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  • Inside the Digital World of Cookies

    cookies

    Central Idea

    • In the online world, digital cookies hold a significant role, contributing to personalization and user convenience.
    • These unobtrusive lines of code, quietly stored on devices during website visits, shape the online experiences we encounter.

    Understanding How Cookies Work

    • Cookies as Digital Keys: Think of cookies as keys to an exclusive club. Just as a club bouncer recognizes regular patrons, cookies remember your login details on websites, eliminating the need for constant re-authentication.
    • Enhanced Online Shopping: Websites like Amazon leverage cookies to remember your past interactions, offering tailored product recommendations and an intimate shopping experience.
    • Persistent Shopping Carts: Online shopping carts, fueled by cookies, ensure your selections remain intact even after you leave the site, simplifying the checkout process.
    • Personalized Advertising: Platforms like Facebook and Google utilize cookies to track online behaviour, serving ads aligned with your preferences.

    Types of Cookies

    • Session Cookies: Temporary, session cookies function as post-it notes for websites, existing only in your computer’s memory during your browsing session.
    • Persistent Cookies: Comparable to bookmarks, persistent cookies remain on your device after your browsing session, retaining login information and preferences.
    • Secure Cookies: Sent over encrypted connections, secure cookies are employed for sensitive data like login credentials.
    • Third-Party Cookies: Originating from domains other than the visited site, third-party cookies serve tracking and advertising functions, offering both benefits and potential intrusiveness.

    Multifaceted Uses of Cookies

    • Digital ID Cards: Cookies facilitate user authentication, allowing websites to recognize and keep you logged in.
    • Personalization: They remember your preferences, such as language choices and website themes.
    • Persistent Shopping Carts: Items added online remain accessible upon your return.
    • Analytics Data: Cookies enable website owners to gather valuable data about user interactions for improvements and customization.
    • Targeted Advertising: Advertisers employ cookies to display ads aligning with your interests, enhancing online shopping experiences.

    Challenges Associated with Cookies

    • Privacy Concerns: Cookies can track online behaviour, occasionally infringing upon digital privacy.
    • Security Risks: Inadequately secured cookies may expose personal information to cybercriminals.
    • User Consent Era: Privacy regulations necessitate websites to seek user consent before deploying specific cookie types, resulting in pop-ups and prompts.
    • Third-Party Cookie Debates: Concerns about third-party cookies have led web browsers to limit their usage for user privacy protection.
    • Data Deluge: The multitude of cookies can potentially overwhelm your browser, causing a sluggish web experience.

    Conclusion

    • Complex yet Sweet: Cookies enhance online experiences but also bring privacy and security challenges. As the digital landscape evolves, so will the use and regulation of cookies.
    • Analogous to Real Cookies: Just like warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies, digital cookies add a personalized touch to your online adventures, even if they occasionally leave behind a few crumbs.

  • Bridging Gender Gaps in Cancer Care: The Lancet Commission Report

    women cancer

    Central Idea

    • The Lancet Commission report ‘Women, Power and Cancer’ spotlights the gender disparities in cancer care that persist in India.

    Women dying of Cancer: Alarming Statistics

    • The report emphasizes that approximately 6.9 million cancer-related deaths among Indian women were preventable, and 4.03 million were treatable.
    • It revealed that a staggering 63% of premature cancer-related deaths in Indian women could have been prevented through risk reduction, screening, and early diagnosis.
    • 37% could have been averted through timely and optimal treatment.

    Understanding the Gender Gap

    • Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Despite men being at a higher risk of certain cancers affecting both genders, women continue to face a significant burden of cancer incidence and mortality. Globally, women account for 48% of new cancer cases and 44% of cancer-related deaths. This happens even though some of the cancers in women, such as breast and cervical cancers, are highly preventable and treatable.
    • Root Causes: The report attributes this gender gap in cancer outcomes to several factors, including limited access to timely and appropriate care due to disparities in knowledge, decision-making power, and financial resources. Women, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, often lack the necessary information and autonomy for informed decision-making in healthcare.
    • Financial Strain: Additionally, women are more likely than men to experience financial devastation due to cancer-related expenses, compounding the challenges they face.

    Challenges in Cancer Care for Women

    • Underrepresentation: The report underscores that women are underrepresented in leadership roles in the field of cancer care. They are also susceptible to gender-based discrimination and harassment, making it a complex environment for women to thrive.
    • Unrecognized Contributions: Shockingly, women constitute the largest unpaid workforce in cancer care, with their contributions estimated to be worth approximately 3.66% of India’s national health expenditure.

    Expert Insights

    • Healthcare-Seeking Behavior: A healthcare expert highlights the impact of gendered healthcare-seeking behavior. Women, particularly in disadvantaged sections of society, tend to exhibit lower healthcare-seeking behavior, impacting their overall health outcomes.
    • Societal Changes: Beyond medical knowledge, societal changes are crucial. Women often hesitate to consult medical professionals for conditions like breast or cervical cancer, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

    Significance of Screening

    • Preventable and Treatable Cancers: Breast and cervical cancers, two of the most common cancers in women, are highly preventable and treatable. Experts emphasize the importance of regular screenings.
    • Early Detection: Self-examination of breasts, annual clinical examinations by a medical professional, and mammography for women over 40 can aid in early breast cancer detection. For cervical cancer, regular screenings can identify pre-cancerous growth and the presence of the human papillomavirus.

    Government Interventions

    • Awareness Campaigns: Experts underscore the need for government-led awareness campaigns to promote cancer prevention and early detection, similar to those for other health initiatives.
    • Vaccination Programs: The government’s initiative to include vaccination programs for young girls is a positive step in reducing cancer incidence.
    • Primary Health Centers: Experts highlight the potential for primary health centers to play a more significant role in cancer diagnosis and early treatment, particularly for cervical cancer.

    Recommendations from the Report

    • Data Collection: Regularly collecting gender and social demographic data for cancer health statistics is crucial.
    • Policy Development: Developing, strengthening, and enforcing policies that reduce known cancer risks is essential.
    • Equitable Access: The report calls for equitable access to cancer research resources, leadership roles, and funding opportunities for women, addressing the gender imbalance in cancer care and research.

  • Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and the Green Revolution: A Transformative Legacy

    Dr. M.S. Swaminathan

    Central Idea

    • Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the revered agricultural scientist renowned as the “Father of the Green Revolution” in India, passed away at the age of 98.
    • His legacy is deeply interwoven with India’s journey towards achieving food security.

    Who was Dr. M.S. Swaminathan?

    • Civil Services to Agriculture: Although Dr. Swaminathan initially cleared the civil services examination, his heart was set on agriculture. His fascination with farming led him to pivot his career towards agricultural research.
    • The Turning Point: Influenced by the Bengal famine of 1942-43, which he viewed as a consequence of British policies, Dr. Swaminathan chose to study agriculture, particularly genetics and breeding. This decision was instrumental in shaping India’s agricultural landscape.

    Timeline of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s remarkable life and contributions:

    Year Milestones
    1925 Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Madras Presidency.
    1940s Pursued higher education in zoology and later completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science.
    1949-1954 Conducted research on combating potato crop parasites during a UNESCO fellowship and earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge.
    1954 Specialized in the genus Solanum and started researching fertilizers and high-yielding wheat varieties.
    1965-70 Collaborated with Dr. Norman Borlaug to develop high-yield semi-dwarf wheat varieties, pioneering the Green Revolution in India.
    1979-1982 Appointed as Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and served in various government roles.
    1982 Became Director General of the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.
    1987 Awarded the first World Food Prize for his contributions to agriculture.
    2002 Elected as President of the Pugwash Conferences on science and world affairs.
    2004 Appointed as the chair of the National Commission on Farmers, which recommended significant reforms for Indian agriculture.
    2005 Joined the United Nations Millennium Project’s Hunger Task Force and developed targets to combat poverty and hunger.
    2007 Nominated to the Rajya Sabha and presented the Women Farmers’ Entitlements Bill.
    2013 onwards Continued involvement in various initiatives focused on nutrition, internet access, and agricultural institutes worldwide.

     

    Green Revolution: A Game-Changer

    • Revolutionary Change: Dr. Swaminathan’s pioneering work led to the introduction of high-yielding variety seeds, improved irrigation facilities, and fertilizers to farmers in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. This transformative period marked the beginning of India’s Green Revolution.
    • Impact on Wheat Production: The Green Revolution witnessed a remarkable increase in wheat production. In 1947, India produced about 6 million tonnes of wheat annually, which soared to about 17 million tonnes between 1964 and 1968, significantly enhancing the nation’s self-sufficiency in food production.

    Swaminathan’s Contribution to the Green Revolution

    Semi-Dwarf Wheat Varieties Aimed to reduce wheat plant height, preventing lodging while maintaining grain yield.
    Collaboration with Norman Borlaug Collaborated with Norman Borlaug to incorporate dwarfing genes into spring wheat varieties suitable for India.
    The Wheat Revolution A collaborative effort starting in 1963, leading to high-yield semi-dwarf wheat varieties.
    Role of HYVs Focused on developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, crucial for combating drought and famine.
    Yield Gap Reduction Targeted increasing productivity on existing farmland through HYVs, mitigating the threat of famine.
    Cytogenetics Expertise Contributions extended to studying chromosomes (cytogenetics), identifying traits like disease resistance.

    Challenges and Ethical Commitments

    • Unintended Consequences: Despite its successes, the Green Revolution faced criticism for benefiting prosperous farmers and causing ecological issues.
    • Dr. Swaminathan’s Advocacy: As the head of the National Commission on Farmers, he advocated for fair Minimum Support Prices for farmers and highlighted concerns related to soil fertility, pesticide use, and water management.

    Legacy and Recognition

    International Accolades – Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971

    – Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986

    – UNEP Sasakawa Environment Prize in 1994

    – UNESCO Gandhi Gold Medal in 1999

    – Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development in 1999

    – Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award in 2000

    – First World Food Prize Laureate in 1987.
    National Awards (India) – Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award

    – Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development
    Civilian Awards (India) – Padma Shri in 1967

    – Padma Bhushan in 1972

    – Padma Vibhushan in 1989
    Honorary Doctorates – Received over 80 honorary doctorates from universities worldwide
    Civilian Awards (Other Nations) – Honored with civilian awards from nations like the Philippines, France, Cambodia, China
    Fellowships in Scientific Academies – Elected as a fellow in several scientific academies in Russia, Sweden, United States, United Kingdom, Italy, China, Bangladesh

    Back2Basics: Key Terms Explained

    • Hexaploid Wheat: Also known as “bread wheat,” hexaploid wheat contains six sets of chromosomes and is a globally cultivated cereal crop.
    • Carbon Fixation: The process by which crops capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds, primarily through photosynthesis.
    • C3 and C4 Pathways: Photosynthetic pathways used by plants for carbon fixation, with C4 being more efficient.
    • C4 Rice Plant: A type of rice that employs the C4 photosynthetic pathway, which Dr. Swaminathan worked on during his tenure at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

  • India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) Widens: Implications and Outlook

    Central Idea

    • Data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reveals that India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) expanded significantly to $9.2 billion, equivalent to 1.1% of GDP, during the April-June quarter.
    • This represents a substantial increase from the preceding three months when it stood at $1.3 billion, or 0.2% of GDP.
    • Contrasting with the year-earlier quarter of fiscal 2022-23, where the CAD was $17.9 billion (2.1% of GDP), the current scenario reflects evolving economic dynamics.

    What is Current Account Deficit (CAD)?

    • A current account is a key component of balance of payments, which is the account of transactions or exchanges made between entities in a country and the rest of the world.
    • This includes a nation’s net trade in products and services, its net earnings on cross border investments including interest and dividends, and its net transfer payments such as remittances and foreign aid.
    • A CAD arises when the value of goods and services imported exceeds the value of exports, while the trade balance refers to the net balance of export and import of goods or merchandise trade.

    Components of Current Account

    Current Account Deficit (CAD) =  Trade Deficit + Net Income + Net Transfers

    (1) Trade Deficit

    • Trade Deficit = Imports – Exports
    • A Country is said to have a trade deficit when it imports more goods and services than it exports.
    • Trade deficit is an economic measure of a negative balance of trade in which a country’s imports exceeds its exports.
    • A trade deficit represents an outflow of domestic currency to foreign markets.

    (2) Net Income

    • Net Income = Income Earned by MNCs from their investments in India.
    • When foreign investment income exceeds the savings of the country’s residents, then the country has net income deficit.
    • This foreign investment can help a country’s economy grow. But if foreign investors worry they won’t get a return in a reasonable amount of time, they will cut off funding.
    • Net income is measured by the following things:
    1. Payments made to foreigners in the form of dividends of domestic stocks.
    2. Interest payments on bonds.
    3. Wages paid to foreigners working in the country.

    (3) Net Transfers

    • In Net Transfers, foreign residents send back money to their home countries. It also includes government grants to foreigners.
    • It Includes Remittances, Gifts, Donation etc

    How does Current Account Transaction takes place?

    • While understanding the Current Account Deficit in detail, it is important to understand what the current account transactions are.
    • Current account transactions are transactions that require foreign currency.
    • Following transactions with from which component these transactions belong to :
    1. Component 1 : Payments connection with Foreign trade – Import & Export
    2. Component 2 : Interest on loans to other countries and Net income from investments in other countries
    3. Component 3 : Remittances for living expenses of parents, spouse and children residing abroad, and Expenses in connection with Foreign travel, Education and Medical care of parents, spouse and children

    What are the reasons for the current account deficit?

    deficit

    • Intensifying geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions leading to crude oil and commodity prices soaring globally have been exerting upward pressure on the import bill.
    • A rise in prices of coal, natural gas, fertilizers, and edible oils have added to the pressure on trade deficit.
    • However, with global demand picking up, merchandise exports have also been rising.

    How will a large CAD affect the economy?

    • A large CAD will result in the demand for foreign currency rising, thus leading to depreciation of the home currency.
    • Nations balance CAD by attracting capital inflows and running a surplus in capital accounts through increased foreign direct investments (FDI).
    • However, worsening CAD will put pressure on the inflow under the capital account.
    • Nevertheless, if an increase in the import bill is because of imports for technological upgradation it would help in long-term development.

  • Alzheimer’s Research: Mystery of Brain Cell Death

    brain cell

    Central Idea

    • Scientists have long sought medical treatments for Alzheimer’s disease but have faced limited success.
    • The approval of the drug Lecanemab by the US FDA in 2023 has brought renewed optimism, as it shows promise in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s in its early stages.

    How brain cells die?

    • Revealing the Connection: Researchers from Belgium and UK have shed light on the connection between abnormal proteins (amyloid and tau) and a process called necroptosis, which leads to cell death.
    • Cell Death Mechanism: Necroptosis is a form of cell death typically triggered by immune responses to infection or inflammation, serving to eliminate damaged cells.
    • Inflammatory Response: The study suggests that in Alzheimer’s patients, amyloid protein entering brain neurons triggers inflammation and alters the internal chemistry of the cells. Amyloid forms plaques, while tau forms tangles.
    • MEG3 Molecule: When amyloid and tau processes occur simultaneously, brain cells produce a molecule called MEG3, which appears to be linked to cell death.
    • Blocking MEG3: The researchers experimented by blocking the MEG3 molecule and found that brain cells survived when this molecule was inhibited.
    • Experimental Approach: Human brain cells were transplanted into genetically modified mice that produced significant amyloid, allowing researchers to make these groundbreaking observations.

    Hope for Alzheimer’s Treatment

    • Historic Discovery: Researchers highlighted that this discovery marks the first time, after several decades of speculation, that scientists have found a plausible explanation for cell death in Alzheimer’s patients.
    • Path to New Medicines: Some are optimistic that their findings will pave the way for new medical treatments targeting Alzheimer’s.
    • Lecanemab’s Target: Lecanemab, a drug that specifically targets the amyloid protein, aligns with the potential to block the MEG3 molecule, offering the prospect of halting brain cell death in Alzheimer’s disease.

    Understanding Brain’s Complex Processes

    • Brain’s Enigma: The development of Alzheimer’s drugs has been hampered by a lack of understanding of the disease’s mechanisms within the brain.
    • Amyloid and Tau: Amyloid and tau proteins are known to accumulate in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients, but their precise roles and how they contribute to cell death remained unclear.

    Alzheimer’s Global Challenge

    • Widespread Impact: Approximately 55 million people worldwide are affected by various forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being one of the prominent diseases.
    • Disproportionate Burden: Two-thirds of dementia cases are found in developing countries, and with the aging global population, projections indicate that the number of dementia cases could reach 139 million by 2050, with China, India, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa facing the greatest challenges.

  • Norman Borlaug Field Award to Indian Researcher

    Norman Borlaug

    Central Idea

    • Swati Nayak, a scientist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), has been honoured with the Borlaug Field Award by the World Food Prize.
    • She is renowned for her groundbreaking research in developing climate-resilient and nutrition-rich rice varieties.

    Contributions of Dr. Swati Nayak

    Extensive Testing Organized over 10,000 tests, evaluating 500+ seed varieties.
    Climate Resilient Varieties Developed high-yield, biofortified, and nutritionally enhanced rice varieties.
    Small Holder Farmers’ Focus Innovated inbred rice varieties to benefit smallholders.
    Collaborative Efforts Collaborated with national and international organizations.
    Addressing Lifestyle Diseases Advocates for low glycemic index, micronutrient-enriched rice varieties.
    Supporting Better Quality Empowers farmers to produce high-quality seeds for better market positioning.
    Biofortified Foodgrains Promotes affordable bio-fortified rice as a nutritional solution.

     

    Who was Norman Borlaug (1914-2009)?

    Contributions Developed high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties, “Father of the Green Revolution”
    Impact Saved over a billion people from hunger, significantly increased global wheat production
    Awards and Honors Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal, Padma Vibhushan, and more
    Legacy Laid the foundation for modern agricultural practices, inspired efforts to address global food security

     

    About Borlaug Field Award

    Endowed by Rockefeller Foundation
    Presented by World Food Prize Foundation
    Purpose Recognize outstanding contributions in international agriculture and food production by individuals under 40.
    Award Amount $10,000
    Inspiration Honors Dr. Norman Borlaug’s dedication to fighting global hunger and poverty during his early career in Mexico.
    Establishment Year 2011

     

  • AFSPA Extension in Manipur: A Delicate Balancing Act

    afspa manipur

    Central Idea

    • The Manipur government has announced the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another 6 months across the entire state.
    • However, it excludes 19 police stations in seven districts of the Imphal Valley.

    Why such move?

    • Gradual Withdrawal: Since 2022, AFSPA has been progressively withdrawn from the valley districts, primarily inhabited by the Meitei community.
    • Resurgence of Insurgent Groups: There has been a resurgence of insurgent groups, largely operating from Myanmar, advocating for Manipur’s secession from India.
    • Ethnic Violence: Ethnic violence between the Meitei and tribal Kuki communities has claimed at least 175 lives since May 3, making it the deadliest conflict in Manipur since 1999.

    AFSPA History in Manipur

    • Decades of AFSPA: AFSPA has been applicable in Manipur since 1981, impacting both the valley and hill districts.
    • Gradual Withdrawal: The Act’s provisions have been gradually withdrawn from the valley districts over the years, signifying evolving security dynamics.

    What is Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958?

    • Armed Forces Special Powers Act, to put it simply, gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas.”
    • AFSPA gives armed forces the authority use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law.
    • The Act further provides that if “reasonable suspicion exists”, the armed forces can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms.

    A Backgrounder

    • The AFSPA, 1958 came into force in the context of insurgency in the North-eastern States decades ago.
    • It provides “special power” to the Armed Forces applies to the Army, the Air Force and the Central Paramilitary forces etc.
    • It has been long contested debate whether the “special powers” granted under AFSPA gives total immunity to the armed forces for any action taken by them.

    What are the Special Powers?

    • Power to use force: including opening fire, even to the extent of causing death if prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons or carrying arms and weapons, etc are in force in the disturbed area;
    • Power to destroy structures: used as hide-outs, training camps, or as a place from which attacks are or likely to be launched, etc;
    • Power to arrest: without warrant and to use force for the purpose;
    • Power to enter and search premises: without a warrant to make arrest or recovery of hostages, arms and ammunition and stolen property etc.

    Who can declare/notify such areas?

    • The Central Government or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area.

  • India to unveil 50-year Government Bonds

    Central Idea

    • India is set to make history by issuing it’s first-ever 50-year government bonds and 30-year green bonds.
    • These offerings have piqued the interest of insurance companies and provident funds seeking avenues to invest their long-term funds.

    Why such move?

    • Ambitious Target: India aims to mobilize ₹6.55 trillion ($78.73 billion) through bond sales from October to March. This includes a significant ₹300 billion allocation to the 50-year security, marking the central government’s maiden auction of such bonds.
    • Natural Demand: Long-term investors, particularly insurers, find the 50-year bonds appealing due to their alignment with asset-liability management requirements.

    Government Bonds in India

    • Government Bonds in India, fall under the broad category of Government Securities (G-Sec) and are primarily long term investment tools issued for periods ranging from 5 to 40 years.
    • It can be issued by both Central and State governments of India. Government bonds issued by State Governments are also called State Development Loans (SDLs).
    • The GB interest rates, also called a coupon, can either be fixed or floating and disbursed on a semi-annual basis.
    • In most cases, GOI issues bonds at a fixed coupon rate in the market.

    Types:

    Fixed-Rate Bonds Offer a fixed interest rate throughout the investment tenure, providing clarity with the coupon rate mentioned.
    Floating Rate Bonds (FRBs) Subject to periodic interest rate adjustments, often with a base rate and fixed spread determined through auctions.
    Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) Allow investments in gold without physical possession, with tax-exempt interest and prices linked to gold’s value.
    Inflation-Indexed Bonds Adjust both principal and interest based on inflation, using indices like CPI or WPI, tailored for retail investors.
    7.75% GOI Savings Bond Features a 7.75% interest rate and available to individuals, minors with legal guardians, and Hindu Undivided Families.
    Bonds with Call/Put Option Permit either issuer or investor to buy back or sell bonds, respectively, on specified dates, after 5 years from issuance.
    Zero-Coupon Bonds Generate earnings from the difference between issuance and redemption prices, as they do not provide interest income.

    Advantages offered

    • Sovereign Guarantee: Government bonds are backed by the government’s commitment, offering stability and assured returns.
    • Inflation-Adjusted: Inflation-indexed bonds protect investors from rising prices, maintaining the real value of their investments.
    • Regular Income: Government bonds provide semi-annual interest disbursements, offering investors a source of regular income.

    Limitations

    • Lower Income: Apart from 7.75% GOI Savings Bonds, government bonds typically offer lower interest rates.
    • Lack of Relevance: With maturity tenures ranging from 5 to 40 years, government bonds may lose relevance over time, particularly in the face of inflation.

  • Challenges and Opportunities of India’s Aging Population

    aging population

    Central Idea

    • Projected Demographic Shift: By 2050, the percentage of elderly individuals in India is expected to double, reaching over 20% of the total population, as per the UN Population Fund, India (UNFPA) in its 2023 India Ageing Report.
    • Rapid Expansion: India is experiencing a remarkable decadal growth rate in its elderly population, currently estimated at 41%.
    • Changing Dynamics: This demographic shift raises the possibility that by 2046, the elderly population may surpass the number of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the country.

    Economic Disparities among the Elderly

    • Poverty Prevalence: More than 40% of India’s elderly population belongs to the poorest wealth quintile, with nearly 18.7% of them living without any source of income.
    • Quality of Life Impact: Such high levels of poverty can significantly affect their quality of life and their access to healthcare services.

    Understanding the Aging Population

    • Rapid Growth in the 80+ Age Group: The report predicts a staggering 279% growth rate in the population of individuals aged 80 and above between 2022 and 2050.
    • Gender Disparities: There is a predominance of widowed and highly dependent elderly women in this age group, a trend observed in several nations.
    • Regional Variations: Life expectancy at 60 and 80 varies across states and union territories, with women generally having higher life expectancies, raising concerns about their social and economic well-being.
    • Regional Disparities: States like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of J&K have women with life expectancies exceeding 20 years at age 60, highlighting the need for tailored support.

    Changing Sex Ratios among the Elderly

    • Steady Increase: The sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) among the elderly has been steadily rising since 1991, in contrast to the stagnation in the general population’s sex ratio.
    • Regional Variations: The northeast and east show an increased sex ratio among the elderly, but it remains below 1,000, indicating a male predominance. In contrast, central India saw a remarkable shift, with women outperforming men in survival after the age of 60.

    Gendered Poverty in Old Age

    • Inherent Gender Bias: Poverty in old age is inherently gendered, with older women more likely to be widowed, living alone, lacking personal income, and relying on family support.
    • Feminization and Ruralization: The major challenges facing India’s aging population include the feminization and ruralization of the elderly. Policies must address these specific needs.

    Inter-State Variations in Elderly Population

    • Diverse Demographic Transition: Significant inter-state variation exists in the levels and growth of the elderly population, reflecting differing stages and rates of demographic transition.
    • Regional Differences: States in the southern and select northern regions have a higher share of the elderly population, a gap expected to widen by 2036. In contrast, states with higher fertility rates, like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, will see an increase in the elderly population share but will remain below the national average.
    • Ageing Index: Central and northeastern regions are characterized by a younger demographic as indicated by the aging index.

    Response to Elderly Needs during the Pandemic

    • Inadequate State Aid: The report reviews the government and state authorities’ response to the needs of elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting that while most received state aid, it was insufficient.
    • Only NGOs to rescue: Accessible public healthcare facilities were lacking, with NGOs and CBOs being the primary sources of help.
    • Call for Preparedness: The report recommends a special focus on older persons in disaster-preparedness plans moving forward.

    Enhancing Data Collection and Support

    • Data Deficiency: The report underscores the lack of credible data on various issues related to the elderly in India and calls for the inclusion of questions concerning older persons in upcoming data collection exercises.
    • Policy Recommendations: Suggestions include increasing awareness about elderly schemes, regulating Old Age Homes, and promoting in-situ aging.
    • Community Engagement: Encouraging the creation of elderly self-help groups and emphasizing multigenerational households as well as short-term care facilities.

    Promising Roadmap and Valuable Resource

    • Government Acknowledgment: Social Justice Dept. termed the report a “valuable roadmap”. It emphasized its importance as a resource for scholars, policymakers, program managers, and all stakeholders involved in elder care.
    • Data Sources: The report draws from various sources, including the 2011 Census, the 2017-18 Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), population projections, and reports from the Government of India and the World Population Projection 2022.

    Way forward

    The report advocates for policies that enhance the well-being of India’s aging population-

    • Foster community support
    • Multigenerational living, and
    • In-situ aging

  • AFSPA likely to end from Assam

    afspa

    Central Idea: Assam CM has stated that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is likely to be completely lifted from the state by the end of the year due to a significant improvement in the law and order situation.

    What is Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958?

    • Armed Forces Special Powers Act, to put it simply, gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas.”
    • AFSPA gives armed forces the authority use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law.
    • The Act further provides that if “reasonable suspicion exists”, the armed forces can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms.

    A Backgrounder

    • The AFSPA, 1958 came into force in the context of insurgency in the North-eastern States decades ago.
    • It provides “special power” to the Armed Forces applies to the Army, the Air Force and the Central Paramilitary forces etc.
    • It has been long contested debate whether the “special powers” granted under AFSPA gives total immunity to the armed forces for any action taken by them.

    What are the Special Powers?

    • Power to use force: including opening fire, even to the extent of causing death if prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons or carrying arms and weapons, etc are in force in the disturbed area;
    • Power to destroy structures: used as hide-outs, training camps, or as a place from which attacks are or likely to be launched, etc;
    • Power to arrest: without warrant and to use force for the purpose;
    • Power to enter and search premises: without a warrant to make arrest or recovery of hostages, arms and ammunition and stolen property etc.

    Who can declare/notify such areas?

    • The Central Government or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area.

    Issues with AFSPA

    • Power to kill: Section 4 of the Act granted officers the authority to “take any action” even to the extent to cause the death.
    • Misconduct by Armed Forces: The issue of violation of human rights by actions of armed forces came under the consideration of the Committee on Amendments to Criminal Law (popularly known as Justice Verma Committee) set up in 2012. It observed that- in conflict zones, legal protection for women was neglected.
    • Autocracy: The reality is that there is no evidence of any action being taken against any officer of the armed forces or paramilitary forces for their excesses.

    Recommendations to repeal AFSPA

    • Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy Commission: The 2004 Committee headed by Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy, the content of which has never officially been revealed by the Government, recommended that AFSPA be repealed.
    • ARC II: The Administrative Reforms Commission in its 5th Report on ‘Public Order’ had also recommended that AFSPA be repealed.

    Voices for repeal

    • Human rights violations: The repeal of AFSPA is necessary not just for restoring constitutional sanity, but also as a way of acknowledging the dark history of our conduct in Nagaland.
    • Need for ensuring individual dignity: The political incorporation of Nagaland (and all other areas where this law applies) will be set back if the guarantees of the individual dignity of the Indian Constitution are not extended.
    • Not state of exception: We often describe AFSPA in terms of a “state of exception”. But this theoretical term is misleading. How can a law that has been in virtually continuous existence since 1958 be described as an “exception”.
    • Lack of human empathy: At the heart of AFSPA is a profound mutilation of human empathy.

    Conclusion

    • To bring in lasting peace in the North East, the government needs to avoid the trap of watered-down peace accords.
    • While the move to withdraw AFSPA is welcome, it needs to be gradually erased.
    • For that, changes in the ground situation would be crucial. Mere smoke signals or drum-beating can never do the job.

     

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