Competitive World

Tag: UPSC

  • National Security

    In this article, we will discuss National Security (Introduction). So, let’s get started.

    Introduction

    The safety of nation against threats such as terrorism, war or espionage.

    A country’s national security is its ability to protect itself from the threat of violence or attack we must deal with threats to our national security regardless of the cost.

    National security or national defence is the security and defence of a nation, state, including its citizens, economy and institution which is regarded as a duty of government.

    National security is this safe keeping of the nation as a whole it’s highest order of business is the protection of the nation and it’s people from attack and other external dangerous by maintaining armed force guarding state secrets.

    The three pillars of sustainable national security:

    A multi-sum security principle based on justice at all levels multilateralism and multi-dimensional (including human environmental, national, transitional, and transcultural/transcivilization security).

    Symbiotic realism in international relations whereby mutual cooperation among states conflictual absolute gains and

    Transcivilizational synergy which results from mutual respect, multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism, and cross-fertilization and will lead to global justice, security and prosperity. This is essential reading for anyone interested in an innovative approach to the complex yet central subject of sustainable national security.

  • Advantages of Food Fortification

    In this article, we will discuss Advantages of Food Fortification. So, let’s get started.

    Advantages of Food Fortification

    • Increase in Nutritional Value: The biofortified crops have 1.5 to 3 times higher levels of protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids compared to the traditional varieties.
    • Safer Method of Fortification: It is worth noting that these varieties are not genetically modified — they have been developed through conventional crop breeding techniques by the scientists.
    • Moreover, the addition of micronutrients to food does not pose a health risk to people. The quantity added is so small and so well regulated as per prescribed standards that likelihood of an overdose of nutrients is unlikely.
    • Nutritional Security at Large: Since the nutrients are added to staple foods that are widely consumed, this is an excellent method to improve the health of a large section of the population, all at once.
    • Does Not Require Behaviour Change: It does not require any changes in food habits and patterns of people. It is a socio-culturally acceptable way to deliver nutrients to people.
    • It does not alter the characteristics of the food—the taste, the feel, the look.
    • Quick Results: It can be implemented quickly as well as show results in improvement of health in a relatively short period of time.
    • Cost Effective: This method is cost-effective especially if advantage is taken of the existing technology and delivery platforms.
    • The Copenhagen Consensus estimates that every 1 Rupee spent on fortification results in 9 Rupees in benefits to the economy.
    • It requires an initial investment to purchase both the equipment and the vitamin and mineral premix, but overall costs of fortification are extremely low. Even when all program costs are passed on to consumers, the price increase is approximately 1-2%, less than normal price variation. Thus it has a high benefit-to-cost ratio.

    Indian Scenario

    • Currently, 15.3% of the country’s population is undernourished, and India has the highest proportion of “stunted” (30%) and “wasted” children (17.3%) below five years of age, as per the FAO’s recent report, ‘The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2021’.
    • These figures indicate that India is at a critical juncture with respect to nutritional security and will not be able to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of eliminating all forms of malnutrition by 2030 in the business-as-usual scenario.
    • Factors for Nutritional Insecurity: Access to nutritious food is only one of the determinants of nutrition. Other factors like poor access to safe drinking water and sanitation (especially toilets), low levels of immunisation and education, especially of women, contribute equally to this dismal situation.
    • As per the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) website, 21 varieties of biofortified staples including wheat, rice, maize, millets, mustard, groundnut had been developed by 2019-20.
    • A research team at the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute in Mohali has also developed biofortified coloured wheat (black, blue, purple) that is rich in zinc and anthocyanins.
    • Farmers from Punjab and Haryana have been roped in to multiply the production of this wheat variety. This points towards the beginning of a new journey, from food security to nutritional security

  • Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Functions)

    In this article we will discuss Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Functions). So, let’s get started.

    Functions of TRAI

    • Makes Recommendations: The function of the TRAI is to make recommendations on the following matters:
    • Need for introduction of new service provider.
    • Revocation of license for non-compliance of terms and conditions of licence.
    • Measures to facilitate competition and promote efficiency in the operation of telecommunication services to facilitate their growth.
    • Technological improvements in the services provided by the service providers.
    • Discharge of Responsibilities: The TRAI is responsible for discharging the following functions:
    • Ensuring the compliance of terms and conditions of licence.
    • Ensuring the technical compatibility and effective interconnection between different service providers.
    • Laying down the standards of quality of service to be provided by the service providers.
    • Ensuring the quality of service and conducting the periodical surveys of such services.
    • Timely and officially notifying the rates at which the telecommunication services within India and outside India shall be provided under the TRAI Act, 1997.
    • Non-Binding Recommendations: The recommendations of the TRAI are not binding upon the Central Government.
    • If the Central Government does not accept any recommendation of the TRAI or needs modifications, it refers the recommendation back to the Authority for its reconsideration.
    • The TRAI forwards to the Central Government its recommendation after considering the reference made by that Government within 15 days.

  • Economic Growth

    In this article, we will discuss Economic Growth (Definition). So, let’s get started.

    Economic Growth

    Economic growth is an increase in the production of economic goods and services compared from one period of time to another.

    Traditionally, aggregate economic growth is measured in terms of glass national product GNP or gross domestic product GDP all the alternative metrics are sometimes used.

    Definition

    Economic growth is an increase in production of goods and services in an economy. Increase in capital goods, labour force, technology, and human capital can all contribute to economic growth. Economic growth is commonly measured in terms of the increase in aggregate market value of additional goods and services produced. Using estimates such as GDP. In simplest terms economic lottery first when increase in aggregate productions in an economy. Often, but not necessarily aggregate games in production correlate with increased average marginal productivity that leads to an increase in incomes, inspiring consumers to open up their wallets and buy more which means a higher material quality of life or standard of living.

    In economic growth is commonly modelled as a equation of physical capital, human capital, labour force, and technology simply put increase the quantity or quality of the working age population, the tools that they have to work with and the recipes that they have available to combine labour, capital, and raw materials will lead to increased economic output.

  • Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Composition)

    In this article, we will discuss Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Composition). So, let’s get started.

    Composition of TRAI

    • Members: The TRAI consists of a Chairperson, two whole-time members and two part-time members, all of which are appointed by the Government of India.
    • Tenure of Members: The Chairperson and other members shall hold their office for a term of three years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
    • Chairperson: The Chairperson has the powers of general superintendence.
    • He/She presides over the meetings of the TRAI.
    • Vice-Chairperson: The Central Government may appoint one of the members of the Authority as the Vice-Chairperson of TRAI.
    • The vice-chairperson exercises and discharges the powers and functions of the Chairperson in his/her absence.
    • Removal of Members: The Central Government is empowered to remove any member of the TRAI, if he/she:
    • has been adjudged an insolvent
    • has been convicted of an offence which involves moral turpitude
    • has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a member
    • has abused his/her position; rendering his/her continuance in office prejudicial to the public interest.

    TRAI Meetings

    • The Chairperson has the power of organising the meetings at times. He/She presides over the meetings.
    • In the absence of the chairperson, the vice-chairperson presides over the meetings.
    • In the absence of a vice-chairperson, any member can be chosen from the authority to preside over the meeting.
    • The decisions in the meetings are taken by the majority vote of the members present.
    • In the event of an equality of votes, the Chairperson (or the member presiding the meeting) gives a second or casting vote

  • Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

    In this article, we will discuss Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Introduction). So, let’s get started.


    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established on 20th February, 1997 by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.

    Objectives of TRAI:

    • TRAI’s mission is to create and nurture conditions for growth of telecommunications in the country.
    • TRAI regulates telecom services including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the Central Government.
    • It also aims to provide a fair and transparent policy environment which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.

    Headquarters: The head office of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is located at New Delhi.

  • Agricultural Marketing System of India

    In this article, we will discuss Agricultural Marketing System of India (Concept). So, let’s get started.

    Concept

    Agricultural marketing system is an efficient way by which the farmers can dispose their surplus produce at a fair and reasonable price. Improvement in the condition of farmers and their agriculture depends to a large extent on the elaborate arrangements of agricultural marketing.

    The term agricultural marketing include all those activities which are mostly related to the procurement, grading, storing, transporting and selling of the agricultural produce. Thus Prof. Faruque has rightly observed: “Agricultural marketing comprises all operations involved in the movement of farm produce from the producer to the ultimate consumer. Thus, agricultural marketing includes the operations like collecting, grading, processing, preserving, transportation and financing.”

    The first method open to the farmers in India is to sell away their surplus produce to the village moneylenders and traders at a very low price. The moneylender and traders may buy independently or work as an agent of a bigger merchant of the nearly mandi. In India more than 50 per cent of the agricultural produce are sold in these village markets in the absence of organized markets.

    The second method of disposing surplus of the Indian farmers is to sell their produce in the weekly village markets popularly known as ‘hat’ or in annual fairs.

    The third form of agricultural marketing in India is to sell the surplus produce though mandis located in various small and large towns. There are nearly 1700 mandis which are spread all over the country. As these mandis are located in a distant place, thus the farmers will have to carry their produce to the mandi and sell those produce to the wholesalers with the help of brokers or ‘dalals’. These wholesalers of mahajans again sell those farm produce to the mills and factories and to the retailers who in turn sell these goods to the consumers directly in the retail markets.

    The fourth form of marketing is the co-operative marketing where marketing societies are formed by farmers to sell the output collectively to take the advantage of collective bargaining for obtaining a better price.

  • Agricultural Share of Indian Economy

    In this article, we will discuss Agricultural Share of Indian Economy (Introduction). So, let’s get started.

    Introduction

    Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about 58% of India’s population. Gross Value Added by agriculture, forestry, and fishing was estimated at Rs. 19.48 lakh crore (US$ 276.37 billion) in FY20. Share of agriculture and allied sectors in gross value added (GVA) of India at current prices stood at 17.8 % in FY20. Consumer spending in India will return to growth in 2021 post the pandemic-led contraction, expanding by as much as 6.6%.

    The Indian food industry is poised for huge growth, increasing its contribution to world food trade every year due to its immense potential for value addition, particularly within the food processing industry. Indian food and grocery market is the world’s sixth largest, with retail contributing 70% of the sales. The Indian food processing industry accounts for 32% of the country’s total food market, one of the largest industries in India and is ranked fifth in terms of production, consumption, export and expected growth.

    Principal agricultural commodities export for April 2020 – January 2021 was US$ 32.12 billion.

    Market Size

    The Economic Survey of India 2020-21 report stated that in FY20, the total food grain production in the country was recorded at 296.65 million tonnes—up by 11.44 million tonnes compared with 285.21 million tonnes in FY19. The government has set a target to buy 42.74 million tonnes from the central pool in FY21; this is 10% more than the quantity purchased in FY20. For FY22, the government has set a record target for farmers to raise food grain production by 2% with 307.31 million tonnes of food grains. In FY21, production was recorded at 303.34 million tonnes against a target of 301 million tonnes.

    Production of horticulture crops in India was estimated at a record 326.6 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY20 as per third advance estimates, an increase of 5.81 million metric tonnes over FY20. India has the largest livestock population of around 535.78 million, which translates to around 31% of the world population. Milk production in the country is expected to increase to 208 MT in FY21 from 198 MT in FY20, registering a growth of 10% y-o-y. Area under horticulture is projected to rise by 2.7% in FY21.

    Sugar production in India reached 26.46 MT between October 2019 and May 2020 sugar season according to Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).

    India is among the 15 leading exporters of agricultural products in the world. Agricultural export from India reached US$ 38.54 billion in FY19 and US$ 35.09 billion in FY20.

    The organic food segment in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% during 2015-­25 and is estimated to reach Rs. 75,000 crore (US$ 10.73 billion) by 2025 from Rs. 2,700 crore (US$ 386.32 million) in 2015.

    The processed food market in India is expected to grow to Rs. 3,451,352.5 crore (US$ 470 billion) by 2025, from Rs. 1,931,288.7 crore (US$ 263 billion) in FY20 on the back of government initiatives such as planned infrastructure worth US$ 1 trillion and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna. The food processing industry employs about 1.77 million people. The sector allows 100% FDI under the automatic route.

    Between April 2020 and February 2021, the total value of processed food products exports was Rs. 43,798 crore (US$ 6.02 billion). India exported key processed food products such as pulses, processed vegetables, processed fruits and juices, groundnuts, guar gum, cereal preparations, milled products, alcoholic beverages and oil meals

  • Definition of Economic Structure

    In this article we will discuss Definition of Economic Structure. So, let’s get started.

    An economic system or economic order, is a system of production resources allocation and distribution of goods and services within a society or a given geographic area.

    Economic structure is a term that describes the changing balance of output, trade, incomes and employment drawn from different economic sectors – ranging from primary (farming, fishing, mining etc) to secondary (manufacturing and construction industries) to tertiary and quaternary sectors (tourism, banking, software industries).  Changes in economic structure are a natural feature of economic life but they bring challenges in terms of reallocating factors of production. For example, a shift in production and jobs in one sector can lead to problems of structural unemployment. Our charts below track production in manufacturing, services and in agriculture for the UK economy.

    Economic structure is a term that describes
    the changing balance of output, trade,
    incomes and employment drawn from
    different economic sectors – ranging from
    primary (farming, fishing, mining etc) to
    secondary (manufacturing and construction industries) to tertiary and quaternary sectors (tourism, banking, software.

    Importance of Economic Structure

    Economic structures determine the rate of structural learning, affect institutional performance, influence the distribution of income and establish the direction of political transitions, thereby economic performance.

    Economic growth is important because it is the means by which we can improve the quality of our standard of living. It also enables us to cater for any increases in our population without having to lower our standard of living.

  • Social Security Issues Faced by Urban India

    In this article, we will discuss Social Security Issues Faced by Urban India. So, let’s get started.

    Social Security Issues Faced By Urban India

    • Spread of Infection: In the Covid-19 outbreak in India, big cities such as– Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai – were the main urban epicentres of the disease.
    • Rural-Urban Livelihood Security Divide: Though the Indian government operates the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), which is focused on self-employment through skill up-gradation and credit linkages through banks, the scheme does not have guaranteed wage employment provisions akin to what MGNREGA provides.
    • During the lockdown last year, the migrant labourers moved in large numbers from the urban to rural areas, which is symptomatic of the rural-urban livelihood security divide.
    • This migration tragedy and the economic slowdown have highlighted the need for a similar livelihood safety net in urban India.
    • Economic Effect: The economic crisis in urban areas is deepening as people who lost their jobs are yet to find replacements and little has been accomplished after the lockdown for the revival of livelihoods in the informal sector in the Indian urban area.
    • Public Distribution System & Social Sector Scheme Coverage: A larger proportion of households in urban areas did not have access to ration cards.
    • The social security schemes also had relatively better coverage among the rural poor as rural areas had better access to PDS rations.
    • Nutrition and Hunger: A decline in nutritional quality and quantity was more among the urban residents, as was the need to borrow money for buying food.