Although women’s representation in the workforce has grown over the years “LinkedIn’s Economic Graph data” indicates that progress has stalled since 2022 and declined in 2024.
What does the data show?
Representation of women in the workforce has increased over the years but progress has stalled since 2022 and declined in 2024. The promotion of women to senior and leadership roles has stagnated in recent years.
Sectors like healthcare, education, administrative, and support services have higher female representation in senior positions, while sectors like manufacturing, construction, oil, and gas have poor representation.
Representation of women in the overall workforce and in senior positions
Entry and career progression of women
Oil, Gas, and Mining: Among the lowest representation of women in leadership roles, at around 11%.
Construction: Very few women are represented, especially in senior roles.
Utilities: Women face significant barriers in advancing to leadership positions.
Wholesale: Low entry and career progression for women.
Manufacturing: Poor representation of women across all positions, including senior roles.
Transportation: Limited career progression opportunities for women.
Real Estate: Few women in leadership positions, with significant entry barriers.
About the accommodation and other services
Representation of women in senior roles within the accommodation and food services sector falls between 15% and 20%.
This sector exhibits a moderate level of female representation compared to other industries.
While not the highest, it surpasses sectors like oil, gas, mining, construction, utilities, wholesale, manufacturing, transportation, and real estate, where women hold just 11%-14% of leadership positions.
The data suggests there’s still room for improvement in increasing the number of women in leadership roles within the accommodation and food services sector.
Efforts to improve gender diversity and inclusion should be continued and perhaps intensified in this sector, aligning with broader industry and societal goals for gender parity in the workforce.
Administrative and support services:
Women hold senior positions in administrative and support services at a rate of 22% to 30%, indicating a moderate level of representation compared to other sectors.
This sector demonstrates a higher level of female representation in leadership roles compared to industries like oil, gas, mining, construction, utilities, wholesale, manufacturing, transportation, and real estate, where women’s leadership roles range from 11% to 14%.
The education sector boasts the highest representation of women in senior positions at 30%, suggesting that sectors like administrative and support services still have room for improvement.
Efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion within administrative and support services should be sustained, aiming for further increases in the representation of women in leadership roles.
Continued focus on addressing biases, societal norms, and structural barriers is essential to achieving greater gender parity and advancement opportunities for women within this sector.
Way Forward
Efforts by policymakers and business leaders are needed to tackle challenges faced by women in reaching leadership roles, focusing on “women-led development”.
Stricter enforcement of laws such as the Companies Act, 2013, which mandates women directors on company boards. Between April 2018 and December 2023, 507 companies were fined for non-compliance, with 90% being listed companies.
Mains PYQ
Q Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of the Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives of empowering women in rural India. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Mains: Q) The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (UPSC CSE 2022) Q) In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the states? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. (UPSC CSE 2017)
Note4Students:
Prelims: State Reorganization Acts;
Mains: Governance Issues; Regional Disparities; State Reorganization;
Mentor comment: In India, the phenomenon of ‘Regional Disparity’ has been a persistent challenge since independence, with some regions experiencing rapid growth while others lag. These disparities manifest in various forms, such as differences in culture and language, per capita income, access to infrastructure development. The same case evolved in 1956 in the form of ‘state reorganization’ on the linguistic lines. Andhra Pradesh was the first state in India after independence to be formed on a linguistic basis. However, after 2014 bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into – Andhra Pradesh and Telangana created new governance and political doubts in the minds of policy makers. The question is now whether the organization of states should be on a linguistic basis or an administrative basis.
The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh which took during 2014 has led to a significant decline in nostalgia (the pain from an old wound) for the shared history of the two regions. People from both sides are now moving on, with little emotional attachment to their past unity.
Let’s learn.
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Why in the News?
On June 2, 2024, 10 years will be completed for the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. At the 10th year, Hyderabad ceases to be the common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
However, several critical issues related to various corporations and common institutions between residuary Andhra Pradesh and the new state of Telangana still need to be solved.
About the AP Reorganization Act of 2014:
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2014 was introduced in Lok Sabha on February 13, 2014, by the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde.
The Bill also proposes consequential amendments to The Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, and the First and Fourth schedule of the Constitution of India.
What were the provisions led under the APR Act, of 2014?
Formation of Telangana: The Bill carves out a separate state called ‘Telangana’ comprising 10 districts of the existing state of ‘Andhra Pradesh’. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will have a common capital, Hyderabad, for 10 years. After this period, Hyderabad shall be the capital of Telangana only.
Role of Governor: The Governor of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh shall be the common Governor for both states for a period determined by the President. As part of the administration, he shall be responsible for (i) security of life, liberty, and property, (ii) law and order, (iii) internal security, (iv) security of vital installations, and (v) management and allocation of government buildings.
Representation in Parliament: After the bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh will have 11 seats in Rajya Sabha, and Telangana will have 7. In Lok Sabha, Andhra Pradesh will have 25 seats and Telangana will have 17 seats.
Representation in the Legislative Assembly and Council: The total number of seats in the Legislative Assembly for Andhra Pradesh will be 175, and for Telangana will be 119. Further, the Governor may nominate one member each, from the Anglo-Indian community to the LAs of the successor states. The Legislative Council (L.C.) of Andhra Pradesh will have a maximum of 50 members, and Telangana, 40 members.
High Court: The High Court at Hyderabad shall be the common High Court for the successor states for some time. Following this, it shall become the High Court for the state of Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh shall get a new High Court.
Revenue Distribution: The resources allocated by the 13th Finance Commission to the existing state of Andhra Pradesh will be apportioned between the two successor states based on population ratio and other parameters.
Treasury and bank balances: The cash and credit balances of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh will be divided between the two successor states based on population ratio by adjusting the credit balances of the two states in the books of the Reserve Bank of India.
Polavaram Irrigation Project: The central government will execute the irrigation project in consultation with the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Centre’s assistance for police forces: The central government will assist the two successor states in raising additional police forces. The Greyhound and OCTOPUS forces of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh shall be re-distributed between the two successor states.
The Message from the Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation:
Regional Economic Disparities (Economic): The economic disparities between the two regions have not been bridged, with Telangana outperforming Andhra Pradesh in terms of per capita GSDP. This gap has remained relatively constant over the years.
Urban centers and their surrounding districts are contributing a larger chunk of state revenues, while the agricultural-based regions’ share is negligible.
However, the GCRs (Gini Coefficient Ratio) decreased in sectoral district domestic production for all three sectors (Agriculture, industry, and services). The Gini coefficient is often used to measure income inequality.
Question on Regional Fault Lines (Administrative): The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh has exposed regional fault lines, including political, historical, and lifestyle differences.
The two regions were under different political authorities for 150 years. During the late medievals, the Nizam gave away the ‘coastal’ and the ‘ceded’ districts (Rayalaseema district) to the European powers.
They were ruled from Golconda and Hyderabad for a long time. However, after the independence, they were together after 1956 (the creation of the first state on a linguistic basis).
Such parting of ways has not yet happened with the Kannada-speaking area of the Nizam’s Hyderabad State, nor did it happen as yet with its Marathi-speaking area.
Therefore, the question arises, of unity based on language being frailer compared to those of the shared visions of Kannada and Marathi elites.
Challenges around the Federal and Future Scope:
Future of Centre-State Relations: The distribution of political power in the central legislature could become a point of friction among states, particularly if there are changes in delimitation that favor certain regions.
Andhra Pradesh had 42 Lok Sabha seats and was the largest State in south India. But now, with a mere 25 seats, it is smaller than Tamil Nadu which has 39 seats, and Karnataka which has 28 seats. Telangana, with 17 seats, is smaller than Kerala, thus becoming fifth in the pecking order in the south.
In our federal structure, numbers do matter but grossly unequal sizes among the units can render some regions irrelevant and others more relevant in deciding who holds power at the Centre. This may result in undesirable strains in the federal structure of our Republic.
Future of Linguistic States: Andhra Pradesh, in its first five years after the division, got bogged down in its attempt to build for itself as a ‘world-class’ capital, that would overcome the loss of Hyderabad. The next five years were consumed by profligate Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) welfarism.
Therefore, the Indian Republic may need to look for alternative organizing principles, such as size or population.
Conclusion: The government needs to underscore the importance of federalism in addressing regional disparities and promoting more inclusive governance. The experience of Andhra Pradesh bifurcation offers valuable lessons for policymakers, highlighting the need to address regional disparities and adapt governance structures to changing regional dynamics.
A report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project suggests Adani Group claimed ‘low grade’ coal imported from Indonesia to be ‘high quality’ coal.
They inflated its value and sold it to Tamil Nadu’s power generation company, TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company).
Coal Gradation in India
These terms are relative and depend on the coal’s Gross Calorific Value (GCV denoted in kilo-calories per kg), which indicates its energy generation potential. Higher GCV denotes better quality coal.
High-Grade (GCV > 7,000 kcal/kg) to
Low-Grade (GCV 2,200-2,500 kcal/kg).
Overall there are 17 grades of coal according to the Coal Ministry‘s classification.
Characteristics of Indian Coal:
Historically, Indian coal is high in ash content and low in calorific value compared to imports.
Higher ash content leads to increased emissions of particulate matter and pollutants.
Clean Coal Technologies:
Coal Washing: On-site processes such as coal washing are employed to reduce ash and moisture content, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Coal Gasification:
Another approach is coal gasification, where coal is converted into syngas through an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC).
This process enhances efficiency and reduces emissions compared to traditional coal-burning methods.
Coal gasification produces a mixture of gases known as syngas, primarily composed of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Other gases present in syngas can include methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O).
Coal Reserves in India
India boasts the fourth-largest coal reserves globally, totaling nearly 319.02 billion tonnes.
Geological Distribution: These reserves are primarily located in:
Older Gondwana Formations: in Peninsular India, about 250 million years old.
Younger Tertiary Formations: in the North-Eastern region, 15 to 60 million years old.
Gondwana coal constitutes 99% of India’s coal production.
The top 5 States in terms of total coal reserves in India are: Jharkhand > Odisha > Chhattisgarh > West Bengal > Madhya Pradesh.
Types of Coal found:
Anthracite: This highest-grade coal contains 80-95% carbon and is found in smaller quantities in regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bituminous: A medium-grade coal with 60 to 80% carbon content, it is abundant in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Lignite: The lowest-grade coal, with 40 to 55% carbon content, is found in regions of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Status of Coal in India
In the fiscal year 2023-24, India’s coal production peaked at 997 million tonnes, primarily sourced from state-owned Coal India Ltd and its subsidiaries. Coking coal accounted for 58 million tonnes.
During the first quarter of 2024, renewable energy constituted 71.5% of India’s unprecedented 13.6 GW power generation capacity addition, signalling a notable departure from reliance on coal.
Coal Import Trends:
Reduction in Share: The share of coal imports in India’s total coal consumption decreased to 21% from April 2023 to January 2024, down from 22.48% in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Blending and Power Plant Imports: While there was a significant reduction of 36.69% in coal imports for blending by thermal power plants, imports by coal-based power plants surged by 94.21% during the same period.
Reasons for Coal Imports:
Quality Constraints: The scarcity of good quality coking coal, essential for steelmaking, necessitates coal imports to meet industrial demands.
Rising Energy Demand: Coal remains a vital component of India’s energy mix, prompting the need for imports to fulfil growing energy requirements.
Infrastructure Challenges: Challenges such as geological constraints, land acquisition issues, and environmental regulations impede domestic coal production
Quality and Cost Considerations: Importing coal can offer cost advantages and access to better-quality coal compared to domestic sources
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following statements:
Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment
High ash content is observed in Indian coal.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
The International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) has listed mangroves in coastal regions spanning Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and Maldives as ‘critically endangered’ in its first global assessment of mangrove ecosystems.
Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems: Study by IUCN
Global assessment reveals a 50% risk of mangrove ecosystem collapse. Without further conservation, by 2050, 7,065 sq km more mangroves will be lost, and 23,672 sq km submerged.
If we let this happen, the world is at risk of losing:
1.8B tonnes of carbon stored, costing society $336B (based on the social cost of carbon). Protects 2.1M lives and $36B worth of property from coastal flooding..
Sea-level rise is the main threat affecting mangrove ecosystems.
25% of the global mangrove area is predicted to be submerged in the next 50 Years.
1/3 of the world’s mangrove ecosystem provinces will be severely affected by sea-level rise.
Tamil Nadu’s Efforts for Mangroves Conservation
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has doubled mangrove cover from 23 sq km in 2001 to 45 sq km in 2021, as per the Indian State of Forest Report.
Mangrove restoration projects have been undertaken across Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Cuddalore, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Thiruvallur, and Villupuram districts, with plans for an additional 15 sq km restoration under the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission funded by the World Bank.
Tamil Nadu’s TN-SHORE initiative, launched in January 2024, aims to address environmental challenges along the coastline. With Rs 1,675 crore funding, including 70% from the World Bank, it focuses on blue carbon sequestration.
Back2Basics: Mangroves
Mangroves constitute a group of trees and shrubs inhabiting the coastal intertidal zone.
They are found globally in tropical and subtropical regions, typically between latitudes 25° N and 25° S.
Mangroves are predominantly located in tropical regions due to their intolerance to the extreme cold conditions prevalent in temperate zones.
Features of Mangroves:
Adaptation to waterlogged and anoxic soil: Mangroves possess unique characteristics allowing them to survive in waterlogged and oxygen-deficient environments.
Halophytes: Mangrove species have the ability to filter out up to 90% of the salt from seawater as it enters their roots, with some species also excreting salt through glands in their leaves.
Water retention capacity: Thick succulent leaves store fresh water, while a waxy coating on some species’ leaves minimizes evaporation.
Pneumatophores: Certain mangroves develop pencil-like roots that emerge from the ground to absorb oxygen from the air, aiding in coping with tidal flooding.
Prop roots: Many mangrove trees possess dense aerial roots descending from their trunks and branches, which stabilize and support them against waves and tides.
Lenticellated bark: Oxygen enters mangroves through lenticels, small breathing pores in the bark and roots, enabling them to adapt to low oxygen conditions.
Viviparity: Seed pods germinate while still on the tree, facilitating immediate root growth upon dropping.
Mangroves in India:
According to the India State of Forest Report 2021, mangrove cover in India comprises 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area.
West Bengal has the highest percentage of area under total mangrove cover among states and union territories, followed by Gujarat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Sundarbans, characterized by the dominant mangrove species sundari (Heritiera fomes), is the largest continuous mangrove forest globally.
Various mangrove areas in India are protected within reserves and sanctuaries such as the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, Bhitarkanika, Coringa, Nelapattu, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuaries, Pirotan National Park, among others.
PYQ:
[2011] The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?
(a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out
(b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster
(c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami
(d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.
Southwest Iceland witnessed the eruption of the Sundhnuksgigar volcano, triggering evacuations in the nearby areas.
About Sundhnuksgigar Volcano
Sundhnuksgigar is a row of craters just outside the town of Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula
It is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a divergent boundary where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are moving apart.
What is a Volcano?
A volcano is a fissure or vent in the Earth’s crust through which gases, molten rock materials (lava), ash, steam, sulphur dioxide etc., are expelled during an eruption.
These openings occur where the rock layers in the Earth’s crust are relatively weak.
Volcanic activity is categorized as an endogenic process, originating from within the Earth.
Depending on the explosivity of the volcano, various extrusive and intrusive landforms can be formed.
Different types of volcanoes can be classified based on the frequency of eruption and the nature of the eruption:
1. Frequency of eruption:
Active volcanoes: Frequent eruptions in Pacific Ring of Fire: New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, western Americas. Linked to plate tectonics, like Kilauea and Santa Maria. High seismicity, volcanic activity.
Dormant Volcanoes: These are not currently erupting but have the potential to erupt again in the future. An example is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa.
Extinct or inactive volcanoes: These have not erupted in the distant geological past. Dhinodhar Hill in Gujarat is an example.
2. Nature of Eruption:
Shield Volcanoes: Largest and least explosive volcanoes, formed from basalt lava. Often low in explosivity, except when water interacts. Hawaiian volcanoes exemplify this..
Composite Volcanoes: Volcanoes with cooler, thicker lava, built up through explosive eruptions. Layer ash, pyroclastic material, and lava flow. Examples: Mayon, Fuji, Rainier.
Calderas: The most explosive volcanoes, prone to collapsing inward during eruptions rather than building upwards. The resulting depressions are called calderas.
Flood Basalt Provinces: These volcanoes erupt highly fluid lava that travels long distances, covering vast areas with thick basalt flows.
Reasons for Iceland’s Volcanism
Tectonic Activity: Iceland is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates diverge. This creates volcanic rift zones where magma rises to the surface, leading to eruptions.
Hotspots: Additionally, Iceland is positioned over a hotspot, contributing to heightened volcanic activity. Hotspots are areas where magma from the mantle rises towards the surface, fueling eruptions.
Subglacial Volcanism: Iceland’s volcanic activity is not limited to the surface; some eruptions occur beneath glaciers, leading to explosive interactions between lava and ice. These subglacial eruptions can produce powerful steam explosions, ash clouds, and catastrophic floods known as jokulhlaup.
PYQ:
[2021] Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on the regional environment.
[2013] Consider the following:
Electromagnetic radiation
Geothermal energy
Gravitational force
Plate movements
Rotation of the earth
Revolution of the earth
Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched by NASA, has unveiled a groundbreaking find It has captured imagery of the universe’s earliest-known galaxy, revealing unexpected brightness and size given its formation during the universe’s infancy.
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
JWST is a joint venture between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) launched in December 2021.
It is an orbiting infrared observatory that will complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope, with longer wavelength coverage and greatly improved sensitivity.
Webb was formerly known as the “Next Generation Space Telescope” (NGST) and it was renamed in 2002 after a former NASA administrator, James Webb.
It will be a large infrared telescope with an approximately 6.5-meter primary mirror.
JWST is positioned at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point, 5 million km away.
It consists of a mirror, spanning 6.5 meters in diameter compared to Hubble’s 2.4 meters, as well as its specialized instruments optimized for infrared observations.
Key Objectives:
JWST observes deeper into the universe than Hubble.
Observes celestial objects from earlier epochs.
Enables the detection of light from the universe’s earliest stars, dating back over 13.5 billion years.
About JADES-GS-z14-0 Galaxy
Named JADES-GS-z14-0, this galaxy was formed approximately 290 million years after the Big Bang.
Spanning about 1,700 light-yearsacross, it consists of a mass equivalent to 500 million stars akin to our Sun.
Despite its ancient age, the galaxy is actively generating stars at a rapid pace, producing around 20 new stars annually.
Scientific Insights:
Historical Context: Previously, the earliest-known galaxy was dated to approximately 320 million years post-Big Bang, indicating the significance of this new discovery.
Luminosity Theories: While hypotheses suggest various explanations for the galaxy’s luminosity, including supermassive black holes or unusually bright stars, further research is required to validate these theories.
PYQ:
[2012] Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidence for the continued expansion of the universe?
Detection of microwaves in space
Observation of redshift phenomenon in space
Movement of asteroids in space
Occurrence of supernova explosions in space
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
The Koya tribe in Andhra Pradesh is facing a cultural crisis due to stricter liquor regulations enforced by the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB).
About Koya tribe
Koya are one of the few multi-racial and multi-lingual tribal communities in India.
They live in the forests, plains, and valleys on both sides of the Godavari River which lies in Andhra Pradesh. Many also live in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.
They believe their main deity still resides in a cave in the Bastar region.
Cultural Crisis (Disruption of Traditions):
Mahua liquor is brewed from the flowers of the Mahua tree which is integral to Koya cultural and religious ceremonies including naming ceremonies, weddings, and death anniversaries.
Police raids and seizures of Mahua liquor disrupt these traditions causing cultural shocks within the community. For example, recently the naming ceremony of Madakam Janakamma’s child was held without Mahua liquor due to SEB raids.
Tribal Rights (Legal Challenges and Rights):
The Andhra Pradesh Prohibition Act, 1995, does not exempt the Koya tribe from brewing and storing Mahua liquor, despite its cultural significance.
The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996empowers the gram sabha to protect tribal traditions and culture but its implementation is questionable as SEB raids continue unabated.
Koya villagers are often coerced into paying bribes to avoid legal charges, highlighting the tension between law enforcement and tribal rights.
Impact on Collection(Economic Consequences):
Many Koya households have ceased Mahua flower collection due to fear of police raids, significantly affecting their primary source of income.
Destruction of freshly collected flowers during raids further disincentivizes collection, reducing the supply of Mahua flowers to weekly markets (shandies) where they are exchanged for essential goods.
Guardians of Culture (Preservation of Heritage):
The Koya tribe, especially those not displaced by the Polavaram irrigation project, are seen as custodians of their culture. However, displacement and integration with non-tribal communities threaten their cultural identity.
Local leaders and activists argue for the need to empower Koya women with training in producing value-added products from Mahua flowers, rather than undermining their traditional practices and economic activities.
Legal and Policy Measures
Amend the Andhra Pradesh Prohibition Act, 1995: Introduce exemptions or special provisions that recognize and protect the traditional brewing and usage of Mahua liquor for cultural and religious purposes by the Koya tribe.
Strengthen Implementation of PESA Act: Ensure that the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, is fully implemented. Empower Gram Sabhas to have a greater say in protecting tribal traditions, including the brewing of Mahua liquor.
Conclusion: The enforcement actions by the SEB, while aimed at regulating liquor, pose a significant threat to the Koya tribe’s cultural heritage and economic well-being. Balancing legal regulations with respect for tribal traditions and rights is crucial to preserving the Koya way of life.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the two major legal initiatives by state since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (ST) ? (UPSC IAS/2017)
A global report highlights a significant rise in unhealthy food consumption in India, surpassing intake of vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious foods.
Global Food Policy Report 2024: Food Systems for Healthy Diets and Nutrition was released by “theInternational Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)”.
About CGIAR:
CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) is a global partnership uniting organizations engaged in research for a food-secure future.
Focus: Its mission focuses on reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.CGIAR conducts research and partners with other organizations to transform global food systems and ensure equitable access to sustainable, healthy diets.
Emerging Trends in India:
Increase in consumption of unhealthy food: There is a significant increase in the consumption of unhealthy foods such as salty or fried snacks compared to nutritious options like vegetables and fruits. About 38% of the population consumes unhealthy foods, while only 28% consume all five recommended food groups.
The consumption of processed foods and ready-made convenience foods is rising. From 2011 to 2021, malnutrition in India increased from 15.4% to 16.6%.The prevalence of overweight adults rose from 12.9% in 2006 to 16.4% in 2016.
Processed food consumption is on the rise in India
South Asian Highlights
Processed Food Consumption: Increasing intake of processed foods like chocolates, salty snacks, beverages, and ready-made meals in India and other South Asian countries.
Malnutrition Rates: High levels of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies coexist with rising rates of overweight, obesity, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Food Budget Trends: Packaged food spending in India’s household food budgets nearly doubled from 6.5% to 12% between 2015 and 2019.
Issue of Double Malnutrition:
Double malnutrition refers to the coexistence of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies with overweight and obesity, or diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
High levels of undernutrition (stunting and wasting) and micronutrient deficiencies persist even as overweight and obesity rates increase.
More than two billion people, especially in Africa and South Asia, cannot afford a healthy diet.
Dietary Guidelines by ICMR:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released 17 dietary guidelines to promote healthy eating.
Guidelines emphasize reading food labels to make informed choices and minimizing the consumption of high-fat, sugar, salt, and ultra-processed foods.
The guidelines highlight the importance of diverse diets over cereal-centric agriculture and food policies.
ICMR advises against the misleading information often presented on packaged foods.
Way forward:
Strengthen Nutritional Policies: Develop and enforce policies that promote the consumption of nutritious foods. Implement taxes on unhealthy foods and subsidies for fruits, vegetables, and other micronutrient-rich foods.
Regulate Processed Foods: Implement strict regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods, especially targeting children.
Mains PYQ:
Q How far do you agree with the view that the focus on the lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (15) (UPSC IAS/2018)
On May 21, severe turbulence over Myanmar caused one death and 70 injuries on a Singapore Airlines flight. Qatar Airways had 12 minor injuries on May 26.
What is Turbulence?
Turbulence, unpredictable air motion caused by eddies and vertical currents, ranges from minor bumps to severe disruptions, often associated with fronts and thunderstorms.
Flight Turbulence
Types of Flight Turbulence
Note: Attitude is the angular difference measured between an aeroplane’s axis and the line of the Earth’s horizon.
Light Turbulence: Slight erratic changes in the aircraft’s orientation.
Moderate Turbulence: Notable changes in altitude and attitude, but the aircraft remains under control.
Severe Turbulence: Significant and sudden changes of altitude and attitude, momentarily losing control.
Extreme Turbulence: The aircraft is violently tossed about and is almost impossible to control.
Causes of Flight Turbulence
Mechanical Turbulence: Caused by friction between the air and the ground, especially over irregular terrain and man-made obstacles. Includes ‘mountain waves’ over mountain ranges.
Convective/Thermal Turbulence: Resulting from hot air rising rapidly and cooler air descending, creating convective air currents. Often occurs during the approach.
Frontal Turbulence: Created by the lifting of warm air by a sloping frontal surface and friction between opposing air masses, commonly near thunderstorms.
Wind Shear: Caused by changes in wind direction and/or speed over specific distances, found in temperature inversion areas, troughs, lows, and around jet streams.
Clear Air Turbulence (CAT): Occurs at high altitudes outside of clouds, often near jet streams, and is difficult to predict or see.
Impact of Climate Change on Flight Turbulence
Increased Incidence: Studies indicate a rise in severe turbulence, particularly CAT, with the growth in air traffic and climate change.
Jet Stream Intensification: Climate change strengthens jet streams, increasing the frequency and severity of turbulence.
Mountain Wave and Near-Cloud Turbulence: Predictions suggest these types of turbulence will also intensify with climate change, leading to more frequent and severe occurrences globally.
Way forward:
Safety Measures: Continuous improvement in aircraft design, weather forecasting, and pilot training helps mitigate the risks associated with turbulence.
Passenger Advice: Passengers are advised to keep their seat belts fastened as much as possible to avoid injuries during unexpected turbulence.
Regulatory Recommendations: Aviation authorities recommend better communication, real-time information sharing, and enhanced training to prevent turbulence-related incidents.
Mains PYQ:
Q Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (UPSC IAS/2014)
The Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), has organised the event “Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2024”.
About Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz, 2024:
This program aims to document Kerala’s frog species during the monsoon season.
Objective: Cultivate scientific curiosity among the public and raise awareness about frog conservation through social media platforms, such as posters and articles.
Bioblitz Definition: It’s an intensive survey conducted over time to identify and document as many species as possible within a designated area, a popular participatory survey method globally.
Project Details:
Participation: People of all ages can contribute by uploading frog photographs and sounds via the iNaturalist app.
Data Utilization: Scientific observations collected during the bioblits will contribute to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), facilitating biodiversity awareness, habitat conservation, and climate change research.
Need for such an event
Monsoon heralds a festive season for frogs, marking their peak activity and breeding period.
However, the survival of frogs, crucial indicators of ecosystem health, faces threats from climate change, habitat loss, and water pollution.
As a result, 41% of the world’s frog species are on the IUCN Red List of endangered species, including those in Kerala.
Results of 2023:
In 2023, KFRI conducted the Monsoon Croaks project, witnessing enthusiastic participation from citizens across Kerala.
Highlights: Around 200 citizen scientists uploaded 1,223 observations, identifying approximately 80 amphibian species, including those listed on the IUCN Red List.
Notable Species: The top most observed species is the Wayanad Bush Frog (Pseudophilautus wynaadensis).
Following closely is the Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus).
Other important amphibian species recorded in the bioblitz include:
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