POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
SOCIAL ISSUES
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
SECURITY
ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY
QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS
Things to Remember:
THE CONTEXT: The 2022 edition of the World Population Prospects (WPP) of the United Nations has projected that India may surpass China as the world’s most populous country next year. The report estimates that India will have a population of 1.66 billion in 2050, ahead of China’s 1.317 billion around that time. In its previous estimate, the UN had projected that India would overtake China by 2027.
POPULATION GROWING AT A SLOWER PACE
DISPARATE POPULATION GROWTH RATES
ELDERLY POPULATION
LIFE EXPECTANCY, FERTILITY AND MORTALITY
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AS A DETERMINANT OF POPULATION CHANGE
IMPACT OF COVID ON POPULATION
Rural-Urban Divide
The fertility rate in rural areas is much higher than that in urban areas.
Gender Divide
Indiacontinuestosufferfroma genderdivideduetothepreferenceformale children.Thus,the no.of males is far higher than females in India.
State-State Divide
Therearehugedisparitiesbetweenthestates.For example,the fertility rate is 1.6 in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and 3.3 in Bihar and 3.1 in Uttar Pradesh.
The rapidly increasing population of India is a result of prevailing high birth rates and a large decline in the death rate in our country. According to the World Bank data, the Crude Death Rate (per 1000 people) in India is 7.265 as of the year 2019. While the Crude Birth Rate stands at 17.664. The census data 2011 put these as 7.2 and 22.1 respectively.
CAUSES FOR HIGH BIRTH RATE
In India, marriage is not only universal but takes place at an early age. About 80 per cent of girls are married during the most fertile period of 15 to 20 yrs. of age.
Poverty means poor people have to spend little on the upbringing of their children. Besides, the children supplement the family income by engaging themselves in some odd jobs at an early age.
Lack of conscious family planning had also kept the birth rate in India very high.
In India, religion plays a major role in large size families. Abrahamic faith largely supports large family sizes. Even after so many girls in the family, the desire for one son prompts parents to continue with their child-producing activities.
The infant mortality rate is very high in India due to hunger, malnutrition and poor living conditions. So the fear of early death of their infants encourages the parents to have more children.
CAUSES FOR DECLINE IN DEATH RATE
Epidemics such as plague, smallpox, TB and malaria, which at one time used to cause a toll of heavy deaths, now have been effectively controlled.
The percentage of the population living in towns and cities went up from 26% in 1991 and 31.16%in 2011. Better health, hygiene and sanitation facilities in the town are expected to have lowered the death rate.
Literacy among women is progressing rapidly. Educated women bring up their children with utmost care. Working women enjoy better economic status and as such, they are healthier.
Besides the famine of 1943, no other serious famine has occurred in this century. Although famine-like conditions emerged in 1987 in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh yet these were effectively combated to cause any serious loss of life.
Disaster Management has become part and parcel of the Indian governance process. Physical, Technological and Human infrastructure have been created to prevent and mitigate the loss of lives from disaster.
Young Population
While the nations all across the world are getting old, India is emerging as a young nation.Thus, the Indian young population is in high demand for its skill and age by the developed nations so as to maintain their economic growth.
Development of Business and Enterprises
The young population of India can help with the development of businesses and thus contribute to the nation’s growth.
Solving National Problems
Youngs killed workforce of India can solve national problems through innovative solutions as recognised by the government too while conducting Hackathons.
Population policy may be defined as deliberately constructed or modified institutional arrangements and/or specific programs through which governments seek to influence, directly or indirectly, demographic change.A positive population policy aims at reducing the birth rate and ultimately stabilising the growth rate of the population.The population policy of the Government of India has passed through the following phases from time to time:
Pre-Independence Period:
The British did not consider population growth as a problem. Their attitude towards birth control was one of indifference because they never wanted to interfere with the values, beliefs, customs and traditions of Indians. That is why this phase is called the Period of Indifference.
The Period of Neutrality, 1947-51
The period following independence and before the beginning of the planning era was one of neutrality. The Government of India was busy with post-independence problems like rehabilitation of the people following the Partition, reorganisation of the States and Pakistan’s invasion of Kashmir.
The Period of Experimentation, 1951-61:
During the first decade (1951-61) of planned economic development, family planning as a method of population control was started as a government programme in India. The National Family Planning Programme was launched in 1952 with the objective of “reducing the birth rate to stabilise the population at a level consistent with the requirement of the national economy”.
The Beginning of the population Control Policy 1961 to 2000:
With the rapid growth of the population in the 1961 Census by 21.5 per cent, the Extension Approach to family planning was adopted which emphasised the adoption of an educational approach to family planning through Panchayat Samitis, Village Development Committees and other groups. The National Population Policy was announced in 1976 to mount “a direct assault on the problem of numbers. In the post-emergency period, the Janata Government announced a New Population Policy in 1977.
National Population Policy, 2000:
National Population Policy (NPP) 2000:The immediate objective is to address the unmet needs for contraception, health care infrastructure and health personnel etc. The medium-term objective is to bring the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to a replacement level by 2010. The long-term objective is to achieve a stable population by 2045. The Central Government has set up a National Commission on Population (NCP) in 2000 to review, monitor and guide NPP implementation. It is presided over by the Prime Minister with CMs of states and others as members.
There are many unintended consequences of India’s family planning policy and programmes heavily impacting the rights of women. The various dynamics of this issue are outlined below.
PATRIARCHAL ATTITUDE
Gender norms in our patriarchal society dictate economic responsibilities to men and reproductive responsibilities to women. This is reflected in how family planning measures are used in India: which is heavily skewed towards female sterilization.
GENDER IMBALANCE
In 2015, of all married people in the reproductive age group, only 47.8% used any modern method of contraception (NFHS 4). Among the people who used contraception, 88% were women – 75% women underwent female sterilisation – whereas, of the 12% male contraceptive users, only 0.6% underwent male sterilisation.
MISSING MALE SEGMENT
The efforts for population control have mostly translated to controlling women’s, and not men’s, fertility. The program is designed to cater only to women and doesn’t actively engage with men to increase their participation in sharing the burden of family planning. The National Health Policy 2017, released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to increase the uptake of male sterilisation to up to 30% but offers no roadmap to implement it nor to tackle gendered challenges that persist in the health system.
ADMINISTRATIVE/POLICY FLAW
According to the National Health Mission Financial Management Report 2016-17, the total expenditure on family planning in 2016-17 was Rs 577 crore, of which 85% was spent on female sterilisation alone, and only 2.8% on male sterilisation.
VIOLATION OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS
The incident in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, in November 2014 highlighted how women from lower socioeconomic groups were sterilised in a camp without proper infection control, leading to severe complications in many women and the death of 15. The Supreme Court of India has highlighted that 363 women, largely from rural and marginalised communities, died between 2010 and 2013 during or after surgery in sterilisation camps, and ordered the government to shut these camps down.
EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM STATES
Kerala and Punjab have 1.6 TFR, while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have 3.4 and 2.7 TFR respectively (NFHS 4). NFHS-4 data shows only 22.8 per cent of women in Bihar attended school for 10 or more years in 2014-15. In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, the figure was 32.9 per cent. In contrast, 72.2 per cent of women in Kerala attended school for 10 or more years, while the figure was 55.1 per cent in Punjab. So schooling plays a vital role In TFR. The proper implementation of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme can be a game changer.
REDUCTION IN CHILD MARRIAGES
NFHS-4 data shows an increase in TFR in states with a high number of child marriages. So increasing the age of marriage can help reduce the TFR. Strict implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 along with social persuasion and influence can help in this regard.
AVAILABILITY OF CONTRACEPTIVES
From 1998-99 to 2005-06, TFR declined from 2.9 to 2.7. During this period, the country witnessed a change in social mindset. The use of contraceptives increased by 13.3 per cent. Studies by the Population Foundation of India point out the lack of availability of contraceptives both for men and women. Thus reliable access to contraceptives through ASHA workers at the local level need to be ensured.
CHECK UNPLANNED PREGNANCIES
Devendra Kothari, former professor at the Indian Institute of Health Management Research University, Jaipur attributes India’s current population growth to unplanned pregnancies. Based on NFHS 1 to 4, it is estimated that 135 million out of 430 million births were the result of unplanned pregnancies. So proper planning and spacing of pregnancies are required.
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
According to the NFHS-4 data, the women in the lowest wealth quintile, and the least educated women, had on average one more child than those with more than 12 years of schooling and in the highest wealth quintile. Thus holistic women empowerment through instruments like “Gender Budgeting” and schemes like Stand Up India, and Promotion of SHGs by National Livelihood Missions must be implemented earnestly.
ADHERENCE TO CAIRO CONSENSUS
The Cairo International Conference on Population and Development in 1994, of which India is a party (The Cairo Consensus) has called for promotion of reproductive rights, empowering women, universal education, and maternal and infant health to untangle the knotty issue of poverty and high fertility.
THE WAY FORWARD
Many of the ancient philosophers like Confucius, Kautilya, Plato and modem thinkers like Adam Smith, David Ricardo and others have deliberated on population issues. For instance, Kautilya had written in his Arthashastra that a large population is a source of the political, economic and military strength of a nation. The Chinese philosopher, Confucius argued that a numerical balance is maintained between population and environment. Thus, he was not in favour of the unchecked growth of population. In ancient Greece, Plato advocated an absolute limit on population. In the modern period, Malthus and Marx have written elaborately on the population dynamics but their views, however, differed fundamentally.
MALTHUSIAN VIEWS
MARXIAN VIEWS
THE CONCLUSION: The small Indian landmass is not sufficient enough to look after the increasing population. If we continue our rise in a current manner, we will not be able to achieve any of the SDG targets, particularly SDG 1, 2, 3 and 4. We need to ensure that the increasing population momentum is reduced through awareness and incentives while skilling the workforce so as to make them really part of the dividend.
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
SOCIAL ISSUES
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
SECURITY
ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY
QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS
50 WORD TALK
Things to Remember:
THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University criticised the Manusmriti, the ancient Sanskrit text, over its gender bias.
THE EXPLANATION:
What is Manusmriti?
• The Mānavadharmaśāstra, also known as Manusmriti or the Laws of Manu, is a Sanskrit text belonging to the Dharmaśāstra literary tradition of Hinduism.
• Composed sometime between the 2nd century BCE and 3rd century CE, the Manusmriti is written in sloka verses, containing two non-rhyming lines of 16 syllabus each.
• The text is attributed to the mythical figure of Manu, considered to be ancestor of the human race in Hinduism.
• There has been considerable debate between scholars on the authorship of the text.
• Many have argued that it was compiled by many Brahmin scholars over a period of time.
• The Manusmriti is encyclopedic in scope, covering subjects such as:
o the social obligations and duties of the various castes and of individuals in different stages of life,
o the suitable social and sexual relations of men and women of different castes,
o on taxes,
o the rules for kingship,
o on maintaining marital harmony and
o the procedures for settling everyday disputes.
• At its core, the Manusmriti discusses life in the world, how it is lived in reality, as well as how it ought to be.
• The text is about dharma, which means duty, religion, law and practice.
• It also discusses aspects of the Arthashashtra, such as issues relating to statecraft and legal procedures.
• The aim of the text is to present a blueprint for a properly ordered society under the sovereignty of the king and the guidance of Brahmins.
• It was meant to be read by the priestly caste and it would likely have been part of the curriculum for young Brahmin scholars at colleges, and would have been referenced by the scholarly debates and conversations on the Dharmasastras at that time.
It’s significance
• It was the first Sanskrit text to be translated into a European language, by the British philologist Sir William Jones in 1794.
• Subsequently, it was translated into French, German, Portuguese and Russian, before being included in Max Muller’s edited volume, Sacred Books of the East in 1886.
• For colonial officials in British India, the translation of the book served a practical purpose. In 1772, Governor-General Warren Hastings decided to implement laws of Hindus and Muslims that they believed to be continued, unchanged from remotest antiquity.
• For Hindus, the dharmasastras were to play a crucial role, as they were seen by the British as ‘laws,’ whether or not it was even used that way in India.
THE CONTEXT: Recently, India and Bangladesh discussed a wide range of issues related to the major common rivers such as the Ganga, Teesta and several smaller rivers during the 38th meeting of the Joint River Commission (JRC).
THE EXPLANATION:
• “The JRC meeting, held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, discussed the whole gamut of the issues related to the common rivers between the two countries, especially the Ganga, Teesta, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla, Dudkh kumar and Kushiyara”.
• The two sides also discussed exchange of flood-related data and information, river-bank protection works, common basin management, and also the River Interlinking Project of India.
• “Bangladesh side requested for conclusion of the long-pending Teesta Waters Sharing Treaty at an early date. The Indian side assured of their utmost efforts in concluding the agreement”.
About Teesta river:
• Teesta river is a tributary of the Brahmaputra (known as Jamuna in Bangladesh), flowing through India and Bangladesh.
• It originates in the Himalayas near Chunthang, Sikkim and flows to the south through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh.
• The Teesta Barrage dam helps to provide irrigation for the plains between the upper Padma and the Jamuna.
Efforts to resolve the dispute:
• Negotiations on how to share the water have been going on since 1983.
• A 2011 interim deal – that was supposed to last 15 years – gave India 42.5 percent of the Teesta’s waters and gave Bangladesh 37.5 percent. Bengal opposed this deal so it was shelved and remains unsigned.
• Bangladesh sought a fair and equitable distribution of Teesta waters from India, on the lines of the Ganga Water Treaty 1996.
• The treaty is an agreement to share surface waters at the Farakka Barrage near their mutual border.
• In 2015, the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Dhaka generated expectations to take forward the issue but it still remains unresolved.
• However, In India, individual states have significant influence over transboundary agreements, impeding the policymaking process.
• West Bengalis one of the key stakeholders of the Teesta agreement and is yet to endorse the deal.
Importance of Teesta River:
For Bangladesh:
• Its flood plain covers about 14% of the total cropped area of Bangladesh and provides direct livelihood opportunities to approximately 73% of its population.
For West Bengal:
• Teesta is the lifeline of North Bengal and almost half a dozen of districts of West Bengal are dependent on the waters of Teesta.
THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India published the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 to ensure environmentally sound management of waste batteries.
THE EXPLANATION:
• New rules will replace Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001.
• The rules cover all types of batteries, viz. Electric Vehicle batteries, portable batteries, automotive batteries and industrial batteries.
• The rules function based on the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) where the producers (including importers) of batteries are responsible for collection and recycling/refurbishment of waste batteries and use of recovered materials from wastes into new batteries.
• EPR mandates that all waste batteries to be collected and sent for recycling/refurbishment, and its prohibits disposal in landfills and incineration. To meet the EPR obligations, producers may engage themselves or authorise any other entity for collection, recycling or refurbishment of waste batteries.
• The rules will enable setting up a mechanism and centralized online portal for exchange of EPR certificates between producers and recyclers/refurbishers to fulfil the obligations of producers.
• The rules promote setting up of new industries and entrepreneurship in collection and recycling/refurbishment of waste batteries.
• Mandating the minimum percentage of recovery of materials from waste batteries under the rules will bring new technologies and investment in recycling and refurbishment industry and create new business opportunities.
• Prescribing the use of certain amount of recycled materials in making of new batteries will reduce the dependency on new raw materials and save natural resources.
• Online registration & reporting, auditing, and committee for monitoring the implementation of rules and to take measures required for removal of difficulties are salient features of rules for ensuring effective implementation and compliance.
• On the principle of Polluter Pays Principle, environmental compensation will be imposed for non-fulfilment of Extended Producer Responsibility targets, responsibilities and obligations set out in the rules. The funds collected under environmental compensation shall be utilised in collection and refurbishing or recycling of uncollected and non-recycled waste batteries.
VALUE ADDITION:
IMPORTANCE OF BATTERY RECYCLING:
Batteries are one of many products that should never reach the landfill. Even the most seemingly harmless household battery contains hazardous chemicals which, if allowed to enter the environment, can threaten both animal and human health, and the physical environment.
Benefits of Battery Recycling
• The main benefit of not sending batteries to the bin is that the chemicals they contain will not enter the environment. Another is that well over 55% of a battery can be reused, as its steel, zinc, brass and other materials can be extracted at the recycling facility.
• Recycling batteries also avoids a host of potential environmental problems and hazards, including the pollution of waterways, the leaching of heavy metals from landfills, and exposing the environment to strong acids and lead. The acids in batteries can burn skin and cause significant damage to eye tissue.
• Batteries sent to the landfill can also combust due to high waste temperatures, which can release toxins into the air and be very dangerous for landfill employees.
THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga, spoke about the Arth Ganga model during his virtual keynote address to the Stockholm World Water Week 2022.
THE EXPLANATION:
• It was first introduced during the first National Ganga Council meeting in Kanpur in 2019, where it was urged to have a shift from Namami Gange, the Union Government’s flagship project to clean the Ganga, to the model of Arth Ganga.
• Arth Ganga focuses on the sustainable development of the Ganga and its surrounding areas, by focusing on economic activities related to the river.
• At its core, the Arth Ganga model seeks to use economics to bridge people with the river.
• It strives to contribute at least 3% of the GDP from the Ganga Basin itself.
• The Arth Ganga project’s interventions are in accordance with India’s commitments towards the UN sustainable development goals.
SIGNIFICANCE:
• Under Arth Ganga, the government is working on six verticals.
• The first is Zero Budget Natural Farming, which involves chemical-free farming on 10 km on either side of the river, and the promotion of cow dung as fertiliser through the GOBARdhan scheme.
• The Monetization and Reuse of Sludge & Wastewater is the second, which seeks to reuse treated water for irrigation, industries and revenue generation for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• Arth Ganga will also involve Livelihood Generation Opportunities, by creating haats where people can sell local products, medicinal plants and ayurveda.
• The fourth is to increase public participation by increasing synergies between the stakeholders involved with the river.
• The model also wants to promote the cultural heritage and tourism of Ganga and its surroundings, through boat tourism, adventure sports and by conducting yoga activities.
• Lastly, the model seeks to promote institutional building by empowering local administration for improved water governance.
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
Since 1991, the Stockholm International Water Institute has been organising the World Water Week every year to address global water concerns.
VALUE ADDITION:
The GOBAR-Dhan scheme
• Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has launched the GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) – DHAN scheme.
• The scheme is being implemented as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
• The scheme aims to positively impact village cleanliness and generate wealth and energy from cattle and organic waste.
• The scheme also aims at creating new rural livelihood opportunities and enhancing income for farmers and other rural people.
• The GOBAR-DHAN scheme, with its focus on keeping villages clean, increasing the income of rural households, and generation of energy from cattle waste, is an important element of this ODF-plus strategy.
THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers announced that it has been decided to implement One Nation One Fertilizer by introducing a Single Brand for Fertilizers and Logo under the fertilizer subsidy scheme named “Pradhan mantri Bhartiya Janurvarak Pariyojna” (PMBJP).
THE EXPLANATION:
What is the government’s argument for introducing this scheme?
• The government’s logic for introducing a single ‘Bharat’ brand for all subsidised fertilisers being marketed by companies are:
• The maximum retail price of urea is currently fixed by the government, which compensates companies for the higher cost of manufacturing or imports incurred by them.
o The MRPs of non-urea fertilisers are, on paper, decontrolled.
o But companies cannot avail of subsidy if they sell at MRPs higher than that informally indicated by the government.
o Simply put, there are some 26 fertilisers (inclusive of urea), on which government bears subsidy and also effectively decides the MRPs;
• Apart from subsidizing and deciding at what price companies can sell, the government also decides where they can sell.
o This is done through the Fertilizer (Movement) Control Order, 1973.
o Under this, the department of fertilizers draws an agreed monthly supply plan on all subsidized fertilizers in consultation with manufacturers and importers.
o The department also regularly monitors movement to ensure fertilizer availability as per requirement, including remote areas.
• When the government is spending vast sums of money on fertilizer subsidy (the bill is likely to cross Rs 200,000 crore in 2022-23), plus deciding where and at what price companies can sell, it would obviously want to take credit and send that message to farmers.
What can be the drawbacks of the scheme?
• It will disincentivize fertilizer companies from undertaking marketing and brand promotion activities.
• They will now be reduced to contract manufacturers and importers for the government.
• Any company’s strength ultimately is its brands and farmer trust built over decades.
• Currently, in case of any bag or batch of fertilizers not meeting the required standards, the blame is put on the company.
• But now, that may be passed on fully to the government.
• Politically, the scheme might well boomerang rather than benefit the ruling party.
THE CONTEXT: After Durga Puja was included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage last year, India has now named Garba for the year 2022. If approved, it will become the first intangible cultural heritage of Gujarat to be listed by UNESCO.
THE EXPLANATION:
What is Garba?
• Garba is a form of dance, as well as a religious and social event. It originated in the villages of Gujarat, where it was performed in communal gathering places in the center of the village which was attended by the entire community. In Gujarat, it is celebrated with nine nights of dance as a form of worship and worship. Garba is also performed during social events like weddings and parties.
About the list of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO
• UNESCO’s prestigious list is made up of intangible heritage elements that help to showcase the diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness of its importance.
• It was established in 2008 after the Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2003 came into force.
• It compiles two lists viz. Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Protection.
List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from India
Since 2008, 14 intangible cultural heritages from India have been listed by UNESCO. It includes-
• Sanskrit Theater of Kudiyattam, Kerala
• Mudiyet, a ritual theater and dance drama from Kerala
• Tradition of Vedic Mantras;
• ‘Ram Leela’ (traditional performance of Ramayana)
• ‘Ramman’ (a religious festival and ritual theater of Garhwal, Uttarakhand)
• Kalbelia Folk Songs and Dances of Rajasthan
• Chhau Dance (Classical dance of West Bengal and Odisha)
• Buddhist chanting of Ladakh
• Sankirtana (a ritual singing, drumming and dance of Manipur)
• Traditional brass and copper craft of pottery amidst the laughs of Jandiala Guru, Punjab
• Yoga
• Nowruz
• Kumbh Mela
• Durga Puja (represents the collective worship of the Hindu goddess Durga)
[WpProQuiz 318]
THE CONTEXT: The COVID-19 pandemic has harmed health, social and economic well-being worldwide, with women at the very core of it. The poorest and the most marginalized, including women and girls, face more risks without the means to absorb the economic shocks and mitigate the health crisis. The following article intends to highlight the plight this pandemic has infused on women.
Women tend to be the backbone of society during crises, even as they are also more likely to face the disproportionate impacts of such events. The Covid-19 pandemic is no different. It has severely exacerbated existing gendered barriers, widened India’s gender gap in the workforce, and affected (overwhelmingly female) caregivers and frontline workers.
ASPECT
KEY FINDING
IMPACT/AFTERMATH
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Women were more affected than men by employment issues. Women made up just 24% of those working before the pandemic, yet accounted for 28% of all those who lost their jobs.
HEALTH AND SANITATION
About 16% of women (an estimated 17 million if extrapolated) had to stop using menstrual pads, and more than one in three married women were unable to access contraceptives.
CARE WORK
Indian women already do almost three times more unpaid work than Indian men, and the survey showed a 47% increase in unpaid labour for women and a 41% increase in unpaid care work for women.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
There has been a rise in instances of violence, sexual, physical and mental against women. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has recorded a more than twofold rise in gender-based violence.
SHRINKING OF SOCIAL CIRCLE
Isolation and containment of women during lockdown.
ECONOMIC
o SHGs could also provide technical and managerial training to help women develop the skills needed to run small businesses digitally.
HEALTH
RECOGNISING THE UNPAID LABOUR
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
A pandemic amplifies and heightens all existing inequalities. These inequalities in turn shape who is affected, the severity of that impact, and our efforts at recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic and its social and economic impacts have created a global crisis unparalleled to any such instance in the past. policymakers and stakeholders must include women and girls at the centre of recovery processes and listen to their needs, challenges and solutions. Empowering women and girls has proven to increase the health and well-being of the entire family and community.
THE CONTEXT: The Indian Competition Act was passed in 2002, but it came into effect only seven years later. The Competition Commission primarily pursues three issues of anti-competitive practices in the market: anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominance and combinations. The long-awaited Bill to amend the Competition Act, 2002, was finally tabled in the Lok Sabha recently.
THE EXPLANATION:
• As the dynamics of the market changes rapidly due to technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and the increasing importance of factors other than price, amendments became necessary to sustain and promote market competition. Therefore, a review committee was established in 2019 which proposed several major amendments.
What is the major change in dealing with new-age market combinations?
• Any acquisition, merger or amalgamation may constitute a combination. Section 5 currently says parties indulging in merger, acquisition, or amalgamation need to notify the Commission of the combination only on the basis of ‘asset’ or ‘turnover’. The new Bill proposes to add a ‘deal value’ threshold. It will be mandatory to notify the Commission of any transaction with a deal value in excess of ₹2,000 crore and if either of the parties has ‘substantial business operations in India’. The Commission shall frame regulations to prescribe the requirements for assessing whether an enterprise has ‘substantial business operations in India’. This change will strengthen the Commission’s review mechanism, particularly in the digital and infrastructure space, a majority of which were not reported earlier, as the asset or turnover values did not meet the jurisdictional thresholds.
What is gun-jumping?
• Parties should not go ahead with a combination prior to its approval. If the combining parties close a notified transaction before the approval, or have consummated a reportable transaction without bringing it to the Commission’s knowledge, it is seen as gun-jumping. The penalty for gun-jumping was a total of 1% of the asset or turnover. This is now proposed to be 1% of the deal value.
What challenge do combining parties face in open market purchases?
• There have been several gun-jumping cases owing to the combining parties’ inability to defer the consummation of open market purchases. Many of them argue that acquisitions involving open market purchase of target shares must be completed quickly, lest the stock value and total consideration undergo a change. If parties wait for the Commission’s clearance, the transaction may become unaffordable.
• Similar to the European Union merger regulations, the present amendment Bill also proposes to exempt open market purchases and stock market transactions from the requirement to notify them to the Commission in advance. This is subject to the condition that the acquirer does not exercise voting or ownership rights until the transaction is approved and the same is notified to the Commission subsequently.
Does the amendment Bill address the issue of Hub-and-Spoke Cartels?
• A Hub-and-Spoke arrangement is a kind of cartelisation in which vertically related players act as a hub and place horizontal restrictions on suppliers or retailers (spokes). Currently, the prohibition on anti-competitive agreements only covers entities with similar trades that engage in anti-competitive practices.
• This ignores hub-and-spoke cartels operated at different levels of the vertical chain by distributors and suppliers. To combat this, the amendment broadens the scope of ‘anti-competitive agreements’ to catch entities that facilitate cartelisation even if they are not engaged in identical trade practices.
What is the amendment to the ‘settlements’ and ‘commitments’ mechanisms?
• The new amendment proposes a framework for settlements and commitments for cases relating to vertical agreements and abuse of dominance. In the case of vertical agreements and abuse of dominance, the parties may apply for a ‘commitment’ before the Director General (DG) submits the report.
• ‘Settlement’ will be considered after the report is submitted and before the Commission decides. According to the amendment, the Commission’s decision regarding commitment or settlement will not be appealable after hearing all stakeholders in the case. The Commission will come out with regulations regarding procedural aspects.
What are the other major amendments?
• In the amendment Bill, a provision called ‘Leniency Plus’ allows the commission to give an additional waiver of penalties to an applicant who discloses the existence of another cartel in an unrelated market, provided the information enables the Commission to form a prima facie opinion about the existence of the cartel. Other noteworthy amendments include the appointment of the DG by the Commission rather than the Central government, giving the Commission greater control. According to the Bill, the DG has the power to conduct investigations, including raids.
• The Commission will only consider information filed within three years of the occurrence of the cause of action. As part of the Bill, penalties and penalty guidelines are proposed to be amended. For any false information filed, a penalty of five crore will be imposed, and for failure to comply with the Commission directions, a penalty of ₹10 crore will be imposed.
• Additionally, the Commission will develop guidelines regarding the amount of penalties for various competition violations. For an appeal to be heard by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) against the Commission’s order, the party will have to deposit 25% of the penalty amount.
THE CONTEXT: Recently the Supreme Court asked the Centre why it cannot call an all-party meeting to discuss ways to prevent “irrational freebies” from destroying the national economy and to draw a line between State largesse and welfare schemes.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The court’s question came amid its proposal to form a “broad-based and neutral committee of experts” to study the problem of free gifts. “Until and unless there is a process or vision among political parties that ‘we have to stop somewhere’, these types of freebies, which will destroy the economy, will continue.
What are the issues associated with freebies?
• Constraints from other issues: The major issue is not the freebies themselves, but the constraint imposed by limited means. For instance, Delhi can give free power up to a consumption limit and also invest in schools but not Punjab with its high indebtedness cannot do the same.
• The welfare state is unaffordable: In advanced economies, “transfer payments” through social security, and unemployment benefits dominate budgets. Thus leaving less and less money for infrastructure, research, and other “investments” for growth. For instance, in Britain, the National Health Service is near breakdown.
Is India spending too much on welfare or freebies?
• Declining spending on social sector: Studies, especially by the Reserve Bank of India (Study on State Finances), have shown that from 2014 onwards, the social sector expenditure at the State level has been declining even after States were given more resources.
• Health and education: The allocation to the health and education sectors by the States is declining.
• The Reserve Bank of India report: two months ago brought to light the fiscal situation of the States.
• At least five States are going to see fiscal pressure.
• Low spending on welfare schemes: Welfare spending in India is woefully low.
• It is low in comparison to other developing countries – some years ago, public spending on health and education was 4.7% in India, compared to 7% in sub-Saharan Africa.
What needs to be done to provide a better welfare state?
• Follow the principle of Singapore’s founder, the late Lee Kuan Yew: He mandated high personal savings with which Singaporeans could buy government-provided housing, and also mandated personal health funds to pay for medical emergencies. In return for people, he offered low taxes.
• This has the following advantages, a) government spending does not leave behind a burden for future generations, b) The government would not spend the money it did not have. Thereby ratio of public debt to GDP will not increase.
• Provide fiscal space to states: Creating a fiscal responsibility law will not achieve anything. Instead, the centre can increase the share of tax revenue to states, so that states can afford and plan their freebies.
THE CONTEXT: During the SCO Summit held in Uzbekistan Capital Tashkent, Expressing India’s concern on the situation in Ukraine, Defence Minister said on that New Delhi supports talks between Russia and Ukraine to resolve the crisis.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The defense minister also called for strengthening of ties with the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) bilaterally and within the framework of the organization.
• “India is concerned about the humanitarian crisis in and around Ukraine. We have extended our support to the efforts of the UN Secretary General, UN agencies and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide humanitarian assistance”.
• According to minister “The terrorism is one of the most serious challenges to global peace and security. India reiterates its resolve to fight all forms of terrorism and make the region peaceful, secure and stable. We seek to develop joint institutional capabilities with the SCO member states, which, while respecting the sensitivities of each country, create the spirit of cooperation among individuals, societies and nations”.
• During the summit India also proposed to host a workshop in India in 2023 on the theme ‘Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief – risk mitigation and disaster resilient infrastructure’ for the Defence Ministries of SCO member states and also suggested an annual seminar on ‘Topic of Interest’ among the defence think tanks of SCO countries.
• Highlighting India’s age-old ties with SCO countries, Defence Minister asserted that the member states of the organisation are common stakeholders in the progress and prosperity of the region. “India accords high priority to SCO because of its unwavering belief in multilateralism. There is a need to strengthen ties with SCO member states bilaterally and within the framework of the organisation on the basis of equality, respect and mutual understanding”.
VALUE ADDITION:
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
• SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation of Eurasian Nations with a secretariat in Beijing.
o They represent 40% of the world population and approximately 20% of World GDP along with about 22% of the world landmass.
• It is a political, economic and military organisation that aims at maintaining peace, security and stability in the region.
• The SCO’s official languages are Russian and Chinese.
• It currently has 8 members with the latest being India and Pakistan who were made members in 2017.
o Note: Turkmenistan is not a party to SCO.
• There are 4 Observer States and multiple Dialogue Partners.
THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Researchers have urged policymakers to switch to green energy and economy in Odisha’s Angul – one of India’s largest coal producing districts – before power grade coal reserves are exhausted.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST), a Delhi-based environmental pressure group, released a report as to how Angul, Odisha’s biggest coal producing and key industrial district, can plan a just energy transition and build a green economy in the coming years.
• According to iFOREST, Angul currently accounts for 12% of India’s and 56% of Odisha’s coal production. The coal production in Angul is expected to increase nearly by three times in the next 10 years, reaching over 300 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2033. The sector has given direct employment to 1,68,000 — nearly 69% of them are informal.
• “Coal production is expected to grow threefold over next 10 years in Angul, from 96.7 million metric tonne currently to 308.8 MMT by 2033. Mine closure will start after 2040 and the last mine will close by 2070, considering a full operational life. However, an accelerated and ambitious climate action to meet 1.5°C climate goals, requires coal production to be phased out by 2050 through strategic planning,” says the iForest’s analysis. “while coal will dominate the district’s economy for the next 10-15 years, districts like Angul need to start planning for a just energy transition to support climate change mitigation, as Odisha is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.”
• After 2035, the district should move to green energy and industries, based on growth of the renewable energy sector and technology advancements and viability, the organisation says, listing out alternatives such as renewable-based electricity, hydrogen-based steel and urea production, production of green aluminium using renewable energy, and enforcing circular economy practices.
Role of renewable energy resources in sustainable development:
1. Sustainable development: Economic development has been strongly correlated with increasing energy use and growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Renewable energy can help by contributing to sustainable development by reducing energy imports.
2. Benefit poor: In addition, renewable energy offers the opportunity to improve access to modern energy services for the poorest members of society, which is crucial for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal. For instance, by installing the solar panels, the poor can access electricity most of the time in the day.
3. Energy access: In India many areas still lack access to electricity. And most of the rural areas lack 24 hour electricity. If solar and wind plants are distributed, there can be minimal electricity generation interruption because weather disruptions in one location cannot be the same in other locations.
4. Climate change mitigation: RE technologies provide important benefits compared to fossil fuels, in particular regarding GHG emissions. Renewable energy is a clean source of energy, meaning, it has low or zero carbon and greenhouse emission.
5. Employment: Development of renewable sources lead to creation of employment opportunities and actively promoting structural change in the economy. Solar, wind electricity has potential to produce over millions of jobs.
6. Reduce pollution: RE technologies also offer benefits with respect to air pollution and health. Non combustion based RE power generation technologies have the potential to significantly reduce local and regional air pollution and lower associated health impacts compared to fossil-based power generation.
7. Energy security: Sources of energy like fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal) are considered limited resources and there is a strong possibility that they will run out in the future. Renewable resources do not deplete over a lifetime and there is zero possibility that they will run out (sustainable source of energy). For example solar and wind energy.
India’s efforts towards renewable energy:
1. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy: India is the first country in the world to set up a ministry of non-conventional energy resources (now Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Its public sector undertakings the Solar Energy Corporation of India is responsible for the development of the solar energy industry in India.
2. Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC): In the Paris Agreement India has committed to an Intended Nationally Determined Contributions target of achieving 40% of its total electricity generation from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. 175 GW interim target is 100 GW of solar, 60 GW of wind, 10 GW of biomass and 5 GW of small hydro.
3. Central Electricity Authority’s strategy blueprint: The country is aiming for an ambitious target of 57% of the total electricity capacity from renewable sources by 2027 in Central Electricity Authority’s strategy blueprint. According to 2027 blueprint, India aims to have 275 GW from renewable energy, 72 GW of hydroelectricity, 15 GW of nuclear energy and nearly 100 GW from other zero emission sources.
4. Commission for Additional Sources of Energy: Realizing the need for concentrated efforts in this sector, The Government of India established a Commission for Additional Sources of Energy (CASE) in the Department of Science and Technology. The mandate of CASE is to promote research and development activities in the field of renewable energy.
5. Solar mini-grids project: As part of the government’s initiatives to take renewable energy to remote places, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, launched the solar mini-grids project. The Solar Mini Grids project has an objective of taking advantage of the available solutions to promote universal energy access by 2025 and reduce electricity costs and tariffs.
THE CONTEXT: Yakshagana performances by more than a century-old Yakshagana theatre troupe Kateel Durga parameshwari PrasaditaYakshaganaMandali will soon be history as the group has decided to switch over to short duration shows from November 2022.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The managing committee of the temple took the decision in view of the government circular issued in May, 2022, which does not allow use of loudspeakers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. except on closed premises for communication within, like auditoria, conference rooms, community halls, or during a public emergency.
ABOUT YAKSHAGANA:
• Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form.
• Yakshagana literally means the song (gana) of the yaksha (nature spirits).
• It developed in Udupi, in the state of Karnataka. It is popular in the Karnataka districts of Dakshina Kannada, Kasaragod, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Shimoga.
• This folk art is believed to have originated somewhere between the 10th and 16th centuries.
Theme: Yakshagana is strongly influenced by the Vaishnava Bhakti movement.
Its stories are mainly drawn from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and other Hindu epics.
Key Features:
• A typical Yakshagana performance consists of background music played by a group of musicians (known as the Himmel); and a dance and dialog group (known as the mummela), who together enact poetic epics on stage.
• Yakshagana is traditionally presented from dusk to dawn.
Types:
• The tenkutittu style: It is prevalent in Dakshina Kannada. Tenkutittu has been noted for its incredible dance steps; its high-flying dance moves; and its extravagant rakshasas (demons).
• The Badagutittu style: It is prevalent in Uttara Kannada District and places more emphasis on facial expressions, matugarike (dialogues), and dances appropriate for the character depicted in the episode.
THE CONTEXT: Recently the government has awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Mithila Makhana, a move which is expected to help growers get the maximum price for their premium produce.
THE EXPLANATION:
• “Mithila Makhana registered with GI Tag, farmers will get profit and it will be easier to earn. Due to Geographical
Indication Tag to Mithila Makhana in the festive season, people outside Bihar will be able to use this auspicious material with reverence”.
• The botanical name for this fox nut is Euryale Ferox Salisb. It is regarded as a special variety of Aquatic Fox Nut that is grown in the region of Mithila in Bihar. It can also be found in the adjoining area of Nepal. Also, Maithili Brahmin community distribute Makhana during Kojagara Puja Festival.
• Benefits: Mithila Makhana are extremely healthy and delicious snacks. These fox nuts are said to be rich in fiber and protein. In addition to this it also has micro nutrients like iron, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium. Now you may add this GI Tagged snack on your healthy diet chart.
VALUE ADDITION:
• GI tag is the abbreviation of Geographical Indications tags in India. It came into force with effect from 15th September 2003.
• A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
• The products which are given the Geographical Indication tag in India are regarded as the invaluable treasures of incredible India.
• This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
• Geographical Indications protection is granted through the TRIPS Agreement.
• This tag is issued by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
• The Gucchi mushroom, one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world, from the state of Jammu and Kashmir was recently given the GI tag in India.
Benefits of GI Tags
• A geographical indication right enables those who have the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards.
• Geographical indication tags are given to the products for Legally protecting the goods.
• Preventing unauthorised or illegal use of geographical indication tags by others.
• Helping customers in getting the original items that contain all the specific traits.
• Promoting the economic prosperity of manufacturers/ producers of items under GI tags. Items with GI tags get enhanced demand in national as well as international markets.
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
SOCIAL ISSUES
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY
QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS
50 WORD TALK
Things to Remember:
[WpProQuiz 317]
THE CONTEXT: India has ranked low at 135th place out of 146 countries in terms of gender parity, on the annual Gender Gap Report 2022 of the World Economic Forum (WEF).This means, it is only 11 ranks above Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, where women are prohibited from attending schools. This is a grave cause of concern given that India vouches to preach the ideals of liberty and equality in letter and spirit.
GENDER GAP: KEY FINDINGS
ISSUE OF CONCERN
ASPECTS COVERED
EVALUATION
GENDER GAPS IN THE WORKFORCE
Percentage of women who are part of the labour force, wage equality for similar work, earned income etc.
POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT
Includes metrics such as the percentage of women in Parliament, the percentage of women in ministerial positions etc.
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Includes metrics such as literacy rate and the enrolment rates in primary, secondary and tertiary education.
HEALTH AND SURVIVAL
Includes two metrics: the sex ratio at birth (in %) and healthy life expectancy (in years).
DIGITAL DIVIDE
Includes aspects like accessibility to digital devices.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP GAP
Considers aspects like opportunities and conducive environments for startups led by women
Gender gap in emerging technologies like AI
Considers skillset and other intellectual resources required for careers in AI
POVERTY
India is still one of the poorest countries in the world, and it is one of the biggest reasons that lead to gender inequality in India. Despite the availability of education in rural areas, families prefer sending their boys to school rather than the girls of the family, which is one of the biggest disadvantages.
PATRIARCHAL SETUP IN OUR INDIAN SOCIETY
Since time immemorial, India has been an extremely patriarchal society. The patriarchal setup in Indian society contributed to the fundamental inequality between men and women. As women were considered a part of the household belonging to their father or husband, they were unable to get a say in any matters concerning their own development or that of the community at large.
LACK OF EDUCATION OR ILLITERACY
The disparity between the literacy rates of men and women in India is a known issue. Some regional states have higher disparity, while some other states have better disparity. The problem is not that there are few literate women in India, but rather the problem is the lack of awareness among women to use their rights.
LACK OF AWARENESS AMONG WOMEN
One of the major causes of gender inequality is the lack of awareness among women about their rights and their ability to achieve equality. This lack of awareness is often due to the prevailing cultural and social norms, which dictate that women should be subservient to men. It is important to break down these barriers and help women become more aware of their rights so that they can demand equality.
WAY FORWARD: CLOSING IN THE IMPASSE
THE CONCLUSION: During the Vedic Period, women enjoyed equality in all spheres of life. India was a glorified nation, and even other fellow citizens used to hail down because of its greatness. Women enjoyed a special status which consisted of parity in every aspect. In present times, Article 16 of the Indian Constitution states that equal opportunity will be provided for all citizens in office employment under the state. It is time that we reflect this constitutional and moral ethos in letter and spirit. Young Indian women represent aspirational India possibly more than any other grouping today. As Swami Vivekananda has rightly said, “All nations have attained greatness by paying proper respect to women. That country and that nation which does not respect women have never become great, nor will ever be in future.”
THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Supreme Court said the Section 3(2) of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act 1988 as unconstitutional on the ground of being manifestly arbitrary.
THE EXPLANATION:
• A bench headed by Chief Justice said the amendment Act of 2016 to the 1988 Act is prospective in nature and it cannot apply retrospectively. Section 3(2) prescribes that whoever enters into any benami transaction shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine or with both.
• Also, the bench said, “the Section 3(2) of 1988 unamended act as unconstitutional” and added that such a coercive provision can’t have a retrospective effect.
• The top court judgment came on an appeal filed by the Centre against a Calcutta High Court judgment, which held that the 2016 Amendment Act was prospective in nature.
• The amendment also increased the punishment for benami transactions from imprisonment up to three years to seven years, and a fine which may extend to 25 per cent of the fair market value of the benami property.
What is the Act about?
• In an attempt to curb black money, in July 2016, the NDA government decided to amend the original act which was subsequently passed by the Parliament of India as “The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016”.
• The act defines a ‘benami’ transaction as any transaction in which property is transferred to one person for consideration paid by another person.
• Such transactions were a feature of the Indian economy, usually relating to the purchase of property (real estate) and were thought to contribute to the Indian black money problem.
• The act bans all benami transactions and gives the government the right to recover property held benami without paying any compensation.
VALUE ADDITION:
What is Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act, 1988 about?
• The Act prohibits benami transactions and provides legal provisions for confiscating benami properties.
• It defines a benami transaction as a transaction where a property is held by or transferred to a person, but has been provided for or paid by another person.
What will Benami Transactions (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2016 do?
Amendment seeks to strengthen Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act, 1988 by:
• Amend the definition of Benami transactions to widen the scope for legal action
• Specify penalties for entering into Benami transactions and
• Establish adjudicating authorities and Appellate Tribunal to deal with Benami transactions
• The Bill provides immunity under the Benami Act to those who declare their benami properties under income declaration scheme
• Under the bill, the term “property” will cover movable, immovable, tangible and intangible properties. In case of joint ownership of property, the tax payer will have to show financing sources.
Key Highlights Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016
• Persons indulging in benami transactions may face up to 7 years’ imprisonment and fine.
• Furnishing false information is punishable by imprisonment up to 5 years and fine
• Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by government without compensation
• Initiating Officer may pass an order to continue holding property and may then refer case to Adjudicating Authority which will then examine evidence and pass an order.
• Appellate Tribunal will hear appeals against orders of Adjudicating Authority. High Court can hear appeals against orders of Appellate Tribunal.
THE CONTEXT: The latest study by the Pew Research Center has pointed out that “son bias” is on the decline in India as the average annual number of baby girls missing in the country fell from 480,000 (4.8 lakh) in 2010 to 410,000 (4.1 lakh) in 2019.
THE EXPLANATION:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:
• The “missing” refers to how many more female births would have occurred during this time if there were no
female-selective abortions. The problem began in the 1970s with the availability prenatal diagnostic technology allowing for sex selective abortions.
• Among the major religions, the biggest reduction in sex selection seems to be among the groups that previously had the greatest gender imbalances, particularly among Sikhs.
• The world over, boys modestly outnumber girls at birth, at a ratio of approximately 105 male babies for every 100 female babies.
• India legalized abortion in 1971, but the trend of sex selection started picking up in the 1980s due to the introduction of ultrasound scan technology.
• In the 1970s, India’s sex ratio was at par with the global average of 105-100, but this widened to 108 boys per 100 girls in the early 1980s, and reached 110 boys per 100 girls in the 1990s.
• From a large imbalance of about 111 boys per 100 girls in India’s 2011 census, the sex ratio at birth appears to have normalized slightly over the last decade, narrowing to about 109 in the 2015-16 wave of the National Family Health Survey and to 108 boys in the latest wave of the NFHS, conducted from 2019-21.
• The Pew Research Center report points out that between 2000 and 2019, nine crore female births went “missing” because of female-selective abortions. The report has also analysed religion-wise sex selection, pointing out that the gap was the highest for Sikhs.
• In the 2001 census, Sikhs had a sex ratio at birth of 130 males per 100 females, far exceeding that year’s national average of 110. By the 2011 census, the Sikh ratio had narrowed to 121 boys per 100 girls. It now hovers around 110, about the same as the ratio of males to females at birth among the country’s Hindu majority (109). Both Christians (105 boys to 100 girls) and Muslims (106 boys to 100 girls) have sex ratios close to the natural norm, and this trend is holding.
• The study points out that while the Sikhs make up less than 2% of the Indian population, they accounted for an estimated 5%, or approximately 440,000 (4.4 lakh), of the nine crore baby girls who went “missing” in India between 2000 and 2019.
• The share of missing girls among Hindus is above their respective population share.
Sex Ratio
• Sex ratio is defined as the number of females per 1000 males in a given population.
• In a society that has males and females equal in number, the sex ratio is 1:1 or 1000 females for every 1000 males.
THE CONTEXT: Tension between India and China since May 2020 is worrying Indian astrophysicists involved in an ambitious project to install an India-made spectroscope aboard the developing Chinese space station, Tiangong.
THE EXPLANATION:
• Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, as part of a United Nations-led initiative that invites research teams from all over the world to compete for an opportunity to design payloads that will be shuttled to Tiangong aboard rockets of the Chinese Manned Space Agency.
• The project, called Spectrographic Investigation of Nebular Gas (SING), also involves collaboration with the Institute of Astronomy, Russian Academy of Sciences, and has been designed and developed by research students at the IIA. The plan is to have it ready by the year end so that it can be launched in the summer of 2023. Though the plan is on schedule, scientists at the IIA are now consulting with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as well as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on whether they are in the clear to go ahead with the project.
BORDER TENSIONS:
Chinese and Indian troops have been engaged in a prolonged stand-off in eastern Ladakh. The two sides have so far held 16 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the stand-off, which erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area.
• “According to the sources from MEA, at the moment [the India-China] relationship is going through an extremely difficult phase after what China did at the border”.
• The SING project would be the first space-collaboration involving India and China, and primarily deals with sending and positioning a spectrograph, an instrument that splits light into constituent frequencies and wavelengths, to study ultraviolet radiation. This will help analyse the make-up and sources of interstellar gas in the region that swept by the space station as it orbits around the earth.
• India and China have been collaborators in the past on research projects such as the Giant Metre Wave Radio Telescope, a Pune-based observatory that’s employed by astrophysicists across the world to study radiation at metre-scale resolutions to observe and analyse stars and galaxies.
VALUE ADDITION:
What is the Tiangong space station?
• Tiangong space station, or “Heavenly Palace”, is China’s new permanent space station. The country has previously launched two temporary trial space stations, named as Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2.
• The new lab Wentianis the second of three key modules to Tiangong. The first key module Tianhe – which contains living quarters for crew members – was sent into orbit in April 2021. The other key module, Mengtian science lab, is due to be launched by the end of 2022.
• China has big ambitions for Tiangong. The station will have its own power, propulsion, life support systems and living quarters. It is also designed to provide refuelling power to China’s new space telescope, called Xuntian, which will fly close to the space station next year.
THE CONTEXT: Amid the visit of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and waterways, the Union government has revved up its interest in using Iran’s Chabahar port to connect to Afghanistan and Central Asia for trade.
THE EXPLANATION:
India’s strategic vision for Chabahar
• When the first agreement for Chabahar was signed in 2003, the plan had a three-fold objective:
o to build India’s first offshore port and to project Indian infrastructure prowess in the Gulf;
o to circumvent trade through Pakistan, given the tense ties with India’s neighbour and build a long term, sustainable sea trade route;
o to find an alternative land route to Afghanistan, which India had rebuilt ties with after the defeat of the Taliban in 2001.
Subsequently the Indian government constructed the Zaranj -Delaram Highway in Afghanistan’s South, which would help connect the trade route from the border of Iran to the main trade routes to Herat and Kabul, handing it over to the Karzai government in 2009.
• In 2016 India signed the agreement to develop Chabahar port, as well as the trilateral agreement for trade through Chabahar with Afghanistan.
• The India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) authority took over the operations of the port in 2018.
• In the last few years, a fourth strategic objective for the Chabahar route has appeared, with China’s Belt and Road Initiative making inroads in the region.
o The government hopes to provide Central Asia with an alternate route to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through Iran for future trade.
Why is the Chabahar dream taking so long to realise?
• The biggest issue has been over Iran’s relationship with western countries, especially the United States.
• In years when western sanctions against Iran increased, the Chabahar project has been put on the back-burner, while in the years when nuclear talks that resulted in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015 came into being, the Chabahar port has been easier to work on.
• In 2018, the U.S. Trump administration put paid to India’s plans by walking out of the JCPOA and slapping new
sanctions on dealing with Iran.
• This led to the Indian government “zeroing out” all its oil imports from Iran, earlier a major supplier to India, causing a strain in ties.
• It has been difficult to source equipment for the port construction from infrastructure companies that continue to fear secondary sanctions, as well as to engage shipping and insurance companies for trade through Chabahar.
• The Indian government also snapped ties with Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, which put an end to the humanitarian aid of wheat and pulses that was being sent to Kabul via Chabahar.
• When India restarted wheat aid to Afghanistan this year, it negotiated with Pakistan to use the land route instead.
• With the government now reopening the Indian Embassy in Kabul, and establishing ties with the Taliban government, it is possible that the Chabahar route will once again be employed.
THE CONTEXT: The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully flight-tested the indigenously developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
THE EXPLANATION:
What is VL-SRSAM?
• The VL-SRSAM, a ship-borne weapon system, is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets, and was the last test-fired in June 2021.
• It has been designed and developed jointly by three facilities of the Defense Research and Development
Organization for deployment of Indian Naval warships.
• The missile has the capability of neutralizing various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets.
• The tactic of sea skimming is used by various anti-ship missiles and some fighter jets to avoid being detected by the radar’s onboard warships.
• For this, these assets fly as close as possible to sea surface and thus are difficult to detect and neutralize.
Design of VL-SRSAM
• The missile has been designed to strike at the high-speed airborne targets at the range of 40 to 50 km and at an altitude of around 15 km.
• Its design is based on Astra missile which is a Beyond Visual Range Air to Air missile.
• Two key features of the VL-SRSAM are cruciform wings and thrust vectoring.
• The cruciform wings are four small wings arranged like a cross on four sides and give the projective a stable aerodynamic posture.
• The thrust vectoring is an ability to change the direction of the thrust from its engine control the angular velocity and the attitude of the missile.
THE CONTEXT: Recently, the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s latest and most powerful telescope, has captured new images of our solar system’s largest planet, Jupiter, presenting it in a never before seen light.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The photographs published have captured a new view of the planet, presenting in detail its massive storms, colourful auroras, faint rings and two small moons — Amalthea and Adrastea.
• According to NASA we are familiar with the yellow and reddish-brown gas giant, the telescope’s Near-Infrared Camera, with its specialized infrared filters, has shown Jupiter encompassed in blue, green, white, yellow and orange hues. Since infrared light is not visible to the human eye, the images were artificially coloured to match those on the visible spectrum, so that the planet’s distinctive features could stand out.
• Jupiter’s famous Great Red Spot, a storm so big that it could swallow Earth, appeared bright white in the image, since it was reflecting a lot of sunlight, the space agency stated.
VALUE ADDITION:
About Webb Space Telescope:
• It is the most powerful infrared telescope launched by NASA. The telescope is the result of an international collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency.
• Webb will reveal new and unexpected discoveries, and help humanity understand the origins of the universe and our place in it. The telescope will also study the atmospheres of a wide diversity of exoplanets.
Exoplanets :
• An exoplanet is any planet beyond our solar system. Most orbit other stars, but free-floating exoplanets, called rogue planets, orbit the galactic centre and are untethered to any star.
• Exoplanets are made up of elements similar to those of the planets in our solar system, but their mixes of those elements may differ. Some planets may be dominated by water or ice, while others are dominated by iron or carbon.
Objectives of the Webb space telescope:
• Search for the galaxies that formed the very beginning after the Big Bang.
• Determine the evolution of galaxies from their earlier formation until now.
• Observe the stages of the formation of stars until the formation of planetary systems.
• Measure the physical and chemical properties of planetary systems and investigate the potential for life in such systems.
