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  • What is the gender gap in education?  

    Why in the news? 

    The 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF) report on global gender gaps has ranked India at 129 out of 146 economies, marking a decline of two positions from the previous year.

    Key Highlights by WEF Report:

    • Gender Parity Regression: India’s gender parity levels in educational attainment dipped in the 18th edition of the report, with a score of 0.964, down from a perfect 1.000 in the 17th edition.
      • This decline is attributed to a 17.2 percentage point gap between men’s and women’s literacy rates, causing India to rank 124th on this indicator.
    • Data Update and Period Variation: WEF’s Insight and Data Lead, Ricky Li, explained that the regression is due to updated data from UNESCO for the 2022 and 2023 periods, contrasting with the data from 2018, 2021, and 2022 used in the previous edition.
      • This emphasizes the impact of periodic updates and corresponding periods on the gender parity score.

    What do figures from the Unified District Information System for Education and the All India Survey on Higher Education indicate? 

    • Overall Enrolment and Gender Ratio: UDISE+ (2021-22) shows that girls constitute 48% of the school population, with enrolment increasing from 46.8% in preschool/kindergarten to 48.3% in higher secondary education.
    • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher Education: AISHE (2021-22) reports that the GER for women in higher education is 28.5%, slightly higher than the male GER of 28.3%, indicating a positive trend in female participation in higher education.
    • Trends in Female Enrolment: Female enrolment has seen a 32% increase since 2014-15, demonstrating significant progress in higher education, despite challenges such as lower enrolment in STEM fields and regional disparities in secondary education access.

    Are girls more likely to complete secondary education when they have access to it? 

    • Yes, girls are more likely to complete secondary education when they have access to it. The data from UDISE+ (2021-22) shows that while there is a slight drop in the percentage of girls enrolled in secondary education (47.9%), those who do have access to secondary education are more likely to continue to higher secondary education, where the gender gap narrows again to 48.3%.
    • This trend indicates that providing access to secondary education facilities helps girls stay in school and complete their education.

    What needs to be done to ensure girls and boys, don’t drop out? (Way forward)

    • Addressing Socio-Cultural Barriers:  Raising awareness about social issues such as early marriage, which disproportionately affects girls, is essential. Collaborating with local authorities and community leaders to advocate for girls’ education can help mitigate these challenges
    • Community Involvement: Engaging parents and the community in the educational process can foster a supportive environment for students. This can include parent workshops, support groups, and regular communication about student progress.
    • Flexible Learning Options:  Offering flexible learning arrangements, such as part-time schooling or distance education, can accommodate students facing economic or personal challenges. This flexibility can help students balance their responsibilities while continuing their education.
    • Vocational Training and Skill Development: Incorporating vocational training programs into the school curriculum can equip students with practical skills that increase their employability. This can motivate students to stay in school as they see a direct link between education and future job opportunities

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (2021)

  • National Flag Day, 2024

    Why in the News?

    On 22nd July in 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the National Flag.

    PC: The Better India

    About the National Flag Day

    • The Constituent Assembly met in New Delhi at 10 o’clock, chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
    • The Assembly had been meeting since December 9, 1946, discussing various subjects.
    • The Chair announced the first agenda item: “a Motion by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru about the Flag.”

    Jawaharlal Nehru’s Resolution on National Flag

    • India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, moved the Resolution:
      • The National Flag of India shall be a horizontal tricolour of deep Saffron (Kesari), white, and dark green in equal proportion.
      • In the centre of the white band, there shall be a navy blue Wheel representing the Charkha.
      • The design of the Wheel is based on the Chakra from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka.
      • The diameter of the Wheel approximates the width of the white band.
      • The ratio of the width to the length of the Flag shall be 2:3.
    • The motion was adopted unanimously by the Assembly.
    • Adoption by Popular Acclaim:
    • Nehru mentioned that the Flag was adopted by popular acclaim and sacrifice over the past decades.
    • Nehru clarified that the Flag was not meant to be seen in communal terms.
    • The design was intended to represent the spirit and tradition of India, grown over thousands of years.

    Reactions and Support

    • There were no significant objections to Nehru’s Resolution.
    • Several members, including Seth Govind Das, V I Muniswami Pillai, Chaudhri Khaliquzzaman, S Radhakrishnan, Saiyid Mohammad Saadulla, Frank R Anthony, and Sarojini Naidu, paid tributes to the Flag and supported the Resolution.
    • H V Kamath suggested adding a Swastika inside the Chakra to symbolize peace but withdrew the amendment after seeing the Flag’s design.
    • Dr. P S Deshmukh preferred retaining the original tricolour with the Charkha but did not push his amendment, respecting the House’s preference.

    Back2Basics: History of Our National Flag

    First Public Display in Kolkata (1906):

    • The first national flag of India was hoisted on August 7, 1906, in Kolkata at Parsee Bagan Square (Green Park).
    • The flag had three horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and green, with “Vande Mataram” inscribed in the center.
      • Symbolism: The red stripe included symbols of the sun and a crescent moon, while the green stripe featured eight half-open lotuses.
    • The flag is believed to have been designed by freedom activists Sachindra Prasad Bose and Hemchandra Kanungo.

    Indian Flag in Germany:

    • In 1907, Madame Cama and her group of exiled revolutionaries hoisted an Indian flag in Germany.
    • This event marked the first time the Indian flag was hoisted in a foreign country.

    Home Rule Movement Flag:

    • Dr. Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak introduced a new flag in 1917 as part of the Home Rule Movement.
    • The flag featured alternate red and green horizontal stripes, with seven stars in the Saptarishi configuration.
    • It included a white crescent and star in one top corner, and the Union Jack in the other.

    Version by Pingali Venkayya:

    • Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter, is credited with the design of the modern Indian tricolour.
    • Venkayya first met Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa during the second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).
    • He conducted extensive research and published a book in 1916 that included possible designs for the Indian flag.
    • At the All India Congress Committee in Bezwada in 1921, Venkayya proposed a basic flag design to Gandhi, featuring two bands of red and green to represent Hindus and Muslims.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from

    (a) Katha Upanishad
    (b) Chandogya Upanishad
    (c) Aitareya Upanishad
    (d) Mundaka Upanishad

  • Bhil Tribe have again demanded a separate ‘Bhil Pradesh’

    Why in the News?

    A large number of people from the Bhil tribe recently gathered at a rally in Rajasthan’s Mangarh Dham to raise the demand for an independent ‘Bhil state’.

    Background of the Bhil Pradesh Demand

    • The idea of a tribal state, comprising parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, has been discussed previously.
    • The demand for a separate tribal state in western India was put forward by the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) formed in 2017.
    • The Bhil community has been demanding that 49 districts be carved out of the four states to establish Bhil Pradesh.
    • The demand for Bhil Pradesh has been raised repeatedly since Independence.

    Historical Context

    • Bhil social reformer and spiritual leader Govind Guru first raised the demand for a separate state for tribals in 1913.
    • The demand followed the Mangarh massacre, where hundreds of Bhil tribals were killed by British forces.
    • The massacre took place six years before the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and is sometimes referred to as the “Adivasi Jallianwala”.

    Reasons for the Demand

    • Earlier, the tribal-majority regions were a single entity but were divided post-Independence.
    • According to the 2011 census, tribals comprise almost 14% of Rajasthan’s population.
    • Several Union governments have brought various laws and schemes for tribals but have been slow in implementation.

    Example of Implementation Issues

    • The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, aimed to decentralize governance and empower gram sabhas in tribal areas.
    • The Rajasthan government adopted the law in 1999, but its rules were only formulated in 2011.
    • Many people, including local leaders, are still unaware of the law.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following pairs :

    Tribe: State

    1. Limboo Limbu : Sikkim

    2. Karbi : Himachal

    3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha

    4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu

    Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Who was Prithipal Singh Randhawa, student leader shot dead 45 years ago?

    Why in the News?

    • Prithipal Singh Randhawa, leader of the Punjab Students Union (PSU), was murdered in Ludhiana on July 18, 1979.
      • At the time of his death, he was 27 years old and among the most prominent leaders of the student union movement in Punjab during the 1970s.

    Who was Prithipal Singh Randhawa?

    • Randhawa hailed from Hoshiarpur in Punjab and joined Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, in 1972.
    • On October 5, 1972, students protested outside Regal Cinema in Moga district against black marketing of tickets. 
      • The police opened fire, killing four people, including student leaders Swarn Singh and Harjeet Singh.
    • In response, Randhawa launched a mass movement, leading to the arrest of the responsible police officers.
    • On October 26, 1974, he organized the massive Moga Sangram rally, addressing issues like student fee hikes and the United States’ imperial war in Vietnam.
    • He was assassinated on July 18, 1979, after abduction.
    • His rising popularity and anti-establishment stance led to his arrest and 19-month imprisonment under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency.
    • His death led to massive protests in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.

    Back2Basics: Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA): Overview

    • The MISA was a controversial law enacted by the Indian government in 1971.
    • It was primarily aimed at ensuring internal security and public order during times of political unrest and emergencies.
    • MISA was heavily used during the Emergency period (1975-1977) declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

    Key Provisions:

    • Preventive Detention: MISA allows for the preventive detention of individuals without trial for a maximum period of two years. This was intended to pre-emptively address threats to national security.
    • Detention without Charges: Individuals could be detained without being charged with a specific offense, based on the suspicion of being a threat to national security or public order.
    • No Right to Legal Representation: Detainees under MISA did not have the right to legal representation or a fair trial.
    • Limited Judicial Review: The act severely restricted the scope of judicial review, making it difficult for courts to intervene in cases of detention under MISA.

    Controversy and Criticism:

    • Human Rights Violations: MISA was widely criticized for its draconian measures and violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to liberty, freedom of speech, and due process.
    • Political Repression: The act was seen as a tool for political repression, used by the government to silence opposition and dissent.
    • Abuse of Power: There were numerous instances of abuse of power under MISA, with individuals being detained on vague or politically motivated grounds.

    Repeal:

    • After the end of the Emergency in 1977, the newly elected Janata Party government repealed MISA in 1978 as part of its efforts to restore democratic norms and civil liberties.
    • The legacy of MISA remains a stark reminder of the potential for misuse of power and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles and human rights.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?

    1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency
    2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
    3. To impeach the President of India

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) 3 only

  • Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA)

    Why in the News?

    • The origin of life on Earth remains one of the world’s most enduring mysteries.
      • Numerous competing theories exist, but none have conclusive proof.
      • A significant concept in understanding the origin of life is the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA).

    What is the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA)?

    • Researchers believe that all life forms— the Bacteria, the Archaea, and the Eukarya —originated from a single cell known as the last universal common ancestor (LUCA).
    • It is suggested to have been a “cellular organism that had a lipid bilayer and used DNA, RNA, and protein“.
    • There is a lack of clarity about direct fossil evidence of LUCA.
    • However, the shared features of modern genomes provide significant insights into this ancient ancestor.

    LUCA and the Molecular Clock:  

    • The molecular clock theory was proposed by molecular biologist Emile Zuckerkandl and biochemist Linus Pauling in the 1960s and later refined by biologist Motoo Kimura.
    • The theory allows scientists to reconstruct the evolutionary timeline.
    • According to the theory, the rate at which mutations are added or removed from a population’s genome is proportional to the rate of acquiring new mutations, which is constant.
    • By calibrating the molecular clock with known events, such as the emergence of the first mammals or the age of certain fossils, researchers can estimate the time between evolutionary events.

    Recent Research Findings on LUCA’s Age and Genome

    • Researchers at the University of Bristol and Exeter estimate that LUCA originated around 4.2 billion years ago, nearly 1 billion years earlier than previously thought. 
      • They obtained evidence from the 3.3 km deep Candelabra’ hydrothermal vent on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
    • LUCA had a small genome of about 2.5 million bases encoding 2,600 proteins, sufficient for survival in a unique niche.
    • Its metabolites may have created a secondary ecosystem for other microbes.
    • The presence of immunity genes in LUCA suggests it had to defend against viruses.

    Evidence Verification using Miller-Urey Experiment

    • In 1952, Stanley Miller and Harold Urey conducted an experiment at the University of Chicago, simulating lightning strikes on a mixture of methane, ammonia, and water, which resulted in the formation of amino acids.
    • This demonstrated that complex organic compounds could arise from inorganic compounds under the right conditions.

    Which is older: LUCA or fossils?

    • LUCA’s estimated origin at 4.2 billion years predates the earliest fossil records by almost 1 billion years.
    • Fossil records from the Pilbara Craton in Australia suggest life emerged around 3.4 billion years ago, but the study pushes this date back.

    Alternative Theories: 

    (1) Extraterrestrial Origin

    • Another prominent theory suggests that meteorites from space could have brought the building blocks of life to Earth.
    • This theory is supported by various discoveries.
    • In August 2019, French and Italian scientists reported finding 3.3 billion-year-old extraterrestrial organic material.
    • Japan’s Hayabusa 2 mission to the asteroid Ryugu detected more than 20 amino acids, further supporting the possibility of an extraterrestrial origin for the building blocks of life.

    (2) Oparin-Haldane Hypothesis

    • In the 1920s, Alexander Oparin and J.B.S. Haldane independently proposed theories regarding the origin of life.
    • They suggested that life originated from a “primordial soup” in a prebiotic environment on the young Earth.
    • This concept is now known as the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?

    (a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium

    (b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen

    (c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus

    (d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium

  • [pib] World Heritage Young Professionals Forum, 2024

    Why in the News?

    • India is hosting the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time in New Delhi.
      • Theme: “World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth.”

    About the World Heritage Young Professional Forum

    • The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum is an initiative by UNESCO to engage young professionals in the field of heritage conservation.
    • The first World Heritage Young Professionals Forum was organized in 1995.
    • The primary aim is to engage young professionals in heritage conservation and management through capacity building, networking, and awareness-raising.

    Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    Description
    UNESCO World Heritage Sites Landmarks or areas selected by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value, legally protected by international treaties.
    Importance World Heritage Sites represent collective and preservative interests of humanity, signifying remarkable accomplishments and intellectual history.
    Selection Criteria Sites must be already-classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically, such as ancient ruins, historical structures, cities, monuments, etc.
    Conservation World Heritage Sites require practical conservation to protect them from risks like trespassing, uncontrolled access, or administrative negligence.
    World Heritage Committee Selects and monitors World Heritage Sites, manages the World Heritage Fund, and provides financial assistance. Composed of 21 states parties elected for a four-year term.
    Membership India is not a member of the World Heritage Committee.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following international agreements:

    1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
    2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
    3. The World Heritage Convention

    Which of the above has / have a bearing on the biodiversity?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple, opened after 46 years

    Why in the News?

    After 46 years, the sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, known as Ratna Bhandar, was reopened amid years of legal battles, controversies, and debates.

    About the Ratna Bhandar

    • The Ratna Bhandar stores the gold and jewels offered by devotees to the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
    • It is located adjacent to the prayer hall on the north side of the temple.
    • It consists of two sections: the ‘Bhitar Bhandar’ (Inner Treasury) and the ‘Bahar Bhandar’ (Outer Treasury), with the last inventory in 1978 noting significant amounts of gold and silver items in both chambers.
    • Legend says, Odisha’s King Anangabhima Dev (1211 to 1238) donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold to prepare jewellery for the almighty.
    • The Odisha government passed the Jagannath Temple Act, 1952 to have a greater role in the temple’s management, which included maintaining an inventory of the offerings in the Puri collectorate’s Record Room.

    Recent Developments:

    • The safety of the Ratna Bhandar is managed by the Temple’s Committee, chaired by the titular ‘King of Puri’ and includes IAS officers and other state-appointed members.
    • Originally, keys to the Ratna Bhandar were held by the Puri royal family, temple committee, and collectorate, with significant changes in ownership and access protocols over the years due to legal rulings.
    • The recent reopening involved breaking the locks of the inner chamber as they could not be opened traditionally, following strict procedures.

    About Jagannath Puri Temple

    • The Jagannath Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna in Puri in Odisha.
    • The present temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, on the site of an earlier temple, and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
    • The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars.

    Its Architecture:

    • With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.
    • The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet and is surrounded by a high fortified wall.
    • This 20 feet high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri.
    • Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.

    The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely:

    1. Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In Rekha Deula style;
    2. Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
    3. Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
    4. Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:

    (a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

    (b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

    (c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture

    (d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

  • Temples in News: Mahabodhi Temple, Puri Jagannath Temple

    Description

    Mahabodhi Temple Complex

    Mahabodhi Temple Tourism (Bodh Gaya) (2024) - A Complete Travel Guide
    • Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar
    • Significance: Marks the location where Buddha attained enlightenment.
    • UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site since 2002.
    • Historical Importance: One of the four holy sites related to Buddha’s life (Enlightenment).
    • Original Construction: Built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka around 260 BCE.
    • Reconstruction: Reconstructed in brick during the late Gupta period (5th or 6th centuries).
    • Archaeological Finds: Indicates a site of veneration since the Mauryan period; Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) dated to the third century BCE.
    • Main Temple Structure: Dates from the 6th century CE, incorporates parts from 2nd or 3rd century CE.
    • Architectural Features: Two large shikhara towers, the largest over 55 meters high; influenced Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist architecture globally.
    • Materials: Made mostly of brick covered with stucco.
    • Bodhi Tree: A direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
    • Traditional Accounts: Describes 7 weeks Buddha spent meditating after enlightenment at various spots within the complex.
    • Decline and Revival: Declined after the Huna and early Islamic invasions; revived under the Pala Empire (8th-12th century); declined again after 12th century CE invasions by Turk armies.

    Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Puri Temple

    • Location: Puri, Odisha
    • Significance: Important Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna
    • History: Rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty
    • Annual Event: Famous for its annual Ratha Yatra (chariot festival) where three principal deities are pulled on huge, elaborately decorated temple cars
    • Architecture: Oriya style of temple architecture; complex covers over 400,000 square feet, surrounded by a high fortified wall (Meghanada Pacheri); main structures include Deula (Sanctum sanctorum), Mukhashala (Frontal porch), Nata mandir/Natamandapa (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)

    Ratna Bhandar:

    • Context: The sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, known as Ratna Bhandar, was reopened after 46 years amid legal battles and controversies
    • Contents: Stores gold and jewels offered by devotees to the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra
    • Location: Adjacent to the prayer hall on the north side of the temple.
    • Sections: Consists of two sections: the ‘Bhitar Bhandar’ (Inner Treasury) and the ‘Bahar Bhandar’ (Outer Treasury)
    • Historical Significance: Legend says Odisha’s King Anangabhima Dev (1211 to 1238) donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold to prepare jewelry for the deities
    • Management: Safety managed by the Temple’s Committee chaired by the titular ‘King of Puri’; keys held by the Puri royal family, temple committee, and collectorate with changes over the years
    • Recent Developments: Reopened by breaking the locks of the inner chamber due to inability to open traditionally, following strict procedures

     

     

    Also in news: World Heritage Young Professional Forum

    • India is hosting the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time in New Delhi.
      • Theme: “World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth.”
    • The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum is an initiative by UNESCO to engage young professionals in the field of heritage conservation.
    • The first World Heritage Young Professionals Forum was organized in 1995.
    • The primary aim is to engage young professionals in heritage conservation and management through capacity building, networking, and awareness-raising.

    PYQ:

    [2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:

    (a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

    (b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

    (c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture

    (d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

  • The case for a Caste Census 

    Why in the news? 

    The Census Act, 1948 ought to be revised to mandate the inclusion of caste enumeration as a regular part of the Census process, incorporating specific questions in the questionnaire to gather this data systematically, rather than leaving it subject to discretionary decisions by the Union executive.

    Why a Caste Census?

    • Social Relevance: Caste remains a significant social determinant in India, influencing access to opportunities, resources, and representation. A caste census is essential to understand and address caste-based inequalities and social stratification accurately.
    • Policy Formulation: Constitutionally mandated policies such as reservations in education, employment, and legislative bodies rely on caste-based data to ensure effective implementation. Detailed enumeration helps in identifying beneficiaries, preventing misclassification, and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits.
    • Administrative Precision: Detailed caste-wise data is crucial for administrative purposes, including planning and allocation of resources. It helps in targeting development programs and policies for specific caste groups based on their socio-economic status and needs.
    • Historical Context: India has a history of caste-based discrimination and marginalization. A caste census provides empirical evidence of existing disparities, enabling the government and civil society to design interventions aimed at promoting social justice and equality.

    The arguments against caste Census

    • Social Divisiveness: Critics argue that emphasizing caste through a census could perpetuate social divisions and caste identities. They fear that highlighting caste differences could exacerbate tensions and hinder national unity.
    • Administrative Complexity: Conducting a caste census is seen as administratively challenging due to the sheer number of caste groups in India, estimated to be thousands, many of which are region-specific. Critics argue that accurately enumerating and categorizing these castes could pose logistical difficulties and lead to inaccuracies.
    • Political Implications: There are concerns that caste-based data could be misused for electoral gains and political manoeuvring. Critics argue that caste enumeration might lead to demands for increased reservations and create further divisions along caste lines in political representation and decision-making processes.

    How an attempt at caste Census failed

    • Constitutional Mandate: The Constitution of India provides for reservations in education (Article 15(4)) and public employment (Article 16(4)) for OBCs. Enumerating OBCs in the Census is essential to effectively implement these constitutional provisions and ensure accurate representation.
    • Policy Implementation: Detailed caste-wise data is necessary for effective policy formulation and implementation related to reservations, social justice, and welfare schemes targeting OBC communities. It helps in identifying deserving beneficiaries and avoiding wrongful inclusions or exclusions.
    • Judicial Imperative: The Supreme Court of India, in various rulings like Indra Sawhney case (1992), has underscored the importance of accurate caste data for upholding reservation policies and ensuring social justice. The court has emphasized the need for periodically revising the OBC list based on updated census data.
    • Local Governance and Representation: Post the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution, which introduced reservations for OBCs in local bodies (panchayats and municipalities), accurate caste data at the local level is crucial for fair representation and effective governance.

    How an attempt at caste Census failed

    • Poor Design and Execution: The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)-2011, conducted through Union Ministries of Rural Development and Urban Development, lacked the expertise and experience needed for sociological surveys
    • Legal and Administrative Challenges: The SECC-2011 was not conducted under the Census Act, 1948, which meant it lacked the legal framework and procedural clarity required for a comprehensive census.

    Way forward: 

    • Amendment of Census Act: Amend the Census Act, 1948, to explicitly include caste as a parameter for enumeration. This legal revision will provide a clear mandate and framework for conducting a comprehensive caste Census, ensuring adherence to standardised procedures and data collection methodologies.
    • Expert Involvement and Public Consultation: Engage sociological and anthropological experts to develop a detailed list of caste categories specific to each state. Publish the draft list online for public review and feedback, facilitating transparency and accuracy in caste enumeration.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, the caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • [11th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: India’s Demographic journey of hits and misses

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 

    Q) What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, of 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (UPSC IAS/2021)
    Q) Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail.  (UPSC IAS/2020)

    Prelims:
    India is regarded as a country With a “Demographic Dividend” This is due to (UPSC IAS/2011)
    (a) Its high population in the age group below 15 years.
    (b) Its high population in the age group of 15-64 years.
    (c) Its high population in the age group above 65 years.
    (d) Its high total population.

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: World Population Day; Demographic Dividend;

    Mains:  Demographic Dividend; Poverty; Mortality; Food Security;

    Mentor comment: Over the decades, the world has seen significant demographic changes, with declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy globally. India has also made notable progress, with fertility rates falling below replacement level and improvements in maternal and child health indicators. However, population dynamics continue to pose challenges that require attention and proactive measures. As the world approaches the 2030 target for the Sustainable Development Goals, understanding a country’s population trends is crucial to tailoring solutions and driving progress.

    Let’s learn!

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    Why in the news? 

    The day July 11, was established by the United Nations as the ‘World Population Day’ in 1989, to raise awareness about global population issues and their impact on development, the environment, and individual well-being.

    World Population – Then and Now:
    1. The decades of the 1960s and 1970s were scary as the global population was growing at a yearly rate of 2%. 
    2. The Total Fertility Rate of the world has dropped from around five children per woman in 1950, to 2.3 children per woman in 2023. 

    About Malthus Theory of Population
    1. Thomas Malthus’ Theory of Population, proposed in 1798, posited that population growth would outpace food production, leading to widespread famine and poverty.
    2. He believed population grows exponentially while food production increases linearly. However, advancements in agriculture and technology have prevented the catastrophic outcomes he predicted.

    India’s population dynamics – The main components:

    • Fertility: According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, India’s total fertility rate (TFR) decreased from 3.4 to 2 between 1992 and 2021, dropping below the replacement level of 2.1. 
    • Mortality: There has been a significant drop in the mortality rate as well. The average life expectancy of Indians has also increased over time.
    • Aging Population:  India is experiencing a demographic shift, towards an aging population. According to the 2011 Census, individuals aged 60 years and above constituted 8.6% of the total population. The figure is projected to rise to 19.5% by 2050. 
    • Migration: 
      • Urbanization: Rapid Rural-to-Urban migration is straining urban infrastructure.
      • Gender Equality: Women’s labor force participation and political representation are crucial for sustainable development
    But what do these changing dynamics signify?

    India’s population dynamics are intertwined with its ‘development’ scenario. The reduction in fertility signifies a transition toward smaller family norms.  It has many implications for the Social Development as follows:

    • Demographic Dividend: A smaller dependent population can lead to a larger working-age population, potentially boosting economic growth.
    • Healthcare and Living Standards: Declining mortality rates and increasing life expectancy indicate improvements in healthcare and living standards.
    • Population Ageing: Requires long-term planning for geriatric care and social security benefits.
    • Gender Equality: Women’s labour force participation, which is straggling, their notable absence from Political representation, and their unending plight within society. Ensuring women’s rights and participation is essential for sustainable development.

    India’s Journey towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    • Poverty Reduction (SDG 1)
      • The population living below the poverty line reduced from 48% to 10% between 1990 and 2019.
      • Government Initiatives:
      • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was critical in addressing rural poverty.
      • Janani Suraksha Yojana (2005) increased institutional deliveries and reduced health expenditures for poor families.
    • Food Security and Nutrition (SDG 2)
      • India became self-sufficient in crop production after the Green Revolution hence, the proportion of the population suffering from hunger reduced from 18.3% in 2001 to 16.6% in 2021. However, India still contributes a third of the global burden of malnutrition.
      • Government Initiative:
      • POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018) aims to improve nutrition, but achieving ‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030 remains challenging.
    • Health Improvements (SDG3)
      • Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) decreased from 384.4 in 2000 to 102.7 in 2020.
      • Under-five mortality rate and infant mortality rate significantly reduced post-2000s. Improvements in quality and coverage of healthcare, but still need to reach targets.

    What needs looking into?

    • Population Dynamics: India needs to harness demographic dividend by creating job opportunities for the youth by addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and strengthening social safety nets.
    • Nutrition: The government needs to increase budgetary allocation for health and nutrition sectors and strengthen nutrition programs to address malnutrition.
    • Gender Equality: Empowering socio-economically the section of vulnerable women and adopting a gender-equal approach in policy and development initiatives.
    • Collaborative Approach: Encouraging a multi-sectoral collaboration and ensuring a strong political will to drive progress efficiently.