lothal (Gujarat), the entire settlement was fortified, and sections within the town were also separated by walls.
  • The Citadel within Lothal was not walled off but was built at a height.

5. Agriculture

  • Main crops: Wheat and Barley. Evidence of the cultivation of rice in Lothal and Rangpur (Gujarat) only.
  • Other crops: Dates, Mustard, Sesamum, Cotton, Rai, Peas, etc.
  • First to produce cotton in the world and used it for textiles, Called Sindon by the Greeks.
    Used animal-drawn wooden plough, and stone sickles.
  • Gabarbands or Nalas enclosed by dams were found but channel or canal irrigation was
    probably not practiced.
  • Produced sufficient food grains and cereals were received as taxes from peasants and stored in granaries for wages and emergencies same as in Mesopotamia.

6. Domestication of Animals

  • Animals: Oxen, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, dogs, cats, asses, and camels domesticated.
  • Humped bulls were favored by the Harappans. Neither horse centered nor were they aware of it, but evidence of horses is found in Surkotada, Mohenjo Daro, and Lothal.
  • The lion was not known.  Elephants and Rhinoceros (Amari) were well known.

7. Technology and Craft

  • This is known as the first urbanization in India. Along with stone, they were well acquainted with copper, silver, gold, and bronze (occasionally mixed arsenic with copper instead of tin).
  • Iron was not known to the people.
  • Important crafts: spinning (Spindle whorls), bricklaying, boat-making, seal making, terracotta manufacturing (potter’s wheel), goldsmiths, bead making.
  • They were aware of the use of the wheel.

8. Trade and Commerce

  • The importance of Trade is established by the presence of Granaries, seals, a uniform script, and regulated weights and measures.
  • They engaged in inter-regional as well as foreign trade. Sumerian texts refer to trade relations with Meluha i.e. ancient name given to the Indus region & mentions two intermediate trading stations- Dilmun (Bahrain) & Makan (Makran coast).
  • Used boats and bullock carts for transportation. No metallic money was in circulation and trade was conducted by means of barter.
  • Import: Gold, Silver, Copper, Tin, Jade, Steatite.
  • Exports: Agricultural products, cotton goods, terracotta figurines, beads from Chanhudaro, conch-shell from Lothal, ivory products, copper, etc.

9. Social Organisations

  • Hierarchy in urban habitation. Merchants and priests were an important class of this period.
  • Harappans were fashion-conscious. Different hairstyles and wearing a beard were popular.
  • The use of cosmetics was common (Cinnabar, lipstick, and collyrium) Necklaces, filets, armlets, and finger rings were worn by both men and women but bangles, girdles, anklets, and ear-rings were worn by women only.
  • Beads were made from gold, copper, bronze, cornelian, quartz, steatite, lapis lazuli, etc. - naturalistic animal models as pin-heads and beads.

10. Religious Practices

  • Seal: Male deity Pashupati Mahadeva (proto- siva), three-horned heads, and is represented in the sitting posture of a yogi, surrounded by an Elephant, Tiger, Rhinoceros, and Buffalo, and two deer at his feet.
  • Harrapan was a predominantly secular civilization. Prevalence of the Phallus (Lingam) and Yoni, two deer.
  • The chief female deity was the mother Goddess. They worshiped both male and female deities.
  • The people of the Indus region also worshiped trees (pipal), fire, and animals (unicorns, humped bulls, etc).
  • Harappans believed in ghosts and evil forces. They used amulets against them.
  • Burials: At burials in Harappan sites the dead were generally laid in pits. Some graves contain pottery and ornaments, perhaps indicating a belief that these could be used in the afterlife.
  • Jewelry has been found in the burials of both men and women.

11. Seals and Sealings

  • Most of the seals are square-shaped (2x2 square inches) and made mostly from Steatite.
  • Seals had an animal (except cow and horse) or human figure on one side and an inscription on the opposite side or inscriptions on both sides.
  • Seals were primarily used for commercial purposes, as an amulet, as a form of identification, and for educational purposes as well.
  • Seals with symbols similar to the Swastika design have also been found. The round Persian Gulf seal found in Bahrain sometimes carries Harappan motifs.
  • Interestingly, local Dilmun weights followed the Harappan standard. 
Image Source: Web

12. Art

  • Bronze Casting: Practiced on a wide scale using the lost wax or Cire Perdue technique. They mainly consist of human and animal figures. Example: Dancing Girl. She stands in a Tribhanga dancing posture.
  • Stone Statues: Bearded man: found in Mohenjo- daro and made of Steatite, interpreted as a priest.
  • Red sandstone: a figure of a male torso is found in Harappa and made of Red sandstone.
  • Terracotta Figures: Found less in number and crude in shape and form. Examples: Mother Goddess, the mask of a horned deity, toys, etc.

13. The Decline of Indus Valley Civilisation

The IVC declined around 1800 BCE but the actual reasons behind its demise are still debated between:
  • Aryan Invasion: One theory claims that Indo-European Tribe i.e., Aryans invaded and conquered the IVC.
  • Natural Factors: On the other hand, many scholars believe natural factors are behind the
    decline of the IVC.
  • The natural factors could be geological and climatic.
  • It is believed that the Indus Valley region experienced several tectonic disturbances which
    causes earthquakes. Which also changed the course of rivers or dried them up.
  • Another natural reason might be a change in patterns of rainfall or it could have been due to a combination of these natural and anthropogenic causes.
For Prelims: Indus Valley Civilisation, Pre-Harappan Phase from 7000 to 3300 BCE, Early Harappan Phase from 3300 to 2600 BCE, Mature Harappan Phase from 2600 to 1900 BCE, and Late Harappan Phase from 1900 to 1300 BCE, Lothal, Sutkagendor, Allahdino, Balakot, Kuntasi.
For Mains: Discuss the phases of the Indus Valley Civilisation and explain the Political and Social life during the Indus Valley civilization. (250 Words).

Previous year Questions

1. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2011)
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
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
Source: World History Encyclopedia

UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

 

1. Context 

 
Recently, The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the Civil Services 2022 exam results.
The Civil services are among the most prestigious exams in the country, with around 10 lakhs taking them each year to qualify for the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and Indian Foreign Service, among others.

2. History of UPSC

  • The UPSC has its genesis in the Civil Service Commission set up by the British government in 1854.
  • Before this, civil servants in India were nominated by the East India Company and then trained at Haileybury College in London.
  • However, following a report by Lord Thomas Macaulay, it was decided that instead of nominations, civil servants should be selected through a competitive exam.
  • Thus, the Civil Service Commission was set up and for some years, exams were held only in London.
  • It was a decade later, in 1864, that Satyendranath Tagore (brother of Rabindranath Tagore) became the first Indian to clear the exam.
  • The exam started being held in India only in 1922, after the First World War.
Image Source: The Indian Express

3. In Independent India

  • The origin of the Public Service Commission in India is found in the First Dispatch of the Government of India on the Indian Constitutional Reforms on the 5th of March 1919 Which referred to the need for setting up some permanent office charged with the regulation of service matters.
  • This concept of a body intended to be charged primarily with the regulation of service matters found a somewhat more practical shape in the Government of India Act, of 1919.
  • Section 96(C) of the Act provided for the establishment in India of a Public Service Commission which should discharge, regarding recruitment and control of the Public Services in India, such functions as may be assigned thereto by rules made by the Secretary of State in Council.
  • On October 1, 1926, the Public Service Commission was set up in India.
  • The functions of the Public Service Commission were not laid down in the Government of India Act, 1919, but were regulated by the Public Service Commission (Functions) Rules, 1926 framed under sub-section (2) of Section 96 (C) of the Government of India Act, 1919.
  • Further, the Government of India Act, of 1935 envisaged a Public Service Commission for the Federation and a Provincial Public Service Commission for each Province or group of Provinces.
  • Therefore, in terms of the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935 and with its coming into effect on 1st April 1937, the Public Service Commission became the Federal Public Service Commission.
  • After independent India adopted its Constitution on January 26, 1950, the Federal Public Service Commission became the Union Public Service Commission, under Clause (1) of Article 378 of the Constitution.
  • All expenses for the UPSC are paid from the Consolidated Fund of India.
 
4. Functions of UPSC
 
 Functions of UPSC include
  1. Conducting  examinations for appointment to the services of the Union
  2. Direct recruitment by selection through interviews
  3. Appointment of officers on promotion or deputation or absorption
  4. Framing and amendment of Recruitment Ru
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