100 years ago, on September 23, 1924, Mary Poonen Lukose became the first woman to join a legislative council in an Indian princely state, entering the Travancore Legislative Council.
Who Was Mary Poonen Lukose?
Born on August 2, 1886, in Kerala, she became the first woman from the state to earn a medical degree, specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics.
Her contributions:
She performed the first cesarean section in Kerala before 1920, often working under challenging conditions with minimal equipment.
She started a midwifery training program for local women, which led to safer home births, reducing risks for mothers and babies.
As a member of the Travancore Legislative Council, she influenced public health policy, using her expertise to benefit the community.
Records set by Mary Poonen Lukose
First woman legislator in an Indian princely state: In 1924, she became the first woman member of the Travancore Legislative Council (a predecessor to Kerala’s Legislative Assembly).
First woman graduate from Madras University in 1909, despite facing barriers to studying science as a woman.
First woman Surgeon General of Travancore, and possibly the first woman Surgeon General in the world, in 1938.
First woman to head the health department in Travancore, in 1924.
Awarded the Padma Shri in 1975 for her contributions.
PYQ:
[2013] Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (10 marks-200 words).
[2011] With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for
(a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement
(b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference
(c) Leading a contingent of Indian National Army
(d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
The tragic death of 26-year-old Chartered Accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil in Pune has sparked debate about professional workload in India, with her mother citing “work stress” as the cause.
What does the ILO data observe about Professional Indian women?
Longest Working Hours Globally: Indian women in professions like information technology (IT), media, and professional, scientific, and technical fields work the highest number of hours globally. Women in IT and media jobs worked 56.5 hours weekly, while women in professional, scientific, and technical fields worked 53.2 hours per week in 2023.
Young Professional Women Work More: Younger women, especially those aged 15-24, work even longer hours. For instance, young women in IT and media work 57 hours per week, and those in professional, scientific, and technical fields work 55 hours per week.
Gender Imbalance in Workforce: Indian women are underrepresented in these sectors. Only 8.5% of the Indian workforce in professional, scientific, and technical jobs and 20% in information and communication jobs are women. This low percentage is among the lowest globally.
Global Comparison: In countries like Germany, women in similar IT and media jobs work far fewer hours (32 hours weekly). Russia reports 40 hours for the same sector, highlighting how disproportionately longer Indian women work.
Major Challenges in Indian Society:
Workload Stress: The tragic death of Anna Sebastian highlights the intense workload stress that young professionals, especially women, face. High demands and long working hours can severely affect mental and physical health.
Male-Dominated Workspaces: Women in professional fields face challenges working in male-dominated environments, which can result in increased pressure, lack of support, and issues of gender equity.
Systemic Gender Inequality: Despite rising participation in the workforce, the gender imbalance in professional sectors reflects deeper societal and structural inequalities. Women continue to face barriers to career advancement, equal representation, and fair treatment.
Lack of Support: The absence of adequate organizational support during personal tragedies (as indicated by Anna’s case) points to a lack of empathy and a toxic work culture in certain professional settings.
Government Initiatives:
Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): The Indian government has launched several initiatives to encourage women’s participation in technical and scientific fields, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and awareness campaigns (e.g., GATI initiative).
Maternity Benefits: The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, increased paid maternity leave for women from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, aimed at helping women balance work and family life.
Gender Equality Programs: Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao promote girls’ education and empowerment, aiming to address the long-term gender imbalance in professional spaces.
Skill Development Initiatives: Government programs like Skill India and Digital India aim to provide technical and vocational training to women, helping bridge the gender gap in high-skill industries such as IT and professional services.
Way forward:
Work-Life Balance Reforms: Enforce stricter labour regulations on working hours and promote flexible work arrangements to reduce burnout, particularly for young professionals in high-demand sectors.
Inclusive Workplaces: Strengthen gender diversity and equity initiatives within male-dominated industries by fostering supportive work environments, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities for women.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC IAS/2019)
According to a recent government report, 97.7% of atrocities against Scheduled Castes in 2022 were concentrated in 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest numbers.
What are the finding as per report?
Concentration of Cases: Approximately 97.7% of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) were reported from 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh having the highest incidents. For Scheduled Tribes (STs), 98.91% of cases were also concentrated in these states.
Statistics on Atrocities:
For SCs, there were 51,656 reported cases, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for 23.78% (12,287 cases).
Other significant contributors included Rajasthan (8,651 cases, 16.75%) and Madhya Pradesh (7,732 cases, 14.97%).
For STs, a total of 9,735 cases were registered, with Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest at 30.61% (2,979 cases).
Investigation and Charge-Sheeting:
Among SC-related cases, 60.38% resulted in charge sheets, while 14.78% concluded with final reports due to reasons like false claims or lack of evidence.
For ST-related cases, the charge-sheeting rate was slightly higher at 63.32%, with similar conclusions for final reports.
Conviction Rates: The conviction rate for atrocities under the Act has declined to 32.4% in 2022 from 39.2% in 2020, indicating a concerning trend in legal outcomes for victims.
Special Courts and Infrastructure: Out of 498 districts, only 194 had established special courts to expedite trials related to these cases, highlighting a significant gap in judicial infrastructure.
What are the protection for SCs in Indian law?
The Indian legal framework provides several protections for SCs under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
Prohibition of Atrocities: The Act defines various forms of atrocities against SC members, including social exclusion, bonded labor, forced manual scavenging, and physical violence.
Legal Recourse: Victims can report crimes to the police or the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), which has the authority to investigate complaints and ensure legal protections are enforced.
Punishments for Offenders: Offenders can face imprisonment ranging from six months to five years along with fines for committing atrocities against SC members.
What are the intiative taken by government to empower SCs in economical and social term?
Reservation Policies: The Constitution mandates reservations for SCs in government jobs and educational institutions to enhance their representation and opportunities.
Financial Assistance Programs: Various schemes provide financial support for self-employment and skill development among SC communities to improve their economic status. Example is the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC).
Establishment of Protection Cells: SC/ST Protection Cells have been set up across states to address grievances and ensure the enforcement of protective laws.For instance, in Karnataka, these cells have been actively involved in monitoring atrocities against SCs/STs and conducting surveys in atrocity-prone areas
Awareness Campaigns and Training Programs: The government conducts awareness campaigns to educate SC communities about their rights and available legal protections. For example,“Bharat ke Sathi” campaign.
Way forward:
Strengthening Legal and Judicial Mechanisms: Establish more special courts and fast-track mechanisms in all districts to ensure timely justice for victims of atrocities, alongside improving conviction rates through effective investigation and prosecution.
Empowering SC Communities Through Socio-Economic Initiatives: Expand skill development, financial assistance programs, and awareness campaigns to improve economic independence and social integration of SC communities, ensuring better enforcement of their rights and protections.
Mains PYQ:
Q Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (UPSC IAS/2018)
It has been 100 years since the discovery of the Harappan Civilization, announced by John Marshall on September 20, 1924.
Harappa: Remains of a Civilization
The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE, with earlier settlements dating back to 3200 BCE.
The origins of this civilisation are traced back to Mehrgarh in Balochistan, which dates to 7000 BCE.
It is considered one of the three earliest civilizations, alongside Egypt and Mesopotamia.
The civilization covered over 1.5 million sq. km, stretching across modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Remains of the civilization include:
Well-planned cities with a grid layout, intersecting streets, and fortified structures.
Advanced drainage systems with underground sewers and covered drains, showing a strong emphasis on hygiene.
Granaries, warehouses, and dockyards, indicating the presence of structured trade and food storage mechanisms.
The discovery of seals made of steatite, often engraved with animals and an un-deciphered script, suggesting a sophisticated administrative system.
Craftsmanship in pottery, bead-making, terracotta figurines, metal artefacts, and weaving.
Water management systems such as reservoirs, wells, and baths, indicating an advanced understanding of hydraulic engineering.
The Discoverers:
Two ASI archaeologists were credited with the discovery:
Daya Ram Sahni excavated Harappa in 1921-22, discovering seals, pottery, and beads.
Rakhal Das Banerji began excavating Mohenjo-daro in 1922, finding similar items such as seals and copper objects.
John Marshall noticed the similarity between the objects found at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, despite the sites being 640 km apart.
About the Mohenjo-daro Site:
Mohenjo-daro is one of the largest cities of the Harappan Civilization, located in the Sindh province of Pakistan, discovered in 1922 by Rakhal Das Banerji.
The city represents one of the finest examples of ancient urban planning:
Great Bath: A large, centrally located structure thought to be used for ritual bathing or religious ceremonies. It is considered one of the earliest public water tanks in history.
Granaries: Massive storage facilities near the citadel suggest an organized system of storing food for the community.
Citadel and Lower Town: The city was divided into a raised citadel for the ruling elite and a lower town for common people. Both areas had well-planned streets and residential complexes.
Drainage Systems: Mohenjo-daro featured covered drainage systems with individual toilets connected to the drainage network, showcasing an impressive public sanitation system.
Residential Buildings: Homes were built from uniform mud bricks, with courtyards and bathrooms, and were often multi-storied. The use of standardised brick sizes (ratio 1:2:4) and cubic weights showed their high degree of organisation.
Artefacts found at Mohenjo-daro include:
Seals with animal motifs and the un-deciphered Harappan script, believed to have been used for administrative or trade purposes.
Pottery and tools made of bronze and copper.
Terracotta figurines, jewellery, and toys that reflect a highly developed artistic culture.
Weights and measures based on a uniform standard, indicating the use of a standardized economic system.
The city’s streets were aligned north-south and east-west, cutting at right angles, allowing for efficient transportation, including bullock carts.
Mohenjo-daro is believed to have had trade links with Mesopotamia, as suggested by artefacts with Mesopotamian connections.
PYQ:
[2013] Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Valley Civilization?
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.
In a rare celestial event, Earth’s gravitational field will witness a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, creating a “mini-moon” for two months.
What is Mini-Moon?
A mini-moon is a small asteroid temporarily captured by Earth’s gravitational field, orbiting the planet for a short period before escaping back into space.
Unlike Earth’s permanent moon, mini-moons only stay for a few monthsto a few years before being ejected from orbit.
Mini-moons are a rare occurrence because most asteroids either pass by Earth or burn up in the atmosphere rather than being captured by Earth’s gravity.
Mini-moons are usually small, often just a few meters in diameter.
For example, 2024 PT5 is only about 33 feet (10 meters) in length.
They are hard to detect and are usually discovered using advanced telescopicsurveys like NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).
Significance of Mini-Moons
Mini-moons offer scientists a unique opportunity to study near-Earth objects, enhancing our understanding of asteroids’ behavior and composition.
Mini-moons could contain valuable minerals or water, making them potential targets for future space missions to extract resources.
Studying mini-moons helps scientists learn more about Earth’s gravitational influence and how it interacts with space objects.
PYQ:
[2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
A poem on National War Memorial and a chapter about Veer Abdul Hameed (PVC) introduced by the Ministries of Defence and Education has been included in the NCERT Class VI curriculum.
About National War Memorial
The National War Memorial was unveiled on 25th February 2019 to honor Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in conflicts with Pakistan, China, 1961 Goa war and Operation Pawan.
The monument is designed in a C-hexagonlayout, with names of the fallen soldiers inscribed on its walls.
It was designed by Yogesh Chandrasan of WeBe Design Lab.
Key features include the Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality) with the ‘Eternal Flame’ symbolizing the nation’s commitment to remembering the soldiers.
The Veerta Chakra showcases six bronze murals depicting acts of bravery.
The Rakshak Chakra symbolizes protection with trees representing troops safeguarding the nation.
Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice) features concentric granite walls honoring the soldiers who have died since Independence.
The memorial also features busts of 21 soldiers who have received the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.
Who was Veer Abdul Hameed?
Abdul Hamid was a soldier in the 4th Grenadiers of the Indian Army.
He fought in the Battle of Asal Uttar during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, which took place near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab.
On 10th September 1965, he destroyed 3 Pakistani tanks and damaged a 4th near Chima village. He was killed during the battle.
For his exceptional bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.
A war memorial now stands at the site of his death, featuring a captured PakistaniPatton tank as a tribute to his courage.
The Volcanic Island of Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) has always been mysterious due to its harsh geography and iconic Moai statues.
About Rapa Nui Island
Details
Location
• Situated in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, Rapa Nui is part of Polynesia and a territory of Chile.
• One of the most remote islands, about 3,500 km from Chile.
Size
• Covers an area of 160 sq. km.
Geographical details
• The island has a volcanic origin, featuring lava-covered terrain and rocky soil.
• Notable volcanoes include Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau.
• Tropical climate with average temperatures ranging between 18°C and 28°C.
• Rainfall occurs mostly in the winter months.
Moai Statues
• Famous for over 900 moai statues, some as tall as 40 ft and weighing 75 tonnes.
• These statues were built between the 13th and 16th centuries to honor revered ancestors.
• Carved from volcanic rock and transported across great distances.
Discovery
• Discovered by European sailors on Easter Sunday, 1722, which gave it the name Easter Island.
• The island had been settled centuries earlier by Polynesian explorers who navigated thousands of kilometers of ocean.
Significance of New Findings
• Recent studies, including the use of AI analysis of satellite images, have debunked earlier theories of ecological collapse.
• Genetic studies show Native American ancestry before European contact, indicating earlier interactions with South America.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following statements:
1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. (UPSC CSE 2014)
Q The multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Prelims: In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? 1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000 2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000 3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000 Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 4 only
Mentor’s Comment: Transgender rights are human rights because all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity or expression. Transgender individuals face high rates of discrimination, violence, and marginalization worldwide, which violate their fundamental human rights.
Transgender rights in India and around the world have seen significant advancements, but challenges remain. Legal recognition is crucial for ensuring equal rights, yet many transgender individuals still encounter discrimination and social stigma. Continued advocacy and awareness are necessary to improve the lives of transgender people globally.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There are ongoing global discussions about the legal rights and recognition of transgender individuals. Recognizing and affirming transgender identities are a part of the broader human condition.
‘Transgender’ is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The right to self-determine one’s gender identity is considered a fundamental human right.
The Evolving Landscape of Transgender Rights:
Legal Recognition of Gender Identity: Some countries like Argentina, Denmark, and Malta allow individuals to change their legal gender through self-declaration, without requiring surgery or medical intervention.
In 2014, the Indian SC affirmed the rights of transgender people to determine their own gender identity and be recognized as “third gender”.
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 protects transgender people from discrimination in areas like education, employment, and healthcare.
Discrimination and Violence: Transgender people face high rates of discrimination, violence, and marginalization worldwide.
For example, in the U.S., some states passed laws in 2022-23, restricting transgender rights, such as limiting access to gender-affirming healthcare or banning transgender athletes from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
International Human Rights Frameworks: The Yogyakarta Principles outline how international human rights law applies to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The United Nations has called for the decriminalization of gender identity and the prohibition of discrimination based on gender expression.
Present societal attitudes: Public views on transgender issues are complex and evolving, with some arguing progress is too slow while others feel the pace of change is too rapid.
Increasing visibility and representation of transgender people in media and culture has helped raise awareness and acceptance.
Need to understand Gender Identity:
Gender vs. Sex: ‘Sex’ refers to biological attributes like chromosomes and reproductive organs. For instance, someone with XY chromosomes is typically assigned male at birth.
‘Gender’ involves how individuals identify and express themselves, which can differ from their assigned sex. For example, a person may be biologically male but identify as non-binary.
Hence, Gender identity is the internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. It may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth.
Gender Expression: This refers to how individuals express their gender through clothing, behavior, and appearance. For example, a person may dress in a way that is traditionally associated with the opposite gender.
Recognition and Rights: Some countries allow individuals to change their legal gender easily, while others impose strict requirements, such as surgery or medical evaluations.
Some cultures too recognize more than two genders, such as the hijra community in South Asia or Two-Spirit identities among some Indigenous peoples in North America.
How Science can help us?
Bringing awareness: Science fiction can help us examine current societal issues by placing them in unfamiliar contexts. For example, in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Measure of a Man,” a trial questions whether Data, an android, is property or a person.
Need for Data Outlook: The court must decide if data can be dismantled for research without his consent. A key argument is that data should be seen as a person with rights, not just as a machine.
The verdict will reflect who we are as a society and could affect personal freedoms for many.
Conclusion: The real issue lies with those who question the humanity of transgender individuals. To be transgender or gay is a natural part of being human while analyzing their bodies to judge their humanity is a dehumanizing act.
Union Home Minister announced that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram.
On December 30, 2018, three islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago were renamed by the Government of India to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and to commemorate India’s independence struggle:
Ross Island renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island
Neil Island renamed as Shaheed Dweep
Havelock Island renamed as Swaraj Dweep
Historical Importance of Port Blair
The city was named after Lieutenant Archibald Blair, a British naval officer who served during the early 18th century.
The infamous Cellular Jail, known as Kaala Paani, was established in 1906.
Many prominent freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were incarcerated here under oppressive circumstances.
It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our ‘Tiranga’ by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Behind the new name ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’: Chola History
The Chola Empire, under Rajendra Chola I, used the Andaman Islands as a strategic naval base in the 11th century.
He launched a naval expedition to attack the Srivijaya Empire in present-day Indonesia.
His victory over Srivijaya resulted in the capture of the king Sangrama Vijayottunggavarman and looting valuable treasures, further cementing the Chola dominance.
The Thanjavur inscriptions(1050 CE) refer to the islands as Ma-Nakkavaram (great open land), later evolving into the name Nicobar Islands.
PYQ:
[2014] Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa in Berlin.
Aboutthe Great Stupa of Sanchi
Details
Establishment
Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Purpose
Built to enshrine the relics of Buddha and symbolise the Buddhist faith.
Construction
Overseen by Ashoka’s wife, Devi, from Vidisha.
Stupa is a simple hemispherical structure crowned by a chhatra (parasol), symbolizing high rank.
Development of the Sanchi complex was supported by the mercantile community of Vidisha.
Design
Follows a simple hemispherical dome structure.
Later, in the 1st century BCE, under the Satavahana dynasty, 4 ornamental gateways (toranas) were added in four cardinal directions.
Toranas (Gateways)
Each torana consists of 2 pillars supporting 3 architraves, adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and Buddhist symbols.
Artistic Features
The toranas are famous for their intricate carvings, depicting elephants, winged lions, peacocks, and shalabhanjikas (fertility symbols).
Symbolism
Upper architrave shows seven Manushi Buddhas (previous Buddhas), the middle depicts the Great Departure of Prince Siddhartha, and the lower shows Ashoka’s visit to the Bodhi tree.
Restoration
Rediscovered in 1818 by British officer Henry Taylor and restored by John Marshall (ASI director) in the early 1900s with financial aid from the Begums of Bhopal.
Replica of East Gate
A plaster cast of the East Gate was made in the 1860s by Henry Hardy Cole for the Victoria and Albert Museum.
A replica now stands in front of the Humboldt Forum Museum in Berlin.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following historical places:
1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
[2016] Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
