Civil Services in India, DengiAll Dengue Vaccine, New Ramsar Sites in India

(General Studies II – Governance Section – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.)

• The civil services in India have long been a coveted career path, but recent incidents have exposed significant issues within the system.
• Two recent events – a controversy involving an IAS probationer in Maharashtra and the tragic deaths of three aspirants in Delhi – have highlighted the need for reform in recruitment processes and a reevaluation of societal perspectives on public service.

Reasons for attraction to civil services –

1. Historical prestige and job security: The civil services have been considered a dignified and secure career option for decades.
2. Improved government salaries: The implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations in 2008 made government jobs more attractive, especially during economic downturns.
3. Perception as a means to serve the nation: Many view civil services as the primary way to contribute to national development.
4. Limited job opportunities in other sectors: Despite economic liberalization, government jobs remain appealing due to their stability and perceived status.
5. Social Status and Family Pride: A career in civil services is often viewed as a source of pride not only for the individual but also for their families and communities.

Issues created –

1. Credibility concerns: The case of IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who allegedly misused quotas and provided false documentation, has cast a shadow over the UPSC’s reputation.
2. Mental health struggles: The competitive environment leads to significant pressure on aspirants, with many attempting the exams multiple times. One aspirant reported to have been trying for seven years, despite qualifying for other opportunities.
3. Exploitation by the coaching industry: A vast coaching industry has emerged, capitalizing on the high failure rates and aspirants’ desperation. Millions join these centers annually, despite low success rates.
4. Prolonged pursuit: In one instance, out of 28 interview candidates, 27 were taking their fifth or sixth attempt. This prolonged pursuit can lead to candidates entering service at an older age, potentially affecting their motivation and performance.
5. Narrow focus on government positions: This mindset overlooks the value of other professions in nation-building.

Recommendations for reform –

1. Reduce the upper age limit: Lower the maximum age from 34-35 years to 25 years, with allowances for special categories, as suggested by the Kothari Commission.
2. Limit attempts: Restrict the number of attempts to three, with an additional attempt for special categories, to discourage excessive commercialization of coaching services.
3. Strengthen verification processes: Implement stricter checks for candidates’ credentials, including quotas and documentation, to enhance credibility and transparency.
4. Promote career diversity: The government, along with educational institutions like CBSE, should raise awareness about diverse career paths beyond civil services.
5. Broaden the concept of national service: Encourage young people to view various professions as valid forms of contributing to the nation.

“All honest hard work goes into building a nation. Public service neither has the monopoly nor does it provide any extraordinary opportunity to serve the nation.” Recognizing this principle is key to fostering a more diverse and dynamic approach to national development.

• Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, claimed responsibility for a massive terror attack in Somalia.
• The group has been waging war against the Somali government for the last two decades.
• In 2006, al-Shabaab, an offshoot of the al-Ittihad al-Islamiya (AIAI) militant group, seized Mogadishu.
• Al-Shabaab, advocating for strict Sharia rule, gained legitimacy as an alternative governance form amidst Somalia’s corrupt government.
• After losing control of Mogadishu and key ports to the Somali government, with help from AMISOM and the Somali National Army, al-Shabaab relocated to rural southern Somalia.
• Al-Shabaab remains a significant terror threat, responsible for over 4,000 deaths, surpassing Boko Haram as Africa’s most dangerous terror organization.

Dig Deeper: Read about various terror groupings associated with various African and West Asian Countries.

• India will host the third Voice of Global South Summit virtually, focusing on a sustainable future for developing countries.
• The summit aims to expand on previous discussions about complex challenges affecting the Global South, including conflicts, food and energy security crises, and climate change.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced the theme as “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future.”
• The summit will continue deliberations on challenges, priorities, and solutions for the Global South, particularly in the developmental domain.

Dig Deeper: Read about the South-South Cooperation.

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Panacea Biotec have initiated the first Phase 3 clinical trial for India’s indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine, DengiAll.
• It builds on strains (TV003/TV005) created by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
• Panacea Biotec, one of three Indian companies to receive the vaccine strain holds a process patent.
• The trial is primarily funded by ICMR and involves a two-year follow-up with participants.

Dig Deeper: Read about the development of indigenous vaccines for Tuberculosis and cholera.

• The Environment Ministry announced the designation of three more wetlands in India as Ramsar sites, bringing the total to 85.
• The newly added sites are the Nanjarayan and Kazhuveli bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu and the Tawa reservoir in Madhya Pradesh.
• This expansion increases the area covered by Ramsar sites in India to 1.3 million hectares.
• The environment minister highlighted that Tamil Nadu now has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India (18), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).
• India, a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 1982.
• India has added 59 wetlands to the list between 2014 and 2024, compared to 26 sites between 1982 and 2013.
• India’s Ramsar wetlands account for about 10% of the total wetland area across 18 states.
• India leads in the number of Ramsar sites in South Asia whereas globally United Kingdom (175) and Mexico (142) have more sites. Bolivia has the largest area under Ramsar protection. While this designation does not guarantee extra international funding, it can enhance tourism potential and international visibility.

Dig Deeper: Read about Wetland International.