On September 9-10, 2023, New Delhi hosted the G-20 Summit, where participants committed to enhancing the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
How effectively is India progressing towards achieving the SDGs by 2030?
Current Status: India is classified in the “medium human development” category, with an HDI value of 0.644 and a rank of 134 out of 193 countries.
Improvement Over Time: India saw an increase of 48.4% in HDI value from 1990 (0.434) to 2022 (0.644), indicating positive long-term trends despite recent stagnation and slight declines due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
SDG Interconnections: India’s HDI dimensions directly align with several SDGs, including SDG-3 (good health), SDG-4 (quality education), and SDG-5 (gender equality). Progress in these areas is critical for achieving broader SDG targets.
Rank Improvements: From 2015 to 2022, India improved its HDI ranking by four places, while neighboring countries such as Bangladesh and Bhutan improved their rankings by 12 and 10 places, respectively, highlighting the need for India to enhance its efforts.
What are the key human development challenges that India faces?
Gender Inequality: India has one of the largest gender gaps in the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), with a stark difference of 47.8 percentage points between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%). The GDI indicates significant disparities in HDI achievements between genders, which undermines development.
Income Inequality: India experiences high income inequality, with the richest 1% holding 21.7% of total income, significantly higher than many neighboring countries and above global averages. This poses a barrier to sustainable development and equitable growth.
Education and Health: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected education and health sectors, leading to increased vulnerabilities among poorer and marginalized populations.
Urban-Rural Divide: There is a notable disparity in female labour force participation between rural (41.5%) and urban areas (25.4%), suggesting that urban policy initiatives may not adequately support women’s employment.
What strategies can be implemented? (Way forward)
Strengthening Gender Equality: Implement gender-transformative approaches to enhance women’s participation in the labour force and address systemic barriers. This includes policies promoting work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, and targeted skill development programs.
Enhancing Education and Skill Development: Invest in quality education, vocational training, and lifelong learning opportunities that cater to both genders, particularly in rural areas.
Promoting Social Protection: Expand social safety nets and anticipatory social protection programs that target vulnerable populations, particularly women and marginalized groups.
Reducing Income Inequality: Implement progressive taxation and wealth redistribution policies to address the concentration of income.
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector to implement sustainable development initiatives.
Mains PYQ:
Q National Education Policy 2020 isin conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Ukraine is currently dealing with a serious outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV), with health officials raising alarms as the death toll rises.
About West Nile Virus
Details
Virus Type
Member of the flavivirus genus, family Flaviviridae
First Isolated
1937 in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda
Geographical Distribution
Commonly found in Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America, and West Asia
Transmission
Primarily transmitted through infected mosquito bites; mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds. Can also spread through infected animal tissues.
Symptoms
– Asymptomatic: ~80% of infected individuals show no symptoms
– West Nile Fever: ~20% develop symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and occasional skin rash.
Peak Infection Period
Typically spikes between June and September (summer to autumn)
Reported Outbreaks
19 countries have reported outbreaks, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Türkiye, and Kosovo.
Treatment
No vaccine available; supportive treatments provided for neuroinvasive WNV patients
PYQ:
[2017] Consider the following statements:
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the highest statutory body on technical drug-related matters in India, has recommended including all antibiotics under the definition of ‘New Drugs’ in the New Drugs and Clinical Trial (NDCT) Rules, 2019.
What are ‘New Drugs’?
According to Rule 122 E of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, a new drug is one that:
Has not been used in the country.
Has not been recognized as effective and safe by the licensing authority.
May also be an already approved drug with modified claims such as new indications, dosages, or routes of administration.
Implications of Including Antibiotics in the New Drug Category:
If antibiotics are classified as new drugs:
Their manufacturing, marketing, and sale will be documented.
Clearance for manufacturing and marketing will need to be obtained from the Central government instead of State drug administrations.
Antibiotics will only be sold to patients on prescription.
Additional Recommendations:
The board is considering amending the labelling rules under the Drugs Rules, 1945, by adding a blue strip or box for antimicrobial products.
It has recommended that antimicrobials should not be sold to non-pharmaceutical industries unless they have the necessary licences.
About the Drugs Technical Advisory Board:
Details
Authority
Highest statutory decision-making body on technical matters related to drugs in India
Establishment
Constituted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
Affiliation
Part of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
Nodal Ministry
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Functions
– Advises the Central and State Governments on technical matters related to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act
– Carries out functions assigned by the Act
Role of CDSCO
– Approval of drugs
– Conduct of clinical trials
– Establishing standards for drugs
– Quality control of imported drugs
– Coordination with State Drug Control Organizations
Specialized Licenses
Responsible for granting licenses for critical categories of drugs, including blood products, IV fluids, vaccines, and sera
Decision-Making
Provides expert advice and technical recommendations to ensure drug safety, efficacy, and quality
PYQ:
[2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?
Genetic predisposition of some people
Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
Using antibiotics in livestock farming
Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
The Samarth Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector), which aims to teach 300,000 people in textile-related skills, has been extended for two years (FY 2024–25 and 2025–26).
Achievements of the SAMARTH Scheme:
So far, 3.27 lakh candidates have been trained under the Samarth Scheme, with 2.6 lakh (79.5%) of them gaining employment.
There is a strong focus on women’s employment, with 2.89 lakh (88.3%) women trained so far.
What is ‘SAMARTH’ Scheme?
Details
Name
Samarth (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector)
Nodal Ministry
Ministry of Textiles
Approval
Approved by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs as a continuation of the Integrated Skill Development Scheme for the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP)
Implementing Agency
Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Objectives
• Provide demand-driven, placement-oriented skilling programs
• Incentivize industry efforts to create jobs in organized textile and related sectors
• Promote skilling and skill upgradation in traditional sectors
Scope
Covers the entire textile value chain, excluding spinning and weaving
Special Provisions
Includes upskilling and reskilling programs to improve productivity of existing workers in the apparel and garmenting segments
Target Beneficiaries
Handicraft artisans and individuals seeking employment in the textile sector
Implementing Agencies
• Textile Industry
• Institutions/Organizations of the Ministry of Textiles/State Governments with training infrastructure
• Reputed training institutions/NGOs/Trusts/Companies with placement tie-ups
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following statements:
The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
“Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The Marital Rape Exception (MRE), rooted in the doctrine of coverture from English common law, has long sparked debates about the legal autonomy of women within marriage.
Marital Rape Exception (MRE): What is it?
The MRE is found in Exception 2 to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and its equivalent, Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
According to these provisions, sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his wife do not constitute rape if the wife is above 18 years of age.
Why discuss this?
This legal immunity for husbands has been challenged for violating fundamental rights, and now, a three-judge Bench led by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud is set to examine the constitutional validity of this exception.
The outcome of this case could redefine the boundaries of consent and bodily autonomy within the institution of marriage in India.
Split Verdict by the Delhi High Court in 2022:
1. Justice Rajiv Shakdher’s Opinion:
Declared the Marital Rape Exception (MRE) unconstitutional.
Argued that the MRE violates a woman’s bodily autonomy and expression.
Criticized the exception as being rooted in patriarchy and misogyny.
Held that the classification of marital rape as different from rape outside marriage is unreasonable and arbitrary.
Emphasized that forced sex outside marriage is treated as “real rape,” while the same act within marriage is not.
2. Justice C. Hari Shankar’s Opinion:
Upheld the Marital Rape Exception, considering it legal within the framework of marriage.
Argued that sexual relations within marriage are a legitimate expectation.
Expressed concerns that allowing prosecution of husbands for non-consensual sex would be antithetical to the institution of marriage as understood in Indian society.
Believed that introducing the possibility of husbands being seen as rapists within marriage would undermine the institution of marriage.
Doctrine of Coverture from English Common Law:
The doctrine states that upon marriage, a woman’slegal existence was essentially merged with that of her husband.
The married woman was legally dependent on her husband, losing autonomy over her legal rights and property.
Impact on Women’s Rights:
Under this doctrine, a wife had no independent legal identity during marriage.
Women could not own property, enter contracts, or bring legal claims without their husband’s approval.
The husband had control over the wife’s body and actions, including sexual relations.
Influence on Marital Rape Exception:
The doctrine formed the basis for the original Marital Rape Exception in British common law.
It implied that a wife gave permanent consent to sexual relations upon marriage, which could not be withdrawn.
This legal reasoning was adopted in many British colonies, including India, and continues to influence Indian law today.
Modern Rejection:
England abolished the Marital Rape Exception in 1991 in the case of R v. R, recognizing that the doctrine of coverture no longer reflected the status of women in modern society.
Despite this, the doctrine’s influence persists in India’s legal system, particularly through the Marital Rape Exception in BNS.
PYQ:
[2024] The soul of new law, Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.
Q) “An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. (UPSC CSE 2016) Q) ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (UPSC CSE 2018) Q) “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: According to the World Bank, India significantly reduced extreme poverty from 22.5% in 2011 to about 10.2% in 2019. However, ongoing challenges necessitate sustained efforts and targeted interventions to ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all segments of society.
Universal Basic Income (UBI) has emerged as a prominent topic in India’s socio-economic discourse, especially after the discussions initiated during the Economic Survey of 2016-17. NITI Aayog’s reports have also emphasize a multi-sectoral approach to poverty alleviation, focusing on improving access to education, healthcare, sanitation, and housing.
Today’s editorial delves into the complexities surrounding the implementation of UBI in India, highlighting both its potential benefits and the challenges that must be addressed for effective execution.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There are ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the implementation of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in India.
The main reasons for this are – existing economic disparities and job losses during the COVID pandemic, secondly the political concerns regarding funding in India, and thirdly, various countries have experimented with UBI, providing valuable insights
What is ‘Universal Basic Income’? • UBI is a financial transfer policy that proposes providing all citizens with a regular, unconditional cash payment to ensure a minimum standard of living. • The concept aims to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and simplify the welfare system by replacing subsidies with direct cash transfers. • However, implementing UBI in a country like India, with its vast population and diverse economic conditions, presents significant hurdles.
What are the significant hurdles to implementing UBI in India?
Fiscal Constraints: Providing a basic income to all citizens would require substantial financial resources, estimated to be around 4.9% of GDP, which could strain the government’s budget and limit funding for other essential services.
A sudden influx of cash into the economy could also lead to inflation.
Universal vs. Targeted Approach: A universal UBI could lead to inefficiencies, where wealthier individuals also receive benefits, wasting resources intended for the poor. This raises questions about how to effectively target those who need assistance the most.
Implementation and Infrastructure Challenges: The lack of infrastructure for banking in remote areas can hinder effective cash transfers and program implementation.
Political and Federal Landscape: Building consensus among diverse political parties and interest groups from various states can be challenging in India’s multifaceted political environment.
Behavioral and Social Concerns: UBI might reduce the incentive for individuals to seek employment, potentially leading to a decrease in labor force participation and productivity. This dependency could undermine the goal of fostering self-sufficiency among citizens.
What modifications are necessary to make UBI financially feasible in India?
Targeted Implementation: Instead of universal payments to all citizens, prioritize UBI for low-income and vulnerable households to reduce overall costs. For example, a semi-UBI model that provides basic income to specific demographics can be used.
Funding Mechanisms: Redirect funds from existing welfare schemes and subsidies that are inefficient or prone to leakage into the UBI program. Implement progressive taxation to increase government revenue, ensuring that higher-income groups contribute more to fund UBI.
Incremental Rollout: India needs to start with pilot projects in select regions to assess the impact and effectiveness of UBI before a nationwide rollout. This allows for adjustments based on real-world data.
Administrative Efficiency: The Govt needs to leverage current Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) systems to minimize administrative costs and then enhance digital banking infrastructure and mobile connectivity, especially in rural areas, to facilitate access to UBI payments.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing the mechanisms for tracking the distribution and impact of UBI payments to ensure transparency and accountability could help. We also need to incorporate beneficiary feedback into program design and implementation to adapt UBI according to the needs of recipients.
Public Awareness and Support: Conduct awareness programs through all stakeholders to educate citizens about UBI’s benefits and address misconceptions.
What are the potential social and economic impacts of implementing UBI in India?
1) Economic Impacts:
Poverty Alleviation: UBI could lift millions out of poverty by providing a basic income floor, addressing the needs of approximately 3.44 crore people living in extreme poverty in India.
Increased Consumer Spending: By putting cash directly into people’s hands, UBI could boost disposable income, leading to increased consumption. This is particularly important as private consumption accounts for nearly 60% of India’s GDP.
Economic Growth: Enhanced consumer demand could stimulate economic growth, especially in rural areas, benefiting sectors like agriculture and fast-moving consumer goods.
Human Capital Development: With increased financial stability, families may invest more in education and healthcare, improving overall human capital and productivity in the long run
2) Social Impacts:
Empowerment of Women: UBI could enhance financial independence for women, allowing them greater decision-making power within households and potentially leading to better outcomes for families.
Reduction in Inequality: UBI has the potential to narrow income inequality by redistributing wealth more equitably across society, addressing the disproportionate wealth held by the top 10.
Potential Behavioral Changes: Critics argue that providing income without work may lead to decreased motivation to seek employment, potentially fostering a culture of dependency among some recipients.
Way Forward: While UBI presents promising avenues for economic growth and social empowerment in India, careful consideration is needed regarding its design and implementation. Addressing potential drawbacks such as inflationary pressures and labor market distortions will ensure that UBI achieves its intended goals.
Animesh Pradhan, Age 24, Attempt: 1st, UPSC-CSEAIR 2. A graduate of NIT Rourkela, working as a full-time employee in Indian Oil Corp., he cleared UPSC CSE on his first attempt at the age of 24. He lost his father at an early age and was left with his Mother and elder sister. Unfortunately, his Mother passed away 40 days ago and couldn’t see her Son’s success and cherish it. His sister got married in January last year. He is a very committed, humble, and diligent student with high professional skills in managing work and studies.
AIR 2, Animesh Pradhan at Civilsdaily Delhi Centre Today
Schedule a 1-1 call with Civilsdaily’s Mentorfor focused UPSC Prep
With all the lows in life, he came with the hope that one day, his mother would see him becoming an IAS officer. Even though one wish in these two remained unachieved, wherever his mother is, her wishes will be with him, and if there is heaven at all, she might be celebrating this in that heaven.
AIR 2, Animesh Pradhan On Call With Civilsdaily Mentor Showing His Gratitude
We hope he achieves much more success and wish him enough grit to achieve whatever he wants in life. We expect him not to stop here and make this a mere small achievement in his list of aspirations.
Why Civilsdaily Mentorship and Programs Are Unique?
Element No. 1: The System
The first element of the powerful mentorship program at CD is – The System.
The system is the method that is used during the program. One of the first surprising elements of a Civilsdaily program is that we do an early assessment of the current stage of aspirants. This is done in 10+ dimensions. Along with that, you get a lot of study material in advance. Unlike other courses that give you average content when the course begins, you get high-quality content for UPSC Prep well in advance. The reason for this is simple: The Mentor is not around to create “shock and awe”. Instead, the element that really helps learning is the “safe zone”. When aspirants get the material in advance, it gives them time to learn and absorb it. And then, when the initial assessments happen in the form of mock tests, the aspirant is able to apply the learning.
One big reason we fail to learn and progress in UPSC Prep is that we do not have time to practice and attempt mocks.
No one is around to correct our mistakes. All we get is an endless stream of information, and mastery over exam is further away than ever. The notes themselves need design: lots of examples, relevance to PYQs, and easy-to-read language. The syllabus content needs to be broken up into consumable chunks. It’s design, design and more design. Check our atomic and flash notes, and you will understand what we mean. A well-constructed system is the first element of the program at CD but by no means the most important.
Trying to cope with breathless content all at once is extremely intimidating for the aspirants. When you’re in a Civilsdaily Mentorship program, you get the content well in advance. There’s no need to create “shock and awe” while mentoring. You learn better when you know and own the content, using the course to practice and get better at it instead.
Element No. 2: The Group
A journey of a thousand miles can be really intimidating without a group because UPSC -CSE requires MCQ and answer writing aptitude, which requires constant practice. When you work alone, it’s easy to give up or get distracted. A group is what gets you ahead. But how do you get a group that’s focused, smart, and helpful? Do such groups even exist?
There’s a saying in Africa: If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a group. And yet, not any group will do, will it? You’ve been in Telegram groups before, and the terms “kind, helpful and smart” don’t come to mind, do they?
The one thing that will amaze you at Civilsdaily is how much you come to rely on your group. At first, many aspirants assume that their progress is a lonely journey. They learn what’s required, do their mocks, and when the course is done, they get to the finish line.
And yet habit-creation reveals something entirely different.
Snagging a bad habit is relatively easy. The moment you have to build a “good habit,” it’s a lot harder to stay motivated—unless, of course, you have a group.
The aspirant groups at the Civilsdaily course are brilliant, focused and helpful.
It almost seems hard to find such an active, helpful bunch of people. And the reason why you’ll find this level of camaraderie here, is because of several reasons. But the biggest reason of all is because we’re selective.
We only let people in if they pass our filters.
We also will not have overloading of any kind. Our program accepts limited aspirants. You simply will not see the ocean full of aspirants you see on other courses. Finally, we break up the groups into even smaller groups of six or seven aspirants. We keep it small and focused. This gets you closer to the finish line. In short, you go far.
Without practice, mastery of this exam is difficult. Without daily and weekly practice, you have a “decay problem.” Other courses will give you content and mocks once a month and won’t provide any kind of mentor feedback. This is a recipe for disaster. You won’t know if you are making any progress at all.
That’s not how we run our programs.
When you’re a part of the Civilsdaily Mentorship program, whether you’re a beginner or veteran, you have a schedule that is unique to you and your requirements for the duration of the program. As you’d expect, all this is designed with “tiny increments” in mind, but it is the daily and weekly practice that keeps away the decay.
And everything is enriched with a 1:1 mentor call.
Your Mentor checks your preparation and works with you to ensure progress—there is no exception. This enables you to learn bit by bit instead of being dumped with endless content that you might never use in an exam. When you consider all three elements: the system, the group, and the daily and weekly practice, you are able to create a habit. This habit leads to success in exam.
Any new subject or mock can be a little unnerving when you don’t get regular practice. Our program is designed to help you learn layer by layer, and it involves small steps done daily. That way, if you press the “wrong button,” we can learn from the mistake, fix it, and move ahead at an even pace.
This attention to detail is what makes the Civilsdaily Mentorship Program among the best. But you’ll find that out for yourself.
To explore our Mentorship and schedule a pre-enrollment call, Fill this Mentorship Form (Free for the next 24 hours) to connect with our mentors.
The heart of the Civilsdaily platform is the Foundation Program and Ultimate Assessment Program (UAP). For years, aspirants have enrolled here because they couldn’t find such depth and passion towards quality content and Mentorship anywhere. Their search inevitably ends at Civilsdaily. Enrollment in these programs and Mentorship also makes us accountable to aspirants for the value they get.
In the past few years, we’ve worked quietly in the background with hundreds of aspirants; many now serve as IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. We are very proud of what we’ve achieved. Here are some of the recent rankers who show us gratitude.
Fill up This Mentorship Form (Free for the next 24 hours) to connect with our mentors.
Q) Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (UPSC CSE 2016)
Q) What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Q) “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Q) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment:“Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana” – This shloka (Bhagavad Gita 2.47) emphasizes duty and accountability, reminding leaders that their actions should serve the public good without selfish motives.
The Kolkata rape case has ignited a significant justice movement, centered around the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The tragic incident occurred on August 14, 2024, leading to widespread public outrage.
On September 5, thousands switched off their lights from 9 PM to 10 PM as a symbolic gesture of frustration over the government’s inaction. Protesters formed human chains along major roads, uniting diverse groups including doctors, nurses, and students under a common cause reflecting a collective demand for justice and safety. Prominent figures from different fields have joined the movement, amplifying its visibility and urgency.
Is this the first time in India that we are facing such an issue?
In today’s editorial, we will be studying how one cause can impact the overall social being of humans.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The brutal rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata has ignited widespread protests, revealing deep-seated anger and frustration among citizens regarding safety and justice for women in the city.
Kolkata, known as the “City of Joy,” has recently transformed into a battleground for justice following a tragic incident that shook the community from the core.
Ongoing People-Government Dynamics in Kolkata:
• Junior doctors are on a hunger strike demanding “Justice for RG Kar” with a 10-point charter. Thousands demonstrated during cultural festivals like ‘Durga Pooja’, showing solidarity with the doctors. • The movement largely involves middle and upper-middle-class citizens grown without political party leadership, highlighting fears about safety and educational aspirations. • Despite recent support for the state government, citizens are now demanding accountability from the government.
What are the Socio-economic impacts of such movements?
Socio-economic Decline: The state’s investment and GDP share has steadily decreased, with a precarious employment situation worsened by corruption.
The movement reflects growing discontent over economic decline and threats to upward mobility in West Bengal.
Corruption: Allegations of corruption in R. G Case linked to the murder case suggest a corrupt syndicate within the health system. There is also evidence that the state and localgovernment schemes are manipulated to maintain loyalty to the ruling party.
Public Sentiment and Trust issues: People don’t need political parties to intervene now, they just need justice and freedom to move independently and access education securely.
Even the minority sections of Muslims are also victims of the corrupt practices of state government, but the powerful secular alternative is still lagging.
Question on Recruitment process: Rampant corruption has eroded fairness in government job recruitment, highlighted by the arrest of the former Education Minister in a scam.
Question on Justice System: The concept of justice has become a focal point for citizens expressing their grievances against systemic corruption and unfairness.
Initiatives taken by the Judiciary:
The Supreme Court initiated proceedings on its suo-moto cognizance due to the gravity of the incident, despite the case being under the Calcutta High Court’s jurisdiction.
On Governance: The Court expressed dissatisfaction with the West Bengal government’s “tardy” progress in implementing safety measures.
A 10-member National Task Force was established to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals across India.
On Privacy: It reiterated that no intermediary should disclose the victim’s information, aiming to protect her family’s privacy.
On Accountability: The Court highlighted concerns over police procedural delays, questioning why the post-mortem was conducted before an FIR was registered and calling for accountability in handling such serious cases.
Way Forward: The nexus between social issues and justice in Kolkata underscores a critical moment where public outcry against systemic failures is challenging state governance. The ongoing protests reflect a broader demand for accountability, safety, and social justice, signaling potential shifts in both public sentiment and political dynamics.
The 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) indicates that the number of undernourished people in India this year, approximately 200 million, would rank as the seventh largest population in the world, comparable to the size of Brazil’s population.
Why it is a matter of concern?
High Undernourishment Levels: India’s Global Hunger Index rank is 105 out of 127 countries, classified under the “serious” category with a score of 27.3. An estimated 200 million people, or roughly 14% of India’s population, are undernourished, a figure comparable to the population of Brazil.
Child Malnutrition: India’s child stunting rate stands at 35.5%, and the child wasting rate is 18.7%, indicating widespread malnutrition. These rates reflect a failure in the healthcare and social safety net systems.
Infant Mortality Rate: Although India’s infant mortality rate is slightly below the global average (26 per 1,000 live births compared to the global average of 28), it remains a significant issue.
Impact of Food Inflation: Food inflation more than doubled between FY22 and FY24, increasing from 3.8% to 7.5%. This disproportionately affects low-income households, leading to reduced food accessibility.
What about India’s GDP growth?
High Economic Growth Rate: India was the world’s fastest-growing economy in FY24, with a growth rate of 6.8% and a GDP nearing $4 trillion, ranking fifth globally.
Low Per Capita Income: Despite rapid economic growth, India’s per capita income remains low at $2,485 in FY24, which is less than a fourth of the global average of $13,920 in FY22. This disparity suggests significant income inequality and limited improvement in living standards for many.
Record Food Production vs. Hunger: In FY24, India achieved one of its highest food production levels at 332 million tonnes. However, the abundance in food production did not translate into improved food security due to distribution challenges, economic disparities, and climate-related impacts.
What is the debate about data collection methodology?
Use of Sample Registration System (SRS) Data: The GHI uses data from India’s Sample Registration System (SRS), which is annually published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. It provides statistics on births, deaths, infant mortality, and other vital indicators.
Government’s Criticism of GHI Methodology: There has been ongoing criticism from the Indian government regarding the GHI’s methodology, particularly the reliance on survey data and subjective measurements for assessing hunger and malnutrition.
The government argues that the GHI may not accurately reflect the improvements in nutrition and food distribution initiatives.
Challenges in Addressing Undernutrition: Even with abundant food production, systemic issues such as poor nutrition programs, climate impacts on agricultural productivity, and socioeconomic factors continue to affect food security in India.
Way forward:
Strengthen Nutrition and Social Safety Programs: India should enhance the effectiveness of nutrition programs, such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme, ensuring better coverage, quality, and targeting to reduce child malnutrition and undernourishment.
Address Economic Inequality and Improve Food Access: Implement policies to reduce income disparities and make essential foods more affordable, such as expanding the Public Distribution System (PDS) to cover vulnerable groups affected by inflation and climate-related agricultural disruptions.
The rising demand for cooling is leading to increased fossil fuel consumption for electricity generation, which in turn contributes to climate change and gradually elevates atmospheric temperatures.
What are the primary impacts of climate change on human societies?
Heat-Related Health Risks: Increased temperatures and more frequent heatwaves lead to higher incidences of heat-related illnesses and deaths. For instance, global heatwaves already result in approximately 12,000 fatalities annually.
Threats to Food Security: Extreme temperatures and unstable weather patterns negatively impact agricultural productivity, affecting food quality and availability, and driving up prices.
Access to Essential Services: Over 1.1 billion people face immediate risks due to inadequate access to cooling, impacting health services (like vaccine storage), food preservation, and economic productivity.
Increased Mortality: By 2050, deaths from extreme heat are projected to surge, with the World Health Organization predicting up to 255,000 heat-related fatalities each year.
How Can Societies Effectively Adapt to the Ongoing Changes in Climate?
Promoting Energy-Efficient Cooling: Improve the efficiency of cooling devices to reduce energy demand and mitigate climate impacts. This includes transitioning away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under international agreements like the Kigali amendment.
Nature-Based Solutions: Implement alternatives to mechanical cooling, such as planting shade trees and using smart building designs to naturally regulate temperatures.
Policy and Technological Innovations: Governments should enforce strict compliance with energy efficiency standards for cooling equipment and incentivize the development of sustainable cooling technologies.
What Role Does International Cooperation Play in Addressing Climate Change?
Global Agreements: Initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol emphasize the need for unified international action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development goals.
Shared Resources and Technology Transfer: International efforts, such as those led by Rwanda and the African Group, advocate for access to energy-efficient technologies, particularly for developing nations.
Enhancing Compliance and Monitoring: Countries are urged to strictly adhere to global agreements, such as phasing down HFCs, to achieve climate targets and protect vulnerable populations.
Way Forward:
Accelerate the Transition to Energy-Efficient Cooling: Enhance international efforts to double the average energy efficiency of cooling devices and support the shift to climate-friendly refrigerants.
Integrate Cooling Solutions into Climate and Development Policies: Recognize cooling as a development issue and address its critical role in poverty alleviation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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