đŸ’„Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS1

  • Cultural significance of Uttarakhand’s Joshimath and Kosiyakutoli 

    Why in the News?

    • The Centre approved the Uttarakhand government’s proposal to rename Joshimath tehsil to Jyotirmath and Kosiyakutoli tehsil to Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham.
      • This decision aims to enhance the religious and cultural significance of these areas, boosting their status as major destinations for religious tourism.

    About Jyotirmath 

    • Jyotirmath, also known as Jyotir Peeth, is one of the four cardinal mathas established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century to promote Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
    • Adi Shankaracharya performed penance under the Amar Kalpavriksha tree here, symbolising his attainment of divine knowledge (Jyoti).
    • Evolution to Joshimath:
      • Name Transition: Originally known as Jyotirmath, the town gradually adopted the name Joshimath over time, influenced by regional languages and dialects.
      • Cultural Evolution: The shift from Jyotirmath to Joshimath reflects a cultural and linguistic evolution rather than a specific historical event.

    About Adi Shankaracharya (c 788 CE-820 CE)

    Details
    Philosopher and Theologian Prominent advocate of ancient Hinduism, known as Sankara (Jagatguru).
    Birthplace Kaladi in Ernakulam, Kerala, soon to be declared a national monument.
    Guru Govinda Bhagavatpada, from whom he learned extensively.
    Philosophies Advocated Advaita Vedanta and established Dashanami Sampradaya.
    Advaita Vedanta
    • Non-dualistic philosophy asserts the identity of Atman (self) and Brahman (ultimate reality).
    • Maya (creative energy) of Brahman creates the world.
    • Liberation through understanding Brahman and overcoming Avidya (ignorance).
    Key Disciples Padmapada, Totakacharya, Hasta Malaka, and Sureshwara – played crucial roles in spreading his teachings.
    Contributions
    • Introduced the Shanmata system and restored the Dashanami structure.
    • Established four Mathas (monastic institutions) across India.
    • Authored commentaries on major Hindu scriptures and composed hymns.
    Mathas Established Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetam (Karnataka), Jyotir Matha (Uttarakhand),

    Kalika Matha (Gujarat), Govardhana Matha (Odisha).

     

    About Kosiyakutoli  

    • Kosiyakutoli, now renamed Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham, aligns with the identity of Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Dham Ashram.
    • “Kosi” refers to the river flowing through the Nainital district, which is crucial for the local ecology and economy.
    • Association with Neem Karoli Baba:
      • The ashram, founded in 1962, continues to draw thousands of visitors annually, including prominent figures like Steve Jobs and Ram Dass.
    PYQ:

    [2014] Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

    (a) Mimamsa and Vedanta

    (b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika

    (c) Lokayata and Kapalika

    (d) Sankhya and Yoga

  • UNESCO heritage site of Delos, Greece

    Why in the News?

    • Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated close to Mykonos, Greece, played a pivotal role as a sanctuary in the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
      • Scientists warn that Delos faces imminent destruction within the next 50 years due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.

    About Delos

    • Delos is a small island located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades archipelago in Greece.
    • It is considered as the birthplace of Apollo, the god of light, arts, and healing, and his sister Artemis, the goddess of the hunt.
    • Its ancient ruins date back to the 3rd millennium BCE.
    • These ruins include temples, houses, sanctuaries, theatres, and other public buildings.
    • It served as a port and trading hub, connecting the civilizations of the eastern Mediterranean with those of the west.
    • Delos was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
    • Ruins and Monuments: 
      • Some of the most notable ruins and monuments on Delos include the Terrace of the Lions, the Temple of Apollo, the House of the Dolphins, the Theater District, and the Sacred Lake.

    About UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS)

    Details
    Definition A WHS is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO.
    Criteria WHS are designated for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance.
    World Heritage Convention
    • 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage established the framework for preserving the world’s outstanding heritage.
    • 191 State Parties, including India, have ratified the World Heritage Convention.
    Number of Sites There are currently 1,172 World Heritage Sites across 166 countries.
    Types of Sites
    • 913 cultural sites
    • 220 natural sites
    • 39 mixed properties
    World Heritage Committee Evaluate nominated sites and inscribe them on the World Heritage List.
    Preservation Member states commit to protecting their World Heritage Sites.
    World Heritage Fund The fund, supported by member contributions, provides assistance for preserving sites.
    Selection Criteria Sites must demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) by meeting criteria defined in the Convention.
    Advisory Bodies International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assess nominated sites.
    Criteria for Cultural Sites Six criteria for significance related to human creative genius, cultural interchange, unique testimony, outstanding examples of architecture, tradition, and events.
    Criteria for Natural Sites Four criteria for significance related to natural phenomena, Earth’s evolutionary history, ecological processes, and biological diversity.
    Legal Status Once inscribed, each site remains the property of the state it belongs to, with shared responsibility for its preservation and protection.
    Obligations Member states are obligated to integrate heritage protection into regional planning, report on-site conditions, and preserve sites for future generations.
    Enforcement The Committee may provide assistance, deploy experts, or delist sites in extreme cases of endangerment.

    Important Sites in India:

    • There are 42 World Heritage Sites in India.
    • Out of these, 34 are cultural, 7 are natural, and 1, Khangchendzonga National Park, is of mixed type.
    • India has the sixth-most sites worldwide.
    • The first sites to be listed were the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal, all of which were inscribed in the 1983 session of the World Heritage Committee.
    • The most recent sites listed were Santiniketan and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, in 2023.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?

    (a) Khangchendzonga National Park

    (b) Nandadevi National Park

    (c) Neora Valley National Park

    (d) Namdapha National Park

  • 124th Death Anniversary of Birsa Munda

    Why in the News?

    Jharkhand CM marked the 124th death anniversary of revolutionary tribal leader “Birsa Munda” by paying his tributes.

    Who was Birsa Munda (1875-1900)?

    • Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, during a period of significant change for his community, the Mundas, residing in the Chotanagpur region of present-day Jharkhand.
    • Birsa Munda spent his early years travelling with his parents and received primary education under Jaipal Nag.
    • Inspired by the peaceful Sardari agitation against British rule, Birsa became a prominent leader advocating for tribal rights.

    Causes of the Rebellion

    • Impact of Colonial Policies: Colonial policies, including the Permanent Settlement Act (1793), disrupted traditional land ownership systems, leading to displacement and exploitation of indigenous communities.
    • Erosion of Khuntkattidar System: The Mundas’ traditional land rights system, known as khuntkatti, was eroded by jagirdars and thikadars, leading to land alienation.
    • Land Alienation and Exploitation: Non-tribal migration into tribal regions accelerated under British rule, resulting in exploitation through high-interest money lending and forced labour.
    • Missionary Activity: The spread of education through missionary activities led to increased awareness among tribals, deepening social cleavages but also inspiring movements for tribal reconstruction.

    Major Activities:

    1. New faith ‘Birsait’ against religious conversion

    • Having gained awareness of the British colonial ruler and the efforts of the missionaries to convert tribals to Christianity, Birsa started the faith of ‘Birsait’.
    • Soon members of the Munda and Oraon community started joining the Birsait sect and it turned into a challenge to British conversion activities.
    • The Mundas called him Dharati Aaba, the father of earth.

    2. The Birsa Movement: Ulgulan

    • The Munda Rebellion was a tribal rebellion led by Birsa Munda in the region south of Ranchi in 1899-1900.
    • It mainly concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada, and Bandgaon.
    • The revolt sought to establish Munda Raj and independence, known as Ulgulan or ‘Great Tumult’ by Munda tribals.
    • The rebellion ended with the suppression by British forces and the death of Birsa Munda.

    Significant Outcomes

    • Impact: Birsa Munda’s mobilization of tribal communities left a lasting legacy, prompting government reforms such as the repeal of the Begar system and the enactment of the Tenancy Act (1903).
    • His Death: The movement was violently suppressed and Birsa Munda died in jail on 9 June 1900.

    What is Permanent Settlement System?

    • The Permanent Settlement system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 was a land revenue system implemented in British India, particularly in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.
    • Under this system, the land revenue to be paid by the peasants (ryots) was fixed permanently without revision for an extended period (typically 10 years or more).
    • This fixed amount was based on the estimated productive capacity of the land.
    • It established the Zamindari system, where Zamindars (landlords) were recognized as the owners of land.
    • They were responsible for collecting revenue from the peasants and paying it to the British government.
    • In return, they were entitled to keep a portion of the collected revenue as their income, often ranging from 10% to 15%.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?

    (a) The Revolt of 1857

    (b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921

    (c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60

    (d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

  • 131 years of Gandhiji’s Natal Satyagraha

    Why in the News?

    • On June 7, 1893, Mahatma Gandhi faced racial discrimination when he was forced off a first-class train compartment at “Pietermaritzburg railway station” in South Africa.
      • This event ignited the spirit of civil disobedience in him through his first non-violent protest in the “Natal Satyagraha”.

    History of ‘Satyagraha’

    • The terms originated in a competition in the news-sheet Indian Opinion in South Africa in 1906.
    • Mr. Maganlal Gandhi, grandson of an uncle of Mahatma Gandhi, came up with the word “Sadagraha” and won the prize.
    • Subsequently, to make it clearer, Gandhi changed it to Satyagraha.

    About the Pietermaritzburg Incident 

    • Gandhi’s forced removal from a first-class train compartment in 1893 served as a catalyst for his commitment to resisting racial discrimination.
    • This event inspired him to pursue nonviolent resistance, planting the seeds for his philosophy of Satyagraha.

    Its’ Aftermath

    • Formation of Natal Indian Congress and Advocacy
      • Establishment: Gandhi organized the Indian community and founded the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) in 1894 at Durban to advocate for their rights.
      • Campaigns: He initiated various campaigns, including petitions and boycotts, challenging discriminatory laws and policies in South Africa.
    • Natal Satyagraha
      • The passage of the Asiatic Registration Act in 1906 sparked the Natal Satyagraha, protesting against this discriminatory law.
      • Gandhi emerged as the leader of the movement, advocating for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.
      • Satyagraha emphasized confronting oppression with moral courage and integrity, without resorting to violence.

    Gandhiji’s South Africa Settlements:

    • Phoenix Settlement in Natal: Founded in 1904, the Phoenix Settlement was established by Gandhi as a communal living space and centre for social and political activism. It served as a hub for his Satyagraha campaigns against racial discrimination and injustice in South Africa.
    • Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg: Gandhi established Tolstoy Farm in 1910 as a self-sustaining community inspired by the teachings of Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. It served as a refuge for Indian immigrants and a base for organizing resistance against discriminatory laws.

    Characteristics and Impact of Natal Satyagraha

    • Mass Participation: The movement garnered widespread support from the Indian community, involving thousands in nonviolent protests.
      • He mobilized support for the welfare of Indians and established the Transvaal British Indian Association in Johannesburg in 1903.
    • Arrests and Imprisonment: Gandhi and many others faced arrests and imprisonment for their acts of civil disobedience. He faced imprisonment multiple times for his nonviolent protests, including the Volkrust Satyagraha in 1913.
    • Attracted International attention: The Satyagraha attracted international attention and led to negotiations, culminating in the Indian Relief Act in 1914.

    PYQ:

    [2019] With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements: 

    1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’.
    2. In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
    3. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Andaman’s Onge Tribe

    Why in the news?

    The king and queen of the “Onge tribe” welcomed a baby boy in the Andaman Islands, marking a significant moment for the tribe. With the arrival of the newborn, the tribe’s total population now stands at 136, as confirmed by an official source.

    About Onge Tribe 

    • The Onge are PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) native to the Andaman Islands.
    • They have traditionally been hunter-gatherers and fishers, while also practising cultivation.
    • Their population significantly decreased after colonization, from 672 in 1901 to around 100.
    • They practice a form of animism, with ancestor worship being significant.
    • They traditionally make decisions through group consensus.
    • Today, the surviving members are confined to two reserve camps on Little Andaman: Dugong Creek in the northeast, and South Bay.
    • Genetically, the Onge are distantly related to East Asian populations and show affinities with Southeast Asian Negrito ethnic groups.

    Other Indigenous People of Andaman and Nicobar

    1. Great Andamanese Tribe

    • One of the largest tribes, the Great Andamanese tribe is currently settled on the Strait Island under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Despite their historic bravery, diseases and other challenges have reduced their population to 43 individuals as of the 2001 census.
    • Government initiatives: The administration provides housing, coconut plantations, and rationing to support their livelihoods and well-being.

    2. Jarwas Tribe

    • Jarwas inhabit the Western coast of the Middle and South Andaman Islands. They are known to be hostile but have shown receptivity to friendly contact expeditions since 1974. Their present numbers are estimated at between 250–400 individuals.
    • Jarwas are nomadic hunters and gatherers, using traditional methods like bows and arrows for hunting and fishing.

    3. Sentinelese Tribe

    • Sentinelese reside on the small North Sentinel Island, maintaining a wary stance towards outsiders.
    • Despite initial scepticism, contact expeditions have made progress since 1991, albeit with caution.

    Note: Shompen Tribe are native to the Nicobar Islands.

    Who are the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

    • These groups are among the most vulnerable sections of our society as they are few in number, and have not attained any significant level of social and economic development.
    • They generally inhabit remote localities having poor infrastructure and administrative support.
    • 75 such groups have been identified and categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

    Origin of the concept

    • The Dhebar Commission (1960-1961) stated that within Scheduled Tribes there existed an inequality in the rate of development.
    • During the fourth Five Year Plan (1969-74) a sub-category was created within Scheduled Tribes to identify groups that were considered to be at a lower level of development.
    • This sub-category was named “Primitive tribal group”.
    • In 2006 the government of India proposed to rename PVTGs.

    Features of PVTGs

    • The features of such a group include a:
    1. Pre-agricultural system of existence
    2. The practice of hunting and gathering
    3. Zero or negative population growth
    4. Extremely low level of literacy in comparison with other tribal groups
    • Groups that satisfied any one of the criteria were considered PTG.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:

    1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
    2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
    3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
    4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 2, 3 and 4

    (c) 1, 2 and 4

    (d) 1, 3 and 4

  • In news: Mohiniyattam Dance

    Why in the News?

    A popular Mohiniyattam dancer in Kerala was refused bail against her alleged casteist remarks against the SC community.

    About Mohiniyattam

    Description
    Name Meaning Mohini – female enchantress avatar of Vishnu;

    Aattam – rhythmic motion or dance (Malayalam)
    Roots Natya Shastra, ancient Hindu Sanskrit text on performance arts
    Style Lasya Style – delicate, eros-filled, and feminine
    Performers Traditionally women, but men also perform in contemporary times
    Music Includes Carnatic music, singing, and enactment of plays through dance
    Language Manipravalam: a Malayalam-Sanskrit hybrid
    Posture Parted feet, gentle swaying of body, soft footwork synchronized with music beats
    Gestures Follow the classical text of Hastha Lakshanadeepika with elaborate mudras (hand gestures)
    Costumes Plain white or off-white sarees with golden brocade, pleated sheets for freedom of movement, adorned with jewellery
    Accessories Jewellery on fingers, wrists, neck, and ears, ankle bells (for female performers), dhotis and similar accessories (for male performers)
    Makeup Natural with brilliant red lips, tikka (Gobi) on the forehead, lined eyes
    Music Various rhythms and compositions in Manipravalam, accompanied by instruments like Mridangam, Idakka, flute, Veena, and Kuzhitalam
    Ragas Rendered in the Sopana Style, a slow melodic style rooted in the Natya Shastra

    Back2Basics: Classification of Classical Dances in India

    Classical Dance Form Origin Key Features
    Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu
    • Ekaharya style with one dancer portraying multiple roles.
    • Intricate footwork, hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions.
    • Traditional repertoire includes Alarippu, Jatiswaran, Shabda, Varna, Pada, Thillana, and Sloka.
    • Accompanied by the orchestra and conducted by Nattuvanar
    Kathak North India
    • Derived from the word “Katha,” meaning story
    • The blend of storytelling, footwork, and rhythmic patterns
    • The strong influence of Mughal and Persian culture
    • Solo performances with an emphasis on footwork and straight-legged movements
    Kathakali Kerala
    • A blend of dance, music, and acting
    • Elaborate makeup, costumes, and headgear
    • Enacts stories from Indian epics with specific facial colors for characters
    • Importance of hand gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements
    Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh
    • Originated in Kuchipudi village, Andhra Pradesh
    • Dance-drama form with solo and group performances
    • Emphasis on storytelling, costumes, and ornaments
    • Includes solo items like Manduka Shabdam and Balgopala Taranga
    Odissi Odisha
    • Based on stories of Lord Vishnu and verses of Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda
    • Soft dance style with mudras and expressions similar to Bharatanatyam incorporates postures like Tribhanga and Chowk
    • Eminent performers include Sonal Mansingh and Kelucharan Mohapatra
    Sattriya Assam
    • Introduced by Vaishnava saint Sankaradeva for propagation of Vaishnava faith
    • Strictly governed by principles in hasta mudras, footwork, and costumes
    • Repertoire includes Bhaona-related and independent dance numbers
    • Prominent forms include Chali and Jhumura
    Manipuri Manipur
    • Associated with rituals, festivals, and creation myths
    • Lai Haraoba is the earliest form, reenacts the creation of the world
    • Rasleela dances originated in 18th-century Manipur
    • Popular forms include Ras, Sankirtana, and Thang-Ta with Kirtan accompaniment

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

    1. Dancers occasionally speak dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
    2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movement.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Hunga Tonga Volcanic Eruption

    Why in the News?

    Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (Hunga Tonga) erupted in Tonga, triggering a tsunami and global seismic waves.

    About Hunga Tonga Volcano

    • The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano is situated in the western South Pacific Ocean, west of the main inhabited islands in the Kingdom of Tonga. It lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
    • It forms part of the Tofua Arc, within the larger Tonga-Kermadec volcanic arc, resulting from the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Indo-Australian Plate.
    • It comprises two small uninhabited islands, Hunga-Ha’apai and Hunga-Tonga.
    • Hunga Tonga is one of 12 confirmed submarine volcanoes along the Tofua Arc.

    Key Findings on Hunga Tonga Eruption

    • The Hunga Tonga eruption primarily emitted water vapour, which reached the stratosphere, affecting ozone depletion and acting as a potent greenhouse gas. Minimal smoke was produced.

    Impact on Weather

    • Ozone Hole: The study reveals that Hunga Tonga contributed to the exceptionally large ozone hole in the preceding year and the unexpectedly wet summer of 2024.
    • Global Mean Temperatures: While the eruption had a negligible effect on global temperatures, it induced lasting regional disruptions in atmospheric wave patterns.
      • Traditionally, massive volcanic eruptions reduce temperatures by emitting sulfur dioxide, which forms sulphate aerosols reflecting sunlight.
    • Regional Effects: Anticipated changes include colder and wet winters in northern Australia, warmer winters in North America, and colder winters in Scandinavia until approximately 2029.

    Do you know?

    Previous volcanic eruptions, such as Tambora in 1815 and Samalas in 1257, have significantly impacted global climate, leading to phenomena like the “year without a summer” and the onset of the Little Ice Age.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades.

  • Women often outlive men but in poorer health: what new Lancet study says

    Why in the news?

    Over 30 years, a study examining 20 diseases revealed minimal advancements in narrowing the disparity between genders as per “the Lancet Public Health Journal”.

    What does the New Lancet report say?

    • On Health Disparities: The study highlights that women tend to suffer more from lower back pain, depression, and headaches, while men have shorter life expectancies due to higher rates of road accidents, cardiovascular diseases, and, recently, COVID-19.
    • On Health Burden: Women spend more time in poor health, while men are more likely to die prematurely from severe conditions.
    • Overall Global Analysis: The analysis examines differences in the 20 leading causes of illness and death globally, considering all ages and regions.

    What Causes the Differences in Diseases Between Women and Men? (Observations)

    • Biological Factors:
        • Hormonal Differences: Hormonal fluctuations in women, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, can influence susceptibility to certain conditions like migraines, depression, and autoimmune diseases.
        • Genetic Variations: Variations in genes and genetic predispositions may contribute to differences in disease susceptibility and severity between sexes.
        • Anatomical Variances: Physiological differences, such as in skeletal structure and hormonal regulation, can affect the manifestation of certain diseases like lower back pain and reproductive disorders.
    • Societal and Gender Norms:
        • Healthcare-Seeking: Societal norms and gender roles may influence healthcare-seeking behaviors, with men often less likely to seek medical attention for mental health issues due to perceived notions of masculinity.
        • Occupational Hazards: Occupational differences between genders can lead to varying exposures to health risks, with certain professions associated with higher rates of injury or exposure to harmful substances.
        • Socioeconomic Factors: Disparities in socioeconomic status can impact disease prevalence and outcomes differently for women and men.
    • Healthcare System Bias:
        • Diagnostic Bias: Gender biases in healthcare may result in underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of certain conditions in women, leading to delays in treatment and poorer health outcomes.
        • Treatment Disparities: Differences in treatment approaches and responses may exist between sexes, with women sometimes receiving less aggressive treatment for cardiovascular diseases or being undertreated for pain conditions.
        • Research Bias: Historically, medical research has often focused on male subjects, leading to a lack of understanding of how diseases manifest and progress differently in women.
    • No Improvement in Care for Women Over Time
      • Stable Gender Gap: Despite overall health improvements, the disparity between male and female health conditions remains stable.
      • Conditions Affecting Women: Conditions like lower back pain and depressive disorders have shown little to no decrease over time compared to male-dominated conditions.
      • Reproductive Focus: Global health systems have historically focused on women’s reproductive health, neglecting other significant health issues affecting women.

    What Needs to Be Done (Way Forward)

    • Better Data Collection: Governments should consistently collect and categorize health data by sex and gender to better understand and address health disparities.
    • Targeted Health Interventions: Specific health interventions should be developed and implemented based on detailed sex and gender data.
    • Increased Funding: More financial resources should be allocated to underfunded conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as mental health.
    • Addressing Healthcare Bias: Efforts should be made to eliminate biases in healthcare to ensure women receive appropriate and timely treatment for their conditions.

    Mains PYQ: 

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

  • Fewer women are being hired for leadership positions

    Why in the news?

    Although women’s representation in the workforce has grown over the years “LinkedIn’s Economic Graph data”  indicates that progress has stalled since 2022 and declined in 2024.

    What does the data show?

    • Representation of women in the workforce has increased over the years but progress has stalled since 2022 and declined in 2024. The promotion of women to senior and leadership roles has stagnated in recent years.
    • Sectors like healthcare, education, administrative, and support services have higher female representation in senior positions, while sectors like manufacturing, construction, oil, and gas have poor representation.

    Representation of women in the overall workforce and in senior positions 

    Entry and career progression of women  

     

    • Oil, Gas, and Mining: Among the lowest representation of women in leadership roles, at around 11%.
    • Construction: Very few women are represented, especially in senior roles.
    • Utilities: Women face significant barriers in advancing to leadership positions.
    • Wholesale: Low entry and career progression for women.
    • Manufacturing: Poor representation of women across all positions, including senior roles.
    • Transportation: Limited career progression opportunities for women.
    • Real Estate: Few women in leadership positions, with significant entry barriers.

    About the accommodation and other services  

    • Representation of women in senior roles within the accommodation and food services sector falls between 15% and 20%.
    • This sector exhibits a moderate level of female representation compared to other industries.
    • While not the highest, it surpasses sectors like oil, gas, mining, construction, utilities, wholesale, manufacturing, transportation, and real estate, where women hold just 11%-14% of leadership positions.
    • The data suggests there’s still room for improvement in increasing the number of women in leadership roles within the accommodation and food services sector.
    • Efforts to improve gender diversity and inclusion should be continued and perhaps intensified in this sector, aligning with broader industry and societal goals for gender parity in the workforce.

    Administrative and support services:

    • Women hold senior positions in administrative and support services at a rate of 22% to 30%, indicating a moderate level of representation compared to other sectors.
    • This sector demonstrates a higher level of female representation in leadership roles compared to industries like oil, gas, mining, construction, utilities, wholesale, manufacturing, transportation, and real estate, where women’s leadership roles range from 11% to 14%.
    • The education sector boasts the highest representation of women in senior positions at 30%, suggesting that sectors like administrative and support services still have room for improvement.
    • Efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion within administrative and support services should be sustained, aiming for further increases in the representation of women in leadership roles.
    • Continued focus on addressing biases, societal norms, and structural barriers is essential to achieving greater gender parity and advancement opportunities for women within this sector.

    Way Forward

    • Efforts by policymakers and business leaders are needed to tackle challenges faced by women in reaching leadership roles, focusing on “women-led development”.
    • Stricter enforcement of laws such as the Companies Act, 2013, which mandates women directors on company boards. Between April 2018 and December 2023, 507 companies were fined for non-compliance, with 90% being listed companies.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of the Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives of empowering women in rural India. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Sundhnuksgigar Volcano erupts in Iceland

    Why in the News?

    Southwest Iceland witnessed the eruption of the Sundhnuksgigar volcano, triggering evacuations in the nearby areas.

    About Sundhnuksgigar Volcano 

    • Sundhnuksgigar is a row of craters just outside the town of Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula
    • It is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a divergent boundary where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are moving apart.

    What is a Volcano?

    • A volcano is a fissure or vent in the Earth’s crust through which gases, molten rock materials (lava), ash, steam, sulphur dioxide etc., are expelled during an eruption.
    • These openings occur where the rock layers in the Earth’s crust are relatively weak.
    • Volcanic activity is categorized as an endogenic process, originating from within the Earth.
    • Depending on the explosivity of the volcano, various extrusive and intrusive landforms can be formed.

    Different types of volcanoes can be classified based on the frequency of eruption and the nature of the eruption:

    1.   Frequency of eruption:

    • Active volcanoes: Frequent eruptions in Pacific Ring of Fire: New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, western Americas. Linked to plate tectonics, like Kilauea and Santa Maria. High seismicity, volcanic activity.
    • Dormant Volcanoes: These are not currently erupting but have the potential to erupt again in the future. An example is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa.
    • Extinct or inactive volcanoes: These have not erupted in the distant geological past. Dhinodhar Hill in Gujarat is an example.

    2.   Nature of Eruption:

    • Shield Volcanoes: Largest and least explosive volcanoes, formed from basalt lava. Often low in explosivity, except when water interacts. Hawaiian volcanoes exemplify this..
    • Composite Volcanoes: Volcanoes with cooler, thicker lava, built up through explosive eruptions. Layer ash, pyroclastic material, and lava flow. Examples: Mayon, Fuji, Rainier.
    • Calderas: The most explosive volcanoes, prone to collapsing inward during eruptions rather than building upwards. The resulting depressions are called calderas.
    • Flood Basalt Provinces: These volcanoes erupt highly fluid lava that travels long distances, covering vast areas with thick basalt flows.

    Reasons for Iceland’s Volcanism

    • Tectonic Activity: Iceland is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates diverge. This creates volcanic rift zones where magma rises to the surface, leading to eruptions.
    • Hotspots: Additionally, Iceland is positioned over a hotspot, contributing to heightened volcanic activity. Hotspots are areas where magma from the mantle rises towards the surface, fueling eruptions.
    • Subglacial Volcanism: Iceland’s volcanic activity is not limited to the surface; some eruptions occur beneath glaciers, leading to explosive interactions between lava and ice. These subglacial eruptions can produce powerful steam explosions, ash clouds, and catastrophic floods known as jokulhlaup.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on the regional environment.

    [2013] Consider the following:

    1. Electromagnetic radiation
    2. Geothermal energy
    3. Gravitational force
    4. Plate movements
    5. Rotation of the earth
    6. Revolution of the earth

    Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

    (b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only

    (c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6