Q). Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Q) The public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015)
Mentor’s Comment: In July, a 26-year-old executive from a multinational consulting firm ended her life due to immense work pressures, shedding light on a critical issue affecting millions of working Indians. In September, a 38-year-old software engineer in Chennai also took his life, battling depression caused by work-related stress.
Despite outwardly successful careers, these tragic losses highlight India’s growing mental health crisis, where success is often tied to relentless productivity and material wealth. With over 197 million people suffering from mental health disorders, according to the Lancet Psychiatry Commission, India’s economic growth has increased societal pressures, neglecting mental well-being and fostering disconnection from community and self-awareness. In today’s editorial, we will dive more into the causes and impacts of Mental Health in Indian Society.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day (October 10) focuses on ‘prioritizing mental health in the workplace. India faces a mental health crisis driven by urban stress, financial instability, and intense competition.
Key points related to Mental Health issues as per WHO:
• According to WHO, India has a significant burden of mental health issues with 2443 Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. • India’s age-adjusted suicide rate is 21.1 per 100,000, among the highest globally. • The economic loss due to mental health conditions between 2012-2030 is estimated to be USD 1.03 trillion.
What are the reasons behind the rising stress and anxiety?
Mental Health Epidemic: India is facing a growing mental health crisis, with millions suffering from disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress.
Pressures of Urban Living: Urban life, financial instability, and intense competition contribute significantly to rising stress.
Material Success vs. Well-being: Despite material success, many people feel isolated and disconnected from their communities, leading to a sense of purposelessness.
Consumerism and Social Comparison: In urban areas, consumerism fosters a culture where wealth and luxury goods define status, causing feelings of inadequacy and stress.
Fear of Insignificance: As per Ernest Becker’s theory, much of human behavior is driven by the fear of impermanence. People chase material wealth for social validation, but this pursuit neglects self-awareness and deeper emotional needs.
Mental Health Policy and Legal Frameworks by Govt:
• National Mental Health Policy, 2014: Promotes a rights-based and participatory approach for quality service delivery. • Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Provides a legal framework that aligns with the UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities), focusing on protecting the rights of individuals with mental illness, decriminalizing suicide, and ensuring access to mental health services.
Collective Action, Community as Solutions:
Shifting focus to Collective Well-being: The emphasis needs to move from individual success to collective well-being. Strong social connections, supportive communities, and meaningful work are critical to mental health.
Examples from other Countries: Initiatives like Brazil’s community gardens promote shared responsibilities, fostering a sense of belonging and combating isolation.
Value of Community Living: Community living provides a sustainable alternative to individualistic consumerism by promoting shared responsibility and collective purpose, strengthening social support networks, reducing competition, and offering a sense of purpose.
Way forward:
Strengthen Community-Based Mental Health Programs: Focus on building strong social connections and support systems through community-based initiatives, promoting collective well-being over individual competition, and addressing isolation.
Enhance Accessibility to Affordable Mental Health Services: Expand access to cost-effective, quality mental health care at the primary health care level, ensuring services are available to all, especially in underserved areas.
Approximately two-thirds of workers at Samsung’s flagship factory in Chennai have been on strike for a month, demanding higher wages, an eight-hour workday, improved conditions, and union recognition.
What are the main demands of the striking workers?
Higher Wages: Workers are demanding increased salaries to improve their financial conditions.
Eight-Hour Work Day: The employees seek the implementation of an eight-hour workday to ensure better work-life balance.
Better Working Conditions: Strikers are advocating for improved health and safety standards in the workplace.
Recognition of Labour Union: The workers want formal acknowledgment of their recently formed union, the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU).
What is Samsung’s union policy?
Historically, Samsung has maintained a strict no-union policy for over 80 years, resisting any collective bargaining efforts by employees.
In July 2021, the company began to recognize unions after successful negotiations at Samsung Display and Samsung Electronics, allowing for some degree of collective bargaining.
Samsung now has various unions representing its workforce globally, with significant representation in South Korea.
Why was SIWU unrecognised?
Registration Challenges: SIWU’s registration has been opposed by Samsung management, citing trademark violations due to the use of the name “Samsung” in the union’s title.
Legal Precedents: SIWU argues that trademark issues should not apply, as their activities do not involve commercial undertakings that could infringe on the trademark.
Pending Legal Review: The case regarding SIWU’s registration is pending further court hearings, with the government examining objections raised by the management.
What has been the govt.’s response?
Indifferent Stance: SIWU and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) have accused the Tamil Nadu government of being indifferent and supportive of Samsung management, which the government denies.
Support for Workers’ Rights: The government claims it considers the registration application in light of Samsung’s objections and aims to ensure fair treatment of both workers and management.
CITU’s Position: Union leaders assert that government intervention in favor of management undermines the rights of workers and can deter unionization efforts, despite evidence showing that unions can benefit both employees and companies.
Present Legislation in India:
Notice Period and Conditions for Strikes: Under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, workers must provide a 14-day notice before striking, which cannot exceed a maximum of 60 days.
Strike definition: The definition of a strike now includes “mass casual leave,” where over 50% of employees taking leave can be classified as a strike.
Increased Flexibility for Employers: The code has increased the threshold for layoffs from 100 to 300 workers, allowing companies to lay off employees without government approval.
This change aims to give employers greater flexibility in managing their workforce, which has raised concerns among labor unions about job security and workers’ rights.
Way forward:
Facilitate Dialogue and Mediation: Establish a formal dialogue between the workers, Samsung management, and government representatives to address grievances, negotiate demands, and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
Strengthen Legal Framework for Union Recognition: Amend or clarify existing labor laws to ensure timely and transparent registration processes for unions, protecting their rights and enabling effective collective bargaining.
The ‘Fairwork India Ratings 2024’ highlights that platform aggregators in India fail to ensure local living wages and resist recognizing the collective rights of workers.
Who are the Gig Workers?
Gig workers are individuals who take up short-term, flexible work assignments, typically managed via digital platforms. In the Indian context, gig workers operate in various sectors such as food delivery, ride-hailing, logistics, and personal/domestic care services.
These workers are not considered employees in the traditional sense and often lack the benefits associated with full-time employment, such as job security, healthcare, and social protection.
Examples of platforms using gig workers include Swiggy, Zomato (food delivery) Uber, Ola (transportation), etc.
Key highlights as per the report:
No Platform Scored Perfectly: No digital labor platform scored more than 6 out of 10 points, and none met all criteria across the five principles — Fair Pay, Fair Conditions, Fair Contracts, Fair Management, and Fair Representation.
Fair Pay: Only BigBasket and Urban Company ensured a minimum wage, but no platform met the criteria for guaranteeing a living wage after work-related costs.
Fair Conditions: Several platforms (e.g., Amazon Flex, Swiggy, Zepto) provided safety equipment and training, but only a few offered comprehensive accident insurance and income loss compensation.
Fair Contracts: BigBasket, Swiggy, and others made contracts accessible and comprehensible, and provided data protection for workers.
Fair Management: Platforms like BluSmart and Zomato implemented processes for addressing grievances and preventing discrimination.
Present Status of Gig Economy in India:
Growth of the Gig Economy: India is witnessing rapid growth in the gig economy, with millions of workers depending on digital platforms for their livelihoods.
The rise of app-based platforms such as Uber, Zomato, and Urban Company has driven the expansion of gig work across urban areas.
Government Focus: Recent years have seen increasing political and legislative attention to gig worker welfare. Karnataka and Jharkhand are examples of states that have proposed new legislation to regulate platform work and protect gig workers’ rights.
Worker Conditions: Despite the expansion of gig work, platforms in India still lag in ensuring fair pay, safety, and management of gig workers.
The Fairwork India Ratings 2024 reveal that no platform scored above 6 out of 10, signaling considerable gaps in adhering to key labor standards.
Challenges faced by the Gig Economy
Low Wages and Unstable Earnings: Many platforms fail to ensure a local living wage for workers after accounting for work-related costs. Only a few platforms like Bigbasket and Urban Company guarantee the local minimum wage, but none meet the standard of ensuring a living wage.
Lack of Social Security and Benefits: Most gig workers lack access to benefits such as healthcare, insurance, and paid leave. While a few platforms provide accident insurance, broader social security protections remain elusive.
Poor Working Conditions: Platforms often do not ensure adequate safety training or measures. While some like Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto offer basic safety equipment and training, broader protections, especially in terms of income loss and sick leave, are limited.
Inflexible Contracts: Contracts on platforms are frequently unclear, lengthy, and not always comprehensible for workers, making it difficult for them to fully understand their rights and obligations.
Management Issues and Bias: Workers face arbitrary decisions and discipline without proper recourse. Though some platforms have mechanisms for workers to appeal decisions, few have adopted policies to ensure fairness in work allocation.
Collectivization Challenges: Platforms resist recognizing gig workers’ right to form unions or collective bodies. Despite the growing movement for gig worker collectivization, no platform showed evidence of supporting or acknowledging these efforts.
Way forward:
Strengthen Legal Protections and Social Security: Introduce comprehensive legislation ensuring gig workers receive fair wages, social security benefits like healthcare and insurance, and clear, comprehensible contracts.
Promote Worker Representation and Fair Management: Encourage platforms to recognize collective bodies of gig workers, ensuring their right to unionize. Implement transparent and bias-free management practices, along with grievance redressal mechanisms, to improve working conditions and fairness.
On October 9, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved extending the free fortified rice supply under welfare programs until December 2028.
Why Rice Fortification is needed?
Widespread Micronutrient Deficiency: India faces a significant public health challenge with micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid. Anaemia, caused by iron deficiency, is a persistent issue affecting large segments of the population, including children, women, and men.
Rice as a Staple Food: Given that 65% of India’s population consumes rice as a staple, it is an ideal vehicle to deliver essential micronutrients to combat these deficiencies, helping improve overall health, productivity, and cognitive development.
Process of Rice Fortification:
Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK): The process involves producing fortified rice kernels that are enriched with essential micronutrients such as Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12.
Blending with Regular Rice: These fortified kernels are then blended with regular rice at a ratio prescribed by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).
Typically, fortified kernels make up 1-2% of the total rice, ensuring consistent delivery of micronutrients without altering the taste or cooking properties of the rice.
How the Fortification Initiative has fared so far?
The rice fortification scheme was implemented in three phases between 2022 and March 2024, with the target of achieving universal coverage in all government schemes by March 2024 successfully met.
Fortified rice is now supplied under major welfare programs like the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), and PM POSHAN in all states and Union Territories.
The initiative is fully funded by the central government, highlighting its commitment to tackling malnutrition and ensuring inclusive nutritional security across the country.
How can food fortification help reduce malnutrition in India?
Combats Micronutrient Deficiencies: Fortifying staple foods with essential nutrients like iron and vitamins helps reduce widespread deficiencies that cause anemia and poor health.
Wide Reach: Through existing public programs (PDS, ICDS), fortified food reaches vulnerable populations, ensuring consistent nutrient intake for large segments of society.
Cost-Effective: It offers a scalable, affordable solution to malnutrition, improving health outcomes without significant changes in diets or eating habits.
Way forward:
Strengthen Monitoring and Quality Control: Implement robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the consistent quality of fortified rice and its proper distribution across welfare programs to maximize nutritional benefits.
Raise Awareness and Promote Consumption: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public on the health benefits of fortified rice, ensuring higher acceptance and consistent consumption to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies.
Sociology is a subject that deals with society and aspects related to its structure. It has been one of the best optional subjects in the UPSC mains with decent success rates. Knowing the Sociology optional syllabus is the first for aspirants who opted for this subject in the UPSC Mains.
There are no major changes to the Sociology optional syllabus this year also. Knowing the syllabus is essential to analyse your preparation level and set up a study strategy. Let’s go into the details of the sociology optional syllabus for UPSC and key takeaways for aspirants.
UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus 2025
The sociology optional syllabus for UPSC is divided into two papers. The first paper covers the fundamentals of sociology, while the second paper is particularly about Indian society and its structure. The syllabus of Sociology optional for UPSC is covered in papers VI & VII of UPSC Mains.
UPSC Sociology Optional Paper I
Fundamentals of Sociology
1. Sociology – The Discipline:
Modernity and social changes in Europe and the emergence of Sociology.Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences.Sociology and common sense.
2. Sociology as Science:
Science, scientific method, and critique.Major theoretical strands of research methodology.Positivism and its critique.Fact value and objectivity.Non-positivist methodologies.
3. Research Methods and Analysis:
Qualitative and quantitative methods.Techniques of data collection.Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability, and validity.
4. Sociological Thinkers:
Karl Marx – Historical materialism, mode of production, alienation, class struggle.Emile Durkheim – Division of labour, social fact, suicide, religion, and society.Max Weber – Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, protestant ethics, and the spirit of capitalism.Talcolt Parsons – Social system, pattern variables.Robert K. Merton – Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance, reference groups.Mead – Self and identity.
5. Stratification and Mobility:
Concepts – equality, inequality, hierarchy, exclusion, poverty, and deprivation.Theories of social stratification – Structural functionalist theory, Marxist theory, Weberian theory.Dimensions – Social stratification of class, status groups, gender, ethnicity, and race.Social mobility – open and closed systems, types of mobility, sources, and causes of mobility.
6. Works and Economic Life:
Social organisation of work in different types of society – slave society, feudal society, industrial capitalist society.Formal and informal organisation of work.Labour and society.
7. Politics and Society:
Sociological theories of power.The power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties.Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology.Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution.
8. Religion and Society:
Sociological theories of religion.Types of religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, cults.Religion in modern society: religion and science, secularisation, religious revivalism, fundamentalism.
9. Systems of Kinship:
Family, household, and marriage.Types and forms of family.Lineage and descent.Patriarchy and sexual division of labour.Contemporary trends.
10. Social Change in Modern Society:
Sociological theories of social change.Development and dependency.Agents of social change.Education and social change.Science, technology, and social change.
UPSC Sociology Optional Paper II
INDIAN SOCIETY: STRUCTURE AND CHANGE
A. Introducing Indian Society:
(i) Perspectives on the Study of Indian Society:Indology (G.S. Ghure).Structural functionalism (M. N. Srinivas).Marxist sociology (A. R. Desai). (ii) Impact of colonial rule on Indian society:Social background of Indian nationalism.Modernization of Indian tradition.Protests and movements during the colonial period.Social reforms.
B. Social Structure:
(i) Rural and Agrarian Social Structure:
The idea of Indian village and village studies.Agrarian social structure—the evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.
(ii) Caste System:
Perspectives on the study of caste systems: G. S. Ghurye, M. N. Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille.Features of the caste system.Untouchability- forms and perspectives
(iii) Tribal Communities in India:
Definitional problems.Geographical spread.Colonial policies and tribes.Issues of integration and autonomy.
(iv) Social Classes in India:
Agrarian class structure.Industrial class structure.Middle classes in India.
(v) Systems of Kinship in India:
Lineage and descent in India.Types of kinship systems.Family and marriage in India.Household dimensions of the family.Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour.
(vi) Religion and Society:
Religious communities in India.Problems of religious minorities.
C. Social Changes in India:
(i) Visions of Social Change in India:
Idea of development planning and mixed economy.Constitution, law and social change.Education and social change.
(ii) Rural and Agrarian Transformation in India:
Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme, cooperatives, poverty alleviation schemes.Green revolution and social change.Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture.Problems of rural labour, bondage, and migration.
(iii) Industrialization and Urbanisation in India:
Evolution of modern industry in India. Growth of urban settlements in India. Working class: structure, growth, class mobilisation. Informal sector, child labour. Slums and deprivation in urban areas.
(iv) Politics and Society:
Nation, democracy, and citizenship.Political parties, pressure groups, social and political elite.Regionalism and decentralisation of power.Secularization.
(v) Social Movements in Modern India:
Peasants and farmers’ movements.Women’s movement.Backward classes & Dalit movements.Environmental movements.Ethnicity and Identity movements.
(vi) Population Dynamics:
Population size, growth, composition, and distribution.Components of population growth: birth, death, migration.Population Policy and Family Planning.Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive health.
(vii) Challenges of Social Transformation:
Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems, and sustainability.Poverty, deprivation, and inequalities.Violence against women.Caste conflicts.Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism.Illiteracy and disparities in education.
Analysing the UPSC Sociology Syllabus
Focus on mastering thinkers like Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber early. Their concepts are the backbone of many questions and help in analysing current social issues.
Sociological Thinkers, Social Stratification and Mobility, Politics and Society, and Social Change in Modern Society are the most important topics in Paper I of the sociology optional syllabus.
Paper II covers Indian society in-depth. Get a clear hold of caste, class, and rural and urban dynamics. These topics often overlap with general studies, so preparation is doubly beneficial.
Caste System and Mobility, Indian sociological thinkers (including modern thinkers), Systems of Kinship in India, and Social changes are vital topics in Paper II of the sociology optional syllabus.
Don’t skip the research methods section in the sociology optional syllabus for UPSC. Understanding qualitative and quantitative methods is scoring for both theory and application-based questions. It gives structure to your answers.
Apply what you learn to everyday observations because sociology is everywhere. Look at news, social movements, and cultural changes through a sociological lens to better grasp the subject and improve your answer-writing skills.
Since sociology papers require well-structured answers, practice breaking down theories and concepts into simple, clear points. Answering should focus on clarity and logic rather than complex jargon. Completing the UPSC sociology syllabus also has an impact.
When discussing sociological theories, always use relevant Indian examples from Paper II. Whether you’re discussing social change, caste, or movements, grounding your answers in India’s reality will fetch more marks.
Many concepts in Paper I of the sociology optional syllabus apply to Paper II. For instance, theories of power in Paper I can be linked to Indian political dynamics in Paper II.
Use current social movements, policies, and issues in your answers. Sociology is a dynamic subject. Applying contemporary examples makes your answers stand out.
Back up your answers with current statistics, e.g. related to population growth, urbanisation, or literacy rates.
Sociology Books for UPSC
UPSC Sociology Books Paper I
UPSC Sociology Books Paper II
– IGNOU Sociology Study Material- Haralambos and Holborn’s Sociology: Themes and Perspectives- George Ritzer’s sociological theory.- O. P. Gauba’s An Introduction to Political Theory.- Anthony Giddens’ Sociology Introduction.- Essential Sociology by Nitin Sangwan
– Caste: Its Twentieth-Century Avatar Veena Das’s Indian Sociology Handbook by M N Srinivas- A R Desai’s Social Background of Indian Nationalism. – IGNOU Sociology Study Material- Indian Society: Themes and Social Issues by Nadeem Hasnain- Social Change in Modern India by M N Srinivas.- Yogendra Singh’s modernization of Indian tradition.
Preparation Tips for UPSC Sociology Optional
Go through the sociology optional syllabus thoroughly and analyse it to weigh your strengths and weaknesses related to it.
Collect previous sociology UPSC question papers to know the pattern of questions and rough weightage.
When you’re using books to cover the sociology optional syllabus, use a maximum of two books at any time. Don’t depend on multiple sociology books for UPSC to confuse yourself.
Practise answer-writing to improve writing skills and express clearly.
Keep note of Sociology topics that align with the GS paper of UPSC. It can ease your preparation significantly
If sociology is your educational background, covering the Sociology optional syllabus will not take much time.
Start the preparation at least before a year if that’s not the case.
There are plenty of free online resources available on YouTube and other websites. Do make use of them.
Write as many mock tests as possible to assess your preparation for the sociology optional syllabus for UPSC.
Conclusion
In addition to mastering the Sociology optional syllabus for UPSC, aspirants should actively engage with current social trends and debates. Regularly reading sociological journals or publications can internalise understanding. Moreover, joining study groups or discussions helps in gaining diverse perspectives, and improving both analytical skills and answer-writing for the exam.
FAQs
Should I choose Sociology as optional in UPSC?
It totally depends on your educational background, preparation level, personal interests, speed of learning, time for preparation etc. UPSC allows you to choose the subject of your choice for an optional paper. Go through the syllabus of sociology optional for UPSC and refer to the previous year’s sociology UPSC question papers. Ultimately, you must select the one that maximises your overall score in the Civils.
Is the Sociology optional syllabus difficult?
Sociology is easier compared to other optional subjects in UPSC. However, it is even easier for those with Sociology in their education. If you’re a beginner, start the preparation early to get hold of the fundamentals.
What is Sociology in the UPSC exam?
Sociology in UPSC is an optional subject in the Civil Services Examination. It covers the study of society, its structures, institutions, and issues. The subject is about understanding social dynamics and challenges. The syllabus of sociology optional for UPSC contains fundamentals of the subject and deals with Indian society at large.
Is Sociology related to social subjects at the school level?
Yes, Sociology is related to social subjects at the school level. Social Science introduces concepts of society, culture, and institutions. These form the foundation for deeper study in Sociology.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that India has successfully eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem.
This makes India the third country in the Southeast Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
WHO has classified Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease (NTD).
WHO estimates that around 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma, and 6 million of them are either blind or at risk of severe visual problems.
Trachoma is commonly found in underprivileged communities living in poor conditions.
What is Trachoma?
Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes.
It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis.
It is contagious, spreading through contact with the eyes, eyelids, or secretions from the nose or throat of an infected person.
If untreated, Trachoma can lead to irreversible blindness.
Trachoma in India: A Historical Perspective
In the 1950s and 1960s, Trachoma was one of the leading causes of blindness in India.
To tackle this, India launched the National Trachoma Control Program in 1963.
Later, these efforts were integrated into India’s National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).
In 1971, the rate of blindness due to trachoma was 5% in the country.
Due to various interventions under the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), the rate has now dropped to less than 1%.
What are the key measures taken to eliminate Trachoma?
India implemented the WHO SAFE strategy across the country. This strategy includes:
Surgery
Antibiotics
Facial hygiene
Environmental cleanliness
Although by 2017, India was declared free from infective Trachoma, it continued surveillance of Trachoma cases from 2019 to 2024.
PYQ:
[2018] Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.
Rwanda has reported a Marburg virus outbreak with several confirmed cases and deaths, making it a country of concern for public health.
About the Marburg Virus
The Marburg virus is a highly dangerous virus that causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), also known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever.
It belongs to the same family of viruses as Ebola (the filovirus family).
MVD has a case fatality rate that can range from 24% to 88%, depending on the virus strain and how cases are managed.
The virus was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany.
How does it spread?
The Marburg virus initially spreads from animals to humans, primarily through exposure to Rousettus bats, particularly the Egyptian fruit bat, found in caves or mines.
Once a person is infected, it can spread from human to human through:
Direct contact with the blood, and bodily fluids (urine, saliva, sweat, vomit, feces, breast milk, and semen) of an infected person.
Indirect contact with surfaces or objects like bedding or clothing that have been contaminated with these fluids.
Medical workers are often at risk, especially during outbreaks, due to contact with patients when proper infection control practices are not followed.
The virus does NOT spread through the air like the common cold or flu.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms typically begin between 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus.
Early symptoms are: High fever, severe headache, Muscle aches, Chills, Severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting.
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, including: Bleeding (both internal and external) ex—blood in vomit and faeces.
Patients often die 8 to 9 days after the onset of symptoms, primarily from severe blood loss and multiple organ failure.
Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for MVD. However, supportive care can improve the chances of survival.
Supportive treatment includes:
Rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
Treatment of specific symptoms like fever, pain, and diarrhoea.
Blood transfusions and oxygen therapy may be required for severe cases.
PYQ:
[2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?
Q). Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021) Q) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: After the U.K. committed to phasing out coal by 2025, it had already reduced coal usage to just 20% of its energy needs. The country focused on a comprehensive transition that supported the workforce and the communities reliant on coal.
In contrast, India has set a longer timeline of 45 years (until 2070) to reach net zero emissions and has made significant strides in increasing renewable energy capacity. However, coal usage has also risen, necessitating the establishment of clear timelines for shutting down coal plants and implementing regional redevelopment programs.
This is crucial as many coal-dependent areas in India are among the poorest. In today’s editorial, we need to ensure an inclusive and fair transition. India needs a well-planned, transparent approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by these communities.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power plant marks a significant milestone in the global transition to clean energy, reflecting a broader paradigm shift away from coal reliance.
However, this transition has faced challenges and requires tailored strategies for developing nations, as the UK’s experience illustrates a complex history influenced by environmental legislation and geopolitical factors over several decades.
Key Highlights of India’s Performance at Glasgow COP26 Summit:
•Net Zero Commitment: India announced its first-ever net zero emissions target for 2070, which was seen as a significant but late commitment compared to other countries aiming for 205013. •Five Key Targets: Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined five commitments (Panchamrit) for India, including: 1. Achieving 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030. 2. Meeting 50% of energy needs from renewable sources by 2030. 3. Reducing total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030. 4. Reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030. •Focus on Developed Nations: India’s stance emphasized the responsibility of developed countries to provide climate finance and technology transfer, reflecting a call for equity and climate justice in global efforts45. •Criticism: While some activists criticized the 2070 target as insufficiently ambitious, it was viewed positively within India, highlighting the country’s recognition of its role in global climate action amidst its developmental needs13.
Present Dilemma: India and the U.K. are on different paths toward achieving net zero emissions, with India advocating for “phasing down” coal rather than an outright phase-out, as seen at the 2021 Glasgow COP where it pledged to reach net zero by 2070 and meet half its energy needs from renewables by 2050.
Present Status of Cumulative Emissions:
An analysis by Carbon Brief indicated that the U.K. has emitted 10.4 billion tonnes historically, ranking it fourth globally due to its colonial carbon footprint.
India’s per capita emissions were 2 tonnes in 2023, which is less than half the global average (4.6 tonnes) and about a third of the U.K.’s per capita emissions (5.5 tonnes) despite having a population over 20 times larger.
India relies heavily on coal for energy, with about 70% of its energy output coming from coal-fired plants, and it has more than 350 operational mines.
The coal sector employs around 340,000 miners directly, with additional jobs in thermal power plants, highlighting the economic implications of transitioning away from coal.
India’s coal production and consumption are expected to peak between 2030 and 2035, while the country aims to increase its renewable energy capacity significantly.
Despite rising coal use, India is also rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity, aiming for a balanced approach to meet growing energy demands while addressing climate goals.
India’s Coal Story:
In 1774: India’s first coal mine, the Raniganj coalfield was by the British East India Company, leading to extensive coal extraction across eastern and central states.
In 1920: The Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station, India’s first coal-fired power plant (1920), began operations, followed by the Trombay power station in 1956, which solidified thermal power as a primary energy source.
In 2022: Britain’s per capita energy consumption was nearly three times that of India, highlighting disparities in energy usage.
At Present, approximately 70% of India’s energy output comes from coal, with around 218 GW of installed capacity and over 350 operational mines, alongside plans for 120 new mines.
What lessons can India learn from the UK’s coal phase-out?
Just Transition Planning: The U.K.’s transition involved comprehensive plans to support displaced workers, highlighting the need for India to develop similar strategies to mitigate socio-economic impacts, especially for informal workers who make up a significant portion of the coal workforce.
Regional Economic Diversification: The U.K. implemented regional redevelopment plans to support areas reliant on coal.
India must also create economic diversification strategies for coal-dependent regions, ensuring new industries can thrive in these communities.
India can leverage existing welfare programs to provide targeted support for communities affected by coal phase-out, ensuring a safety net during the transition period.
Clear Transition Timelines: The U.K. set clear timelines for phasing out coal, which facilitated planning and adaptation in the power sector. India should establish transparent timelines for decommissioning coal plants and transitioning to renewables.
Investment in Renewable Energy: The U.K. successfully increased its renewable energy capacity during its coal phase-out.
India must continue to invest in and expand its renewable energy infrastructure to reduce dependence on coal while meeting energy demands.
India should focus on tailored training programs that align with local job market needs and community involvement.
Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in planning and decision-making processes is crucial. This ensures that the transition addresses specific local needs and concerns, fostering broader support for change.
Way Forward:
Sectoral Diversification: Identify and promote alternative sectors such as agriculture, tourism, pisciculture, food processing, and non-timber forest products to reduce reliance on coal. For example, repurposing abandoned mines for fish farming has shown potential in regions like Jharkhand.
Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure improvements, including transportation and healthcare, to support new economic activities and enhance overall community resilience.
Attract Investment: Create a business case for post-coal economic activities that can attract private investment. This includes developing a clear plan for transitioning to alternative industries that can generate revenue and employment.
Decentralized Planning: Establish district-level transition committees to create tailored short-, medium–, and long-term plans for economic diversification, ensuring that local contexts are considered.
