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  • Gwalior, Kozhikode join UNESCO Creative Cities Network

    creative cities

    Central Idea

    • Gwalior and Kozhikode from India are among the 55 new cities which have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
    • Earlier, Srinagar was designated the creative city in the field of Crafts and Folk Arts.

    Inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network

    [A] Gwalior’s Musical Heritage

    • Category: Gwalior, located in Madhya Pradesh, earned its spot in the ‘Music’ category, showcasing its rich musical heritage.
    • Cultural Significance: Gwalior, home to the Gwalior Gharana and synonymous with musicians like Baiju Bawra and Tansen was acknowledged for being a popular destination for learning Indian classical music from musicians in the Guru-Shishya Parampara.

    [B] Kozhikode’s Literary Excellence

    • Category: Kozhikode, situated in Kerala, made its mark in the ‘Literature’ category, highlighting its literary achievements.
    • Literary Legacy: Kozhikode carried the distinction of of being home to over 500 libraries.

    About UNESCO Creative Cities Network

    Purpose To promote cooperation among cities for cultural and creative industries development
    Initiation Established by UNESCO in 2004
    Seven Categories Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, Music, and Crafts & Folk Art
    Member Cities Over 250 cities from around the world
    Objectives Foster innovation, cultural diversity, and sustainable urban development
    Activities Collaborative projects, cultural events, and initiatives
    Selection Process Cities apply and are designated by UNESCO based on criteria related to creativity
    Network Coordination UNESCO provides coordination and support
    Impact Enhances cities’ cultural identity, economy, and international visibility
    Other Indian Cities in UCCN
    • Srinagar- Crafts and Folk Arts (2022)
    • Jaipur- Crafts and Folk Arts (2015)
    • Varanasi- Creative city of Music (2015)
    • Chennai- Creative city of Music (2017)
    • Mumbai- Film (2019)
    • Hyderabad- Gastronomy/Food (2019)

  • Impacting a woman’s freedom to reproductive choices

     

    women

    Central idea

    The recent Supreme Court decision in X vs Union of India has sparked a debate on the delicate balance between a woman’s right to choose and the viability of the fetus. Grounded in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, the judgment has faced criticism for not explicitly addressing the moral and legal status of the fetus, potentially overshadowing a woman’s rights to privacy and dignity.

    Key Highlights:

    • Denial of Termination at 26 Weeks: The Supreme Court, in its decision, denied permission for the termination of a 26-week pregnancy, citing limitations within the MTP Act. The judgment centers on the viability of the fetus, limiting a woman’s right to choose when the fetus becomes capable of surviving outside the uterus.
    • Omission of Crucial Questions: Despite the ruling’s focus on viability, the Court did not address vital questions surrounding the autonomous moral status, legal standing, and constitutional rights of the fetus.
    • Petitioner’s Plight: The petitioner, a 27-year-old woman battling post-partum depression, emphasized her inability to care for a third child, underscoring the complex interplay of mental health and reproductive choices.

    Challenges

    • Ambiguity in MTP Act: The judgment fails to assess whether the MTP Act serves merely as an enabling legislation or if it confers fundamental rights, leading to uncertainties in interpreting the law.
    • Overlooking Fetal Rights: The absence of consideration for the rights and status of the fetus within the constitutional framework raises concerns about inadvertently favoring fetal rights over a woman’s autonomy.
    • Hierarchical Rights: The Court’s decision may unintentionally establish a hierarchy of rights, potentially elevating the fetus above a woman’s right to make autonomous reproductive choices.
    Prelims focus

     

    MTP Act of 1971: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 1971 was the foundational legislation that regulated abortion in India. It permitted abortions up to 20 weeks of gestation under specific conditions, such as the risk to the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.

     

    Amendment in 2021: In 2021, the MTP Act underwent significant amendments to modernize and liberalize India’s abortion laws.

     

    The key changes included:

    Extending the permissible gestational limit from 20 to 24 weeks.

    Expanding access to abortion services by allowing a broader range of healthcare providers to perform abortions, including mid-level providers.

     

     

    Concerns

    • Establishing Fetal Constitutional Rights: The ruling’s potential implications on establishing constitutional rights for fetuses contradict existing jurisprudence, stirring concerns about the broader legal landscape.
    • Impact on Reproductive Autonomy: The judgment’s impact on a woman’s freedom to make reproductive choices without undue interference becomes a focal point of concern.
    • Enabling Legislation vs. Fundamental Rights: Potential conflicts between enabling legislation like the MTP Act and fundamental rights necessitate a reexamination of legal frameworks.

    Analysis

    • Gap in Addressing Evolving Dynamics: The Court’s decision reveals a gap in addressing the evolving dynamics of reproductive rights, especially in the context of mental health and socioeconomic factors.
    • Contradiction in Privacy and Dignity: Contradictions emerge when comparing this judgment with the Court’s recent stance on privacy and dignity, as seen in X vs The Govt. of Delhi, where autonomy over reproductive choices was emphasized.

    Way Forward

    • Reevaluate MTP Act: A comprehensive reevaluation of the MTP Act is imperative to address evolving societal and medical considerations in the realm of reproductive rights.
    • Dialogue on Fetal Constitutional Status: Initiating a broad dialogue on the constitutional status of the fetus is crucial, considering the potential ramifications on reproductive rights.
    • Amendments and Supplementary Regulations: Considering amendments or supplementary regulations becomes essential to bridge gaps in existing legislation and ensure a more nuanced approach to reproductive choices.

    This structured approach aims to simplify complex legal and ethical discussions while highlighting the key elements of the Supreme Court’s decision and its broader implications.

  • India has ignored infertility for too long

    Central idea 

    The article discusses the overlooked issue of infertility in India’s population policies, emphasizing its social and cultural implications, particularly for women. It argues that addressing infertility as a public health concern is crucial for achieving a balanced approach to fertility control and reproductive autonomy.

    Key Highlights:

    • Infertility Stigma: Vimlesh faced societal pressure and anxiety due to her perceived infertility, particularly in producing a male child.
    • Reproductive Governance: Indian population policies historically focus on contraception, overlooking the prevalence of infertility and related reproductive rights.
    • Social Impact: Infertility in patriarchal societies like Rajasthan leads to women’s marginalization, impacting their value in households and access to resources.
    • Health-Seeking Behavior: Women seek healers for fertility, challenging epidemiological notions and emphasizing the social and economic dimensions of reproductive well-being.
    • Global Perspective: A World Health Organization report indicates that 1 in 6 people worldwide faces infertility issues, contributing to global demographic challenges.

    Challenges and Concerns:

    • Marginalization: Infertile women in India face marginalization, avoidance, and reduced access to resources, impacting their overall well-being.
    • Narrow Focus: Reproductive health policies predominantly focus on contraception, neglecting the broader issues of infertility and reproductive autonomy.
    • Lack of Data: The absence of significant quantitative data in the region compromises the reproductive health rights of women, especially in poorer communities.
    • Inaccessible Treatment: Expensive fertility treatments remain out of reach for many, denying poorer individuals their rights to become parents.

    Analysis:

    • Cultural Dimensions: The social and cultural meanings attached to infertility have profound consequences on women’s health, challenging narrow epidemiological perspectives.
    • Reorienting Policies: The need to shift the focus of population policies to address infertility, considering it as a crucial aspect of public health services.
    • Reproductive Autonomy: Balancing fertility control with reproductive autonomy is essential for a participatory, consensual, and rights-based approach.
    • Impact on Marginalized: Infertility exacerbates existing inequalities, especially in patriarchal societies, where decisions about women’s bodies are influenced by power dynamics.

    Key Data:

    • Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Current estimates indicate a TFR of 2.1 in rural areas and 1.6 in urban areas in India.
    • Worldwide Infertility: A recent WHO report reveals that 1 in 6 people globally experiences infertility issues.
    • National Population Policy: Historically focused on contraceptives as reproductive ‘choice,’ neglecting the prevalence of widespread infertility.

    Key Terms for value addition:

    • Reproductive Governance: Policies and practices influencing reproductive choices and outcomes.
    • Infertility Stigma: Societal discrimination and marginalization of individuals facing infertility.
    • Total Fertility Rate (TFR): The average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years.

    Way Forward:

    • Inclusive Policies: Population policies should address infertility as a critical aspect of public health, ensuring inclusivity and reproductive autonomy.
    • Data Collection: Conduct comprehensive studies combining qualitative and quantitative data to form a robust evidence base for effective policy decisions.
    • Accessible Healthcare: Ensure access to adequate and appropriate healthcare, addressing the fear of infertility and mitigating social consequences.
    • Education and Awareness: Promote awareness about infertility to destigmatize the condition and encourage a more supportive societal attitude.
    • Affordable Treatments: Work towards making fertility treatments more affordable and accessible, particularly for poorer communities.

  • Kathaprasangam: An Art Form’s Century-Long Journey

    Kathaprasangam

    Central Idea

    • Kathaprasangam began as a medium to narrate stories of oppression, untouchability, and human resilience.
    • Today, it finds a place of relevance and renewal in the digital age, captivating audiences, both young and old.

    Kathaprasangam

    • Kathaprasangam is a stage art form of Kerala, which was popular in the mid-twentieth century.
    • Kathaprasangam owes its inception to Kumaranasan (1873-1924), a Malayalam poet who aimed to educate and inspire underprivileged sections of society.
    • He sought to propagate the principles of Sree Narayana Guru and his poems.
    • It started a century ago, touching on themes of oppression, untouchability, and human triumphs.
    • It uses a blend of prose and song, accompanied by a harmonium and tabla, to retell stories.
    • Young performers compete in this art form, earning marks that influence their promotions.
    • It is celebrated for its ability to communicate with urgency and directness, addressing societal issues.

    Relevance in Modern Context

    • Kathaprasangam, born out of the fight against casteism and superstitions, holds even more significance today as religious identities are asserted with violence, posing a threat to societal harmony.
    • While newer forms of entertainment have gained popularity, they still attract young audiences eager to learn and share stories using new media platforms.

  • Women can make the world better

    Central idea

    The article highlights Arun Maira’s insights on the gender disparity in economic narratives, emphasizing the undervaluation of women’s contributions, the evolving challenges in global employment patterns, and the need for a more inclusive and care-focused approach to economic development, particularly in the context of India and the G-20’s call for a holistic vision beyond GDP

    Challenges in How We See Money and Work:

    • Not Enough Women Recognized: The Nobel Prize in Economics mostly goes to men, leaving out women’s important contributions. Only three women have won it so far.
    • Forgetting the Value of Care: The work women do at home, taking care of family and community, isn’t seen as important for the economy. This is a big problem.
    • Jobs Changing Globally: The way people work is changing worldwide. More jobs are now short-term or in the gig economy. This is a big challenge for India, which has a lot of young people.
    • Not Paying Enough for Important Jobs: Jobs like taking care of families or working in health and education are crucial, but the people doing these jobs, mostly women, are not paid well.

    India’s Economic Situation:

    • Problems for Young People: In India, even though the economy is growing fast, it’s hard for young people to find good jobs with good pay and security.
    • Need More Focus on Care: India ranks 132nd in human development, and we need to spend more on services that take care of people. But sadly, jobs like taking care of families or working in health and education are not paid much.
    • G-20’s Call for a Different Way: Our Prime Minister has asked the G-20 for a new approach, one that looks beyond just making money. He says it’s time to think of the world as one family.

    Checking How Well We’re Doing:

    • Progress Slow for Big Global Goals: The G-20 says we’re not doing great halfway to our big global goals. Only 12% of the things we wanted to achieve are on track.
    • Time for a Big Change: Arun Maira says we need to change how we solve problems. The usual way is not working, so we need to try something new.

    Seeing Economics in a New Way:

    • Thinking About Everyone: Maira says we need to change how we see our economy. It’s not just about making things and competing. It’s about taking care of people.
    • Looking at What Women Do: Women, according to Maira, do a lot of important work that isn’t always noticed. Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom showed that when women are in charge, communities work well together.

    What Needs to Change:

    • Giving Women More Power: Maira says we need to let women shape how things work, not just follow what men have set up.
    • Letting Local Communities Decide: Instead of having big experts decide everything, Maira says we should let local communities come up with their solutions. What works in one place might not work in another.
    Unique phrases from article for upsc mains exam value addition

     

    “Tragedy of the Commons Revisited:”

    Referring to Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom’s insights, this phrase underscores the importance of cooperative governance, particularly led by women, in managing local resources sustainably.

     

    “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Family, One Earth, One Future:”

    This phrase encapsulates the Indian Prime Minister’s call at the G-20, emphasizing a vision that transcends traditional economic metrics and advocates for a global community approach.

     

    “Paradigm Change in Economics:”

    Arun Maira advocates for a fundamental shift in economic thinking, moving away from traditional models dominated by men and towards a more inclusive, caring, and community-driven perspective.

     

    “The Feminine Lens on Economics:”

    This phrase highlights the article’s exploration of a feminine perspective in economics, drawing attention to the undervalued contributions of women and the need for a broader understanding of economic dynamics.

     

    Conclusion:

    Changing how we think about our economy is not easy, but it’s important. Maira tells us that we should listen to regular people, especially women, and let them help make things better. This way, we can build a future where everyone is taken care of, and our world becomes one big family.

     

     

     

  • Baba Farid and India’s Connection to Jerusalem

    baba farid

    Central Idea

    • Amidst the timeless and contentious history of Jerusalem, India’s enduring presence is manifested through the Indian Hospice—a two-story stone building nestled within the city’s ancient walls.
    • The hospice, established in the 12th century, stands as a testament to the 800-year-old connection between India and Jerusalem.

    Baba Farid’s Hospice

    • Baba Farid’s Spiritual Sojourn: Legend has it that Baba Farid, a revered Sufi saint from Punjab, embarked on a 40-day meditation at this site. His spiritual journey left an indelible mark, inspiring Indian Muslims travelling to Mecca to visit Jerusalem for prayer.
    • Transformation into a Shrine: Over time, the place evolved into a sacred shrine and a hospice, welcoming Indian travellers and pilgrims.

    Who was Baba Farid?

    • Early life: Baba Farid, born in 1173 CE near Shakarganj, near Multan (Pakistan), belonged to a family that had migrated from Kabul to Punjab.
    • Sufi Connection: He followed the Chishti Order and was among the first Sufi saints to compose verses in Punjabi.
    • Influence on Sikhism: Many of his verses are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs.

    Evolution of the Indian Hospice

    • Baba Farid’s Lodging: Baba Farid found a humble abode within one of Jerusalem’s gates, known as Bab-az-Zahra among Muslims and Herod’s Gate among Christians. This lodging was situated within a khanqah—a structure for Sufi orders, functioning as both seminaries and hospices.
    • A Continuously Cherished Connection: Despite changing rulers, including Christian crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans, the lodge maintained its association with India.

    Hospice through the Ages

    • Prominence during Ottoman Rule: The lodge remained prominent during Ottoman rule, predominantly under the leadership of sheikhs from South Asia.
    • Shift during Ottoman Dissolution: As the Ottoman Empire began to dissolve in 1919, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Amin Al-Husayni, took charge, initiating extensive renovations. He sought support from Muslim patrons worldwide, including Indian princely states.
    • Renovation by Khwaja Nazir Hasan Ansari: In 1921, Khwaja Nazir Hasan Ansari from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, undertook the renovation of the lodge. It became a sanctuary for travellers and pilgrims from British India, even offering refuge to soldiers during World War II in 1939.

    Indian Hospice’s Association with Independent India

    • Post-Independence Recognition: After India gained independence, Nazir Ansari sought official recognition from the Indian embassy in Egypt, solidifying the lodge’s Indian identity.
    • Resilience through Challenges: The hospice faced challenges, including rocket strikes in 1952 and the Six-Day War in 1967.
    • Diverse Functions: Over time, the Indian Hospice expanded to host the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the Jerusalem Health Centre.

    Diplomatic and Cultural Significance

    • Meeting Place for Dignitaries: In 2000, the hospice hosted a meeting between former Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh and Palestinian leader Faisal Husseini.
    • Integral Diplomatic Destination: Every Indian diplomat or visiting dignitary includes a visit to the hospice.
    • Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari: Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari, born in Jerusalem in 1928, administers the hospice and received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Overseas Indian Award) from the Government of India in 2011.

    Glimpse of India in Jerusalem

    • Ownership and Accessibility: The property is under the ownership of Waqf Board of India, accessible solely to individuals of Indian citizenship or heritage.
    • Facilities: The hospice offers guest rooms, a mosque, a library, a dining hall, and a kitchen, encouraging guests to manage their cooking and laundry.
    • Ansari Family’s Dedication: The Ansari family diligently maintains the hospice, extending hospitality and preserving a piece of India in the heart of Jerusalem.

  • Women, marriage and labour market participation

     

    women

    Central idea

    The article explores the decline in women’s labor force participation rates, particularly among married women in India, emphasizing its economic implications. It discusses key challenges, including societal norms and limited educational opportunities, while highlighting government schemes and proposing solutions for enhancing women’s participation in the labor market.

     

    Relevant Data from the Article:

    • World Bank estimates (2022) indicate a global female LFPR of 47.3%, with India experiencing a decline from 28% to 24% between 1990 and 2022.
    • Economist Goldin’s analysis reveals a U-shaped pattern in women’s LFPR during economic growth, influenced by factors like income and substitution effects.
    • The article emphasizes the pronounced decline (5%) in female LFPR among married women aged 25 to 49 in India from 2004-05 to 2022-23.

    Present Status:

    • Married women exhibit a significant decrease in LFPR after marriage due to factors such as limited educational attainment, increased family obligations, and societal disapproval of women in the workforce.
    • Data analysis from India’s NSSO Periodic Labour Force Survey indicates a substantial drop in LFPR among married women, especially in the age group of 25-29.

    Key Challenges:

    • Marital status significantly influences women’s labor market outcomes, with married women showing lower LFPR compared to unmarried counterparts.
    • Educational achievement plays a role, with less-educated women displaying a higher inclination to participate in the labor force after marriage.

    women

    Government Schemes and Initiatives:

    • The National Creche Scheme for The Children of Working Mothers is cited as a government initiative to support women’s labor force participation.
    • The article stresses the need for enhancing the quality and accessibility of day-care services to act as an incentive for employed women, especially married women.

    Way Forward:

    • Solutions proposed include improving day-care services and crèches across various socio-economic strata in both the public and private sectors.
    • Work settings prioritizing women’s needs, secure transportation options, and the expansion of part-time job possibilities are suggested to enhance women’s participation in the labor market.

    Conclusion:

    In conclusion, the article underscores the economic impact of the decline in married women’s LFPR in India and advocates for targeted initiatives to promote women’s empowerment. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions, including improved day-care services, supportive work environments, and part-time job opportunities, to address the challenges hindering women’s participation in the labor market.

    Do follow https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1908961

  • NCERT panel suggests only ‘Bharat’ in Textbooks

    Central Idea

    • In 2022, the Social Science committee of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) proposed a shift from ‘India’ to ‘Bharat’ in Social Science textbooks up to Class 12.
    • This suggestion has rekindled the age-old discussion about the nation’s name, particularly after the G20 Summit’s reference to the “President of Bharat.”

    Bharat’s Historical Roots

    • Puranic Literature and Mahabharata: The name ‘Bharat,’ ‘Bharata,’ or ‘Bharatvarsha’ finds its origins in Puranic literature and the epic Mahabharata. It refers to the land between the southern sea and the northern abode of snow.
    • King Bharata: Legend has it that King Bharata, an ancient figure, was the ancestor of the Bharatas, a Rig Vedic tribe, making him the forefather of the entire subcontinent’s populace.

    India’ and ‘Hindustan’

    • Hindustan’s Origins: ‘Hindustan’ likely evolved from ‘Hindu,’ the Persian equivalent of Sanskrit’s ‘Sindhu,’ influenced by the Achaemenid Persian conquest of the Indus valley in the 6th century BCE. The suffix “stan” emerged around the 1st century CE, creating “Hindustan.”
    • Greek Influence: The Greeks transliterated ‘Hind’ as ‘Indus,’ and by Alexander the Great’s 3rd-century BC invasion, ‘India’ referred to the region beyond the Indus.
    • Mughal Era: In the 16th century, ‘Hindustan’ described the entire Indo-Gangetic plain, encompassing the Mughal emperor’s territories across South Asia.
    • British Colonial Impact: British maps in the late 18th century started using ‘India,’ while ‘Hindustan’ lost its association with the whole of South Asia, reflecting evolving perspectives and colonial influence.

    Constituent Assembly’s Decision

    • Article 1 of the Constitution: Article 1 of the Indian Constitution begins with the phrase, “India, that is, Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
    • Debate and Perspectives: During the Constituent Assembly discussions, there were differing opinions on emphasizing ‘Bharat’ as the primary name for the country.
    • Pro-‘Bharat’ Arguments: Some argued that ‘India’ was merely an English translation of ‘Bharat,’ citing the example of the Irish Constitution, where “Eire” is used in the Irish language, with “Ireland” in English.
    • Historical and Cultural Significance: Supporters of ‘Bharat’ highlighted the civilizational and cultural connotations it carried, emphasizing the need for a name that befits India’s history and heritage.
    • Dr. BR Ambedkar’s Perspective: Ultimately, the formulation ‘India, that is, Bharat,’ was adopted. Dr. BR Ambedkar, Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting Committee, downplayed the civilizational debates and emphasized the pressing work ahead.

    Conclusion

    • The ongoing debate surrounding ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ reflects the complexities of identity, history, and linguistic heritage in the nation.
    • While ‘Bharat’ has deep roots in ancient Indian texts, ‘India’ carries historical and colonial significance.
    • The Constituent Assembly’s choice of ‘India, that is, Bharat,’ signifies a delicate balance between honoring heritage and embracing a forward-looking identity for the nation.

  • How big is the Gender Gap in earnings?

    gender gap

    Central Idea

    • The Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) have diligently monitored the gender earnings gap in India from April-June 2019 to 2023.
    • This latest iteration places a vital spotlight on weekly hours worked, unveiling that the inequity in total earnings may not fully encapsulate the true narrative.

    Examining the Gender Earnings Disparities

    • Claudia Goldin’s Pioneering Work: Building upon Nobel laureate Claudia Goldin’s research, India’s gender disparities in employment and wages come into focus.
    • Earnings Converted to Weekly Figures: Earnings for various worker categories are transformed into weekly earnings.
    • Ratio of Weekly Earnings: Table 1 displays the ratio of weekly earnings between men and women at the national level, encompassing rural and urban sectors. A figure above 1 denotes men earning more than women.
    • Persistent Gender Gap: Men out-earn women across all forms of work, with the self-employed experiencing the most significant gender gap in 2023, where men earned 2.8 times more than women. In contrast, male regular wage workers earned 24% more, and male casual workers earned 48% more than their female counterparts. The gender earnings gap remains a persistent challenge.
    • Changing Trends: Notably, the gender gap has increased for self-employed workers but decreased for regular wage workers, dropping to 24% in 2023 from 34% in 2019.

    Analyzing Average Weekly Work Hours

    • Incomplete Picture: Disparities in earnings per unit of work are not entirely elucidated by the earnings gap alone. Women consistently work fewer hours than men across all forms of employment, as depicted in Table 2.
    • Largest Gap for the Self-Employed: In 2023, men in self-employment worked 50% more hours than women, while the gap was the smallest for regular wage workers (19%).
    • Rising Gender Gap in Hours Worked: The gender gap in hours worked has expanded, particularly for self-employed women, indicating an increase in part-time employment among them. Simultaneously, male self-employed workers continue full-time work.

    Diving Deeper into Hourly Earnings Gap

    • Hourly Earnings Analysis: Calculations of hourly earnings for each worker category reveal the ratio between men and women’s hourly earnings, as presented in Table 3.
    • Significant Reduction in Regular Wage Workers’ Gap: In 2023, men in regular wage employment earned 24% more than women over the week but worked 19% longer hours. The hourly earnings gap narrows to approximately 4%, down from 11% in 2019.
    • Hourly Earnings Parity in Regular Wage Work: On average, women in regular employment earn less per week but nearly match men when hourly earnings are considered. However, these averages mask nuanced disparities across occupations and industries.
    • Higher Inequality in Other Employment Types: Inequality in hourly earnings is more pronounced in other work categories, albeit lower than when assessing total earnings. In 2023, male casual workers earned 23% more per hour than women, a reduction from 33% in 2019. Conversely, the self-employed category witnessed an increase in the hourly earnings gap from 84% in 2019 to 87% in 2023.

    Factors Influencing Work Hours

    • Beyond Pure Choice: Lower hourly earnings inequality for regular wage workers doesn’t imply women opt for shorter work hours by choice.
    • Societal barriers: Barriers, such as societal expectations that women manage domestic and childcare duties, may limit their employment options.

    Conclusion

    • Addressing both remuneration disparities and disparities in total work hours is crucial.
    • Policymakers should target the removal of barriers that curtail women’s working hours.
    • This involves workplace interventions like mandating childcare facilities and extended maternity leaves and broader societal transformations that challenge traditional gender norms and share childcare and domestic responsibilities more equitably.

  • Ancient Landscape cut by rivers found deep under Antarctic Ice

    Antarctic Ice

    Central Idea

    • Scientists have unveiled a vast ancient landscape buried beneath the continent’s ice sheet, offering a glimpse into a time when it was not a frozen wilderness but a land of rivers and forests teeming with life.
    • This discovery, located in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region, holds clues to Antarctica’s environmental history and the mysteries of its distant past.

    What is Wilkes Land?

    • Wilkes Land is a region located in Antarctica, on the eastern side of the continent.
    • It is one of the largest unclaimed territories in Antarctica, primarily because it is covered by the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, which makes it difficult to access and study.
    • It was named after US Navy Officer Charles Wilkes, who led the exploring expedition (1838–1842).
    • This expedition was the first to extensively explore and map large parts of the Antarctic coastline, including the area that came to be known as Wilkes Land.
    • The East Antarctic Ice Sheet in Wilkes Land, in particular, contains valuable information about the history of climate change and ice sheet dynamics, which are critical for understanding global climate patterns and sea-level rise.

    Antarctica’s Geological Journey

    • Gondwana Supercontinent: Antarctica was once part of the Gondwana supercontinent, which included modern-day continents like Africa, South America, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. It later separated due to plate tectonics.
    • Evolution of Landscape: Researchers suggest that as Antarctica’s climate warmed, rivers flowed across this newfound landscape toward coastlines formed during continental separation. Subsequent cooling led to glacial erosion, preserving the landscape for millions of years.

    About the Under-Glacier Landscape

    • Rediscovering Ancient Antarctica: Satellite observations and ice-penetrating radar have unveiled a sprawling ancient landscape beneath Antarctica’s ice sheet.
    • Geographic Scope: The discovered landscape spans an area roughly equivalent to Belgium or the U.S. state of Maryland and is situated in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region, bordering the Indian Ocean.
    • Time Frame: This ancient terrain is estimated to date back to at least 14 million years ago and potentially extend even further, to over 34 million years ago, coinciding with Antarctica’s transition into a frozen continent.

    Snapshot of a Different Era

    • A Window to the Past: The landscape offers a snapshot of an earlier time when Antarctica enjoyed warmer climates. The specific appearance remains uncertain, but it might have ranged from temperate to even tropical conditions.
    • Wildlife Enigma: While it’s likely that this environment supported diverse wildlife, the incomplete fossil record leaves the identity of its inhabitants shrouded in mystery.

    Beneath the Ice

    • Icy Cover: The ancient landscape lies beneath approximately 2.2 to 3 km of ice, creating an enigmatic world hidden from human view.
    • Exploration Challenges: The land beneath Antarctica’s ice remains more enigmatic than the surface of Mars. Researchers propose drilling through the ice to obtain sediment core samples, potentially revealing ancient flora and fauna, much like Greenland samples dating back 2 million years.

    How was it identified?

    • Scientific Methods: The study employed satellite observations and ice-penetrating radar data gathered from overflight missions.
    • Unique Discovery: While previous research uncovered ancient landscapes beneath Antarctica’s ice, this discovery stands out as the first of its kind, shaped by rivers and distinct geological processes.
    • Changing Climates: Antarctica’s landscape and climate underwent significant transformations, resembling cold temperate rainforests before cooling to its frozen state.