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Subject: Indian Society

  • India’s Population hits 146.39 Cr: UNFPA

    Why in the News?

    According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report titled “State of the World Population 2025: The Real Fertility Crisis”, India’s population has reached an estimated 146.39 crore, officially making it the world’s most populous nation.

    India’s Population hits 146.39 Cr: UNFPA

    About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):

    • Origin: The organisation was established in 1969 as the UN Fund for Population Activities and renamed in 1987 as the UN Population Fund.
    • Headquarters: Its global headquarters is located in New York.
    • Mission Statement: UNFPA works to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
    • Mandate: To promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, including family planning, safe motherhood, and gender equality.
    • Governance Structure: UNFPA reports to a 36-member Executive Board, with representation from all regions, and receives guidance from ECOSOC and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
    • Global Presence: UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, in coordination with national governments and UN development partners.
    • Key Functions: It supports population censuses, family planning programs, and thematic health surveys, and engages in interagency frameworks like UN Development Group (UNDG) and UN Chief Executives Board (CEB).
    • Technical Role: UNFPA also provides research funding, technical assistance, and advocacy support to promote reproductive health and demographic planning.

    Key Population Trends from the UNFPA Report (2025):

    • Data Sources: The report draws on Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), and projections from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).
    • India’s Population: As of 2025, India’s population is estimated at 146.39 crore (1.4639 billion), making it the most populous country in the world.
    • China’s Population: China’s population now stands at 141.61 crore (1.4161 billion), placing it second.
    • Total Fertility Rate: India’s TFR has declined to 1.9, which is below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating a trend toward population stabilisation.
    • Population Forecast: India’s population is expected to peak at around 170 crores in the coming decades and begin to decline within 40 years.
    • Life Expectancy: As of 2025, the average life expectancy is 71 years for men and 74 years for women.
    • Age Distribution: 68% of Indians are in the working-age group (15–64), while 7% are aged 65 and above, with life expectancy at 71 years (men) and 74 years (women).

    Back2Basics: Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

    • TFR measures the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive lifetime.
    • A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level, where each generation replaces itself without growing or shrinking.
    • According to the 2021 Sample Registration System by the Registrar General of India, the TFR had already reached 2.0, indicating that India had attained replacement level fertility nationally.

     

    [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

    1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.

    2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.

    Which of the statements given abova is/are correct ?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

     

  • [10th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Empowering women in agriculture for food security

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation?

    Linkage: Women’s empowerment and the critical need to incorporate gender concerns into programme design and implementation. The article extensively discuss how empowering women in agriculture is fundamental to achieving food security. For instance, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognize, support, and enhance the role of women in ensuring food security, fostering economic prosperity, and promoting sustainability.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognise the important but often overlooked role women play in growing food around the world. Over 100 countries supported this move, which highlights a major issue: while women produce up to 80% of food in developing countries, they are still left out when it comes to owning land. For example, in India, although 80% of working women are in farming, only 14% own land.

     Today’s editorial talks about the problems faced by women farmers, which is an important topic for GS Paper I (women-related issues), GS Paper II (social justice), and GS Paper III (agriculture).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026 should focus on supporting strong, sustainable farming and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women in agriculture.

    What challenges do women farmers face in land and credit access?

    • Low Land Ownership Limits Entitlements: Despite forming nearly 80% of the economically active female workforce in agriculture, only 14% of landowners in India are women, and just 8.3% according to NFHS data. Eg: A woman working her family’s farmland may still lack legal ownership, preventing her from claiming government subsidies or schemes like PM-KISAN.
    • Difficulty Accessing Credit: Without land titles, women are often denied collateral-based loans from banks and formal financial institutions. Eg: A woman farmer in rural Bihar cannot access a loan for irrigation equipment because she doesn’t hold a land deed, pushing her to rely on informal moneylenders.
    • Inadequate Access to Financial Technology and Information: Women have limited access to mobile phones and agricultural advisories, which are crucial for credit applications and crop planning. Eg: In Assam, women supported by the ENACT project lacked timely access to climate forecasts, making it harder to plan credit usage for flood-resistant crop seeds.

    Why is 2026 declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer?

    • To Recognise Women’s Vital Role in Agriculture: Women contribute to 60–80% of food production in developing countries and nearly 39% of the agricultural labour force in South Asia.  
    • To Raise Awareness About Structural Challenges: The declaration aims to highlight barriers women face such as limited land ownership, market access, and credit availability. Eg: Only 14% of agricultural landowners in India are women, restricting their ability to access loans and government schemes.
    • To Promote Gender Equality and Empowerment: It seeks to promote gender-transformative agricultural development by encouraging inclusive policies, technology access, and self-help group participation. Eg: The ENACT project in Assam supports women farmers by linking them with agri-experts and providing mobile-based advisories to adapt to climate change.

    What is the ENACT project?

    The ENACT project stands for Enhancing Climate Adaptation of Vulnerable Communities through Nature-based Solutions and Gender-Transformative Approaches. Supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), the Government of Assam, and funded by Norway, it empowers women farmers in Nagaon

    How does the ENACT project help women farmers adapt to climate change?

    • Access to Climate-Resilient Agricultural Information: ENACT provides weekly agricultural and climate advisories through mobile phones, enabling informed decision-making. Eg: Over 300 women farmers in 17 villages of Assam’s Nagaon district receive timely updates on weather and crop planning.
    • Promotion of Flood-Resistant Crop Varieties: The project introduces flood-tolerant rice varieties and promotes livelihood diversification to reduce climate-related risks. Eg: In Roha village, new rice varieties introduced by the project can survive underwater, helping farmers secure better yields during floods.
    • Strengthening Institutional and Technical Support: ENACT facilitates collaboration with local institutions, including agri-departments, universities, and meteorological agencies. Eg: Climate Adaptation Information Centres offer video conferencing tools for expert guidance and community meetings.

    What policies support women farmers in India?

    • Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): Enhances skills, capacity building, and promotes sustainable agriculture among women farmers. Eg: MKSP supports self-help groups (SHGs) in improving agricultural practices and income generation.
    • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation: Provides 50% to 80% subsidies on farm machinery and equipment to reduce drudgery and improve productivity. Eg: Women farmers receive subsidised tools for sowing, weeding, and harvesting, enabling more efficient farm operations.
    • National Food Security Mission (NFSM) – Women’s Component: Allocates 30% of the budget for women farmers in select States and Union Territories to improve food production. Eg: Women beneficiaries receive support in seed distribution, training, and input provision under NFSM.

    How does climate change impact women farmers?

    • Increased Domestic Burden and Agricultural Risk: Climate variability forces women to juggle household responsibilities with unpredictable farming conditions. Eg: In Assam, women like Nirmali Bora Hazarika report increased workload due to erratic weather and flood-prone crops.
    • Limited Access to Climate Information and Resources: Women have less access to weather updates, advisory services, and resilient crop technologies. Eg: Many women farmers lack mobile phones or connectivity to receive timely climate advisories.
    • Greater Vulnerability to Crop Loss and Livelihood Disruptions: Floods, droughts, and extreme weather events hit women-led farms harder due to lack of land rights and insurance. Eg: Without land ownership, women cannot claim compensation or loans to recover from climate-induced losses.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Land Rights and Legal Ownership: Governments must promote joint land titles, ensure inheritance rights, and simplify land registration processes for women. Eg: Initiatives like the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) can help ensure legal recognition of women’s land ownership.
    • Expand Financial and Technological Access: Strengthen women’s inclusion in formal credit systems, promote mobile-based agricultural advisories, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure. Eg: Scaling up programs like ENACT can equip women with timely climate information, insurance, and input support.

  • Mizoram and Goa declared Fully Literate under ULLAS Scheme

    Why in the News?

    In a major achievement for adult education in India, Mizoram and Goa have declared themselves “fully literate” under the ULLAS Scheme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society).

    What does “Fully Literate” mean under ULLAS?

    • As per the Ministry of Education (August 2024):
      • A person is literate if they can read, write, and compute with comprehension, including essential life skills.
      • A state is considered fully literate if it achieves 95% literacy or more.
    • This aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of achieving universal youth and adult literacy by 2030.

    About the ULLAS Scheme:

    • Launch: It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2022.
    • Vision: It is based on the spirit of ‘Kartvya Bodh’ (DUTY) and is being implemented through volunteerism.
    • Official Name: It is formally known as the New India Literacy Programme and is being implemented over a five-year period (2022–2027).
    • Core Objective: The scheme aims to provide foundational literacy and numeracy to 5 crore non-literate individuals aged 15 years and above.
    • Key Learning Components:
      • Beyond Basics: In addition to reading, writing, and arithmetic, learners are taught critical life skills, such as financial literacy and digital literacy.
      • Beneficiary Identification: Individuals are identified through door-to-door surveys conducted by schools and local officials across states and UTs.
      • Volunteer Teaching Model: Teaching is provided by volunteers, including school and college students, teacher trainees, and community members.
    • Learning Support and Certification:
      • Learning Materials: The NCERT develops the core content, which is translated and adapted into 22 languages of India by state authorities.
      • Digital and Offline Modes: A mobile app supports the learning process, though offline teaching is also included for inclusive access.
      • Assessment Process: Learners appear for the Functional Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) — a 150-mark exam in multiple languages.
      • Certification: Those who pass the FLNAT are certified by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for achieving basic literacy and numeracy.

    Key Achievements on Full Literacy under ULLAS:

    • State Declarations:
      • Ladakh: First region to be declared fully literate (June 2024)
      • Goa: Declared fully literate with 99.72% literacy
      • Mizoram: Declared fully literate with 98.2% literacy
    • Performance Insights:
      • 100% pass rate in Goa and Tamil Nadu
      • Over 95% in Punjab, Assam, UP
      • Women-majority participation in several states (over 70% in Mizoram, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, etc.)
    • Historical Context: ULLAS Scheme builds on earlier adult literacy programs such as:
      • Saakshar Bharat (2009–2018)
      • National Literacy Mission (1988–2009)
      • National Adult Education Programme (1970s–1980s)
    [UPSC 2004] Consider the following statements: As per 2001 Census:

    1. the two States with the lowest sex ratio are Haryana and Punjab. 2. the two States with the lowest population per sq. km of area are Meghalaya and Mizoram. 3. Kerala has both the highest literacy rate and sex ratio.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 3 only* (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 1 and 3

     

  • Extreme Poverty in India down to 5.3% in 2022-23: World Bank

    Why in the News?

    According to a new World Bank report, extreme poverty in India has fallen from 27.1% in 2011–12 to just 5.3% in 2022–23, based on a revised international poverty line.

    Understanding World Bank’s Poverty Lines:

    • The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than a fixed amount per person per day, adjusted using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) to account for inflation and cost of living.
      • PPP compares currencies by showing how much money is needed in different countries to buy the same goods. It helps measure real cost of living and economic strength.
    • Previous thresholds:
      • $1.90 per day (2011 PPP)
      • $2.15 per day (2017 PPP)
    • Revised in June 2025:
      • Low-income countries: $3 per day
      • Lower middle-income countries (LMIC): $4.20 per day (up from $3.65)
      • Upper middle-income countries: $8.40 per day (up from $6.85)
    • Why it matters: These new thresholds help track progress in poverty reduction and align better with today’s economic conditions.

    India’s Progress and Challenges:

    • Reduction in Poverty:
      • At the $3/day level, poverty dropped from 27.1% (2011–12) to 5.3% (2022–23).
      • At the $2.15/day level, poverty fell from 16.2% to 2.3%, lifting 171 million people.
      • At the $4.20/day level, poverty declined from 61.8% to 28.1%, benefiting 378 million people.
    • Rural-Urban Trends:
      • Rural poverty dropped from 69% to 32.5%, and urban poverty from 43.5% to 17.2%.
      • The rural-urban gap narrowed from 25 to 15 percentage points.
    • Inequality Measures:
      • Consumption inequality improved (Gini fell from 28.8 to 25.5).
      • Income inequality, however, worsened (Gini rose from 52 to 62).
    • Employment Trends:
      • Since 2021–22, employment growth has outpaced the working-age population.
      • Urban unemployment dropped to 6.6%, the lowest since 2017–18, but youth unemployment remains high at 13.3%, and 29% among graduates.
    • State-Level Dynamics:
      • UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and MP contributed to 65% of the extreme poor (2011–12) and now represent 54% of the remaining poor.
    • Multidimensional Poverty:
      • Declined significantly from 53.8% in 2005–06 to 15.5% in 2022–23, reflecting progress in health, education, and living standards.
    [UPSC 2019] In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because:

    Options: (a) poverty rates vary from State to State (b) price levels vary from State to State* (c) Gross State Product varies from State to State (d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State

     

  • Next Census to conclude by March 2027

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India will conduct its next population census by March 1, 2027, after an unprecedented 16-year gap.

    About the Census of India:

    • Definition: The Census of India is a nationwide decadal exercise that gathers demographic, social, economic, and cultural data from every resident, regardless of citizenship.
    • Authority: It is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General (Ministry of Home Affairs) and Census Commissioner under the Census Act, 1948.
    • Utility: Data from the census is used to formulate policies, redraw electoral boundaries, and implement welfare schemes.

    Significance of the Upcoming Census:

    • Reference Dates: Most of India will use March 1, 2027, while Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will use October 1, 2026.
    • Two-Phase Format: It will be conducted in two stages — House Listing and Housing Schedule, followed by Population Enumeration, which will include caste data.
    • Digital Firsts: This will be India’s first digital census, using a mobile app and offering self-enumeration via an online portal (for NPR-updated households).
    • Preparation: The 24 lakh enumeration blocks identified for the 2021 census will be reused.
    • Delimitation Link: The 84th Constitutional Amendment (2001) mandates that delimitation of constituencies be based on the first census after 2026.
    • Women’s Reservation: The 33% women’s reservation law (128th Amendment) also depends on data from this census.
    • New Inclusion: The upcoming census will include caste enumeration, likely as a plain list, without grouping under OBC.
    • NPR Update: No official announcement has been made regarding an update to the National Population Register (NPR), though it holds data for 119 crore residents.

    History of Census in India:

    1. Ancient Mentions: Rig Veda (800–600 BCE) and Arthashastra (321–296 BCE) mentioned population counting for taxation and governance.
    2. Early Colonial Efforts:
      • Partial censuses conducted in Allahabad (1824), Banaras (1827–28), and Dacca (1830).
      • Fort St. George conducted returns in 1836–37; quinquennial returns started in Madras (1851–67).
    3. First Attempted Pan-India Census:
      • 1872: Non-synchronous census; not all British territories covered.
      • 17 questions were asked via a house register.
    4. First Modern Census:
      • 1881: Conducted under W.C. Plowden; considered the first synchronous and scientific census of India.
      • Covered most of British India except Kashmir, French & Portuguese territories.
    5. Subsequent Censuses (1891–1941):
      • Held every 10 years: 1891, 1901, 1911, 1921, 1931, and 1941.
      • Introduced and refined questions on caste, religion, language, literacy, occupation, disability, etc.
    6. 1941 Census:
      • Conducted during World War II under difficult conditions.
      • Introduced sampling, and used individual slips for detailed data.

    Caste Enumeration to Begin:

    • Caste data was last collected in 1931, excluding SC/ST information.
    • Post-1951 Trend: From 1951 to 2011, only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes data were recorded.
    • SECC 2011: The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census included caste data, but it was never released.
    • Data Entry Field: A new drop box for caste will be added beside the existing SC/ST section.
    [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

    1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.

    2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 *

     

  • National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government has proposed a phased winding down of the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN), a WHO-established network critical to tracking and eliminating polio in India.

    About National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN):

    • Launch : The NPSN was established in 1997 as a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
    • Objective: Its main goal is to detect and monitor the poliovirus in India to enable quick response and containment.
    • Operational Structure: The network functions under the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) and includes over 200 field surveillance units across the country.
    • Methodology: The core method is Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, which tracks sudden paralysis in children under 15 — a key indicator of polio.
    • Environmental Surveillance: The NPSN also tests sewage and water samples to detect silent circulation of the virus.
    • Laboratory Support: A network of WHO-accredited laboratories confirms virus presence through testing of stool and water samples.
    • Rapid Response: Every suspected case is quickly investigated, and public health teams are deployed for control and containment.
    • Expanded Role: Over time, NPSN has also supported surveillance for measles, rubella, DPT, and helped train health workers on new vaccines.

    Polio and Its Eradication in India:

    • About: Polio is a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting children under 5, potentially causing paralysis or death.
    • Transmission: The disease spreads via the faecal-oral route, mostly through contaminated water or food.
    • Types of Polioviruses:
      • WPV1 still exists in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
      • WPV2 and WPV3 have been eradicated globally.
    • Infection Mechanism: Once inside the body, the virus multiplies in the intestines and may attack the nervous system, causing permanent paralysis.
    • Prevention through Vaccination:
      • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is given at birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with a booster at 16–24 months.
      • Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV) is administered with the third DPT dose under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
    • Pulse Polio Campaign (1995): India launched the Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign, providing oral polio drops to all children under 5.
    • Eradication Milestones: The last wild polio case in India was reported in 2011, and in 2014, WHO officially declared India polio-free.
    • Role of NPSN: The success was enabled by strong surveillance, mass immunization, and dedicated work by NPSN and its partners.
    [UPSC 2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

    (a) Immunization of children and pregnant women*

    (b) Construction of smart cities across the country

    (c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) New Educational Policy

     

  • [30th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Rewriting the script of Early Childhood Education

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2020] National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.

    Linkage: A key focus of the NEP 2020 is the strengthening and formalization of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), recognizing its foundational importance. Therefore, critically examining the NEP 2020 directly relates to the concept of “rewriting the script” for education, including ECE.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  Lack of proper early childhood care and education (ECE) increases inequality, affecting children’s brain development, learning ability, and future income. Nobel Prize winner James Heckman’s research shows that investing in young children gives the best returns. This highlights the need for urgent systemic changes. Some states like Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh are already making progress with innovative ECE programmes. These small but focused steps in early childhood can help break the cycle of poverty and help India fully benefit from its young population by 2047.

    Today’s editorial will talk about the early childhood care and education (ECE) . This content would help in GS Paper II ( Policy Making & Education).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    India’s silent but urgent employment crisis is rooted not just in the lack of jobs, but in the lottery of birth that disadvantages millions of children from the outset. So, smart spending on early childhood education and involving parents will support young children in learning better.

    What is the lottery of birth? 

    • The “lottery of birth” refers to the idea that a child’s future is largely shaped by the circumstances into which they are born, such as: Family income, Geographic location, Caste, gender, or religion, Access to health, nutrition, and education.
    • These are factors beyond the child’s control but can determine their opportunities, development, and life outcomes.

    What is the significance of the “lottery of birth” in shaping a child’s future in India? 

    • Determines Access to Basic Needs Early On: A child born into poverty often lacks access to adequate nutrition, healthcare, and early learning, which are essential for cognitive and physical development. Eg: A child born in a rural poor household may suffer from malnutrition and poor school readiness, limiting long-term potential.
    • Creates Early Learning and Earning Gaps: By age 5, differences in language, numeracy, and motivation are already visible, making it harder for disadvantaged children to catch up in school and later in life. Eg: Only 15% of pre-primary children could match basic objects, and 30% could identify larger and smaller numbers, indicating early learning gaps.
    • Perpetuates Intergenerational Poverty: Children born into poverty often remain trapped in low-opportunity environments, repeating the cycle into adulthood due to limited human capital development. Eg: Without quality early education, a poor child is far less likely to complete schooling or access skilled employment, thus continuing the poverty cycle.

    Why is early childhood care and education (ECE) considered a high-return investment?

    • Highest Returns on Human Capital Investments: The Heckman Curve shows that investments in ECE yield the greatest returns compared to later stages of education or training. Eg: For every $1 spent on ECE, the return ranges between $7 to $12, through better education, health, and reduced crime.
    • Long-Term Economic and Social Benefits: Quality ECE leads to higher lifetime earnings, better employment, and improved life outcomes, helping individuals and economies thrive. Eg: Children with access to quality ECE are 4 times more likely to earn higher incomes and 3 times more likely to own a home as adults.
    • Bridges Early Learning Gaps and Boosts School Readiness: ECE helps close learning gaps caused by poverty, ensuring children enter school prepared, reducing dropouts and remedial education costs. Eg: States like Odisha are launching Shishu Vatikas to prepare 5–6-year-olds for formal schooling, improving readiness and future learning outcomes.

    Who are the key stakeholders responsible for improving ECE outcomes in India?

    • Anganwadi workers and government pre-primary school teachers are frontline educators.
    • State governments are responsible for hiring dedicated ECE teachers and creating infrastructure.
    • Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in reinforcing learning at home.
    • Supervisors and training institutions ensure quality and pedagogy through monitoring and capacity building.
    • The Government of India provides funding and policy direction, though current spending is limited (â‚č1,263 per child annually).

    Where are Indian states like Uttar Pradesh and Odisha making notable ECE interventions?

    • Uttar Pradesh: Hiring of ECE Educators and Teacher Training: Uttar Pradesh is recruiting nearly 11,000 Early Childhood Care and Education (ECE) educators for Balavatikas across districts. The state also held a six-day residential training for 50 master trainers from 13 districts to improve ECE pedagogy. Eg: These trained master trainers will cascade the training to other educators, ensuring quality instruction in early years.
    • Odisha: Launch of Shishu Vatikas and Jaduipedi Kits: Odisha is setting up Shishu Vatikas in all government schools to prepare children aged 5–6 for formal schooling. The state also introduced Jaduipedi Kits — play-based learning materials to enhance school readiness. Eg: These initiatives are aligned with NEP 2020 and help improve early learning outcomes through structured activities.

    How can parental involvement improve the effectiveness of early learning initiatives?

    • Strengthens Learning Continuity at Home: When parents engage in their child’s early education, it reinforces what is taught at ECE centres, ensuring consistent learning both at home and school. Eg: Providing simple worksheets or storybooks for home use helps children practice and retain concepts better.
    • Improves Child Motivation and Confidence: Active parental involvement boosts a child’s sense of security, motivation, and self-esteem, making them more eager to learn. Eg: In Madhya Pradesh, programmes like Bal Choupal involve parents in play-based activities, which positively impact children’s classroom participation.
    • Bridges Knowledge Gaps through Technology: Digital tools like WhatsApp groups or EdTech apps help parents access learning tips, track progress, and support their child’s development, especially where formal education resources are limited. Eg: Parents receiving weekly learning activities via smartphones are better equipped to support foundational skills like language and numeracy.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government?

    • Integration of ECE in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The NEP 2020 recognizes early childhood education as a critical foundation and proposes a new 5+3+3+4 curriculum structure, where the first five years focus on foundational learning (ages 3–8). Eg: Introduction of the “Foundational Literacy and Numeracy” mission (NIPUN Bharat) to ensure basic learning outcomes by Grade 3.
    • Expansion and Strengthening of Anganwadi Centres: The government has focused on upgrading 14 lakh Anganwadi centres across India to serve as key delivery points for ECE, nutrition, and health services. Eg: POSHAN Abhiyaan supports capacity-building of Anganwadi workers and provides teaching-learning material to improve preschool education quality.

    Way forward: 

    • ​​Increase Investment and Improve Infrastructure in ECE: The government should significantly raise funding per child for early childhood education to ensure adequate instructional time, trained teachers, and quality learning materials. Strengthening infrastructure, including more Anganwadi centres and pre-primary schools with dedicated educators, will help bridge existing gaps and improve learning outcomes.
    • Enhance Parental Engagement and Community Participation: Empower parents with awareness, guidance, and digital tools to participate in their children’s early learning. Community-based programs like Bal Choupal should be expanded nationwide, and EdTech solutions leveraged to provide continuous support, creating a strong home-school learning ecosystem.

  • India’s first ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale 

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI) to help understand and reduce stigma faced by patients and caregivers from sickle cell disease (SCD).

    What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

    • Nature of Disease: SCD is a genetic disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped, reducing oxygen delivery in the body.
    • Complications: These sickle cells can block blood vessels, break easily, and cause anemia, organ damage, and painful episodes.
    • Cause: The disease is inherited, requiring one defective gene from each parent; one gene leads to sickle cell trait.
    • Symptoms: Common symptoms include fatigue, body pain, swollen limbs, frequent infections, and organ damage.
    • Treatment Options: There is no universal cure, but bone marrow transplants and gene therapy offer potential solutions; supportive care helps manage symptoms.

    Note:

    • Anaemia is a condition where the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin.
    • All SCD patients have anaemia, but not all anaemia is due to Sickle Cell Disease.

    About the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI):

    • Purpose: The ISSSI is India’s first tool designed to measure stigma faced by sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and their caregivers.
    • Developing Authority: It was developed by ICMR to understand and address the social impact of SCD in India’s diverse communities.
    • Global Context: This is the fourth stigma scale worldwide and the first validated for Indian conditions.
    • Scientific Validation: The tool was validated in a study published in The Lancet (Regional Health – South-East Asia).
    • Availability: The ISSSI is now approved for use in both clinical and research settings across India.
    • Components: It includes two formats — ISSSI-Pt for patients and ISSSI-Cg for caregivers.
    • Stigma Dimensions: It captures issues related to family expectations, reproductive concerns, social disclosure, illness burden, interpersonal challenges, and negative healthcare experiences.
    • Data Sources: The scale was developed using inputs from 6 culturally diverse districts: Alluri Seetharama Raju, Anuppur, Chhoteudepur, Kandhamal, Mysuru, and Udalguri.

    India’s Strategy: Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)

    • Launch Year: The AMB Mission was launched in 2018 to reduce anemia using a 6x6x6 strategy.
    • Target Groups: It covers six groups — young children, school children, adolescents, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
    • Key Interventions: Actions include iron and folic acid supplements, deworming, nutrition education, digital health tools, IFA-fortified foods, and disease screening (including SCD).
    • Supporting Systems: It is backed by inter-ministerial coordination, state-level units, research centers, the AMB Dashboard, digital tracking, and supply chain support.
    • Reach: The mission aims to impact around 450 million people, focusing on real-time monitoring and last-mile delivery.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:

    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. 2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth. 3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents. 4. It addresses non-nutritinoal causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three* (d) All four

     

  • [21st May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Scheme-based workers, the struggle for an identity

     

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2021] Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India.

    Linkage: While the PYQ focuses on empowerment and women within the gig economy, it aligns with the broader theme of identity and status challenges faced by workers in non-traditional/precarious employment structures, a challenge explicitly highlighted for SBWs and then linked to gig workers in the article.

     

    Mentor’s Comment: The central government employs millions of regular and contract workers, including around 60 million in schemes like ICDS, NRHM, and mid-day meals. These workers—such as Anganwadi workers, helpers, ASHAs, and mid-day meal staff—support children, mothers, and nutrition. They connect communities with public health and help improve school enrollment and overall health.

    Today’s editorial talks about the problems faced by Scheme-Based Workers (SBWs). This content is useful for GS Paper I (Women’s Issues) and GS Paper II (Social Justice).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The recent developments surrounding Scheme-Based Workers (SBWs)—particularly Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, and MDM workers—have reignited the debate on labour identity, social security, and worker rights in India.

    Who are scheme-based workers (SBWs)?

    •  Workers employed under various government social welfare schemes but not formally recognized as government employees. Around 60 million workers across government schemes. Eg: Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Mid-Day Meal Workers (MDMWs).
    • ICDS (since 1975), National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), and Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

     

    What roles do they perform?

    • Childcare and Nutrition Services: SBWs play a vital role in early childhood care by ensuring nutritional support, immunization, and preschool education. Eg: Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) under the ICDS scheme provide nutrition and basic health services to children and lactating mothers.
    • Public Health Outreach: They serve as a crucial link between the public health system and rural communities, improving health awareness and access. Eg: ASHAs under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) assist in maternal care, vaccination drives, and promote institutional deliveries.
    • Educational and Nutritional Support in Schools: They help enhance school enrollment and retention by providing mid-day meals, which also address child malnutrition. Eg: Mid-Day Meal Workers (MDMWs) prepare and distribute meals in schools under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

    What challenges do SBWs face in gaining formal recognition and benefits?

    • Lack of Worker Status: SBWs are often classified as “volunteers” or “honorary workers” rather than formal employees, denying them recognition as government workers. Eg: The Supreme Court in State of Karnataka vs Ameerbi (2006) ruled that Anganwadi workers are not state employees as they don’t hold statutory posts.
    • Absence of Minimum Wages: Most SBWs receive honorariums instead of wages, which are far below minimum wage standards. Eg: Anganwadi workers and helpers across states earn as low as â‚č4,500–â‚č9,000 per month, without alignment to state minimum wage norms.
    • No Social Security Benefits: SBWs are denied access to pensions, provident fund, maternity benefits, and health insurance. Eg: Despite working in public health, ASHAs are not covered under schemes like EPFO or ESI.
    • Policy Delay and Avoidance: Governments often cite financial burden or the need for long-term planning to delay regularisation. Eg: In 2016, the Labour Minister told Parliament that there’s no fixed timeline to implement ILC recommendations for SBWs.
    • Suppression of Collective Action: SBWs’ strikes are often met with state repression or legal barriers. Eg: Maharashtra invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in 2017 to curb Anganwadi workers’ right to strike.

    Why is the government reluctant to regularise SBWs?

    • Financial Burden: Regularising SBWs would significantly increase the government’s salary and welfare expenditure, making it fiscally unsustainable. Eg: The central government employs over 60 lakh SBWs, and converting them to regular employees would involve massive budgetary allocations for wages and benefits.
    • Policy Ambiguity: Successive governments delay decisions by citing the need for long-term policy formulation without committing to a timeline. Eg: In 2016, the Labour Minister told the Rajya Sabha that implementing Indian Labour Conference (ILC) recommendations requires indefinite planning.
    • Privatisation Push: The government aims to reduce its role in welfare delivery by promoting public-private partnerships, weakening the case for regularisation. Eg: There have been attempts to privatise the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), directly affecting the employment security of Anganwadi workers.

    How have trade unions and courts supported SBWs’ demands?

    • Union Mobilisation: Major trade unions have organised SBWs to demand minimum wages, worker status, and social security through strikes and negotiations. Eg: In March 2025, Anganwadi workers in Kerala ended a 13-day indefinite strike organised by unions like AITUC, BMS, and CITU demanding regularisation and fair pay.
    • Judicial Recognition: Courts have gradually recognised some labour rights of SBWs, even when earlier rulings were unfavourable. Eg: In Maniben Maganbhai Bhariya vs District Development Officer (2022), the Supreme Court ruled that Anganwadi workers are eligible for gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act.

     

    What are the policy implications of granting SBWs formal employee status?

    • Fiscal Burden: Recognising SBWs as formal employees would significantly increase the government’s expenditure on salaries, pensions, and social security. Eg: The central government is concerned about cost implications due to the growing number of SBWs (nearly 6 million), especially as population-linked schemes expand.
    • Policy Reorientation: Granting formal status would require new frameworks for recruitment, training, service conditions, and grievance redressal. Eg: The Gujarat High Court in 2024 directed the State and Centre to create a joint policy to regularise Anganwadi workers as Class III and IV employees.
    • Precedent for Other Informal Workers: Regularising SBWs could set a precedent for other informal or gig workers demanding similar recognition and protections. Eg: Like SBWs, gig workers (e.g., delivery partners) are also fighting for worker status and social security rights in courts and labour forums.

    Way forward: 

    • Enact Clear Policies: Governments should promptly create and implement policies to grant SBWs formal worker status with fair wages and social security benefits.
    • Strengthen Monitoring: Improve enforcement by regional bodies to ensure timely wage revisions, labour rights protection, and prevent exploitation of SBWs.

  • Global Report on Food Crises, 2025

    Why in the News?

    The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2025 has revealed that more than 295 million people in 53 countries and territories faced acute hunger in 2024.

    About the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC):

    • Publication: The GRFC has been published every year since 2016 by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC).
    • Supporting Organisations: It is backed by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN) and includes input from UN agencies, the EU, and various NGOs.
    • Purpose: Provides a consensus-based analysis of acute food insecurity and malnutrition worldwide.

    Key Highlights from GRFC 2025:

    • Scope: The 2025 report covers 65 countries, with complete data for 53. India was not included in the analysis.
    • Global Hunger Level: In 2024, 295 million people faced acute food insecurity, up 13.7 million from 2023 — the sixth consecutive year of rising hunger.
    • Severity: 23% of the analysed population experienced food insecurity, remaining above 20% for five years.
    • Catastrophic Hunger: A record 1.9 million people were in Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Phase 5—catastrophic levels of hunger.

    [UPSC 2023] Which of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in the news in the recent past for its very severe famine?

    Options: (a) Angola (b) Costa Rica (c) Ecuador (d) Somalia *