1. Factors Behind Monsoon’s Early Nationwide Arrival (2024) – Geography
Why in News?
- The Southwest Monsoon 2024 has covered the entire country by June 29, 9 days earlier than the normal date of July 8.
- This is only the 10th time since 1960 that the monsoon has completed its nationwide spread in June.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Monsoon Onset and Progression
- Early Onset:
- Monsoon hit Kerala on May 24, setting the stage for its rapid advancement across the country.
- Regional Variation:
- Southern, Eastern & Northeastern India: Experienced early arrival.
- Northwest India: Near-normal timing.
- Central India: Slight delay noted.
Scientific Factors Behind Early Monsoon Coverage
1. Frequent Low-Pressure Systems (LPS):
- India saw five LPS in June 2024.
- These systems attracted moisture-laden winds from the ocean, accelerating inland rainfall activity.
2. Active Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO):
- A transient weather system of clouds, wind, and rainfall moving eastward near the equator.
- An active MJO led to:
- Increased cloud formation
- Enhanced rainfall
- Boosted monsoon energy
3. Favourable Monsoon Trough Position:
- The monsoon trough is a key low-pressure zone influencing rainfall.
- This year, its southward shift brought stronger moisture inflow, supporting early rainfall.
4. Neutral ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation):
- ENSO influences Indian monsoon intensity.
- Neutral ENSO conditions (neither El Niño nor La Niña) supported a normal and uninterrupted monsoon flow.
5. Neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD):
- IOD reflects sea temperature differences between the western and eastern Indian Ocean.
- A neutral IOD phase meant no additional disruptions or enhancements, allowing other factors to dominate.
Associated Concerns and Observations
- Despite the early onset, the season has been highly erratic:
- Sudden pauses
- Localized floods or droughts
- Uncertain continuity in rainfall patterns
- These fluctuations raise concerns for agriculture, disaster preparedness, and water resource planning.
Relevance to Himachal Pradesh
- Agricultural Dependency: HP’s Kharif crop cycle is heavily reliant on the timely arrival and distribution of monsoon rains.
- Disaster Risks: Early monsoon may increase the risk of landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts in HP’s hilly terrain.
- Water Resource Planning: Early rains affect hydropower output, reservoir management, and irrigation schedules.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
1. Which of the following contributed to the early arrival of the Southwest Monsoon in 2024?
A. Strong El Niño conditions
B. Neutral Indian Ocean Dipole
C. Absence of low-pressure systems
D. Weak Madden-Julian Oscillation
Answer: B. Neutral Indian Ocean Dipole
2. What is the usual date by which the monsoon covers the entire Indian subcontinent?
A. June 1
B. June 29
C. July 8
D. July 15
Answer: C. July 8
Mains
1. “The Indian monsoon is influenced by multiple interacting atmospheric and oceanic systems.” Discuss the key factors responsible for the early monsoon onset and its implications on Indian agriculture and disaster management.
2. “In the context of climate variability, early or erratic monsoon patterns present both opportunities and challenges.” Evaluate this statement with reference to Himachal Pradesh.
2. Latest Agriculture Output Report – Fruits Surge, Cereals Decline – Economy
Why in News?
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released new data highlighting significant structural shifts in India’s agricultural output and consumption patterns, marking a transition from traditional cereals to high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and meat products.
Key Findings of the Report
Gross Value Added (GVA) Growth:
- Agriculture GVA increased 225% in the last decade:
- From ₹1,502 thousand crore (2011–12)
- To ₹4,878 thousand crore (2023–24)
Surge in High-Value Crop Output:
- Strawberries:
- GVO increased 40x (₹55.4 crore in constant prices)
- 80x in current prices (₹103.27 crore)
- Parwal (Pointed Gourd):
- GVO rose 17x to ₹789 crore
- Pumpkin:
- GVO rose nearly 10x to ₹2,449 crore
- Pomegranates:
- GVO increased 4x to ₹9,231 crore
- Mushrooms:
- GVO increased 3.5x to ₹1,704 crore
Livestock & Meat Contribution Rising:
- Share of meat in agricultural GVO increased, indicating a shift towards animal-based food products.
Decline in Cereal Consumption:
Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) on Cereals:
- Urban: Declined from 6.61% → 3.74%
- Rural: Declined from 10.69% → 4.97%
MPCE on Fruits:
- Still relatively low, despite rise in production:
- Rural: Increased slightly (2.25% → 2.66%)
- Urban: Slight dip (2.64% → 2.61%)
Key Concepts Explained
Gross Value of Output (GVO):
- GVO = Total value of agricultural output before subtracting input costs.
- Measures the scale and focus of agricultural production.
Engel’s Law:
- As income rises, the proportion of income spent on food falls, even if actual food consumption increases.
- Explains why households shift from staples to diverse and high-value foods as income grows.
Broader Implications & Significance
1. Structural Shift in Indian Agriculture:
- From staple cereals to horticulture and livestock, indicating:
- Market responsiveness
- Improved profitability awareness among farmers
2. Consumption Patterns Reflect Rising Incomes:
- Urban and rural diets are shifting toward nutrition-rich and value-added items, in line with economic development.
3. Policy Implications:
- Need to support infrastructure for cold chains, food processing, and agri-marketing.
- Realignment of Minimum Support Price (MSP), subsidies, and research priorities may be necessary to support non-cereal crops.
Relevance to Himachal Pradesh
- HP farmers may benefit from the cultivation of high-value fruits (apples, kiwis, pomegranates, strawberries).
- Shift aligns with horticulture-focused development in HP.
- Need for investment in cold storage, processing units, and logistics to capitalize on these trends.
- The trend also links with HP’s growing organic farming and agri-tourism potential.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
1. Which of the following best explains Gross Value of Output (GVO) in agriculture?
A. Output minus input costs
B. Total export value of crops
C. Total value of agricultural output before deducting input costs
D. Net profit from agricultural sales
Answer: C. Total value of agricultural output before deducting input costs
2. Which of the following crops saw the highest increase in Gross Value of Output between 2011–12 and 2023–24?
A. Mushrooms
B. Parwal
C. Strawberries
D. Pomegranates
Answer: C. Strawberries
Mains
1. “The latest agricultural output data reflects a transition from quantity to quality in Indian farming.” Critically examine the trends in agricultural output and consumption patterns in India and their implications for future agri-policy.
2. “Changing food preferences are reshaping India’s agricultural economy.” Discuss this statement in the light of recent trends in Gross Value of Output and per capita consumption patterns.
3. “For a hilly state like Himachal Pradesh, high-value agriculture offers both opportunities and challenges.” Examine this statement with reference to the recent shift in national agricultural priorities.
3.Reserved Faculty Posts Are Still Vacant and Out of Reach – Polity
Why in News?
Despite constitutional guarantees and policy efforts to ensure social justice through reservation in education and employment, a significant number of reserved faculty posts in central universities remain unfilled. This trend raises serious concerns about institutional discrimination and policy implementation gaps in India’s higher education system.
Key Takeaways
Persistent Vacancies in Reserved Posts
- As of April 2021 (Union Education Ministry Data):
- SC faculty posts vacant: 2,389
- ST faculty posts vacant: 1,199
- OBC faculty posts vacant: 4,251
- Total data reflects vacancy across 45 Central Universities.
Systemic Barriers Hindering Reservation Implementation
- Institutional Autonomy vs Social Justice:
- Some universities resist reservations citing autonomy in recruitment.
- Undermines constitutional obligations for inclusivity.
- Discriminatory Recruitment Practices:
- Arbitrary rejections of qualified SC/ST/OBC candidates on vague grounds.
- Practices suggest implicit bias in academic hiring systems.
- 13-Point Roster System (2018):
- Shifted reservation calculation from the institution level to the department level.
- Smaller departments often do not meet the numerical threshold for reservations.
- Reduced overall opportunities for reserved categories.
Legal and Ethical Context
Constitutional Basis for Reservation:
- Article 15(4), 15(5), 16(4): Enable affirmative action in education and public employment.
- Goal: Achieve substantive equality and correct historical injustices.
Supreme Court View:
- Reservation is not a charity but a tool for ensuring representation and inclusion.
- Public institutions have a constitutional obligation to reflect India’s social diversity.
Implications and Concerns
- Underrepresentation in Academia: Marginalized communities lack visibility in higher education leadership and research.
- Democratic Deficit: Exclusion of SCs/STs/OBCs in faculty positions undermines democratic ideals of inclusion.
- Policy Failure: Despite legal provisions, implementation remains weak without enforcement mechanisms.
- Social Alienation: Rejection and non-recognition of marginalized scholars reinforces caste-based inequality.
Relevance to Himachal Pradesh
- HP’s own public universities and colleges must ensure adherence to reservation norms for equitable faculty representation.
- This issue reflects broader challenges of social equity and governance accountability, both central to the HP state bureaucracy.
- Candidates aspiring to administrative roles must understand how affirmative action policies translate into institutional practice.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
1. What is the key criticism of the 13-point roster system implemented in 2018 for faculty recruitment?
A. It increased reservation in higher education
B. It applied reservation uniformly across institutions
C. It shifted reservation calculation to the department level, reducing overall reserved posts
D.It removed reservation for teaching posts entirely
Answer: C. It shifted reservation calculation to the department level, reducing overall reserved posts
2. Which Articles of the Constitution of India provide for reservation in public education and employment?
A. Article 19 and 21
B. Article 15(4), 15(5), and 16(4)
C. Article 32 and 226
D. Article 14 and 45
Answer: B. Article 15(4), 15(5), and 16(4)
Mains
1. “Reservation in higher education is not just a policy but a commitment to democratic values.”
Critically analyze the challenges in implementing reservation in faculty recruitment and suggest reforms.
2. “Institutional autonomy cannot be a shield for denying constitutional rights.”
Discuss the tension between university autonomy and the obligation to implement social justice policies in India.
3. “Underrepresentation of SCs, STs, and OBCs in academia poses a serious threat to inclusive development.”
Examine the impact of vacant reserved posts on higher education and democratic equity.
4. Empowering Governance with Outcome-Driven Data – A Path to Viksit Bharat – Governance
Why in News?
India is shifting from traditional, input-based governance to a more outcome-driven, citizen-centric approach. This transformation is key to realizing the Viksit Bharat (Developed India) vision for 2047, with many states adopting innovative data frameworks to improve public service delivery and accountability.
Key Highlights
From Inputs to Outcomes
- Traditional governance emphasized spending and processes.
- The new model prioritizes measurable results in key sectors:
- Nutrition
- Health
- Education
- Livelihoods
Need for Reform
- Current data practices often track fund utilization and activities, not whether outcomes have improved (e.g. better learning levels, improved nutrition).
Introduction of the 4As Framework
A strategic approach to enhance the quality and usability of data in governance:
- Ascertain – Identify critical outcomes that matter most to citizens (e.g. literacy, immunization rates).
- Assess – Conduct regular, low-burden assessments to monitor progress.
- Assist – Support field-level workers through mentoring, tools, and training.
- Adapt – Modify strategies based on real-time feedback and evolving ground realities.
State-Level Innovations and Use Cases
- Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha are pioneering data-driven policy innovation.
- Notable programs:
- NIPUN Bharat Mission: Focused on foundational learning, using real-time dashboards to track student progress.
- Digital Monitoring Dashboards: Track education, health, and nutrition interventions at block/district level.
- Evidence-Based Budgeting: States are aligning financial allocations with outcome expectations.
Data Analytics Units (DAUs)
- Proposed within state planning departments.
- Role: Aggregate and synthesize data from multiple departments and sources for informed policymaking.
Governance Context and Significance
Why Outcome-Based Governance Matters:
- Improves public accountability.
- Ensures citizen-centric service delivery.
- Enables real-time course correction using field data.
- Enhances transparency in government functioning.
Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision:
- Envisions a developed India that is efficient, inclusive, and equitable.
- Data-based governance is a critical pillar for evidence-led decision-making in achieving this goal.
Relevance to Himachal Pradesh
- HP can adapt these frameworks in healthcare delivery, school education, and rural development.
- Implementation of data dashboards at the panchayat and block levels can enhance state-specific schemes like Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Yojana or Skill Development Initiatives.
- Promotes evidence-based decision-making in the state’s administrative planning processes.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
1. Which of the following is NOT a component of the 4As Framework for outcome-driven governance?
A. Ascertain
B. Assess
C. Allocate
D. Adapt
Answer: C. Allocate
2. The NIPUN Bharat Mission, recently seen in the news, primarily focuses on which of the following sectors?
A. Child nutrition
B. Digital governance
C. Foundational learning in education
D. Urban infrastructure
Answer: C. Foundational learning in education
Mains
1. “India’s governance model must evolve from process compliance to outcome accountability.” Discuss the importance of outcome-driven governance with reference to the 4As framework.
2. “Data is the new foundation of participatory and transparent governance.” Examine how state-level innovations are shaping a new model of governance in India. Illustrate with examples.
3. “Citizen-centric governance requires actionable data, not just digitized records.” Evaluate the role of real-time data systems in improving service delivery in Indian states, and suggest how Himachal Pradesh can benefit from such systems.
5. A Triangular Dynamic in South Asia’s Power Politics – International Relations
Why in News?
The geopolitical equilibrium in South Asia is being recalibrated due to evolving dynamics between India, the United States, and Pakistan. This shift is influenced by the return of Donald Trump to power, strategic realignments, and changing national interests, which have altered traditional diplomatic equations.
Key Highlights
United States – A Strategic Pivot
- Under Trump, the U.S. foreign policy reflects a transactional approach over traditional alliance-based diplomacy.
- Recent moves like financial support to Pakistan’s military hint at renewed U.S.-Pakistan engagement, raising concerns in New Delhi.
India – Strategic Assertiveness
- India’s initial enthusiasm for stronger U.S. ties has waned, particularly due to:
- U.S. military and financial overtures to Pakistan.
- India’s sensitivity to any geopolitical tilt favoring Islamabad.
- In response, India has hardened its defense posture, as seen in Operation Sindoor – a demonstration of military readiness and regional assertiveness.
Pakistan – Tactical Realignment
- Amid internal political instability and economic struggles, Pakistan is:
- Repositioning itself as a strategic ally for the U.S.
- Emphasizing military diplomacy and leveraging its geostrategic location to remain relevant.
Strategic Analysis: The Triangular Tension
Transactional vs Long-Term Alliances
- U.S. faces a dilemma: Balance short-term gains in engaging Pakistan (for regional counterterrorism, Afghan interests) with its long-term democratic and strategic partnership with India.
Fractured Trust
- India sees renewed U.S.-Pakistan ties as a betrayal of mutual democratic values and strategic commitments.
- Potential fallout could affect Quad cooperation, Indo-Pacific strategy, and bilateral defense frameworks.
Implications for Regional Stability
- Growing mistrust between India and the U.S. may:
- Encourage closer India-Russia or India-France ties.
- Push Pakistan to further depend on China, solidifying a China-Pakistan bloc.
- U.S. policy indecisiveness may undermine its influence in South Asia, ceding strategic space to China.
Doctrinal Shifts and Diplomacy
India’s Strategic Doctrine
- Shift from reactive diplomacy to preemptive strategic posturing.
- Enhanced focus on sovereignty, border security, and defense self-reliance.
U.S. Foreign Policy Under Trump (Phase II)
- Emphasis on bilateral deals, reduced multilateral engagement, and alliances based on tactical benefit.
- May de-prioritize democratic alignment, affecting traditional Indo-U.S. ideological convergence.
Relevance to Himachal Pradesh
- Understanding geopolitical shifts is crucial for HAS officers involved in national security, disaster preparedness, and inter-departmental coordination in border regions.
- South Asia’s power dynamics also affect India’s internal stability, border policy, and center-state coordination on security.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
1. Operation Sindoor, recently in news, is associated with which of the following?
A. Anti-terror operation in Kashmir
B. Coastal security exercise
C. India’s assertive military posture in response to regional developments
D. Humanitarian aid mission in the Maldives
Answer: C. India’s assertive military posture in response to regional developments
2. The term “transactional diplomacy” refers to:
A. Diplomacy based on shared historical values
B. Multilateral engagement with long-term strategy
C. Short-term deals based on mutual benefit rather than ideology
D. The use of trade as a tool of foreign policy
Answer: C. Short-term deals based on mutual benefit rather than ideology
Mains
1. “The triangular power dynamic between India, the U.S., and Pakistan continues to shape the strategic landscape of South Asia.” Critically examine the recent shifts in this trilateral relationship and their implications for India’s foreign policy.
2. “India must balance assertiveness with strategic autonomy in a volatile regional order.” Discuss in the context of changing U.S.-Pakistan relations and evolving global diplomacy.
3. “Transactional diplomacy threatens to erode trust in long-term international partnerships.” Evaluate this statement with reference to the recent U.S. foreign policy posture under Donald Trump’s second term.
6. Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme – India’s Bold Push for Jobs in Manufacturing – Economy
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme with a massive outlay of ₹99,446 crore, aiming to generate over 3.5 crore jobs in two years. It is part of a broader push under the Union Budget 2024–25 to address persistent challenges in India’s labour market, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
Key Objectives of the ELI Scheme
- Promote formal job creation, especially in the manufacturing sector.
- Encourage first-time employment by incentivizing new entrants into the formal labour force.
- Enhance labour formalisation, social security coverage, and skill development.
- Integrate the scheme within a broader ₹2 lakh crore employment and skilling package announced in the Budget 2024–25.
Core Components of the ELI Scheme
Part A: Incentives for First-Time Employees
- Target: Workers registering with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for the first time.
- Eligibility: Employees with salaries up to ₹1 lakh per annum.
- Benefit: One month’s EPF wage (up to ₹15,000) disbursed in two instalments.
- Coverage: Expected to benefit around 1.92 crore workers.
Part B: Incentives for Employers
- Target: Employers creating new formal jobs in specified sectors.
- Incentive: Monthly payments based on the salary bracket of new hires.
- Requirement: Employers must hire a minimum number of new employees to qualify.
- Projected Impact: Approx. 2.60 crore new jobs expected from this component.
Payment and Implementation Mechanism
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) used for transparency and efficiency.
- For employees: Payments routed through Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS).
- For employers: Incentives credited directly into PAN-linked bank accounts.
Broader Economic Implications
Labour Formalisation
- Encourages shift from informal to formal sector employment.
- Enhances social security coverage, particularly through EPFO integration.
Post-Pandemic Employment Recovery
- Supports job creation in a labour-intensive and high-potential sector (manufacturing).
- Complements other government initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, Make in India, and Skill India.
Boost to MSMEs
- Smaller manufacturing units may gain more through incentives tied to new hiring, improving their capacity and competitiveness.
Concerns and Challenges
- Trade unions express concerns over:
- Lack of robust accountability mechanisms
- Risk of temporary or contractual employment being misused to gain incentives
- Requires effective monitoring, clear compliance guidelines, and periodic impact evaluations.
Relevance to Himachal Pradesh
- Manufacturing hubs in Baddi, Parwanoo, and Paonta Sahib could benefit from increased hiring incentives.
- HP’s youth and first-generation workers stand to gain from formal employment entry.
- Implementation at the state level will require effective coordination between Labour Departments, Industry bodies, and EPFO offices.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims
1. The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme provides incentives to which of the following?
A. Only large-scale industrial units
B. Only new startups
C. First-time employees and employers creating new jobs
D. Retired employees rejoining the workforce
Answer: C. First-time employees and employers creating new jobs
2. Under the ELI scheme, employees eligible for benefits must:
A. Be earning more than ₹1 lakh annually
B. Be self-employed
C. Register with EPFO for the first time
D. Be over 60 years of age
Answer: C. Register with EPFO for the first time
Mains
1. “The ELI Scheme aims to boost both formalisation and employment in India’s manufacturing sector.” Critically examine the structure and potential impact of the scheme in the context of India’s labour market challenges.
2. “Incentive-linked employment schemes are necessary but not sufficient for sustainable job creation.” Discuss the opportunities and limitations of the ELI scheme in addressing India’s employment crisis.
3. “Schemes like ELI can benefit industrially developing states like Himachal Pradesh.” Analyze how Himachal Pradesh can leverage such central schemes to boost employment and economic diversification.