The Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for arts and culture, has unanimously lifted gender restrictions allowing boys for learning Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form.
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 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
PYQ:
2012: How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
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 movements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Practice MCQ:
Which of the following statements about Mohiniyattam is not true?
Mohiniyattam derives its name from “Mohini,” the female enchantress avatar of Vishnu, and “Aattam,” meaning rhythmic motion or dance in Malayalam.
Its roots can be traced back to the Natya Shastra, an ancient Hindu Sanskrit text on performance arts.
Mohiniyattam is characterized by the Tandava style, known for its vigorous movements.
Performances of Mohiniyattam typically include enactment of plays through dance, accompanied by singing and Carnatic music.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to remove 18 “centrally protected monuments” from its list of Monuments of National Importance (MNI), citing a lack of national significance.
ASI currently has 3,693 monuments under its purview, which will fall to 3,675 once the current delisting exercise is completed in the next few weeks.
What are Monuments of National Importance (MNI)?
MNI in India are legally protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
This act empowers the Centre to declare certain monuments as MNIs through official notifications published in the Gazette of India.
It mandates the protection, preservation, and maintenance of MNIs to ensure their integrity and authenticity for future generations.
The Act empowers the central government to appoint authorities, such as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), to oversee the protection and management of MNIs.
Key Features of MNI Protection
Prohibited Activities: The Act prohibits certain activities within the precincts of MNIs, such as construction, excavation, and removal of artifacts, without prior permission from the relevant authorities.
Designated Zones: Within a 100-meter radius of the monument, construction activities are prohibited to prevent encroachment and damage. An additional 200-meter radius (100 + 200 meters)constitutes a regulated area where construction is subject to specific regulations to maintain the monument’s integrity and surroundings.
Maintenance of Records: The Act requires the maintenance of records and registers documenting the history, conservation, and management of MNIs.
Understanding Monument Delisting
Once delisted, monuments are no longer subject to ASI conservation efforts, allowing for regular construction activities in the vicinity.
Section 35 of the AMASR Act allows for the delisting of monuments deemed to have lost national importance.
The delisting process involvesofficial notifications, with a two-month public feedback period to address objections or suggestions.
PYQ:
2015: With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Varaha Image at Udayagiri
Practice MCQ:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to remove 18 “centrally protected monuments”. This essentially implies:
The site will no longer be conserved, protected, and maintained by the ASI.
Activities related to construction and urbanisation in the area can be carried out in a regular manner.
A 900-year-old Kannada inscription from the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty has been discovered in a state of neglect at Gangapuram, a temple town in Jadcherla mandal, Mahabubnagar, Telangana.
The inscription dates back to June 8, 1134 CE (Friday) and was issued by the Customs Officers of Tailapa-III, son of Kalyana Chalukya Emperor ‘Bhulokamalla’ Someswara-III.
It records the remission of toll taxes for the perpetual lamp and incense of God Somanatha.
Who were the Chalukyas?
Origin and Expansion:
The Chalukyas emerged as a prominent dynasty in the 6th century CE, with their capital at Badami in present-day Karnataka.
Pulakeshin I, the founder of the dynasty, ascended to the throne around 543 CE and expanded the empire by defeating the Kadambas, Mauryas, and other neighboring kingdoms.
Pulakeshin II, one of the most illustrious rulers of the Chalukyan Empire, ascended the throne in 610 CE and significantly expanded its territory through military conquests and diplomatic alliances.
The empire reached its zenith under Pulakeshin II, extending its influence over large parts of Southern and Central India, including present-day Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Dynastic Divisions:
The Chalukyan Empire witnessed the emergence of multiple dynastic branches, including the Badami Chalukyas, Western Chalukyas (also known as the Later Chalukyas), and Eastern Chalukyas (also known as the Chalukyas of Vengi).
Badami Chalukyas ruled from their capital at Badami and were known for their contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
Western Chalukyas, based in Kalyani (present-day Basavakalyan), continued the legacy of their predecessors and established their dominance over parts of present-day Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Eastern Chalukyas, based in Vengi (present-day Andhra Pradesh), carved out their own kingdom and played a crucial role in the political dynamics of South India.
Religion and Faith:
The Chalukyas were patrons of art, literature, and architecture, fostering a rich cultural environment within their empire.
They promoted Hinduism as the dominant religion and contributed to the construction of numerous temples dedicated to Hindu deities, including the famous Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal.
The Chalukyas also patronized Jainism and Buddhism, leading to the construction of Jain caves and monasteries in regions under their control.
Decline and Legacy:
The Chalukyan Empire faced internal conflicts, dynastic rivalries, and external invasions, leading to its gradual decline from the 12th century onwards.
The defeat of Vikramaditya VI by the Cholas in the 12th century marked the end of the Western Chalukya dynasty, while the Eastern Chalukyas continued to rule in Vengi until the 13th century.
Administration:
The empire was divided into administrative units known as ‘Rashtras or Mandalas’, each governed by a local administrative officer known as a ‘Mandaleshwara’.
At the higher levels of administration, provincial governors known as ‘Rashtrakutas’ were appointed to oversee multiple mandalas and report directly to the king.
Revenue administration played a crucial role in sustaining the empire, with land revenue being the primary source of income. The empire maintained a sophisticated system of land measurement and taxation to ensure a steady flow of revenue.
Arts and Culture:
Sculpture flourished under the patronage of the Chalukya rulers, with exquisite examples of stone carvings adorning temple complexes and royal monuments.
The famous Nataraja sculpture at Pattadakal, depicting Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance pose, is a masterpiece of Chalukyan art.
Pampa, a court poet of the Chalukyas, composed the epic poem “Vikramarjuna Vijaya” (also known as “Pampa Bharata” or “Pampa Ramayana”) in Kannada, narrating the story of the Mahabharata from the perspective of Arjuna.
The Chalukyan era witnessed the development of classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, as evidenced by sculptures found in temples such as the Mallikarjuna Temple at Pattadakal.
Ranna, a prominent Kannada poet of the Chalukyan period, composed the “Ajita Tirthankara Purana,” an epic poem celebrating the lives of the Jain Tirthankaras.
Architecture:
Chalukyan temples are architectural marvels, characterized by their distinctive Dravidian and Nagara styles collectively called the ‘Gadag Style’ .
The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal, built by the Chalukyan king Vikramaditya II in the 8th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate carvings and towering gopurams (entrance gateways).
Similarly, the Durga Temple at Aihole, dating back to the 7th century, showcases exemplary Chalukyan architecture with its ornate pillars and sculpted panels depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes.
PYQ:
2019: Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of
Chalukya
Chandela
Rashtrakuta
Vijayanagara
Practice MCQ:
The ‘Gadag Style’ of Temple Architecture is associated with which of the following dynasties?
Scientists in Portugal have uncovered a concerning revelation about the fate of the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting apotential ‘Ring of Fire’ (a Subduction Zone).
Researchers caution that the Atlantic may be on the brink of closure due to subduction activity.
Why discuss this?
Closure of Gibraltar Strait: Computer simulations project the subduction zone’s expansion over the next 20 million years, forming the ‘Ring of Fire’ in the Atlantic leading to the closure of Gibraltar Strait.
Geological Parallel: This process mirrors the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, reshaping the ocean basin through gradual subduction of the ocean floor beneath continents.
AboutGibraltar Strait
Details
Location
Connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea;
Separating the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula of Europe from the northern coast of Africa.
Width
Approximately 13 km (8.1 miles) at its narrowest point.
Depth
Varies, with the deepest point reaching around 300 meters (984 feet).
Formation
Convergence point for the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate.
Formed around 5.33 million years ago during the Messinian salinity crisis when the Atlantic Ocean breached the barrier separating it from the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in a catastrophic flood known as the Zanclean flood.
The strait’s current shape and depth were further influenced by tectonic movements and erosional processes over geological time.
Historical Significance
Serves as a key maritime passage for trade and military purposes.
Disputes
Subject of contention between Spain and the United Kingdom;
Gibraltar Overseas Territory under British control.
What are Subduction Zones?
Subduction zones occur at convergent plate boundaries, where two tectonic plates move toward each other.
This convergence is often between an oceanic plate and a continental plate or between two oceanic plates.
Subduction Process:
Collision of Tectonic Plates: When two tectonic plates collide, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the less dense continental plate or another oceanic plate.
Partial Melting: As the oceanic plate descends into the mantle, it generates intense heat and pressure, causing partial melting of the mantle material.
Volcanic Activity: The molten material formed by the subduction process rises through the Earth’s crust, leading to volcanic eruptions at the surface.
Formation of Volcanic Arcs: These eruptions often occur in chains known as volcanic arcs, which parallel the subduction zone. Ex. Andes in S. America; Cascade Range in North America.
Implications of this Activity
Earthquakes: Subduction zone earthquakes can be particularly destructive and may trigger tsunamis due to the displacement of large volumes of water.
Trench Formation: The surface expression of a subduction zone is often a deep oceanic trench, where the descending plate bends and plunges into the mantle.
Mountain Building: Over time, the continuous subduction of oceanic crust can lead to the uplift and deformation of the overriding plate, resulting in the formation of mountain ranges adjacent to the subduction zone. These mountains may exhibit complex geological structures, including folds and faults.
Recycling of Oceanic Crust: As oceanic plates are subducted, they are gradually consumed by the mantle, releasing minerals and elements that are eventually returned to the surface through volcanic activity.
PYQ:
2010: Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?
Bali
Brunei
Java
Singapore
2011: Between India and East Asia, the navigation time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following?
Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Opening a new canal across the Kra Isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman sea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Practice MCQ:
Which of the given statement about the Gibraltar Strait is NOT correct?
It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
It is approximately 13 kilometers wide at its narrowest point.
The deepest point of the Gibraltar Strait reaches around 300 meters.
It was formed around 5.33 million years ago during the Holocene Epoch due to tectonic movements.
India is looking for cobalt and other critical minerals in Zambia, Namibia, Congo, Ghana and Mozambique. It is still engaging with Australia for lithium blocks.
Critical minerals, including lithium and cobalt, are crucial for technology, manufacturing and other industries.
What are Critical Minerals?
Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
These minerals are mostly used in making electronic equipment such as mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
Many of these are required to meet the manufacturing needs of green technologies, high-tech equipment, aviation, and national defence.
List of critical minerals includes:
The centre has released a list of 30 critical minerals for India in 2023:
Identified Minerals: Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, Platinum Group elements (PGE), Phosphorous, Potash, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.
Fertilizer Minerals: Two minerals critical for fertilizer production, phosphorous and potash, are also included in the above list.
Critical Mineral Blocks in India
Distribution: There are 20 blocks spread across eight states, including Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Types of Licenses: Four blocks are for a Mining License (ML), allowing immediate mining post-clearance. The remaining 16 blocks are for a Composite License (CL), permitting further exploration before potentially converting to an ML.
Approvals Required: Licensees must obtain various approvals, including forest clearance and environmental clearance.
Forest Land: Approximately 17% of the total concession area, or 1,234 hectares, is forest land.
India’s Critical Mineral Imports
Lithium Imports: In FY23, India imported 2,145 tonnes of lithium carbonate and lithium oxide, costing Rs 732 crore.
Nickel and Copper Imports: The country imported 32,000 tonnes of unwrought nickel and 1.2 million tonnes of copper ore, costing Rs 6,549 crore and Rs 27,374 crore, respectively.
Import Dependence: India relies entirely on imports for lithium and nickel, and 93% for copper.
Country-wise dependence:
China: India heavily relies on China for the import of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.
Australia: India is actively engaged with Australia for acquiring mineral assets, particularly lithium and cobalt, to secure its supply chain for critical minerals.
Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile: India is engaging with these countries, known for their reserves of battery metals like lithium and cobalt, to diversify its sources for critical minerals.
PYQ:
2019: With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
State governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 and 3
2 and 3
3 only
1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements:
Critical minerals are those elements which are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
India has notified 30 elements in the Critical Minerals List.
Fertilizer minerals Phosphorous and potash are also included in the Critical Minerals List.
The Supreme Court reiterated that to constitute an offence under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the essential ingredient is to create a sense of enmity and disharmony amongst two or more groups or communities.
Quite often, politicians are arrested under section 153 A of IPC for alleged hate speech.
Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Section 153A of the IPC deals with the offence of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.
The primary is to prevent the promotion of disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred, or ill-will between different groups in society.
It was enacted in 1898 and was not in the original penal code.
Prohibited Acts:
The section prohibits several acts:
Engaging in activities that promote or attempt to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between different religious, racial, linguistic, or regional groups.
Committing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different groups or communities.
Doing anything that disturbs or disrupts public tranquillity or creates unrest among various groups.
Essential Elements:
To constitute an offence under Section 153A, the following essential elements must be established:
Promotion of enmity or hatred between different groups.
Such promotion must be based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.
The intention behind the act must be to disrupt public tranquillity or to create disharmony among groups.
Punishment:
Jail Term: Any individual found guilty of committing an offence under Section 153A may be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years, or with a fine, or with both.
Cognizable and Non-Bailable: The offence is a cognizable offence and the punishment for the same may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both. Further, the offence is non-bailable in nature, wherein the accused is tried by the magistrate of the first class.
Burden of Proof: It lies with the prosecution to demonstrate that the accused’s words, actions, or conduct were aimed at promoting enmity or hatred between different groups based on the specified grounds.
PYQ:
2014: What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
2022: With reference to India, consider the following statements:
When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right.
State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Practice MCQ:
Q.The Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) essentially deals with:
Usha Mehta was born on March 25, 1920, in Mumbai, India.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, Usha Mehta became actively involved in the Indian independence movement from a young age.
One of Usha Mehta’s most notable contributions to the freedom struggle was her involvement in the radio broadcasting network known as the “Secret Congress Radio.”
She was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours in 1998.
The Secret ‘Congress Radio’
On August 8, 1942, the historic Quit India Resolution was passed during the All India Congress Committee meeting in Bombay.
In this response, the idea of an underground radio station, known by various names such as the Freedom Radio, the Ghost Radio, or the Congress Radio, was conceived to counter the British-controlled AIR.
Usha Mehta, a 22 YO master’s student at Wilson College, became the voice of the Congress Radio.
The radio was an expensive endeavour, but funds were procured through various means, including contributions from Mehta’s colleague, Babubhai Khakhar.
Radio engineering expert Nariman Abarbad Printer constructed the Congress Radio transmission set.
Their first broadcast was on 14 August 1942.
Welcome line in her voice: “This is the Congress Radio calling on 42.34 from somewhere in India.”
In the beginning, they were broadcasting twice a day, in Hindi and English. But they reduced it to just once in the evening between 30 and 8.30 pm.
On 12th November 1942, the police raided the radio while Vande Mataram was being played and arrested Mehta and others.
PYQ:
2011: With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for-
Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement
Participating in the Second Round Table Conference
Leading a contingent of Indian National Army
Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
2021: With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct?
The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.
The Viceroy’s Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.
The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.
Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over
Practice MCQ:
In context to the Secret ‘Congress Radio’ in modern Indian history, consider the following statements:
It was established to supplement the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930s.
Usha Mehta was the voice of Congress Radio.
It was broadcasted twice a day, in Hindi and English
The Supreme Court issued a cautionary directive to judges regarding court-ordered counselling for LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the need to respect their identity and sexual orientation.
Context
Petition: The verdict stemmed from a habeas corpus petition filed by a Kerala-based woman seeking the whereabouts of her same-sex partner, highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in asserting their rights.
Coercion Concerns: Concerns were raised about court-ordered counselling potentially being used to coerce individuals against their sexual orientation or chosen partners, prompting the Supreme Court to address these apprehensions.
Counselling to LGBTQ+ Persons:
[A] Guidelines and Observations
Avoiding Identity Suppression: Judges were cautioned against using counselling as a tool to coerce individuals into rejecting their LGBTQ+ identity or relationships, particularly when they are in distress or facing familial separation.
Upholding Constitutional Values: CJI underscored the importance of upholding constitutional values, urging judges to refrain from imposing their personal biases or societal prejudices during legal proceedings.
Empathy and Compassion: The verdict emphasized that judges must demonstrate sincere empathy and compassion towards LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that the principles of justice and equality guide legal decisions.
[B] Guidelines for Courts
Embracing Diversity: Courts were directed to eschew social morality influenced by homophobic or transphobic views, prioritizing the protection of individual rights and freedoms.
Respecting Chosen Families: Acknowledging the significance of chosen families for LGBTQ+ individuals, the court highlighted the need to recognize and respect these relationships, especially in cases involving familial rejection or violence.
LGBTQ+ Persons (Sexual Minority) Rights in India: An Overview
Decriminalization of Homosexuality: A watershed moment occurred on September 6, 2018, when the Supreme Court of India partially struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized consensual same-sex relationships. This historic decision marked a crucial step towards recognizing the dignity and autonomy of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Recognition of Transgender Rights: In 2014, the Supreme Court recognized transgender individuals as the third gender and affirmed their fundamental rights under the Constitution in the landmark case of National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (2014). This judgment laid the foundation for legal recognition and protection of transgender rights in India.
Several key legal cases and judgments have shaped the evolution of LGBTQ rights in India:
Naz Foundation Govt. v. NCT of Delhi (2009): The Delhi High Court ruled that Section 377 of the IPC violated fundamental rights guaranteedunder the Indian Constitution, including privacy and equality. This judgment was a crucial step forward in recognizing the rights of LGBTQ individuals.
Suresh Kumar Koushal vs Naz Foundation (2013): The Supreme Court overturned the Delhi High Court’s judgment, recriminalizing homosexuality. This decision was met with widespread criticism and sparked renewed activism for LGBTQ rights in India.
National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (2014): This landmark judgment recognized transgender individuals as the third gender and affirmed their fundamental rights under the Constitution. It laid the groundwork for ensuring equality and non-discrimination for the transgender community.
K.S. Puttaswamy v Union of India (2017): This case affirmed the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution. The judgment recognized that discrimination based on sexual orientation is unconstitutional and emphasized the dignity and autonomy of individuals.
Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): The Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality and struck down Section 377 of the IPC. The court recognized the rights of LGBTQ individuals to intimacy, autonomy, and identity, setting a precedent for equality and non-discrimination.
Future Prospects
[A] Extension of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Rights
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Rights bill, as currently formulated, does not adequately extend to LGBTQ+ persons due to several factors:
Definition of Commissioning Couple: It restricts access to ART services to “infertile married couples,” excluding same-sex couples and individuals in same-sex relationships.
Requirement of Legal Marriage: Since same-sex marriage isn’t recognized in India, LGBTQ+ couples are automatically excluded from accessing ART services.
Narrow Definition of Infertility: The bill’s definition overlooks the unique reproductive challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
Gender-Binary Language and Restrictions: Gender-binary language and restrictions exclude transgender and gender non-conforming individuals from accessing ART services.
Lack of Recognition of Diverse Identities: The bill fails to accommodate the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community, neglecting their specific needs and concerns regarding assisted reproduction.
[B] Child Adoption
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR): It had opposed the adoption rights of same-sex couples.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act): It allows heterosexual married couples, and single and divorced persons to adopt.
Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 (HAMA): It permits any male or female Hindu of sound mind to adopt, and for couples to adopt with the consent of their spouse.
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA): It permits applications from adoptive parents in live-in relationships, which it examines on a case-to-case basis.
However, in October 2023 the Supreme Court ruled that Regulation 5(3) of the CARA Regulations, insofar as it prohibited unmarried and queer couples from adopting, violated Article 15 of the Constitution.
While India’s Supreme Court declined to legalise same-sex marriage and did not explicitly grant gay couples adoption rights.
PYQ:
2020: Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
Practice MCQ:
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which sought to decriminalize homosexuality was struck down in the landmark case of-
Q) The public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (2015)
Q) The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (2022)
Prelims:
Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (2019) 1. Genetic predisposition of some people 2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases 3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming 4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1, 3 and 4 d) 2, 3 and 4
Note4Students:
Mains: Health Care System in India and Major Challenges;
Mentor comments: “United we stand divided we Fall”. Recently, there has a significant progress made in eradicating guinea worm disease, with a reduction from 3.5 million cases in 1986 to just 13 cases in five countries by 2023. This success underscores the importance of focusing on disease elimination as a crucial step towards eradication, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals of ending epidemics like malaria, tuberculosis, and Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2030. There is a need for adopting effective solutions at the local level is more effective for disease elimination.
Let’s learn.
—
Why in the News?
Multisectoral collaboration, encouraging innovation and adopting locally effective solutions that facilitate disease elimination, is more effective at the regional level.
Context:
The Carter Center, a leader in the global elimination and eradication of diseases, recently reported that guinea worm disease was close to eradication.
From 3.5 million cases a year in 21 countries in 1986, the number had come down to 13 in five countries in 2023, a reduction of 99.99%. This would be the second disease after smallpox to be eradicated and the first one with no known medicines or vaccines.
This has created increased attention to disease elimination, the first step in eradication. Ending the epidemics of malaria, tuberculosis, and Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2030 is one of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.
What are the Current requirements for the Public Health System?
1) Collaborative efforts:
Rigorous Certification Requirements: International agencies impose stringent criteria for certification, necessitating thorough preparation. Preparation for certification drives improvements in primary healthcare, diagnostics, and surveillance systems.
Increased Involvement of Field Staff and Community Health Workers: The pursuit of certification encourages greater engagement from field staff and community health workers, motivated by the clearly defined goal.
Attraction of International Support: Certification efforts attract international support, bolstering resources and expertise.
Political and Bureaucratic Commitment: The pursuit of certification fosters high levels of commitment from political and bureaucratic entities.
2) Feasibility of Elimination in India:
Strategic Focus: Recommend focusing on pathogens with high population impact and low enough numbers to make elimination possible.
Gradual Approach: The initial aim should be to reduce disease numbers to a practical level through disease control before pursuing elimination.
Understanding Processes and Costs: Reduction in disease numbers enables understanding of elimination processes and associated costs.
Strengthening Health Systems: Provides an opportunity to strengthen existing health systems to effectively implement elimination strategies.
3) Need for surveillance systems
Comprehensive Data Collection: Surveillance systems are crucial for capturing every instance of the disease within a population, providing accurate and real-time data for decision-making.
Monitoring Progress: Surveillance systems allow for monitoring the progress of disease elimination efforts, assessing the effectiveness of interventions, and identifying areas that require additional support or resources.
Confirmation and Diagnosis: Strengthening laboratories for screening and confirmation ensures accurate diagnosis of cases, facilitating appropriate treatment and management.
Ensuring Availability of Resources: Surveillance helps in identifying gaps in resources such as medicines and consumables, enabling authorities to ensure their availability to support elimination efforts.
Training and Capacity Building: Surveillance systems facilitate training of healthcare workers on the requirements of elimination strategies, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of implementing surveillance protocols effectively.
What are the Challenges of the Healthcare System?
Resource Strain: Eliminating the transmission of diseases is difficult and requires significant resources. The process places a heavy burden on the healthcare system, potentially diverting attention from other essential health functions.
Potential Neglect of Health Functions: Focusing on disease elimination may divert attention and resources away from other critical health priorities, especially in weaker health systems.
High Prevalence of Diseases: Diseases with high prevalence and significant impact on populations pose greater challenges for elimination, requiring comprehensive strategies and interventions.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Careful analysis of the costs and benefits is crucial to ensure that the resources invested in disease elimination yield optimal outcomes and minimize adverse impacts on healthcare systems and communities.
Measures that need to be taken at Regional level (Way Forward)
Regional Effectiveness: Multisectoral collaboration and innovation are more effective at the regional level for disease elimination. Smaller units allow for better resource management without neglecting essential tasks.
Ownership by Governments: While elimination efforts can proceed regionally, both national and state governments must take ownership of the process.
Phased Approach: Regional elimination efforts should be phased to culminate at the national level. Planning from a national perspective is essential to ensure coordinated progress across the country.
Technical and Material Support: Regional implementation requires technical and material support. Progress in regional elimination efforts needs to be closely monitored.
National Control: The Union government plays a crucial role in dealing with diseases spreading across states and at ports of entry to prevent reintroduction.
Conclusion: Enhancing surveillance systems, fostering multisectoral collaboration, and adopting a phased regional approach under government ownership is crucial for successful disease elimination. Scaling up efforts gradually across India is imperative for national elimination goals.
In 2022, 22.6% of the national income went to the top 1% of Indians. Cut to 1951, their share in the income was only 11.5% and even lower in the 1980s just before India opened-up its economy at 6%.
Context: India’s top 1% income and wealth shares (22.6% and 40.1%) are at their highest historical levels in 2022-’23 and the country’s top 1% income share is among the very highest in the world as per World Inequality Lab.
Key findings from the ‘Income and Wealth Inequality in India’ report by the World Inequality Lab
Increase in Share of Top 10%: The share of the top 10% of Indians in national income rose from 36.7% in 1951 to 57.7% in 2022.
Decline in Share of Bottom 50%: The bottom 50% of Indians earned only 15% of the national income in 2022, compared to 20.6% in 1951, indicating a decrease in their share.
Decrease in Share of Middle 40%: The middle 40% of Indians experienced a significant decline in their share of income from 42.8% to 27.3% over the period.
Rapid Widening of Income Gap: The gap between the rich and the poor has widened rapidly in the last two decades.
Historic Peak for Wealthiest 1%: In 2022, the share of national income that went to the wealthiest 1% of Indians reached a historic peak, surpassing levels observed in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Income group-wise share in national income, and the adult population in each bracket as of 2022-23
Distribution Across Income Percentiles: Approximately one crore adults were in the top 1%, ten crore in the top 10%, 36 crore in the middle 40%, and 46 crore were in the bottom 50% of the income pyramid.
Concentration of Wealth at the Top: The top 0.001% of the income pyramid, comprising about 10,000 richest Indians, earned 2.1% of the national income, highlighting extreme wealth concentration.
High Shares of National Income: The top 0.01% and top 0.1% of income earners earned disproportionately high shares of the national income, accounting for 4.3% and 9.6%, respectively. This reflects significant income inequality, with a small segment capturing a large portion of the country’s wealth.
The year wise share of national income for the top 10%, bottom 50% and that middle 40% of the population:
1950s-60s: Negligible income gap between the top 10% and the middle 40% of earners.
1980s: Bottom 50% saw a slight increase in their share of national income, contributing to narrowing the gap.
1990s Onwards (Post-liberalization): The income share of the top 10% surged dramatically, while shares of the other two groups steadily declined. This trend persisted into the 2000s and early 2010s, stabilizing thereafter.
In 2022: the top 1% of earners had a higher share of national income than the richest 1% during colonial rule.
Income Disparities: The average annual income of the top 1% was ₹53 lakh, 23 times more than the average Indian’s income of ₹2.3 lakh in 2022-23. The average income of the bottom 50% and middle 40% stood at ₹71,000 and ₹1.65 lakh, respectively, during the same period.
Richest 1% of Indians’ share in the national income
Pre-Independence (1930s): The top 1% of earners had a significant share of national income, surpassing the 20% mark.
Post-Independence: After independence and the merger of princely states with Independent India, the share of the top 1% steadily declined, reaching close to 6% in the 1980s.
Post-liberalization: Following liberalization reforms, the income share of the top 1% surged again, presently hovering around the 22.5% mark.
Comparison with British Rule: The current income share of the top 1% is much higher than their share under British rule, highlighting a return to historical levels of income concentration.
The income share of India’s top 10% and top 1%, compared with select countries in 2022-23
India’s Income Growth: India’s income levels are not growing as rapidly as other comparable economies.
High Share of Top 1%: Despite slower overall income growth, the top 1% of earners in India have a disproportionately high share of national income.
Comparison with Advanced Countries: In 2022-23, the income shares of India’s top 1% were higher than those recorded in advanced countries like the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.
China and Vietnam’s average incomes grew at a much faster pace than India’s
Economic Policies: China and Vietnam implemented economic policies that focused on export-oriented growth, attracting foreign investment, and promoting industrialization. These policies contributed to rapid economic expansion and increased average incomes in both countries.
Liberalization and Reforms: Both China and Vietnam underwent significant economic liberalization and reforms, allowing for greater market integration, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and relaxation of trade barriers. These reforms stimulated economic growth and led to higher average incomes.
Investment in Infrastructure: China and Vietnam invested heavily in infrastructure development, including transportation networks, energy systems, and telecommunications. This infrastructure investment facilitated economic development and improved productivity, leading to higher average incomes
Income inequality in India can be attributed to various factors:
Historical Factors: Historical disparities in wealth distribution, exacerbated by colonial rule and feudal systems, have contributed to persistent income inequality.
Economic Growth Patterns: India’s economic growth needs to be more inclusive, with benefits disproportionately accruing to certain segments of society, particularly urban and educated populations. This uneven growth exacerbates income inequality.
Structural Issues: Structural factors such as unequal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities perpetuate income disparities. Marginalized groups such as Dalits, Adivasis, and women often face barriers to accessing quality education and formal employment, limiting their income-earning potential.
Land Ownership and Agriculture: Unequal distribution of land ownership and disparities in agricultural productivity contribute to income inequality, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood.
Labor Market Dynamics: Informal employment, low wages, and lack of job security in the informal sector contribute to income inequality. Additionally, skill mismatches and technological advancements may widen the income gap by favoring skilled workers over unskilled laborers.
Lack of Financial Inclusion: Limited access to formal financial services and lack of asset ownership, such as land or property, among marginalized communities further perpetuate income inequality.
Corruption and Cronyism: Corruption, crony capitalism, and unequal access to resources and opportunities exacerbate income inequality by favoring vested interests and hindering equitable wealth distribution.
Conclusion: India witnesses unprecedented income inequality with the top 1% accruing a higher share of national income than under British rule. Structural factors, uneven economic growth, and limited access to resources perpetuate income disparities, requiring comprehensive policy interventions for equitable growth.
Mains PYQ
Q. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objective of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. ( UPSC IAS/2019)
