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.
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.
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.
The National eGovernance Division (NeGD) plans to incorporate Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) into its existing Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform.
PAL offers individualized learning experiences based on students’ unique needs and abilities.
DIKSHA 2.0 Portal
Diksha Portal was launched in 2017 to provide a digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with the teacher community.
It serves as the National Digital Infrastructure for Teachers.
It aids teachers to learn and train themselves for which assessment resources will be available.
It houses digitized National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, teaching videos, and practice questions.
It also has assistive technologies for learners with disabilities, but it’s a static content repository.
Integration of PAL
NCERT seeks MeitY’s expertise in implementing PAL within DIKSHA.
PAL provides customized learning paths for each student based on their learning progress.
PAL can loop back students to basic concepts if they make mistakes, enhancing learning efficiency.
Challenges and Implementations in States
PAL development involves categorizing and tagging content, potentially creating new material.
Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics for Classes 9 to 12 are prioritized for PAL development.
Several states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Haryana experimented with PAL, facing budget constraints.
The Delhi High Court granted permission for two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to undergo Stem Cell Therapy for their condition.
The court’s decision followed a challenge against the Ethics and Medical Registration Board’s (EMRB) recommendation against stem cell treatment for ASD.
Understanding Stem Cells
Stem cells are the foundational cells that can differentiate into specialized cells with distinct functions.
Two main categories: pluripotent stem cells (can differentiate into various adult cells) and adult stem cells (tissue/organ-specific).
Pluripotent stem cells are found in embryos; reprogramming of adult cells leads to induced pluripotent stem cells.
Stem Cells in Medicine
Stem cells’ regenerative properties make them valuable in regenerative medicine.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treats conditions like leukaemia.
Challenges: Limited adult stem cells post-removal, focus on making them pluripotent.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder affecting communication, behaviour, and interactions.
Conventional therapies focus on symptom management, social skills training, behaviour analysis, and speech and occupational therapy.
Potential of Stem Cell Therapy for ASD
Some experts suggest stem cells could enhance immune system regulation and neural connectivity in the brain.
Current clinical trials show mixed results; treatment is experimental, lacks sufficient data.
EMRB recommendations against stem cell therapy due to limited evidence, risks, side effects, and absence of established protocol.
EMRB’s Concerns
EMRB’s recommendation stemmed from “predatory marketing” of stem cell therapy, giving false hope to parents about “curing” ASD.
The Delhi HC ruling doesn’t assess the general validity of stem cell therapy but permits ongoing treatment for specific cases.
Conclusion
The court’s verdict allows continued stem cell therapy for ASD, acknowledging the ongoing uncertainty and potential of the treatment.
The decision underlines the need for further research and data to establish stem cell therapy’s efficacy and safety for treating autism.
The culmination of Onam festivities witnessed the Pulikkali celebration, a traditional folk art form from Kerala, where humans dressed as tigers and leopards paraded through the streets.
About Pulikkali
Pulikkali, also known as Tiger Dance, is a unique folk art of Kerala.
Celebrated on the fourth day of Onam, artists adorn themselves as tigers with distinctive yellow, red, and black stripes, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional percussion instruments like thakil, udukku, and chenda.
The central theme revolves around tiger hunting, with individuals playing the roles of both the tiger and the hunter.
It was introduced by Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the former ruler of Cochin, Pulikkali reflects a rich cultural heritage.
Onam Festival: Key Highlights
Onam, the most significant celebration in Kerala, holds great cultural importance.
Occurring at the onset of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam Calendar, it’s a harvest festival celebrating prosperity.
The Onam Carnival extends for four to ten days, with Atham (first day) and Thiruonam (tenth day) as the most pivotal.
A popular belief holds that Onam welcomes King Mahabali’s spirit, who is believed to visit Kerala during this period.
The festival includes Vallamkali, a thrilling snake boat race ‘Vallamkali’ conducted on the Pampa River.
Onam showcases Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal, graceful dances performed by women, adding elegance to the celebrations.
Chandrayaan-3 accomplished India’s historic achievement of soft landing on the Lunar South Pole.
Its mission success marked by several noteworthy observations since touchdown on August 23.
Chandrayaan-3’s: Key Achievements
Pragyan rover’s Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument identified elements like aluminium, sulphur, calcium, iron, and more.
Vikram lander recorded a ‘moonquake’ and detected an ultra-thin layer of plasma in the lunar atmosphere.
These findings hint at distinct characteristics of the moon’s atmosphere compared to Earth.
Significance of Observations
Sulphur discovery carries paramount importance in comprehending the moon’s origin and past surface (explosiveness) conditions.
The presence of significant sulphur amounts can provide insights into lunar volcanic activity, potentially indicating the presence of subterranean water.
Sulphur’s presence could offer clues about past lunar life support and constructing structures for human habitation.
Exploring Lunar Water
Chandrayaan-3’s findings, particularly sulphur and oxygen on the moon’s surface, play a crucial role in narrowing down possible water sources.
The presence of sulphur and oxygen enhances the prospects of water detection.
ISRO was actively pursuing information about lunar hydrogen, another potential indicator of water.
Other mission Lunar Discoveries
China’s Chang’e 5 mission unveiled a new lunar mineral, Changesite-(Y), and identified water in glass beads.
Chandrayaan-3’s sulphur detection aligns with the quest for similar glass beads.
NASA previously confirmed lunar water presence in shadowed craters and sunlit regions.
Present status of Ch-3 Mission
Chandrayaan-3’s core objectives attained; Pragyan rover placed in ‘sleep’ mode.
The rover’s solar panels will recharge during the next lunar sunrise.
Plans to reactivate the rover for further observations remain underway.
India’s maiden solar observatory mission, Aditya-L1, was successfully launched by ISRO on September 2.
Carried by the PSLV in its 59th flight, the spacecraft’s mission aims to study the sun’s behaviour and phenomena.
Aditya-L1 will spend 16 days orbiting Earth, undergoing five manoeuvres for required velocity.
Subsequent Trans-Lagrangian insertion will begin a 110-day journey towards L1 Lagrange point.
Aditya-L1 will orbit around L1, a balanced position between Earth and the sun, 1.5 million km away from Earth.
Aditya-L1 Mission
ISRO introduces the Aditya-L1 mission, a novel space-based observatory designated for studying the Sun.
The spacecraft will be positioned in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) in the Sun-Earth system, approximately 1.5 million km from Earth.
The L1 point’s strategic location enables continuous solar observation devoid of eclipses, furnishing invaluable insights into solar activities and their real-time effects on space weather.
Once Aditya exits Earth’s sphere of influence, it will head towards the Lagrange point L1, a distance of 1.5 million km.
Significance of Lagrange Point 1
Lagrange points are equilibrium positions where gravitational forces counteract centripetal forces, offering a stable environment for satellites.
The spacecraft will be positioned around L1, affording an unobstructed view of the Sun for unhindered observation.
Different Lagrange points offer unique advantages, such as L1’s consistent view of the Sun, as demonstrated by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO).
Aditya-L1’s Scientific Endeavors
Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to investigate the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona using a range of detectors.
The payloads encompass instruments like Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), and more.
Payloads examining solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium contribute to a better understanding of phenomena like coronal heating, mass ejections, and space weather.
Significance of Solar Study
Solar Influence on the System: The Sun significantly shapes planetary evolution and weather, extending its impact to satellites, electronics, power systems, and even Earth’s climate.
Predicting Solar Storms: Continuous solar observations are essential for tracking Earth-bound solar storms and predicting their potential impacts.
Gateway through L1: All solar storms heading towards Earth pass through L1, making it a crucial point for monitoring.
Key Feature: Mighty LAM Engine
The Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engine, developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), is vital to the Aditya-L1 mission’s success.
LAM has played pivotal roles in missions like Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and Chandrayaan-3.
LAM engines facilitate satellite and spacecraft orbital adjustments, conserving fuel and ensuring optimal positioning.
Are you entangled in the web of GDP, Fiscal Policy, and Inflation? Do terms like “Repo Rate,” “Monetary Policy,” and “CPI” seem like a cryptic language you can’t decode?
You’re not alone. Economics, as a part of the UPSC’s GS Prelims and Mains (GS Paper 3), is a subject that often elicits dread and confusion among candidates.
The complexity, coupled with the sea of resources, leaves many aspirants spending wasteful months on the subject, often without making meaningful progress.
Jatin Gulati Sir, a senior faculty member at Civilsdaily IAS, is here to reveal that secret formula. This inaugural Synopsis Series session aims to remove the mist of confusion that surrounds Economics and provide a laser-focused approach to your preparation.
Don’t Spend Months—Invest Just 20 Days of guided Self-Study
The key to conquering UPSC Economics syllabus isn’t to learn more but to learn more effectively.
About Synopsis Series
A streamlined set of power-packed sessions aimed at the most effective UPSC syllabus coverage, one subject at a time, giving you a laser-focused approach.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill lecture. It’s a strategic blueprint packed with actionable insights that will pivot your approach from “learning” to “strategic learning.”
Twenty Days of Economics: The Ultimate Dividend on Your UPSC Investment.
Don’t just study hard; study smart with the Synopsis Series.
Registration details for Session 1 of Synopsis series
Topic: How to cover UPSC Economics syllabus for Prelims and Mains in just 20 days? Detailed approach, important topics and strategic blueprint
Date: 4th Sept 2023 (Monday)
Time: 7:30 pm Onwards
Fee: FREE and Open to all
Zoom Meeting Link will be sent via your registered email address.
Who should attend this webinar?
Beginners: Confused about “Budgeting” vs “Fiscal Policy”?
Intermediate Learners: Find “Inclusive Growth” abstract? or Need to upgrade your “Land Reforms” and “Infrastructure” concepts
Advanced Aspirants: Need pointers on revision and marks improvement
Why you must attend this session?
Demystifying Jargons: Decode the language of economics, making it intuitive and relatable.
Previous Year’s Roadmap: An exhaustive analysis of past questions to predict the unpredictable.
Strategy Over Content: “In UPSC Economics, the ‘how’ often matters more than the ‘what.’”
20-Day Plan: “Efficiency in UPSC is not about doing more but about achieving more in less time.”
Accelerated Learning: Learn the art of covering the entire syllabus in just 20 days without compromising on quality.
Key areas that will be covered in this session:
The approach and strategy for UPSC Economics syllabus will be covered in the first session
These are the key topics that we will be dealing with:
Economic Growth and Development: Understand the macro-micro balance and concepts like HDI, MPI, and GEM.
Poverty and Inclusion: From definitions to eradication programs, and the relevance of financial inclusion.
Demographics: Decode Census data, population by state, age group, and socio-economic status.
Fiscal Policy: Deep dive into receipts, revenue, capital account, tax revenue, and expenditure.
Mains Focus: From budgeting to effects of liberalization, and infrastructure; every area that UPSC Mains emphasizes on.
Resources and Strategy: Make your study plans UPSC-relevant and time-efficient.
Supplementing and covering government reports, surveys like Economic Survey, Union Budget, and other reports.
Mastering Economics is not about quantity, but quality of time invested.
What can you expect to learn from the session?
Understanding the upcoming trend, UPSC’s new paradigm is evolving. How UPSC has changed over the past couple of years and how you should adapt?
Chucking old ways of UPSC preparation and building a solid foundation that is flexible and adaptable.
Basic syllabus mastery: NCERTs and Standard Books Learn which sections of NCERTs and Standard Books are essential for UPSC and how to make effective notes from them.
NCERT & Standard book Selection: Discover the must-read NCERTs that provide a comprehensive understanding
We’ll be sharing a personalized study plan after the webinar
CivilsDaily’s FREE Current Affairs package and personalized UPSC study plan
Post-webinar you will get your Personalized study plan, important PDFs, timetable framework, and mentorship session.
Based on your UPSC prep situation (working aspirant, full-time aspirant), your learning style, previous attempts, and other such factors, we will be preparing and sharing a personalized PDF study plan for you.
