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  • Mapping: Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago

    World Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the news?

    Researchers disclosed that one of Norway’s Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago witnessed its first walrus death due to Bird Flu (H5N1).

    About Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago

    • Hopen Island is situated in the southern part of the Svalbard Archipelago, between the Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea.
    • The island covers an area of about 47 square km, making it one of the smaller islands in the Svalbard group.
    • The landscape mainly consists of low-lying tundra, rocky outcrops, and coastal cliffs.
    • Like the rest of Svalbard, Hopen Island experiences a harsh Arctic climate. Winters are long, dark, and extremely cold, while summers are short and cool.
    • It serves as an important breeding ground for seabirds such as guillemots, puffins, and kittiwakes. Polar bears are also occasionally spotted on the island, along with walruses, seals, and Arctic foxes.
    • It is uninhabited and largely inaccessible to humans due to its remote location and extreme weather conditions.
    • Historically, Hopen Island has been of strategic importance due to its location between the Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea.

    H5N1 Bird Flu: Details

    • H5N1 originated from a virus outbreak on a goose farm in China in 1996 and has since evolved into a highly pathogenic strain.
    • The virus quickly spread from Europe to Africa, Asia, North America, and South America, and most recently, it reached mainland Antarctica.
    • H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds, known as avian influenza or “bird flu”.
    • Influenza A viruses are classified by subtypes based on the properties of their surface proteins, with H5N1 being one subtype.

    How widespread is it?

    • The virus has affected birds in over 80 countries, resulting in mass culling of poultry and wild birds.
    • Furthermore, it has now begun infecting mammals, including seals, sea lions, and marine mammals.
    • While humans rarely contract bird flu, those at risk are typically individuals who have extensive contact with infected birds at poultry farms.
    • Bird flu first broke out in Maharashtra in 2006.
    • The H5N1 virus led to the culling of millions of poultry so as to contain the virus. But it has resurfaced from time to time.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?

    (a) Andaman and Nicobar

    (b) Nicobar and Sumatra

    (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep

    (d) Sumatra and Java

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Why are Indian spices facing the heat? | Explained

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Many have announced an investigation into possible contamination of spice mixes sold by top Indian brands like MDH and Everest Masalas.

    • Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) in a recent note held, “With nearly $700 million worth of exports to critical markets at stake.”

    What is Ethylene Oxide (ETO)?

    • Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas at temperature above 51.3 F (10.7 C). When used directly in the gaseous form or in non-explosive gaseous mixtures with nitrogen or carbon dioxide, ETO serves as a disinfectant, fumigant, sterilizing agent, and insecticide.
    • ETO has also been reported to be produced from natural sources. In certain plants, ethylene (a natural plant growth regulator) is degraded to ethylene oxide. ETO ia also generated from water – logged soil, manure and sewage sludge.

    What are the health concerns?

    • ETO Usage and Contamination: ETO is a prohibited pesticide that is used as a sterilizing agent in the food industry, including spices.
    • Toxicity and Carcinogenicity: Residues of ETO can lead to the formation of toxic and carcinogenic compounds, such as ethylene glycol. Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide is associated with various health risks, including cancers like lymphoma and leukemia.
    • Previous Incidents: Indian-made products, including cough syrups, have been linked to incidents where ethylene glycol contamination resulted in fatalities, particularly among children in countries like Cameroon, Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan.
    • Regulatory Response: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has banned the use of ETO and has flagged contamination issues in Indian spices in the past. A recent EFSA report highlighted carcinogenic chemicals found in numerous products linked to India.

    Which countries have flagged safety of Indian spices?

    • Hong Kong: Suspended the sale of three MDH spice blends and Everest fish curry masala due to high levels of ethylene oxide (ETO).
    • Singapore: Ordered a recall of Everest spice mix, stating that ethylene oxide makes the spices unfit for human consumption and poses a cancer risk.
    • United States: The FDA is aware of the reports and is gathering additional information about the situation.
    • Maldives: The Maldives FDA has suspended the sale of spices produced by Everest and MDH.
    • Australia: Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand is working with international counterparts to understand the issue and determine if further action is required.
    • Bangladesh: Gathering information on companies importing possibly contaminated products and plans to carry out examinations if necessary.

    What are the operational challenges faced by the Indian government?

    • Lack of Standardized Protocol System: India’s diverse food landscape, the lack of standardised monitoring and intentional food fraud may prevent manufacturers from efficiently tracing ingredients and assessing potential risks.
    • Lack of Database: Many companies struggle to trace ingredients, especially raw agricultural commodities, due to the lack of standardised recordkeeping and intentional food fraud. This prevents manufacturers from assessing potential risks, compromising the safety of the entire food supply chain.
    • Traceability is particularly challenging for small and medium sized businesses with limited resources.

    What steps is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) taking to improve the safety of spices?

    • Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): The FSMA rules address both domestically produced and imported foods.
      • For example, the preventive controls rule requires food facilities, including those that manufacture spices, to conduct a hazard analysis, identify hazards reasonably likely to occur, and establish preventive controls for such hazards.
    • Spices Board and its Measures: The Spices Board announced mandatory testing of consignments shipped to Singapore and Hong Kong, and gathering technical details and analytical reports from relevant food and drug agencies.
    • Issuance of Guidelines: A circular dated April 30 contains guidelines to exporters on preventing ETO contamination, developed after discussions with the Indian spice industry.
      • Measures include voluntary testing of ETO during raw and final stages, storing ETO treated products separately, and incorporating critical control points in hazard analysis.

    Way forward:

    • Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: Strengthen regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure strict adherence to food safety standards and regulations. Implement regular inspections, audits, and enforcement actions to monitor compliance with safety guidelines.
    • Improved Traceability Systems: Develop and implement robust traceability systems across the food supply chain to track the origin and movement of ingredients and products. Utilize technology such as blockchain and RFID tagging to enhance transparency and accountability.

    Mains question for practice 

    Q Explain the health risks associated with ethylene oxide (ETO) contamination in spices.

    Mains PYQ

    Q Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (UPSC IAS/2019)

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    A computer science conundrum that could transform healthcare

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News? 

    Indian Health Care system faces a new set of complex problems that seem to be harder to solve because of their inherent complexity and the constraints they threaten to impose on resources.

    Quick Problems versus Complex Problems in Health Care:

    • Healthcare is filled with complex problems. Consider scheduling in a hospital: assigning doctors and nurses to shifts, booking operating theatres for surgeries, and organizing patient appointments.
    • It is an intricate puzzle that requires considering various factors — staff availability, urgency of medical cases, etc. — and potential changes such as emergency cases and cancellations.
    • The Quick Problems vs Complex Problems in Health Care question is this: there can be a shortcut to solve ‘Complex Problems’ problems as quickly as ‘Quick Problems’ problems.
    • The implication is that if Quick Problems equals Complex Problems, we could quickly find the optimal solution to these scheduling problems, thus significantly improving patient care.

    Implications for the Healthcare System:

    • Impact on Antibiotic Resistance: Quick analysis of bacterial genomes and prediction of resistance patterns could lead to more effective antibiotic prescriptions, improving patient outcomes and combating antibiotic resistance.
    • Advancement in Cancer Treatment: Swift identification of the optimal treatment for individual cancer patients could save lives by effectively tackling the complexity of cancer mutations and treatment options.
    • Optimization of Insurance Decision-Making: Insurance companies grappling with ‘NP’ problems in determining premiums and packages could benefit from a shortcut provided by solving the P versus NP problem. This could lead to fairer and more accurate premiums and conditions for customers.
    • Better utilization of Government health sector funding: Efficiently solving complex problems could lead to better utilization of government spending on healthcare, minimizing leakage and contributing to achieving universal health coverage.
    • Resource Constraint Reduction and Improved Health Outcomes: By solving complex healthcare problems more efficiently, there is the potential to dramatically reduce resource constraints and improve health outcomes broadly.

    Way Forward: Governments can enact policies and regulations that promote the responsible use of technology in healthcare and incentivize the adoption of evidence-based practices. This includes establishing standards for data privacy and security, fostering transparency in algorithmic decision-making, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Recognize ‘this leave’ as a woman’s right

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2:

    Why in the news?

    The DMK’s 2024 election manifesto in Tamil Nadu pledges to advocate for a law mandating menstrual leave for women, promoting gender equality and women’s welfare.

    Tracking Regional Progress:

    • Indian States:
        • The Kerala Sahitya Academy published work, Kerala in 19th Century, mentions that Kerala was the first (in the Cochin State) to recognize the need for “ period leave” for students and allowed it during examinations in 1912.
        • Kerala, in January 2023, introduced menstrual and maternity leave to all students above the age of 18.
        • Bihar, in 1992, allowed government employees two-day menstrual leave.
    • Asian Countries: 
      • Japan introduced menstrual leave in 1947, Indonesia in 1948, and South Korea. Taiwan and Vietnam have also implemented paid leave. But concerning the Asian countries, the progress made by the western world, except in Sweden and Spain, is still abysmal.

    Global Scenario:

    • International Labour Organisation report, in 2003, asked nations to recognise menstrual leave.
    • The World Health Organization recognised a non-governmental organisation driven World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28 from 2014.
    • India’s new code on Social Security, 2020, passed by Parliament, which consolidated existing labour laws (yet to be notified), has not included the aspect of menstrual leave in its code.

    Evidence related to impact:

    Women laborers in the sugarcane fields of Maharashtra and agricultural laborers in Telangana have been documented to have hysterectomies as menstrual-related absences could endanger their livelihoods.

    Legal Initiatives in India:

    • Bill in Tamil Nadu: In December 2021, S. Jothimani, Congress Member of Parliament (MP) from Tamil Nadu, had introduced a Private Member Bill named, ‘Right to Menstrual Hygiene and Paid Leave Bill, 2019’, which sought to bring menstrual leave into the ambit of the rights of a woman.
    • Bill in Arunachal Pradesh: Congress MP from Arunachal Pradesh, introduced a private member Bill on menstrual leave in 2017 (the Menstruation Benefit Bill, 2017).
    • Bill in Kerala: Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP from Kerala, introducing a similar Bill named The Women’s Sexual, Reproductive and Menstrual Rights Bill, 2018.
    • The Supreme Court of India, early in 2023, refused to entertain a public interest litigation in Shailendra Mani Tripathi vs Union of India which sought direction to the state on menstrual leave; it thought that it is in the policy domain of the government. 

    Way Forward: 

    • Legislation and Policy Implementation: Advocate for the passage of bills at both the state and national levels that mandate menstrual leave for women. Additionally, ensure effective implementation and enforcement of these policies to guarantee that women can avail themselves of their entitled leave without fear of discrimination or repercussions.
    • Awareness and Education: Launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to remove shame of menstruation and promote understanding of its biological, social, and cultural aspects.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context?

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    [PREMIUM] To the South Pole – Antarctica

    World Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the news?

    The Antarctic Treaty has sparked debates among policymakers, scientists, and the public, as they weigh the balance between environmental conservation, economic interests, and geopolitical concerns in Antarctica.

    About Antarctica

      • Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent, covering an area of approximately 14 million square km.
      • It is situated entirely within the Antarctic Circle, with its geographic center near the South Pole.
      • It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth.
      • The interior of Antarctica is a polar desert, receiving very little precipitation, mostly in the form of snow.
    • The Antarctic Ice Sheet is the largest single mass of ice on Earth, containing approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater.

    Geographical Features:

    Description
    Mountains
    • The continent is home to several mountain ranges, including the Transantarctic Mountains.
    • Vinson Massif is the highest peak at 4,892 meters (16,050 feet) above sea level.
    Ice Shelves Large floating ice shelves extend along the coast, formed by glaciers flowing from the interior, crucial for stabilizing the Antarctic ice sheet.
    Glaciers Numerous glaciers flow from the high interior to the coast, including Pine Island Glacier and Thwaites Glacier, among the largest and fastest-moving in the world.
    Icebergs
    • Glaciers calve off large chunks of ice, forming icebergs of various sizes.
    • Antarctic Iceberg A-68, which broke off from the Larsen C Ice Shelf in 2017, was one of the largest recorded.
    Plateaus Much of Antarctica’s interior consists of high, flat plateaus covered by ice, reaching elevations over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level.
    Ice-Free Areas Despite being predominantly ice-covered, some ice-free areas exist along the coastlines and in the Antarctic Peninsula region, supporting limited vegetation and wildlife.

    Territorial Claims on Antarctica:

    The countries with territorial claims in Antarctica are:

    1. Argentina: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as Argentine Antarctica.
    2. Australia: Claims the Australian Antarctic Territory.
    3. Chile: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as Chilean Antarctic Territory.
    4. France: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as Adélie Land.
    5. New Zealand: Claims the Ross Dependency.
    6. Norway: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as Queen Maud Land.
    7. United Kingdom: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as the British Antarctic Territory.
    8. United States: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as the Marie Byrd Land.

    India’s Antarctic Outreach

    • Initiated in 1981, India’s Antarctic Program, managed by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, encompasses multi-disciplinary research expeditions.
    • With the establishment of research bases like Dakshin Gangotri (1983) (now decommissioned), Maitri (1989), and Bharati (2012), India contributes significantly to Antarctic exploration.
    • Notably, India’s presence in Antarctica includes a Post Office established in 1984, facilitating communication and research logistics.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?

    (a) Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons

    (b) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric’: Clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons

    (c) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons

    (d) Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming.

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  • [pib] National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Why in the news?

    • The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), India, recently concluded its #PlayTrue Campaign, commemorating WADA’s Play True Day.
    • The campaign aimed to raise awareness about clean sport and anti-doping practices across India.

    National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA):

    • Established in November 2005 by the Government of India with the objective of ensuring dope-free sports.
    • Formed as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
    • Functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
    • It follows the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) and the Prohibited List published annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
    • Primary functions include:
    1. Conducting In-Competition and Out-of-Competition dope testing of athletes across various sports disciplines.
    2. Educating athletes, coaches, and support personnel about the dangers of doping and the importance of clean sports through awareness programs and workshops.
    3. Implementing a robust anti-doping policy framework in line with international standards.
    4. Investigating and prosecuting anti-doping rule violations in accordance with the WADA Code.
    5. Collaborating with international anti-doping organizations and agencies to ensure harmonization of anti-doping efforts globally.
    6. Providing support and guidance to National Sports Federations (NSFs), State Sports Associations (SSAs), and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective anti-doping measures.

    Key Function: Dope Testing

    • NADA conducts both in-competition and out-of-competition dope testing of athletes participating in various national and international sports events.
    • NADA employs trained Doping Control Officers (DCOs) who are responsible for conducting dope testing at sports events and collecting samples from athletes.
    • These officers are trained to adhere to international standards and protocols during sample collection.
    • NADA works towards ensuring compliance with the WADA Code and the National Anti-Doping Rules by all stakeholders involved in Indian sports, including athletes, coaches, NSFs, and SSAs.

    Allowed Substances and Methods:

    • Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs): Athletes can apply for TUEs to use otherwise prohibited substances for legitimate medical reasons. TUEs are granted based on the assessment of medical documentation by anti-doping authorities.
    • Specified Substances: Some substances, such as certain beta-2 agonists and glucocorticoids, are permitted in specific dosages or routes of administration and may require a TUE depending on the circumstances.
    • PROHIBITED:  Prohibited substances and methods include anabolic agents, peptide hormones, beta-2 agonists, hormone and metabolic modulators, diuretics, stimulants, narcotics, cannabinoids, glucocorticoids, beta blockers, blood doping, and gene doping.

    Back2Basics: World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

    • WADA was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
    • It was set up as a foundation under the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
    • It was formed pursuant to the terms of the Lausanne Declaration (1999), which provided for the creation of an independent international anti-doping
    • WADA is responsible for the World Anti-Doping Code, adopted by more than 650 sports organizations, including international sports federations, national anti-doping organizations, the IOC, and the International Paralympic Committee

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000:​

    1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.​

    2. The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.​

    3. Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others.​

    Which of the above statements are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Hindu Marriage not valid without requisite Ceremonies: SC

    SC Judgements | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the news?

    • The Supreme Court recently emphasized the sacredness of Hindu marriage, stating it is not merely a social event but a ‘samskara’ and a sacrament of significant value in Indian society.
    • The court’s observations came in response to a case involving two commercial pilots seeking a divorce decree without a valid Hindu marriage ceremony.

    About Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

    Details
    Enactment Passed by the Parliament of India on May 18, 1955.
    Purpose Amendment and codification of laws related to marriage among Hindus and others.
    Applicability
    • Applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, and others NOT governed by Muslim, Christian, Parsi, or Jewish laws.
    • NOTE: The Special Marriage Act, 1954 applies to all citizens of India, irrespective of religion, faith, or belief.  It facilitates inter-religious and inter-caste marriages.
    Conditions for Marriage Section 5 specifies conditions including age, mental capacity, consent, and absence of prohibited relationships.

    Features of the HMA
    Guardianship for Marriage Section 6 outlines the persons entitled to give consent for a bride’s marriage.
    Solemnization of Marriage Section 7 recognizes customary rites and ceremonies for Hindu marriage.
    Registration of Marriage Section 8 allows for the registration of Hindu marriages for facilitating proof.
    Ceremonies for a Hindu Marriage
    • Explains the special varieties of ceremonies that may be done to solemnize a Hindu marriage. Ex. ‘Saptapadi’
    • It acknowledges each conventional and court-registered marriage.
    Restitution of Conjugal Rights Section 9 permits application for restitution of conjugal rights if one spouse withdraws without excuse.
    Judicial Separation Section 10 provides for judicial separation based on certain grounds.
    Nullity of Marriage and Divorce Grounds for voidable marriages and divorce specified in Sections 11-13.
    Mutual Divorce Section 13B allows mutual divorce by consent of both parties.
    Alimony and Maintenance Sections 24-25 enable spouses to seek maintenance and alimony post-divorce.
    Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010 Proposed amendments for easier divorce on grounds of irretrievable breakdown.
    Judicial Review Supreme Court rulings on divorce petitions and exercise of powers under Article 142.

    Essence of Hindu Marriage: Supreme Courts’ Observations

    • Denouncement of Unrecognized Marriages:
        • The Supreme Court denounced the practice of seeking marital status without a valid ceremony.
        • Emphasized that marriage is a lifelong commitment and not to be treated lightly.
    • Sacred Character of Hindu Marriage:
        • Hindu marriage is termed as a ‘sacrament’ with a sacred character.
        • It symbolizes the unity of two individuals into a dignified, equal, and consensual union.
    • Institutional Importance:
        • Viewed as a vital institution for procreation, family consolidation, and fostering fraternity within communities.
    • Adherence to Rites and Ceremonies:
        • The court reiterated that a Hindu marriage must adhere to the rites and ceremonies prescribed under the Hindu Marriage Act.
        • For instance, the ‘saptapadi’ ceremony is essential for validity.
    • Role of Marriage Registration:
      • Marriage registration aids in providing evidence of the wedding.
      • However, it does not confer legitimacy if the marriage is not solemnized according to the Hindu Marriage Act.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

    [2015] Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Moon occulting the Antares (Jyeshtha)

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the news?

    • The Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) captured the moon passing in front of Antares, a bright red star.
    • Moon occasionally occults bright stars such as Antares and planets as it orbits the Earth once a month.

    About Antares (Jyeshtha)

    • Antares is a red supergiant star also called ‘Alpha Scorpii,’ located in the constellation of Scorpius.
    • It is visible in the southern sky during the summer months in the northern hemisphere.
    • It is often referred to as the “heart of the scorpion” due to its location within the Scorpius constellation and its striking red color.
    • It is a massive star, with a diameter estimated to be around 700 times that of the Sun.
    • It has a relatively low surface temperature compared to other stars, which gives it its distinctive red color.
    • The distance to Antares from Earth is approximately 550 light-years, making it one of the closest red supergiant stars to our solar system.

    What is Occultation?

    • An occultation is a total or a partial cut-off of the light of a celestial body due to its passage behind another body.
    • The finest example of an occultation is the solar eclipse.
    • Strictly speaking, it is not an eclipse, but a lunar occultation of the sun.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] A person stood alone in a desert on a dark night and wanted to reach his village, which was situated 5 km East of the point where he was standing. He had no instruments to find the direction, but he located the pole-star. The most convenient way now to reach his village is to walk in the _______.

    (a) Direction facing the pole-star

    (b) Direction opposite to the pole-star

    (c) Direction keeping the pole-star to his left

    (d) Direction keeping the pole-star to his right

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    [pib] 57th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57)

    IOCRPrelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the news?

    India’s Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) are participating in the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57) 57th session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

    About Commission on Population and Development (CPD)

    Details
    Establishment Established by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution 18(IV) in 1946 to advise on population and development issues.
    Mandate Provides guidance and recommendations on population and development policies to ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
    Membership Comprises 47 member states elected by ECOSOC for 4-year terms, based on geographic representation and expertise.
    Meetings Holds annual sessions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, typically in April.
    Themes Focuses each session on specific population and development themes, such as youth empowerment and gender equality.
    Reports and Resolutions Prepares reports and adopts resolutions containing recommendations for action by ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
    Linkage to SDGs Closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, 5, 10, and 17.
    Regional Collaboration Collaborates with regional commissions and expert groups to analyze population trends and develop strategies at regional and national levels.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.

    [2017] With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct?

    1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.

    2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.

    3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1 only

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  • Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

    Analyzing labor on a warming planet

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News?

    The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) latest report, ‘Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate’, is an urgent call to ensure the future of labour is climate proofed and to address the constantly evolving work environment as the planet warms.

    What are the Emerging Hazards? (The ILO has identified six key impacts of climate change)

    • Solar Ultraviolet Radiation: Increased exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation due to climate change can have adverse effects on outdoor workers, potentially leading to skin damage and cancer.
    • Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is contributing to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, which pose significant risks to workers in various sectors.
    • Workplace Air Pollution: Climate change can exacerbate air pollution in workplaces, particularly in industrial settings, leading to respiratory illnesses and other health problems among workers.
    • Vector-Borne Diseases: Changing climate patterns can influence the distribution and prevalence of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, posing risks to workers in affected regions.
    • Agrochemicals: Agricultural workers may face increased exposure to agrochemicals due to changes in pest and disease patterns resulting from climate change, potentially leading to health issues such as pesticide poisoning.
    • Gig Economy Workers: The rise of gig employment, particularly in heat-susceptible sectors such as transportation and delivery services, exposes workers to additional risks related to heat stress and other climate-related hazards.

    Most affected Sectors of the Economy:

    • Agriculture: Despite a decline in the proportion of the workforce engaged in agriculture over the past few decades, it remains the most heat-susceptible sector, particularly in the developing world like India.
      • The NSSO data of July 2018-June 2019 reveal that almost 90% of Indian farmers own less than two hectares of land, and earn an average monthly income of a little over ₹10,000
    • Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): India’s vast MSME sector, employing over 123 million workers, contributes significantly to the country’s economy. However, the sector’s informalization poses challenges in ensuring worker safety and health.
      • Lack of oversight by state Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) departments makes workers highly vulnerable to heat hazards, despite the sector’s substantial contribution to exports and manufacturing output.
    • Building and Construction: With approximately 70 million workers, the construction sector in India faces the urban heat island effect, especially in rapidly growing cities. Workers in this sector are exposed to physical injuries and health hazards such as asthma due to air pollution, as many Indian cities rank among the most polluted globally as per World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQAir.

    About Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code, 2020): 

    • This is a comprehensive law, enacted in September 2020.
    • It consolidates and amends more than 13 central laws related to workplace safety, including the Factories Act, 1948, the Workmen Compensation Act, 1923, the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996, the Plantations Labour Act, 1951, the Mines Act, 1952, and the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979.
    • However, the enforcement of this law is yet to be officially notified by the Union government.

     

    Way forward:

    • Enhanced Regulations and Enforcement: Implement and enforce the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020 to ensure comprehensive protection for workers across all sectors. This includes setting clear standards for workplace safety, regular inspections, and penalties for non-compliance.
    • Heat Stress Management: Implement measures to manage heat stress in workplaces, especially in heat-susceptible sectors like agriculture and construction. This can include providing access to shaded rest areas, increasing hydration facilities, adjusting work schedules to avoid peak heat hours.
    • Healthcare Access: Ensure access to healthcare services for workers, including regular health check-ups and treatment for heat-related illnesses and other occupational health issues. This may involve setting up medical facilities near worksites or providing transportation to nearby healthcare facilities.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

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