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  • How Röntgen accidentally discovered x-rays & changed the world

    Why in the News?

    On the evening of November 8, 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was conducting experiments in his laboratory at the University of Würzburg in Germany when he made an unusual discovery.

     

    Did you know the Röntgen’s discovery story of X-rays?

    • While experimenting with cathode rays in a glass vacuum tube, Röntgen noticed a fluorescent screen glowing at a distance, despite being too far to be affected by the rays he was studying.
    • Intrigued by this unexpected glow, he wondered if this mysterious ray could penetrate organic materials, so he experimented by photographing his wife’s hand, capturing her bones and ring. This was the world’s first recorded X-ray image of the human body.
    • Röntgen documented his findings in an article titled “On a new kind of rays,” in 1895 which was published by introducing “X-rays” to the scientific community.

    How did Röntgen’s discovery transform Medical practices and Diagnostics?

    • Revolution in Diagnostic Medicine: Physicians rapidly adopted X-rays, which allowed them to view the human body without surgery. This was transformative for diagnostics, especially in orthopedics and internal medicine.
    • Surgical Advancements: By February 1896, British physician Major John Hall-Edwards had successfully used X-rays to guide the surgery. Within months, armies began using X-ray technology to locate bullet wounds and diagnose fractures, marking the beginning of its use in trauma care.

    What are the long-term implications of Röntgen’s discovery on Public health and Safety?

    • Development of Radiology: this discovery led to the birth of radiology, with subsequent advancements leading to CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging technologies that are essential in modern medicine.
    • Radiation Safety and Awareness: Initially, x-rays were used liberally, even for non-medical purposes (such as in shoe stores to fit footwear), with little awareness of potential harm. It wasn’t until early reports of radiation burns and later research in the early 20th century that the health risks of radiation exposure were acknowledged, prompting the development of safety protocols.
    • Ongoing Safety Protocols: Today, radiation safety is central to radiology practices. Equipment advancements and regulatory standards have minimized exposure risks, making x-rays safe for patients and medical personnel while ensuring their continued benefits.
    • Public Health and Preventive Care: The ability to detect diseases, fractures, and other internal injuries without invasive procedures has been crucial for preventive care, enabling early detection and treatment. This has significantly impacted patient survival rates and quality of care, solidifying diagnostic imaging as a pillar of modern public health.

    Issues related to X-ray machines in Rural areas:

    • Limited X-ray Equipment: Rural Community Health Centres (CHCs) in India often need more X-ray machines, with only 68% of available units functioning, primarily due to high operational costs and shortages of technicians.
    • Maintenance and Operational Delays: Even when X-ray machines are present, many remain non-functional due to installation delays and insufficient maintenance, as imaging services are not prioritized in CHC guidelines.
    • Access and Specialist Shortages: Rural patients face long travel distances to access imaging services, further limited by a concentration of radiologists in urban areas, reducing timely access to diagnostic interpretation.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Infrastructure and Access: Increase the availability and functionality of X-ray machines in rural areas by improving equipment maintenance, investing in portable and mobile X-ray units to bring diagnostic services directly to underserved populations.
      • For example, Teleradiology enables remote interpretation of images, improving access to diagnostic services.
    • Telemedicine and Remote Diagnostics: Expand telemedicine platforms like ‘XraySetu’, enabling healthcare workers in rural areas to share X-ray images for remote analysis by radiologists, improving diagnostic capabilities without requiring patients to travel long distances.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • SC overrules 1967 verdict on AMU’s minority tag

    Why in the News?

    In a 4:3 majority decision, the Supreme Court overturned its 1967 Azeez Basha ruling, which had denied Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) minority status, directing that AMU’s status be reassessed according to the principles outlined in the current judgment.

    Constitutional Provisions and Historical Background of the case:

    • The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was founded in 1875 and incorporated by imperial law in 1920.
    • Article 30 of the Constitution empowers religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions – AMU had enjoyed minority status.
    • A 1951 amendment to that imperial law, the AMU Act, did away with compulsory religious instructions for Muslim students.
    • In India, compulsory religious instruction is prohibited in state-funded educational institutions under Article 28.
    • In S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of India (1967), the SC ruled that AMU could not be considered a minority institution, as it was established by a central act, categorizing it as a central university.
      • This ruling denied AMU the rights of minority institutions under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution.
    • In 1981, an amendment to the AMU Act attempted to restore AMU’s minority character, aiming to secure rights for it as a minority-administered institution.
    • The Allahabad High Court (2006) struck down the 1981 amendment, reinforcing the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling and reasserting that AMU did not qualify as a minority institution.

     

    What criteria will be used to assess AMU’s minority status?

    • The SC emphasized that an educational institution must be established by a minority community to qualify for minority status under Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution.
      • This involves examining who initiated the idea of the institution and whether it was primarily intended to benefit that community.
    • Holistic Two-Fold Test: The Court introduced a two-fold test:
      • First Limb: Identify the “brain behind” the establishment, which includes reviewing correspondence and documentation that reflect the intentions of the founders.
      • Second Limb: Assess whether the administrative structure of the institution affirms its minority character and serves to protect and promote the interests of the minority community.
    • Broad Interpretation of “Established”: The ruling clarified that “established” should be interpreted broadly, meaning that an institution can still be considered a minority institution even if it is governed by a statutory body or has undergone changes in its legal status over time.

    How does this ruling affect the legal precedent set by the 1967 Azeez Basha case?

    • The overruling of Azeez Basha: The SC’s decision effectively overruled its previous 1967 ruling, which had declared AMU as not being a minority institution because it was established through a government statute rather than directly by a minority community.
    • New Framework for Minority Status: This ruling marks a shift towards a more inclusive interpretation of what constitutes a minority institution, allowing for a reassessment of AMU’s status based on historical context and community intent rather than solely on formal legal definitions.
    • Legal Autonomy Reaffirmed: The judgment underscores that legislative recognition does not negate an institution’s minority character, challenging previous interpretations that linked statutory establishment with loss of minority status.

    What are the implications of this ruling for Educational rights and Reservations?

    • Potential for Reservations: If AMU is recognized as a minority institution, it could reserve seats specifically for Muslim students in various programs without needing to adhere to general reservation policies applicable to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) under Article 15(5) of the Constitution.
    • Autonomy in Administration: The ruling provides AMU greater autonomy in managing its affairs, including admissions and staff appointments, thereby allowing it to align its policies with the interests of the Muslim community it serves.
    • Broader Educational Rights: This decision reinforces the constitutional rights granted to minorities under Article 30(1), ensuring that they can establish and administer educational institutions without undue interference from state laws, thereby promoting educational diversity in India.

    Way forward: 

    • Define Minority Status Framework: Parliament could establish a clear legislative framework based on the Supreme Court’s criteria, ensuring consistent and streamlined recognition of minority institutions across India.
    • Balance Autonomy and Accountability: Policies should support minority institutions’ autonomy while maintaining accountability to uphold educational standards, ensuring both community-focused goals and inclusive, high-quality education.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • In news: Bidar Fort

    Bidar Fort

    Why in the News?

    • The Karnataka Waqf Board has identified 17 monuments within the historic Bidar Fort as its own property.
      • These include the 16-Khamba Mosque (Sixteen Pillar Mosque) and 14 tombs of Bahmani rulers and their family members, including Ahmed Shah-IV, Allauddin, Hassan Khan, and others.

    About Bidar Fort:

    • It is situated in Bidar City on the northern plateau of Karnataka, India.
    • The fort’s history dates back over 500 years, beginning with the Western Chalukya dynasty.
    • Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali of the Bahmani dynasty made Bidar his capital in 1430 and renovated it into a strong citadel.
    • Architectural Features:
      • Constructed from trap rock with stone and mortar used for walls.
      • Notable for its Islamic and Persian architectural elements, including:
        • Seven main entrances
        • 37 octagonal bastions equipped with metal-shielded cannons
        • Mosques, mahals, and over 30 Islamic monuments
      • The entrance gate features a lofty dome painted in bright colors.

    About the Bahmani Kingdom

    • The Bahmani Kingdom was established in 1347 when Ala-ud-din Hassan Bahman Shan revolted against Muhammad Bin Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate.
    • This marked the creation of the first independent Islamic kingdom in South India.
    • The kingdom covered areas in present-day Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Initially, the capital was set in Ahsanabad (Gulbarga) but was later moved to Bidar.
    • The Bahmani Kingdom had 14 sultans in total, with prominent rulers like Alauddin Bahman Shah, Muhammad Shah I, and Firoz Shah.
    • One of the kingdom’s notable statesmen, Mahmud Gawan, served as the Prime Minister for 23 years, from 1458 to 1481.
      • Under his guidance, the kingdom expanded its territories, including reclaiming Goa from the Vijayanagar Empire.
    • The Bahmani Kingdom began to decline around 1518 when Krishnadeva Raya of the Vijayanagar Empire defeated its last ruler, leading to the dissolution of the Bahmani rule in the region.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?​

    1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.​

    2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanangara Empire.​

    3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only​

    (b) 2 only​

    (c) 2 and 3 only​

    (d) 3 only ​

  • Places in News: Loaita Island

    Why in the News?

    Philippine forces conducted combat exercises in the South China Sea to practice retaking the Loaita Island in the disputed waters.

    Loaita Island

    About Loaita Island:

    • Loaita Island, also known as Kota Island, has an area of 6.45 hectares and is the 10th largest of the naturally-occurring Spratly Islands.
    • The island is administered by the Philippines as part of Kalayaan, Palawan, and is also claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
    • Loaita Island fringes the Loaita Bank, which includes shoals and reefs, and its western side features calcarenite outcrops visible at low tide.
    • The island is covered with mangrove bushes, coconut palms, and other small trees.
    • On May 22, 1963, a sovereignty stele was rebuilt on Loaita Island by South Vietnam, marking its claim.
    • The Philippines has stationed soldiers on the island since 1968, and the island contains minimal structures serving as shelters for the soldiers.
    China also reasserted its claim over Flashpoint Reef (the Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea following Philippines’ establishment of defined sea boundaries.

    About the Flashpoint Reef 

    • Flashpoint Reef generally refers to Scarborough Shoal (part of the
      Spratly Islands), a contested reef in the South China Sea.
    • Known as Huangyan Dao in China, this reef has become a focal point of territorial disputes between China and the Philippines.
    • Flashpoint Reef lies close to the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); which asserts control over the entire South China Sea under its nine-dash line claim.
    • China took control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines, despite an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that invalidated China’s claims.

    Do you know?

    • Fiery Cross Reef is a rock located in the Spratly Islands. China first took possession of the feature in 1988.
    • Mischief Reef is a Low-Tide Elevation (LTE) within the Philippines’ EEZ. It is part of the submerged continental shelf of the adjacent coastal state, which is the Philippines.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following pairs:

    Regions sometimes Country mentioned in news

    1. Catalonia — Spain
    2. Crimea — Hungary
    3. Mindanao — Philippines
    4. Oromia — Nigeria

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 2 and 4 only

  • [pib] MAHASAGAR Initiative

    Why in the News?

    • The Indian Navy conducted the 3rd edition of MAHASAGAR Initiative, a high-level virtual interaction led by the Chief of Naval Staff.
      • Theme: “Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR,” emphasizing the importance of training cooperation to address shared maritime challenges.

    About MAHASAGAR Initiative:

    Details
    About
    • MAHASAGAR stands for “Maritime Heads for Active (MAHA) Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)”
      • SAGAR Doctrine was culminated out of PM’s vision in 2015.
    • Launched by Indian Navy in 2023 as part of India’s commitment to maritime security and regional cooperation.
    • Held bi-annually.
    Aims
    • Training Cooperation: Collaborative training efforts among IOR nations.
    • Capacity Building: Developing skilled manpower to address maritime security challenges.
    Members
    • Countries bordering the Indian Ocean, include Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
    • Chief of Naval Staff of India leads the interactions.
    • Heads of Navies, Maritime Agencies, and Senior Leadership from each participating country.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

    1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

    2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • [pib] Commercial Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Law and Justice is inviting comments on the draft Commercial Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

    The GoI has enacted and amended the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 to ensure that commercial cases are resolved quickly, effectively, and affordably.

    • Amendment History:
      • The original Commercial Courts Act was enacted in 2015.
      • Further amendments were made in 2018 to enhance the dispute resolution system.

    Key features and provisions of the Commercial Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024:

    Details
    Purpose To enhance the speed and efficiency of resolving commercial disputes through specialized courts and procedures.
    Dedicated Commercial Courts Creation of Commercial Courts at the District level and High Court level to exclusively handle commercial disputes.
    Arbitration Matters Provisions to establish specific courts for handling arbitration-related disputes.
    Electronic Communication Includes provisions for the use of audio-video electronic means (video conferencing) for court proceedings, recording of evidence, and communications.
    Pre-Institution Mediation Mandatory mediation before filing a commercial suit, unless urgent relief is required, aimed at reducing litigation burden.
    Time-bound Decisions Judgment must be pronounced within 60 days of the conclusion of arguments. The judgment must be delivered to the parties via email or other electronic means.
    Injunction Applications Courts must dispose of injunction applications within 90 days of filing, with reasons provided for any delay.
    Infrastructure Provisions for setting up infrastructure like video conferencing facilities and other necessary resources for the functioning of Commercial Courts.
    Appeals Process New provisions for expediting appeals, requiring prior notice to the opposing party before filing.
    Witness Management Provisions to streamline the witness list format, requiring comprehensive details, including addresses and documents, and facilitating electronic submission.
    Execution Proceedings Execution proceedings must be disposed of within six months from the date of filing the application.

  • [8th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: India, Pakistan and modifying the Indus Waters Treaty 

    PYQ Relevance:Q)

    Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (UPSC CSE 2016)

    Q) With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which join the Indus direct. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus direct? ​(UPSC CSE 2021)

    a) Chenab
    ​b) Jhelum
    ​c) Ravi ​
    d) Sutlej

    Mentor’s Comment: The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960 after extensive negotiations facilitated by the World Bank. It has successfully governed water sharing between India and Pakistan for over six decades, surviving numerous conflicts between the two nations.

    The IWT has survived multiple conflicts between India and Pakistan, including three wars and ongoing military tensions. Pakistan has consistently raised objections to hydropower projects initiated by India, particularly the Kishanganga and Ratle river developments, claiming they violate the treaty’s provisions.

    However, recent tensions have prompted India to reconsider its obligations under this long-standing agreement. Today’s editorial discusses several critical aspects related to India’s recent formal notice to Pakistan regarding the treaty.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Indian Government has issued a formal notice to Pakistan requesting modifications to the Indus Water Treaty, citing “fundamental and unforeseen changes“.

    Overview of the IWT and Recent Developments:

    The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, governs the allocation and management of water resources from the Indus River system.
    This treaty allows India unrestricted use of the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) while allocating the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) primarily to Pakistan.
    However, recent tensions have prompted India to formally request modifications to the treaty, raising significant geopolitical implications.

    What prompted India to seek modifications to the Indus Waters Treaty?

    • Demographic Changes: Increasing population pressures necessitate greater water resource management.
    • Environmental Issues: The need for sustainable practices and clean energy development to meet emission targets.
    • Security Concerns: The impact of persistent cross-border terrorism on water management and treaty implementation.
    • Disputes over Hydropower Projects: Tensions have arisen over India’s hydroelectric projects on rivers like Kishanganga and Ratle, which Pakistan claims violate the treaty. India believes these projects comply with the agreement.
    • Perceived Imbalance: India feels the treaty disproportionately favors Pakistan, which receives about 80% of the Indus river system’s water, while India manages only 20%. This perceived imbalance has led to calls for a fairer distribution of resources.

    How does the proposed modification process work under the treaty?

    India has issued a formal notice to Pakistan that requires a reassessment of the treaty’s obligations as follows:

    • According to Article XII (3), any modifications to the treaty must be made through a duly ratified treaty concluded between the two governments.
    • Once a formal notice is issued, Pakistan has a specified period (typically three months) to respond to the request for renegotiation. The outcome of this response will determine the next steps in the modification process.
    • If Pakistan agrees to negotiate, both countries will enter discussions aimed at revising the treaty. This process is expected to address various concerns raised by India, including demographic changes, environmental issues, and security threats.
    • If Pakistan does not accept India’s proposal for modification, India retains the option to call for the termination of the treaty, although this would likely escalate tensions further.
    The IWT also includes a graded Dispute Resolution Mechanism, which operates at three levels:

    Level 1: Initial discussions occur at the level of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), where both parties can clarify any questions regarding planned projects.
    Level 2: If differences remain unresolved, they escalate to involve a Neutral Expert, who provides technical advice.
    Level 3: Finally, if disputes persist, they can be taken to a Court of Arbitration for binding resolution.

    What implications could this modification have for India-Pakistan relations?

    • Diplomatic Strain and Increased Tensions: Pakistan may view India’s request as a threat to its water rights, leading to escalated tensions and potential conflicts over water resources.
      • The process of negotiating modifications could be challenging due to historical mistrust, making it hard for both countries to reach a consensus.
    • Water Scarcity Concerns: Modifying the treaty could either improve or worsen water security for both nations. Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus system, may feel particularly vulnerable, increasing the risk of conflict.
    • Geopolitical Ramifications: Changes to the treaty might destabilize the region, potentially leading to increased militarization or conflict, especially given both countries’ nuclear capabilities.
    • International Involvement: The World Bank and other international bodies may need to intervene if negotiations fail, complicating the situation and potentially drawing in other regional powers.

    Way Forward: India’s request for modifications to the Indus Waters Treaty signals a significant shift in its approach to water resource management with Pakistan. As both countries face mounting pressures from changing demographics, environmental challenges, and security concerns, the future of this treaty may hinge on their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and negotiate terms that reflect current realities.

    https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/what-is-indus-waters-treaty-between-india-pakistan/article65075002.ece

  • Best IAS Coaching in Pune

    Best IAS Coaching in Pune

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  • Development to Leadership: Paving the Way from Women Development to Women-led Development

    Development to Leadership: Paving the Way from Women Development to Women-led Development

    Why this ?

    The landmark passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill) in 2023 saw the Vice President reshaping the Rajya Sabha panel, marking a significant shift in the perception of women’s roles. Questions on women empowerment are the most common questions that appear repeatedly. But since this topic is so common, the questions would demand a certain level of expertise on the topic. We have captured this essence by talking about the topic from empowerment to true women-led development, we’ve also covered the expanding influence of women as decision-makers, highlighting their growing impact across fields like the judiciary, politics, management, and more.

    GS 1
    Indian Society: Role of Women and Social Empowerment
    Note4Students: Analyze how women’s leadership and increased representation reshape Indian society, promoting social progress and governance reforms.

    Microtheme: Women and Associated concerns

    GS 2
    Governance, Polity, Social Justice: Women in Legislatures and Welfare Schemes
    Note4Students: Understand the impact of women’s reservation in parliament and women-led welfare schemes on gender equality and governance.

    Microtheme: Women

    GS 3
    Economic Development, Technology, Environment: Inclusive Growth and Employment
    Note4Students: Examine the role of women in fostering inclusive growth and the challenges they face in gaining leadership roles in employment sectors.

    Microtheme: Inclusive Growth

    GS 4
    Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude: Gender and Ethical Governance
    Note4Students: Explore how gender representation influences ethical decision-making in public administration and promotes gender-sensitive policies.

    Microtheme: Foundational values

    What specific measures have been recently taken to promote women’s participation in Rajya Sabha?

    • Reconstitution of the Vice-Chairpersons Panel: The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha reconstituted the panel to include only women during the historic passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill), 2023.
    • Increased Representation in the Vice-Chairpersons Panel: The practice of nominating four women members (50% of the panel) was introduced, including significant figures like S. Phangnon Konyak and P.T. Usha.
    • Training of Women Officers for House Duties: Women officers of the Secretariat were trained to perform House duties, breaking the stereotype that these tasks were a male domain. Women now largely manage the Table of the House.
    • Introduction of ‘Vahan’ Application: A system to facilitate safe commutation for women officers working late hours was introduced, ensuring their safety during odd hours.
    • Appointment of Women in Key Roles: Women officers were appointed to key positions in human resources, legislative sections, and parliamentary committees.

    What are the key outcomes from Nari Shakti Adhiniyam (2023)?

    • 33% Reservation for Women in Legislatures: The Bill reserves 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, aiming to increase women’s participation in governance.
    • Long-term Impact on Women’s Representation: The Bill ensures that women are better represented in the political process, potentially reshaping the political landscape by empowering women as decision-makers.
    • Women as Key Participants in Development: By providing more opportunities for women in legislatures, it aligns with the goal of women-led development, where women set the agenda for governance and development policies.

    Moving from Women Development to Women-led Development

    ParameterWomen DevelopmentWomen-Led Development
    DefinitionFocuses on improving the social, economic, and political conditions of women, ensuring their empowerment and inclusion in development.Women take an active leadership role in driving economic, social, and political development, shaping policies and initiatives.
    ApproachPrimarily top-down, where external entities (governments, NGOs) design and implement policies for women’s benefit.Bottom-up approach, where women are key decision-makers, leading change and actively contributing to the development process.
    Role of WomenWomen are often recipients of development programs aimed at improving their status and welfare.Women are leaders and drivers of development, playing a central role in policy formulation, execution, and governance.
    ObjectiveAchieve gender parity by reducing gaps in education, health, employment, and political representation.Foster a more inclusive development model where women shape societal progress, ensuring their perspectives and needs are central.
    ExamplesPrograms aimed at improving maternal health, increasing female literacy, and reducing gender violence.Women-led grassroots movements, women entrepreneurs driving economic change, and female politicians spearheading reform.

    Women as Decision Makers

    Women’s participation in decision-making is essential for a country’s development and social progress. When women are involved in decision-making, it leads to positive societal changes, including improved laws, policies, and social norms. Ensuring that women have an equal voice alongside men in decisions that impact their lives, families, and communities is crucial for advancing gender equality and improving quality of life. Society must actively promote women’s equal representation and power in all areas of decision-making to build inclusive and diverse institutions.

    Women’s Political Participation in India

    1. National Politics
      • Central Council of Ministers: Women’s representation peaked at 17.8% in 2015, currently at 14.5%.
      • Election Success: Women have a higher success rate than men in elections, yet participation remains low.
      • 17th Lok Sabha: Highest women MPs in Odisha (33%), lowest in Kerala (5%).
    2. Local Governance
      • 73rd and 74th Amendments (1990s): Mandated 33% reservation for women in local bodies.
      • State-Level Initiatives: 20 states now have 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
      • Impact: Over 1 million women elected at local levels, improving grassroots political involvement.
    3. Women’s Voter Turnout
      • Improved Participation: Women’s turnout in 2019 was 67.2%, surpassing men in states like Bihar and Goa.
      • Reason for Growth: Increased literacy has led to higher political awareness among women.

    Women in Judicial Decision-Making

    1. Current Representation in India
      • Supreme Court (2022): Out of 29 judges, only 3 are women.
      • High Courts: Only 13% of judges are women.
      • Global Issue: Low representation of women in the judiciary is not unique to India; it is a global challenge.

    Women’s Representation in Management in India

    1. Data Overview
      1. Periodic Labour Force Survey (2020-2021):
        • Women in managerial positions:
          • 2020: 18.8%
          • 2021: 18.1%
      2. Highest Representation (2021):
        • Mizoram: 41.5%
        • Sikkim: 32.5%
        • Manipur: 31.1%
        • Meghalaya: 30.9%
        • Andhra Pradesh: 30.3%
      3. Lowest Representation (2021):
        • Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu: 1.8%
        • Uttarakhand: 3.4%
        • Jammu & Kashmir: 4.6%
        • Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 7.2%
        • Bihar: 7.3%
    2. Women in Legislative and Senior Roles: As of 2022, 22.2% of those in positions like Legislators, Senior Officials, and Managers were women.
    3. State Comparisons:
      • Better Performing States: Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Andhra Pradesh show higher representation of women in management roles.
      • Lagging States: Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Uttarakhand, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Punjab, and Nagaland have much lower representation of women in management.

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  • Are CSR contributions to agriculture properly tracked?

    Why in the News?

    Ten years ago, India became the first country to legally mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 establishes the rules governing CSR. 

    • According to the National CSR Portal, ₹1.84 lakh crore in CSR funds was disbursed between 2014 and 2023.

    About CSR: 

    Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business practice where companies contribute to social, economic, and environmental betterment, addressing societal needs alongside their profit-making objectives.

    • In India, the minimum percentage of a company’s net profit that must be spent on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is 2%.

    Sectoral division of CSR: 

    • Education: Receives the highest CSR share (33%-40%) for building schools, scholarships, infrastructure, and vocational training.
    • Health Care: Allocates 20%-30% of CSR funds to hospitals, health camps, sanitation, and disease prevention.
    • Environmental Sustainability: Accounts for 5%-10% of CSR funds, with projects in biodiversity conservation, waste management, and renewable energy.

    CSR’s Role in Agriculture

    • Claims 10%-15% of CSR funds, targeting infrastructure, agricultural practices, and livelihood support.
    • Since the enactment of the Companies Act in 2013, which mandates CSR spending, a total of Rs 1.84 lakh crore has been disbursed in CSR funds from 2014 to 2023. 
      • These funds have increasingly targeted sustainability initiatives within agriculture, with 23% of surveyed companies prioritizing “environment and sustainability” in their CSR activities.
    • Over 90.8% of farmers involved in CSR programs reported improvements in income or risk reduction due to these initiatives.  

    How much of an impact does Agriculture have on India’s GDP? 

    • Agriculture contributes approximately 15% to 18.2% of India’s GDP, reflecting a decline from 35% in 1990-91 due to rapid growth in the industrial and service sectors. The average annual growth rate of the agricultural sector has been around 4% over the last five years. (acc to pib data)
    • Agriculture remains crucial for employment, providing livelihoods for about 42% of the population, which is significantly higher than the global average of 25%.

    What are the key requirements to improve agricultural sustainability?

    • Investment in Infrastructure: There is a pressing need for capital investment in infrastructure development, including irrigation systems, cold storage, and transportation networks to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
    • Technological Advancements: Adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies is essential. This includes better seed varieties, efficient irrigation methods, and sustainable farming techniques to enhance productivity.
    • Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: Projects focusing on water conservation, energy-efficient irrigation, and agroforestry are critical for maintaining ecological balance while improving agricultural output.

    What hinders CSR’s potential for agriculture?

    • Lack of Clear Reporting Mechanisms: One of the main obstacles is the absence of robust frameworks to track and categorize CSR funding specifically directed towards agricultural initiatives. Current reporting practices do not emphasize agriculture-related CSR activities adequately.
    • Diverse Allocation Categories: CSR activities can fall under multiple categories (e.g., gender equality, and environmental sustainability), making it difficult to isolate funds specifically aimed at agricultural sustainability. This lack of specificity hampers effective monitoring and impact assessment.
    • Need for Distinct Sector Identification: To maximize CSR contributions to agriculture, it is crucial to identify agriculture as a distinct sector within CSR activities. This would streamline funding processes and enhance transparency and accountability in how funds are utilized for agricultural development.

    Way forward: 

    • Establish Agriculture as a Separate CSR Category: Need to create a distinct sector for agriculture in CSR reporting to streamline funding, improve transparency, and enable targeted monitoring of agriculture-focused initiatives.
    • Implement Comprehensive Reporting Frameworks: The government should develop robust mechanisms for tracking CSR funds specifically allocated to agricultural projects, ensuring clear categorization and facilitating better impact assessments.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications. (UPSC IAS/2013)

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