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UPI-CBDC Interoperability: Advancing Retail Digital Rupee Adoption
Central Idea
- The convergence of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Quick Response (QR) codes with Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) applications is set to revolutionize digital transactions in India.
- This strategic integration enables users of the retail digital rupee to seamlessly transact using UPI QR codes, making transactions convenient for both customers and merchants.
Understanding Interoperability
- Interoperability refers to the technical compatibility that allows different payment systems to function together.
- It empowers various payment systems to process transactions across platforms, contributing to efficiency, innovation, and adoption for end-users.
UPI QR Code-CBDC Interoperability: Explained
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is driving this interoperability between UPI and CBDC as part of its ongoing pilot project for the retail digital rupee (e₹-R).
- Initially, e₹-R users required a specific QR code for transactions.
- With UPI-CBDC interoperability, any UPI QR code becomes compatible with CBDC apps.
- The digital rupee, issued by RBI, is a tokenized digital version of the rupee stored in a digital wallet linked to a savings bank account.
- UPI, directly linked to a user’s account, can now transact seamlessly with CBDC.
Benefits for Customers and Merchants
The convergence of UPI and CBDC yields several advantages:
- Customers can use a single QR code for various transactions, eliminating the need for multiple platforms.
- Daily essentials like groceries and medicines can be purchased using any UPI QR code.
- Merchants can accept CBDC payments without creating separate QR codes.
- Transactions are streamlined and efficient, enhancing the user experience.
Enhancing CBDC Adoption
The UPI-CBDC interoperability leverages the widespread use of UPI to boost digital rupee adoption.
- More than 70 mobile apps and 50 million merchants already accept UPI payments.
- Integrating UPI with CBDC simplifies transactions, increasing the digital rupee’s utility.
- Prominent banks like State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank have introduced UPI interoperability on their digital rupee platforms.
- This seamless integration is expected to transform the digital currency landscape, driving its acceptance and utilization.
Conclusion
- The UPI-CBDC interoperability marks a significant milestone in India’s digital payment ecosystem.
- By merging the familiarity of UPI with the innovation of CBDC, the retail digital rupee becomes more accessible, user-friendly, and efficient.
- This strategic integration is poised to accelerate the adoption of digital currencies, reshaping the way transactions are conducted in the country.
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Hubble Constant to settle Universe Expansion Dispute
Central Idea
- Researchers from India and the US have come up with a new way to answer a big question about the universe.
- This question is about how fast the universe is getting bigger.
Story of Our Universe
- The universe began around 13.8 billion years ago with a massive explosion called the Big Bang.
- As time passed, the universe kept getting bigger, with moments of speeding up and slowing down.
- Scientists want to understand this expansion to figure out what’s happening in the universe.
Hubble Constant: A Big Question
- The Hubble constant is a special number that tells us how quickly the universe is expanding.
- This number was first talked about by a scientist named Edwin Hubble in 1929.
- But scientists today are still not sure about its value.
Two Important Things to Measure
To know the Hubble constant, we need to measure two things carefully:
- How far away things in space are from us.
- How fast these things are moving away from us because of the universe’s expansion.
Old Ways vs. New Idea
Until now, scientists used a few methods to measure the Hubble constant:
- Looking at bright explosions in space called supernovae.
- Using special light from the early universe.
- Studying waves created by big crashes in space.
But now, a fresh idea has been propounded by Indian researchers:
- To measure using a thing called “gravitational lensing.”
Gravitational Lensing: A New Approach
- Gravitational lensing is like bending light using gravity. Imagine it like a magnifying glass in space.
- This idea came from a long time ago but got better recently.
- Scientists think they can use this lensing trick to measure the Hubble constant.
- They want to look at waves from space collisions that get bent by gravity.
- These bent waves could tell us about how fast the universe is expanding.
The Big Idea: A Bridge between Time
- This new idea is cool because it connects different times in the universe’s history.
- It could give us a good answer about the Hubble constant.
Challenges
- While this idea is exciting, there are some challenges to solve:
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- Making sure the signals are clear enough to measure.
- Using the new method to answer other questions too.
- If this new way works, it could help us learn about things like dark matter and other universe stuff.
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Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (2023-37)
Central Idea
- The Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (MIPP) 2023-37 was unveiled at the Naval Commanders Conference.
- It signifies a forward-looking strategy aimed at fostering sustainable maritime architecture.
About MIPP
- Aligned with the overarching vision of the PM Gati Shakti project, this comprehensive plan was introduced by the Minister of State for Defence.
- The plan’s objectives span over the next 15 years and strive to synergize the Navy’s infrastructure requirements in a dynamic and encompassing model.
Features of the MIPP
- Synchronizing Infrastructure Needs:
- The MIPP 2023-37 envisions an integrated approach to address the Navy’s infrastructure requirements.
- It aims to harmonize naval infrastructure development over the next 15 years through a meticulously designed perspective plan.
- Compliance with Broader Policies:
- The plan adheres to the broader policy directives of the PM Gati Shakti Project, Disaster Resilience, and Transition to Net Zero, among others.
- Sustainability and compliance with national policy priorities are key principles underpinning the plan’s formulation.
- Modernization Efforts:
- To accommodate technological advancements and promote self-reliance, the revised “IRS Rules and Regulations Handbook for Construction and Classification of Naval Combatants” was introduced.
- This handbook reflects the naval shipbuilding industry’s growth and aligns with the philosophy of ‘AatmaNirbharta’ (self-reliance).
- Transformational Initiatives:
- The release of the “Family Logbook for Defence Civilian Personnel of the Indian Navy” serves as a milestone in maintaining personal records efficiently.
- The launch of the “Electronic Service Document Project” is poised to revolutionize HR record-keeping within the Navy.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- PM Gati Shakti Project: A government initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure connectivity and development across various sectors, contributing to economic growth and national development.
- Indian Register for Shipping (IRS): An organization responsible for ship classification and certification in India, ensuring that ships comply with international standards for safety and environmental performance.
- Blue Economy: Economic activities related to oceans and water bodies, including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and shipping, which contribute significantly to a nation’s economy.
- Geoeconomics: The study of how economic factors and policies influence international relations and geopolitics.
- Geopolitics: The study of political and territorial issues influenced by geographical factors and international power dynamics.
Conclusion
- The Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan 2023-37 stands as a blueprint for India’s maritime progress, exemplifying the commitment to self-reliance, sustainability, and modernization.
- With a focus on comprehensive development and adherence to national policies, the plan charts a course towards a stronger, more resilient naval infrastructure.
- It aligns with the evolving security landscape and the broader objectives of the nation.
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From Meluha to India: The Journey of Names
Central Idea
- India, with its rich heritage, has borne various names throughout its history, each encapsulating a distinct facet of its identity.
- The process of naming this diverse land has sparked debates, controversies, and reflections on its collective consciousness.
Historical Evolution of Names
- Meluha (Third Millennium BCE):
- The ancient Mesopotamian texts referenced ‘Meluha’ to denote the Indus Valley Civilization, highlighting India’s antiquity and interactions with ancient civilizations.
- ‘Meluha’ is believed to have been used to describe the Indus Valley Civilization in texts from the third millennium BCE.
- Bharata (Ancient Times to Modern Era):
- Rooted in Puranic literature and the Mahabharata, ‘Bharata’ resonates with religious and socio-cultural connotations.
- Associated with a supraregional and subcontinental territory where Brahmanical society prevailed.
- Evident during the freedom struggle through slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.
- ‘Bharata’ was derived from the mythological founders of the race, and its popularity during modern times is also due to its usage during the freedom movement.
- Aryavarta, Jambudvipa, Nabhivarsa (Ancient Vedic Period):
- ‘Aryavarta’ referred to the land between the Himalayas and Vindhya ranges, where the Indo-Aryans resided.
- ‘Jambudvipa’ and ‘Nabhivarsa’ were also used in Vedic texts and Jain literature to signify the subcontinent, emphasizing different cultural contexts.
- Hindustan (7th Century BCE):
- Originated during Persian occupation, ‘Hindustan’ referred to the lower Indus basin.
- ‘Hind’ in Persian meant ‘Sindhu’ (Indus river), leading to its application to the region beyond Indus.
- The Persian suffix ‘stan’ (land) was added to form ‘Hindustan’.
- India (Ancient to Colonial Era):
- The Greeks transliterated ‘Hind’ as ‘Indus’, establishing ‘India’ as a name for the region.
- Colonial usage solidified ‘India’ as a political and geographical term, signifying the subcontinent under British rule.
- ‘India’ was adopted due to its Graeco-Roman associations, history of use in Europe, and bureaucratic usage such as the Survey of India.
Constitutional Deliberations (1947-1949)
- The Constituent Assembly engaged in heated debates over the nation’s official name.
- Jawaharlal Nehru noted the significance of ‘Hindustan’, ‘Bharat’, and ‘India’.
- Nehru’s book “The Discovery of India” captured the coexistence of these names in the collective consciousness.
- The Constitution retained ‘India’ and ‘Bharat’, reflecting diverse visions of the nation.
- The first Article of the Constitution reads, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of states.”
Fact for Prelims
- In the ancient Indian text, Vishnu Purana, the name ‘Bharat’ finds mention as the landmass that lies north of the ocean and south of snow mountains. It states:
Uttaraṃ yatsamudrasya himādreścaiva dakṣiṇam
varṣaṃ tadbhārataṃ nāma bhāratī yatra santatiḥ
- This shloka means: “The country (Varsam) that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bharatam; there live the descendants of Bharata.
Contemporary Reflections
- Identity and Pride (2023):
- Recent developments suggest a potential change in India’s official name to ‘Republic of Bharat’.
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hinted at the change, signaling a reset in India’s central identification.
- Political leaders and citizens expressed opinions on the potential change, invoking sentiments of national pride.
- Symbolism and Debate:
- The change of name is interpreted as a move to reflect India’s ancient identity and cultural heritage.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh discussed the implications of the change on national identity and opposition alliances.
- Shashi Tharoor, a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, highlighted the significance of both ‘India’ and ‘Bharat’.
- Constitutional and Historical Context:
- Article 1 of the Indian Constitution declares ‘India, that is Bharat’ as a ‘Union of States’.
- Some leaders emphasized the importance of preserving the brand value associated with the name ‘India’.
- The historical roots of ‘Bharat’ as described in ancient texts and its constitutional adoption were highlighted.
- ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ Coexistence:
- Both ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ have been used interchangeably, signifying the country’s diverse identity.
- The official names ‘Bharat Ganarajya’ (in Hindi) and ‘Republic of India’ (in English) are present on Indian passports.
- The names reflect the continuity of historical legacy and modern nation-building.
Conclusion
- The journey of India’s names mirrors its complex identity, blending history, culture, and politics.
- As India continues to evolve, its names continue to encapsulate its essence, fostering a deep connection with its past and an ever-evolving future.
- Each name is a testament to India’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and collective consciousness.
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UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III Syllabus & Structure
The UPSC GS 3 constitutes one of the nine subjective papers within the UPSC Mains examination. It encompasses various subjects, including Economic Development, Technology, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. This article aims to furnish you with a comprehensive GS 3 syllabus and exam structure for your IAS Exam preparations, maintaining the original length.
IAS Mains General Studies-III encompasses the following subjects:
- Technology
- Economic Development
- Biodiversity
- Environment
- Security
- Disaster Management
Focus Area in GS3 Paper
Subject Topics Economics Economic Development in India
MacroeconomicsScience & Technology Dark Matter
Higgs Boson
Rare Earth Elements
GM Crops
Gene Editing
Artificial Intelligence
Space Technology
Defence TechnologyBiodiversity Types of Biodiversity
Biodiversity and EnvironmentSecurity Internal Security Challenges in India
Extremism
Terrorism
Money-LaunderingDisaster Management Disaster Management in India
PM Cares Fund
National Disaster Management Plan 2016How to Approach GS3 Paper
Subject Sources Economic Development Current Affairs
Select articles from ‘The Hindu’
Class 12 NCERT – ‘Introductory Macroeconomics’
Economic Survey of India and India Year BookBiodiversity, Environment Current Affairs
Textbook of Environmental Studies For Undergraduate Courses by Erach Bharucha
Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Official WebsiteTechnology Current Affairs Security & Disaster Management Current Affairs
Yojana (January 2017) edition- this covers Disaster Management perspectives.Practical Tips for GS Paper 3 Preparation:
- Prioritize Current Affairs: Given the significant overlap between IAS Mains GS-III and current affairs, utilize the Daily News Analysis for effective preparation.
- Note-Taking Strategy: When making notes, use blank sheets of paper or an unruled notebook. Draw margins on both sides to familiarize yourself with the format of the answer booklet provided during the Mains Examination.
- Mnemonics for Memorization: Employ mnemonic devices whenever possible. For instance, consider memorizing the components under ‘Bharat Nirman’ using the mnemonic ‘WRITE H,’ where each alphabet corresponds to a component:
- W: Water
- R: Roads
- I: Irrigation
- E: Electricity
- T: Telephone
- H: Housing
- Visual Aids in Notes: Enhance your notes with illustrations. Utilize sticky notes to create brief diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual aids. These can be pasted in your textbooks or notebooks for reference and will prove invaluable during revision.
- Clarify Doubts: For answers to even the smallest queries related to the economy, science, environment, or agriculture, rely on Civilsdaily’s Clarity Webinars.
GS-III Structure
The General Studies Paper III in the Mains Exam is characterized by the following key features:
- Bilingual Questions: There are 20 questions presented in both English and Hindi, and candidates are required to respond in the language chosen during the application process.
- Total Marks: The paper carries a total weightage of 250 marks.
- Word Limit: For 10-mark questions, the word limit is set at 150 words, while 15-mark questions allow up to 250 words for answers.
- Emphasis on Economic Development: This paper places a significant emphasis on Economic Development. Consequently, questions may venture into areas such as Social Justice and international relations, extending beyond the scope of GS II. Moreover, topics related to Environment may overlap with the geographical knowledge required for GS-I, as well as Economic Development and Biodiversity, which are covered in GS II. Therefore, meticulous analysis of each question and the ability to provide concise, to-the-point answers within the specified word limit is crucial. A thorough understanding of the UPSC GS 3 Syllabus is instrumental in achieving this.
- Focus on Security and Disaster Management: Questions pertaining to Security and Disaster Management are predominantly found in the latter half of the paper. Therefore, it is imperative to revise topics related to Internal Security and Disaster Management. Additionally, staying updated on contemporary issues, including emerging challenges such as cybercrime, is essential for success in this paper.
For a comprehensive understanding of UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III (UPSC GS 3 syllabus), please refer to the detailed syllabus outlined below:
Topic Subtopic Indian Economy Issues related to planning
Mobilization of resources
Growth
Development
EmploymentInclusive Growth Inclusive growth
Issues arising from or related to inclusive growthBudgeting Government Budgeting Major Crops and Cropping Patterns Major crops and cropping pattern in different parts of the country
Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage
Transport and marketing of agricultural produce
Issues related to transport and marketing of agricultural produce
E- technology in the aid of farmersSubsidies, Poverty Alleviation and Agricultural Technology Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies
Issues related to Minimum Support Prices
Public Distribution System:
Objectives
Functioning
Limitations
Revamp
Issues related to buffer stocks and food security
Technology missions
Economics of Animal rearingFood Processing and Related Industries Food processing and related industries in India:
Scope and significance
Location
Upstream and downstream requirements
Supply chain managementLand Reforms Land reforms in India Liberalization Effects of Liberalization on the economy
Changes in industrial policy
Effects of changes in industrial policy on industrial growthInfrastructure Energy
Ports
Roads
Airports
Railways etc.Investment Investment models such as Public-Private Partnerships, Build Operate Transfer etc. Science and Technology Developments in Science and Technology
Applications of scientific developments in everyday life
Effects of scientific developments in everyday lifeAchievements of Indians in Science and Technology Important contributions of Indians in Science and Technology
Indigenization of technology
Developing new technology indigenouslyGeneral Awareness Awareness in the following fields:
IT
Space
Computers
Robotics
Nanotechnology
Biotechnology
Issues related to Intellectual Property
Rights in these fieldsEnvironment Conservation
Environmental pollution and degradation
Environmental Impact AssessmentDisaster Management Disasters
Disaster ManagementSecurity Linkages between development and spread of extremism
Role of state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security
Challenges to Internal Security through communication networks:
Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges
Basics of Cyber Security
Money laundering and its prevention
Security challenges and their management in border areas:
Linkages of organized crime with terrorism
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandatesGS-III Trend Analysis
Topic 2018 2019 2020 Economy 50 50 50 Agriculture/Food industry 60 55 50 Science/Tech/Environment/Disaster 100 100 100 Security 40 45 50 Total 250 250 250 IAS Exam Pattern
UPSC IAS Exam Pattern of IAS Exam Preliminary Examination General Studies
Aptitude TestMains Examination Qualifying:
Paper-A (One of the 22 Indian Languages)
Paper-B (English)
Papers to be counted for merit:
Paper-I (Essay)
Paper-II (GS-I)
Paper-III (GS-II)
Paper-IV (GS-III)
Paper-V (GS-IV)
Paper-VI (Optional Paper-I)
Paper-VI (Optional Paper-II)Personality Test – The UPSC IAS Exam witnessed significant structural modifications in 2013, with minor adjustments occurring in 2015 and 2016. The alterations pertaining to General Studies are as follows:
- 2013: The number of General Studies papers increased from 2 to 4.
- 2015: CSAT marks ceased to contribute to the merit list, with only General Studies papers, essays, and optional papers considered for merit ranking, while CSAT became a qualifying paper.
- 2016: The marks distribution for General Studies Papers shifted to a two-tier system, departing from the earlier uniform marks allocation for all questions.
Given the recent trend of in-depth analysis of UPSC papers, it is imperative to thoroughly comprehend the topics covered in General Studies Paper-II. Additionally, reviewing previous years’ UPSC questions and answers can enhance your ability to respond effectively and efficiently.
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UPI QR Code-Central Bank Digital Currency interoperability: How does it work and how do customers benefit?
What’s the news?
- The fusion of UPI and CBDC is an essential component of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) ongoing pilot project aimed at propelling the retail digital rupee.
Central idea
- Banks are boosting digital rupee (e₹-R) adoption by integrating UPI QR codes with CBDC or e₹ apps. Users can now scan any UPI QR code for transactions, while merchants can accept digital rupee payments using their existing UPI QR codes.
Definition- Interoperability
- Interoperability, as defined by the RBI, is the technical compatibility that enables a payment system to operate harmoniously with other payment systems.
- This fosters the seamless execution, clearance, and settlement of payment transactions across diverse systems.
- The synergy between payment systems contributes to fostering adoption, coexistence, innovation, and efficiency for end-users.
Understanding QR Codes
- A Quick Response (QR) code is a pattern of black squares arranged in a grid on a white background, interpretable by imaging devices like cameras. It carries information about the attached item.
- This versatile tool provides an alternative contactless payment channel, allowing merchants to directly receive payments into their bank accounts.
What is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)?
- CBDC is a legal tender issued by the central bank in digital form. Like rupee notes or coins, which are in physical form.
- Simply put, it’s just like rupee (₹) notes but in digital form (e₹). You can also exchange e₹ for physical currency notes.
- However, unlike fiat currency that’s usually stored in banks and hence their liability, CBDC is a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet. That’s why you don’t necessarily need to have a bank account to own a digital rupee.
What is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?
- UPI is India’s mobile-based fast payment system, which enables customers to make round-the-clock payments instantly using a virtual payment address (VPA) created by the customer.
- It eliminates the risk of the remitter sharing bank account details with the remitter.
- UPI supports both Person-to-Person (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payments, and it also enables a user to send or receive money.
The interoperability between UPI and CBDC
- The interoperability between UPI and CBDC introduces the concept of UPI QR code-CBDC interoperability. This entails the compatibility of all UPI QR codes with CBDC applications.
- In the pilot phase of the retail digital rupee, e₹-R users had to scan a specific QR code for transactions. However, with UPI-CBDC interoperability, transactions can now be initiated using a single QR code.
- The digital rupee, a tokenized digital variant of the rupee, is issued by the RBI as CBDC. The e₹ is stored within a digital wallet linked to a customer’s existing savings bank account, while the UPI directly connects to the customer’s account.
Significance of Interoperability
- Enhanced User Experience: Interoperability simplifies the payment process, allowing users to seamlessly make transactions using any UPI QR code. This eliminates the inconvenience of switching between multiple payment apps or systems, enhancing user satisfaction.
- Accelerated Adoption of the Digital Rupee: Leveraging the popularity of UPI, interoperability promotes the adoption of the retail digital rupee. This aligns with the government’s objectives to drive digital currency usage and reduce reliance on physical cash.
- Merchant-Friendly: Merchants benefit from this interoperability as it eliminates the need for them to manage a separate QR code for digital rupee payments. This lowers the entry barrier for merchants to accept digital currency, making it more accessible to a wider range of businesses.
- Expanding Financial Inclusion: Interoperability has the potential to extend financial inclusion efforts, particularly in underserved regions. Users and merchants with limited exposure to digital payments can now participate more easily in the digital economy.
- Efficiency and Cost Savings: For both users and merchants, interoperability reduces the operational costs associated with maintaining multiple payment platforms. It simplifies accounting and transaction management for businesses.
How will it drive CBDC adoption?
- Presently, UPI is a widely used payment method. The interoperability between UPI and CBDC is poised to accelerate the adoption of the digital rupee.
- With over 70 mobile apps and 50 million merchants accepting UPI payments, the existing UPI ecosystem sets the stage for the retail digital rupee’s growth.
- The RBI reported 1.3 million customers and 0.3 million merchants using e₹-R in July, with daily transactions ranging from 5,000 to 10,000.
- Prominent banks, including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and IDFC First Bank, have introduced UPI interoperability on their digital rupee applications.
Benefits for Users
- Seamless Transactions: Users can effortlessly execute digital rupee transactions by scanning any UPI QR code, eliminating the need for multiple apps or QR codes for different transactions.
- Wider Acceptance: Users are no longer restricted to specific QR codes; they can utilize their digital wallets linked to UPI for transactions at various merchants, increasing flexibility.
- Financial Inclusion: Interoperability ensures that users, including those in remote areas, can easily access and use the digital rupee without specialized infrastructure or additional QR codes, promoting financial inclusion.
- Reduced Transaction Costs: Users can avoid extra fees associated with using multiple payment platforms. Interoperability makes digital rupee transactions more cost-effective.
- Streamlined Wallet Management: Users can consolidate their digital transactions within a single digital wallet, simplifying financial management.
Benefits for Merchants
- Ease of Adoption: Merchants can accept digital rupee payments without the complexity of creating and maintaining a separate QR code for CBDC, simplifying onboarding for businesses, including small retailers.
- Expanded Customer Base: With interoperability, merchants can cater to a broader range of customers using digital rupees, regardless of whether customers possess a specific QR code.
- Reduced Infrastructure Costs: Merchants save on expenses related to setting up and maintaining additional payment infrastructure, such as separate QR codes or payment terminals.
- Efficient Settlement: The integration allows for efficient settlement of digital rupee payments, whether or not the merchant has a CBDC account. This ensures prompt and secure payment receipts for merchants.
- Increased Sales: Simplified payment options often lead to smoother and quicker checkouts, potentially boosting customer satisfaction and increasing sales for merchants.
Conclusion
- The convergence of UPI and CBDC through interoperability marks a transformative phase in the realm of digital payments. With the fusion of two powerful platforms, the retail digital rupee is poised to gain widespread adoption, revolutionizing the landscape of digital transactions in India.
Also read:
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Emerging countries need women-led climate action
What’s the news?
- In the current era, the fusion of gender equality and environmental sustainability presents a dynamic duo that holds the key to accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Central Idea
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aptly points out that gender equality and environmental goals are not isolated endeavors; they forge a symbiotic relationship that can amplify progress towards a sustainable future.
Vulnerability in a Changing Climate
- Climate change, a pressing global concern, has repercussions that reverberate across demographics, with women bearing a disproportionate brunt of its impact.
- The International Labour Organization (ILO, 2019) forecasts that by 2030, scorching temperatures will result in a 2.2% loss of global working hours—equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs.
- The United Nations (2009) highlighted that across genders, women are considered to be more vulnerable and disproportionately affected by climate change than men.
- Estimates project that by 2050, climate change risks, coupled with natural disasters and food inflation, could push 130 million people into poverty, disproportionately affecting women’s inequality.
Climate Change and its Impact on Women, Particularly in Low-Income Countries
- Gendered Vulnerability in Low-Income Countries:
- Women across the globe face heightened risks to their health, safety, and quality of life. Yet, the vulnerability is notably more pronounced in developing and less developed countries, especially those grappling with low-income realities.
- This vulnerability is rooted in their reliance on natural resources and labor-intensive work, making them more susceptible to climate change impacts.
- A crucial aspect of this vulnerability lies in the interconnectedness of poverty and climate change.
- Climate Crisis Intensifying Basic Needs Struggles:
- Rural women, in particular, are burdened with the responsibility of ensuring access to essentials like clean water, cooking fuel, and nutritious food for their families.
- This often involves arduous journeys and exposes them to health and safety risks.
- Underpaid and Overworked:
- Despite their pivotal role in food production systems, women engaged in agriculture face persistent challenges.
- Data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that over 60% of working women in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are in agriculture. Unfortunately, they often receive inadequate pay and work under challenging conditions.
- Owning Land: A Gender Disparity:
- A significant gender disparity exists in land ownership, with women owning only a small fraction of cultivated land.
- Despite being the backbone of the food production system, women own only about 10% of the land used for farming.
- This discrepancy further diminishes their resilience against the impacts of climate change.
- Projected Displacement and Urgent Action:
- As a grim outlook, studies like McAllister’s 2023 research forecast a potentially staggering 1.2 billion climate refugees by 2050.
- This underscores the urgency of addressing these intertwined challenges.
Gender-specific issues
- Displacement and Vulnerability: A UN study reveals a stark reality – a substantial 80% of those displaced by climate-related disasters are women and girls.
- Challenges for Vulnerable Women: Women, especially from marginalized communities, grapple with distinct challenges in the aftermath of natural disasters. Their displacement increases their susceptibility to prejudice and exploitation, exacerbating the hardships they already face.
- Exploitation Post-Disasters: The disruption caused by disasters creates an environment ripe for exploitation, with women as primary targets. Notably, the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake exposed women to trafficking and exploitation, further highlighting the risks they face.
- Gender-Based Violence Intensifies: The upheaval following disasters leads to an alarming escalation of gender-based violence against women. Disrupted communities and increased vulnerability create an environment where women are at greater risk.
- Limited Access to Essential Services: Essential services like employment, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support become scarcer post-disaster. For women, this translates into further limitations and challenges, exacerbating their already marginalized status.
- Resource and Knowledge Disparities: Women in agriculture face barriers in accessing quality resources, education, and technical knowledge. As climate change compounds these challenges, their vulnerability is magnified.
Way Forward: Empowering Women for Climate Resilience and Action
- Women’s Role in Climate Adaptation: Acknowledging the potential women possess to contribute to climate adaptation is crucial. Women bring unique perspectives and knowledge to the table, making their engagement indispensable in finding effective solutions.
- Empowerment Through Education and Training: Investing in women’s education and training is paramount for building resilience to the impact of climate change. Equipping women with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable practices, such as agriculture, water management, and energy generation, fosters their capacity to adapt to changing conditions.
- Supporting Women Farmers: Initiatives like the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India exemplify the importance of imparting knowledge to women farmers on how to navigate shifting climate patterns.
- Women in Climate Policy Decision-Making: Acknowledging the disparities women face in climate change impacts, the need for their active involvement in decision-making becomes evident.
- Programs to Amplify Women’s Voices: Initiatives like the Gender and Climate Change Development Programme in South Asia seek to elevate women’s influence in policymaking, granting them a stronger voice in shaping climate strategies that directly impact their lives.
- Global Imperative for Women-Led Climate Action: The call for women-led climate action is not confined to specific regions; it’s a global imperative. Developing and emerging countries, where women often bear the brunt of climate impacts, necessitate collective efforts to empower women as agents of change.
Conclusion
- The convergence of gender equality and environmental sustainability is no longer an abstract concept; it is a tangible pathway towards a more equitable and resilient world. In a future marred by climate uncertainty, investments in women’s education, training, and participation stand as beacons of hope.
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Progress track: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)
Central Idea
- The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) by the Central Government has outperformed its initial employment targets, proving its effectiveness in fostering job creation during the COVID-19 crisis.
About Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)
Launch Introduced in November 2020 Purpose As part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Package 3.0 to boost post-Covid-19 employment Government’s Contribution Subsidy for provident fund contributions in EPFO-registered organizations Coverage Up to 1000 employees: Both employee (12%) and employer (12%) contributions for two years Over 1000 employees: Employee (12%) contribution for two years
Subsidy Disbursement Subsidy credited upfront to Aadhaar-linked EPFO accounts (UAN) of new employees Eligibility Criteria Establishments adding new employees compared to September 2020 reference base Target Beneficiaries Employees with monthly wages under Rs. 15,000 joining EPFO-registered establishments Individuals reemployed on or after October 1, 2020, who left jobs between March 1 and September 30, 2020
Achievements and Numbers
- The scheme, open for registrations until March 31, 2022, targeted around 7.18 million employees across India.
- By July 31, 2023, ABRY had already exceeded its target, enrolling over 7.58 million new employees.
- Benefiting 1,52,380 establishments with 60,44,155 new employees, the scheme disbursed benefits totaling Rs. 9,669.87 Crore.