UPSC Yojana Magazine GIST : Feb 2024 || Micro Notes or Revision Notes for Civil Services

Topic-1: Initiatives for New India

Introduction:

• India’s young population (27.2% aged 15-29) is a powerful resource for development.
• Youths are crucial for social change, technological advancement, and economic growth.

Government Initiatives:

• Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan:
  • Young people are key ambassadors for the cleanliness campaign.
  • Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan organized “Swachh Bharat 2.0” activities in October 2022.
• Youth Volunteers:
  • Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports prioritizes youth volunteerism for nation-building and personal development.
  • Capacity Development Training Program launched for 14,000 NYKS volunteers.
  • Trained volunteers are crucial for realizing the “Panch Pran” (five resolves) announced by PM Modi.
    • These resolves include:
      • Developed India
      • Eliminating colonial mentality
      • Pride in heritage
      • Unity
      • Sense of responsibility among citizens
    • Youth volunteers played a key role in reaching households and inspiring citizens to raise the national flag during “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”.
  • FIT India Movement:
    • Encourages young people to participate in physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.
    • Universities and educational institutions are renovating sports facilities.
    • World Bicycle Day observed on June 3rd to promote fitness and reduce carbon footprint.
    • FIT India Freedom Run – a virtual race with nearly 7 crore participants.

Sports and Youth Development:

• Sports can be a great equalizer and unifier across cultures and backgrounds.
• Sports need to be recognized as a viable career option.
• Khelo India Program:
  • Launched to support athletes and improve the sports ecosystem.
  • Organizes Khelo India Youth Games and Winter Games annually.
  • Establishes Khelo India state centers of excellence and district-level centers.
  • Provides a talent discovery and development system.
  • Offers financial support for training and expenses.
  • Promotes rural and indigenous games to preserve culture and tradition.
  • Khelo India Mobile App used to identify sporting talent among 23 lakh school students.
  • Trained over 83,000 physical education teachers for talent scouting.

Way Ahead:

• States can adopt “One State, One Sport” programs based on local interest and infrastructure.
• Promote a sporting culture in Indian society.
• Organize more leagues, tournaments, and competitions at local levels.
• Government support to guide talented youth to international platforms.

Conclusion:

• Young people are not just India’s future, but also its present.
• They are the drivers of innovation in the age of AI (“AatmaNirbhar Innovation”).
• A healthy and fit young population is key to India’s growth.
• India’s G20 presidency is an opportunity for youth to showcase their talent and commitment to the nation’s betterment.

 

 

Topic-2: Nurturing Excellence of Our Yuva Shakti

Introduction:

• Young population is key to building a better future for India.
• India has a young median age (29) and a large working-age population (67%).
• 2020-2050 are seen as India’s “golden” economic years due to demographics.

Era of Techade:

• India has a thriving startup ecosystem (3rd largest globally).
• Number of unicorns increased rapidly (from 4 in 2014 to over 100 in 2022).
• 77,000 government-recognized startups operate across various sectors.
• Improved access to data, services, and reduced compliance burden foster growth.
• India’s ranking on the World Innovation Index rose significantly (81st in 2015 to 40th in 2022).
• Government initiatives like GeM platform address market access challenges for businesses.
• Digital India connects remote areas and fosters a modern, vibrant market.

Creators of Jobs:

• India’s growing economy reflects its multifaceted expansion (from $2 trillion in 2014 to $3 trillion in 2019).
• The government prioritizes youth employability through schemes like:
  • PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana
  • MUDRA program
  • Skill India Mission
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program benefits the manufacturing sector.
• Codification of labor laws extends benefits to the unorganized sector.
• Government initiatives improve the quality of life and empower the youth.

Holistic Education is Available:

• The New Education Policy reforms the education system.
• The new program focuses on improving learning outcomes and reducing dropout rates.
• Medical education has seen significant expansion (number of colleges increased from 387 in 2014 to over 600 in 2022).
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide quality education to tribal children.
• The number of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences has tripled.
• National Medical Commission (NMC) regulates medical education and ensures transparency.

Ease of Living – A New Reality:

• Swachh Bharat Mission has constructed over 11 crore household toilets.
• Ujjwala Yojana has provided cooking gas to over 10 crore families.
• SAUBHAGYA and Deendayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana programs ensure electricity access for nearly 98% of Indian homes.
• Over 1.34 lakh villages have achieved “Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus” status.
• Jal Jeevan Mission has provided clean tap water to over 10.75 crore rural homes.

Way Forward:

• Youth are crucial for India’s future development and aspirations.
• By 2047 (100th year of independence), India aims to be a developed nation with the largest economy.
• Government schemes focus on education, skills, health, and value systems for the youth.
• India needs to find new ways to harness the potential and aspirations of its young population.

 

Topic-3: FIT India: Towards a Healthy Future

Importance of Sports:

• Promotes holistic development – physical, mental, and cognitive.
• Inculcates core values – cooperation, discipline, teamwork, fair play, and tolerance.
• Improves social connectedness and prepares students for future collaboration.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes integrating sports and physical activities, including indigenous games, into education.
• National Curriculum Framework (NCFSE) under development will incorporate sports and fitness.

FIT India Movement (Launched Aug 29, 2019):

• Goal: Make fitness an integral part of daily life.
• Objectives:
  • Change behavior towards physical activity.
  • Promote exercise as easy, enjoyable, and free.
  • Raise awareness about fitness and various activities.
  • Encourage indigenous sports.
  • Activate schools, universities, panchayats, and villages.
  • Create a platform for knowledge sharing and personal fitness stories.

FIT India Initiatives:

• FIT India Samagra Shiksha Programme:
  • Annual sports stipend for government schools.
  • Additional sports award (up to Rs 25,000) for schools with national-level medal winners (min 2 students) in Khelo India games.
• FIT India School Movement:
  • FIT India School Week (Nov-Dec) to promote fitness awareness among students, parents, teachers, and staff.
  • Launched in 2019.
• FIT India Quiz (2021): Increase presence in schools and spread FIT India message.
• FIT India Freedom Run 3.0: Encourage mass participation.
• FIT India School Rating System: Rate schools based on available tools and facilities (3 or 5-star rating).
• FIT India Mobile App: Raise awareness about the movement.

Conclusion:

• Sports play a significant role in national development.
• India has a rich talent pool in sports.
• Government initiatives promote sports and fitness, leading to a systemic change in India’s approach to sports and games.

 

Topic-4: Youth and Health

Defining Youth:

• Generally considered ages 15-44 (early adulthood: 15-19 years; late youth: 20-44 years).
• One of the healthiest demographics (low mortality and disease rates).
• Prone to injuries (e.g., traffic accidents).
• Health behaviors in youth impact future health.

Importance of Youth Health:

• Youth are the most productive age group, driving the economy.
• However, they face various health challenges due to:
  • Physiology
  • Behaviors (diet, jobs)
  • Lack of physical activity (India ranks 8th lowest globally)
  • 3 out of 4 youth don’t meet recommended activity levels

Youth-Related Health Problems:

• Mental Health:
  • Major challenge due to academic pressure, violence, poverty, stigma, etc.
• Substance Abuse:
  • Linked to risky behaviors and other health problems.
• Tobacco Use:
  • Increases risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, etc.
• Physical Inactivity:
  • Only 20% of youth are sufficiently active (females especially low).
• Chronic Diseases:
  • Diabetes and hypertension are becoming widespread (1 in 10 Indians diabetic).
  • Childhood health issues can have long-term consequences.

Government Initiatives:

• Ayushman Bharat:Promotes preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles.
• FIT India Movement:Encourages physical activity among youth.

Creating a Public Health Movement:

• Multi-pronged approach needed: schools, workplaces, communities.
• Strengthen school health services for early intervention.
• Promote workplace wellness (exercise breaks, healthy cafeterias).

Healthy Lifestyle Practices:

• Mental Health Awareness:
  • Reduce stigma surrounding mental illness.
  • Seek professional help when needed.
• Physical Activity:
  • WHO recommends 75-150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.
• Adequate Sleep:
  • 6-8 hours of sleep nightly strengthens immunity and reduces stress.

Conclusion:

• Healthy youth are the foundation of India’s future development.
• Preventive healthcare and healthy habits are crucial for youth.
• Investing in youth health today secures a healthier nation tomorrow

 

Topic-5: Enablers for Employment

National Youth Policy (2022):

• Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Focuses on 5 key areas:
  • Education
  • Employment & Business Ventures
  • Leadership & Youth Development
  • Fitness, Health & Sports
  • Justice for All
• Organizations promoting youth development: NCC, NSS, NYKS.

Boosting Career Opportunities:

• “Rozgar Mela” initiative: Government recruitment drive for 10 lakh youth.
• “Karmayogi Prarambh” launched with Karmayogi Bharat Platform.
• India – A global leader in innovation & entrepreneurship (ranked 63rd in Ease of Doing Business 2020).

Mission Karmayogi:

• Launched by Capacity Building Commission (CBC) in 2021.
• Aims to improve government HR practices through capacity building of civil servants.
• Largest capacity-building program ever – targeting 1.5 crore officials.

Various Government Initiatives:

• Education:
  • Swayam Prabha – Free educational DTH channels for rural students.
  • PM e-VIDYA – Multi-mode access to education for 25 crore school children.
  • National Education Alliance for Technology (NEAT) – Connecting edtech companies with students and institutions.
• Skill Development:
  • Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) – Provides 10 lakh apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Skill India Mission by MSDE.
• Defence:
  • Agnipath program – Recruits 46,000 young people as “Agniveers” for a 4-year term.

Start-up India:

• Directorate for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognized 86,227 startups.
• India has the potential to attract $475 billion in FDI over the next five years.

Way Forward:

• Collaboration between government, private sector, and NGOs is crucial.
• Global challenges like COVID-19, Ukraine conflict, and geopolitical issues exist.
• India’s G20 presidency in 2023 with the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future” offers hope for a better future.
• Youth will play a significant role in shaping the future.

 

Topic-6: Youth for Environment Sustainability

Climate Change and Youth Action:

• Urgent action needed to combat climate change and preserve environment.
• Youth-led initiatives can improve education, achieve net-zero emissions, and ensure a sustainable future.
• Strategic frameworks, policies, and monitoring are crucial for land management, disaster response, and biodiversity conservation.
• With 1.8 billion people aged 10-24 globally (mostly in developing nations), youth represent a powerful force for change.

Roles of Youth in SDGs:

• Critical Thinkers: Analyze challenges, biases, and inconsistencies in sustainability efforts.
• Changemakers: Mobilize people and take action.
• Innovators: Propose creative solutions and new ideas.
• Communicators: Advocate for environmental causes locally and globally.
• Leaders: Drive change when empowered with appropriate roles and responsibilities.

Youth and SDG 15: Life on Land:

• Youth can significantly contribute to SDG 15 by:
  • Adopting sustainable lifestyles.
  • Taking positive environmental actions.

LiFE Movement:

• Launched by the Indian Prime Minister at COP26.
• Promotes a greener lifestyle focused on mindful use and reduced consumption.
• Encourages individuals to take small, consistent steps towards a sustainable future.
• Aims to build a global community of “Pro-Planet People” (P3) committed to eco-friendly living.

The Way Forward:

• Utilize social media to foster social learning for sustainable development.
• Promote sustainable practices like resource reuse and recycling.
• Support young social entrepreneurs with a robust business ecosystem.
• Strengthen green career education and job placement processes.

 

Topic-7: Shaping Digital Economy

Millennials Driving Digital India:

• Millennials (born 1980-2000) are digital natives.
• They are ideal candidates to shape India’s digital economy due to their reliance on digital tools.

Success of Indian Youth:

• Young Indians (under 35) are starting numerous internet-based businesses.
• India has 81 unicorns (startup valued at over $1 billion) with a total valuation of $274 billion.
• 90 founders of the top 500 US unicorns are Indian citizens.
• Many successful technopreneurs globally started young (in their 20s).
• India leads the “Forbes 30 Under 30” 2022 list with 61 young achievers.

Leaders in Content Creation:

• At least 8 crore young content creators and knowledge workers are using platforms like YouTube to create and monetize content.
• Opportunities exist in both metros and Tier-2 cities.

The Gig Economy:

• The gig economy is crucial for India with a 750% increase in youth (16-18) seeking gig jobs (study).
• NITI Aayog estimates 77 lakh (7.7 million) people were employed in the gig economy in 2020-2021.
• This number is projected to reach 2.35 crore (23.5 million) by 2029-2030.
• Medium-skilled jobs dominate the gig economy (47%), followed by high-skilled (22%) and low-skilled (31%).
• Youths’ openness to new opportunities makes gig jobs attractive.

Science Education:

• A large young population can fuel a domestic market for digital products and services.
• More Indian students are opting for science and engineering degrees, which is positive for the nation’s future.
• Engineering institutes produce around 15 lakh tech graduates annually.

Conclusion:

• With the 2020s being called the “Techade” by PM Modi, India relies on its youth to lead the digital economy.
• A tech-savvy, tech-skilled, and tech-confident young population is crucial for India to become a top global economy.

 

 

Topic-8: Youth Icons of India

Importance of Youth:

• Agents of change for social development, markets, and policy.
• Instrumental for achieving AatmaNirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Business Leaders:

• Sundar Pichai (CEO, Google) – Awarded Padma Bhushan 2022.
• Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft) – Awarded Padma Bhushan 2022 for contributions to business and industry.
• Naveen Tiwari (Founder, Glance and Roposo) – Innovative online services.

Sports Icons:

• Sharath Kamal Achanta (Table Tennis) – Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2022.
• Seema Punia (Athletics) – Arjuna Award 2022.
• Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw) – First Indian Olympic gold medalist in Athletics (Tokyo 2020).
• Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (Chess) – Defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen.

 

 

Topic-9 : Leading India towards Techade

Youth and Participatory Governance:

• Young people’s participation is crucial for civic skill development and sustainable communities. (66% of India’s population is under 65)
• MyGov App is a citizen-centric platform promoting participation.
• India’s democratic values emphasize Sarvodaya (upliftment of all) and Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person).
• Participatory governance is essential for achieving these goals.

Need for Participatory Governance:

• Effective governance requires citizen participation.
• People’s voices are central to creating and implementing policies that affect them (PM Modi).
• Citizen involvement helps develop better action plans at all levels.
• Informed citizenry leads to better government decision-making.

MyGov App and Participatory Governance:

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• MyGov uses various methods for citizen engagement: discussions, tasks, polls, blogs, etc.
• It has State instances in 19 states and over 2.9 crore registered Saathis (companions).
• MyGov’s focus on youth is key to promoting Jan Bhagidari (participative governance).

MyGov Promotes Participatory Governance Through:

• Information Dissemination: Provides a central platform for citizens and raises awareness.
• Transparency: Builds trust by offering easy online submissions.
• Fact-checking: Informs citizens of official announcements and combats misinformation.
• Collaborations: Facilitates partnerships between government and citizens and among citizens themselves.
• Networking: Connects people who want to make a difference.