Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Unpaid Care Work and women's crucial contribution and need for changing societal attitudes
Central Idea
- Unpaid care work, predominantly performed by women, plays a crucial role in the well-being of families and contributes significantly to a country’s economy. However, it often goes unrecognized and undervalued, leading to gender inequality and economic implications. On this Mother’s day and beyond it is necessary to introspect and change the attitudes towards the women’s role of essential well being.
The Importance of Unpaid Care Work
- Daily chores essential for their well-being: Unpaid care work encompasses daily chores, such as cleaning, cooking, and tending to the needs of family members, which are essential for their well-being.
- Crucial contribution: It accounts for a substantial portion of a country’s GDP, ranging from 10 to 39 percent according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and 7.5 percent in India, as per the State Bank of India report.
Implications of Unpaid Care Work
- Gender Inequality: Unpaid care work reinforces traditional gender roles and perpetuates gender inequality. The unequal distribution of caregiving and domestic responsibilities limits women’s opportunities for education, employment, and advancement, creating a cycle of economic and social disadvantage.
- Economic Invisibility: Unpaid care work is often invisible in economic systems and measurements, such as GDP calculations. This invisibility devalues the contributions of caregivers and neglects the economic significance of care work, leading to an underestimation of women’s economic contributions.
- Economic Loss and Reduced Income: The time and energy spent on unpaid care work can limit women’s ability to engage in paid employment or pursue economic opportunities. This leads to reduced income potential and financial dependence, contributing to income inequality between men and women.
- Limited Time for Personal Development: The significant time and effort devoted to unpaid care work leave women with limited time for personal development, education, skills training, and leisure activities. This constrains their ability to pursue individual goals and self-fulfillment.
- Health and Well-being: The burden of unpaid care work can have adverse effects on women’s physical and mental health. The constant juggling of caregiving responsibilities, household chores, and other duties can lead to stress, fatigue, and burnout, negatively impacting well-being.
- Education and Professional Advancement: The unequal distribution of care work can hinder women’s educational opportunities and limit their ability to pursue higher education or career advancement. This perpetuates a cycle of limited professional growth and fewer leadership roles for women.
- Workforce Gender Gap: Unpaid care work affects women’s participation in the formal labor force. The time constraints and caregiving responsibilities make it challenging for women to engage in paid employment, contributing to the gender gap in workforce participation and representation.
- Social and Intergenerational Impact: The gendered division of unpaid care work can reinforce traditional gender norms and perpetuate inequality across generations. Children growing up in households where women bear the majority of care work may internalize and replicate these gendered roles in their own lives.
- Policy and Societal Implications: The undervaluation and invisibility of unpaid care work hinder the formulation of effective policies and social structures that support caregivers. Lack of recognition and support can perpetuate gender inequality and limit progress towards gender-responsive policies and systems.
Gendered Division of Labor: Reasons and impact
- Historical and Cultural Norms: Deeply ingrained historical and cultural norms shape societal expectations regarding gender roles. Traditional gender norms often dictate that women should be primarily responsible for caregiving and domestic chores, while men are expected to engage in paid work outside the home.
- Gender Stereotypes and Expectations: Stereotypical beliefs about men’s and women’s inherent abilities and inclinations influence societal expectations regarding work and family responsibilities. Stereotypes portraying women as nurturing, emotional, and inclined towards caregiving, and men as strong, assertive, and suited for paid employment, contribute to the gendered division of labor.
- Economic Factors and Structural Inequality: Structural inequalities in the labor market, such as gender wage gaps and limited opportunities for women’s advancement, create economic barriers for women. The undervaluation of traditionally female-dominated sectors contributes to the devaluation of women’s labor and reinforces the gendered division of labor.
- Socialization and Education: Socialization processes from an early age play a crucial role in shaping gender roles and expectations. Children are often socialized into specific gender roles through various channels, including family, education, media, and peer influences.
- Family Dynamics and Household Responsibilities: Within the family unit women are frequently assigned the bulk of caregiving and domestic tasks, regardless of their employment status. Unequal distribution of household chores and caregiving responsibilities creates a cycle where women’s time and energy are disproportionately dedicated to unpaid work, limiting their opportunities for paid employment and career advancement.
- Power Dynamics and Patriarchy: Patriarchy grants men greater authority and control over resources, while women’s labor is often devalued and overlooked. These power dynamics reinforce traditional gender roles and limit women’s ability to challenge or negotiate their participation in different spheres of life, including work and family.
Way ahead: Need for Redefining Societal Attitudes
- Recognizing the Value of Care Work: Unpaid care work is essential for the well-being and functioning of families and societies. It is important to acknowledge and value the contributions of caregivers, particularly women, as their work has significant economic, social, and emotional implications.
- Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Societal attitudes often reinforce traditional gender roles, where caregiving is seen as primarily women’s responsibility. Redefining attitudes involves challenging these stereotypes and promoting the idea that caregiving should be shared by all members of the family, regardless of their gender.
- Promoting Gender Equality: Redefining societal attitudes towards care work is crucial for promoting gender equality. It involves recognizing that caregiving is not solely a woman’s duty but a shared responsibility between partners, families, and society as a whole.
- Empowering Women: By redefining societal attitudes, women can be empowered to pursue their educational, professional, and personal aspirations. When the burden of unpaid care work is shared more equitably, women have the opportunity to participate fully in the workforce, contribute to economic growth, and exercise their rights and choices.
- Breaking the Cycle of Gendered Division of Labor: Redefining societal attitudes helps break the cycle of gendered division of labor, where women are primarily responsible for unpaid care work. It encourages men to take an active role in caregiving, fostering a more balanced and equitable distribution of responsibilities within households.
- Creating Supportive Environments: Redefining societal attitudes also involves creating supportive environments that facilitate and value caregiving responsibilities. This includes workplace policies that enable work-life balance, access to affordable and quality childcare facilities, and social systems that recognize and support caregivers.
- Building Inclusive and Progressive Societies: Societal attitudes towards care work reflect broader social norms and values. By redefining these attitudes, societies can become more inclusive, progressive, and equitable, where the contributions of all individuals, irrespective of their gender or caregiving roles, are valued and respected.
Conclusion
- On Mother’s Day and beyond, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the work done by women, transcending the singular role of mothers or caregivers. Collective efforts are needed to challenge and change societal attitudes that neglect the rights of women and perpetuate gender inequality.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Inflation and challenges overall food and nutrition security
Central Idea
- India’s recent decline in consumer price index (CPI) inflation and food price inflation has brought a degree of comfort to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, the challenge lies in managing inflation while aiming for a GDP growth of 6 to 6.5 percent in FY24. Collaborative efforts between the RBI and the Government of India are crucial to achieving this twin objective.
Current Inflation Scenario
- The CPI inflation for April 2023 stood at 4.7 percent, with food price inflation even lower at 3.84 percent.
- Maintaining overall inflation below 5 percent and GDP growth above 6 percent throughout the year would be a commendable achievement.
Importance of Managing Food Inflation
- Managing food inflation is crucial due to its significant weightage in the consumer price index (CPI) basket in India. The food and beverages component holds the highest weightage of 45.86% among G20 countries.
- Food inflation directly impacts the cost of living for the general population, particularly vulnerable sections that spend a significant portion of their income on food.
- High food inflation can lead to increased household expenses, lower purchasing power, and a decline in the overall standard of living.
- Food inflation can also have social and political implications, as rising food prices can cause public unrest and dissatisfaction.
- Effective management of food inflation contributes to maintaining price stability, ensuring food affordability, and supporting macroeconomic stability.
Implications of Monsoon Season
- Agricultural Production: The monsoon is crucial for agricultural production as it provides the majority of the water needed for irrigation. A normal or above-normal monsoon season supports adequate water availability, leading to higher crop yields and increased agricultural output. Conversely, a below-normal monsoon can lead to drought-like conditions, affecting crop productivity and agricultural incomes.
- Food Prices: The monsoon significantly influences food production, particularly for rain-fed crops. Insufficient rainfall can lead to lower agricultural output, resulting in reduced supplies and higher food prices. Inadequate monsoon rains can impact staple crops such as rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds, leading to inflationary pressures on food prices.
- Rural Economy: As agriculture plays a vital role in the rural economy, the monsoon directly impacts rural livelihoods and income levels. A good monsoon season can boost rural incomes, increase agricultural employment opportunities, and stimulate rural consumption. Conversely, a poor monsoon can lead to income losses, lower agricultural wages, and reduced rural demand.
- Hydroelectric Power Generation: The monsoon contributes to water reservoirs, which are essential for hydroelectric power generation. Adequate rainfall ensures sufficient water levels in reservoirs, supporting electricity generation from hydroelectric plants. Inadequate monsoon rains can result in lower water levels, impacting power generation and potentially leading to electricity shortages.
- Groundwater Recharge: The monsoon plays a crucial role in replenishing groundwater levels. Adequate rainfall helps recharge aquifers, which are vital sources of water for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use. Insufficient monsoon rains can lead to depleted groundwater levels, affecting agriculture, water availability, and overall water security.
- Economic Growth: The performance of the agricultural sector, influenced by the monsoon, has implications for overall economic growth. Agriculture contributes significantly to India’s GDP and employment. A good monsoon season can stimulate rural demand, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to higher economic growth. Conversely, a poor monsoon can dampen agricultural output, impacting overall economic performance.
- Fiscal Impact: The monsoon season also has implications for government finances. Adequate rainfall supports agricultural production and reduces the need for government interventions such as subsidies or price support measures. In contrast, a poor monsoon can strain government resources, necessitating increased spending on irrigation infrastructure, relief measures, or support to affected farmers.
What are the challenges in milk inflation?
- Supply-side Factors: Milk inflation is influenced by supply-side dynamics. Factors such as adverse weather conditions, including drought or floods, can impact the availability of fodder and water for cattle, leading to reduced milk production. Any disruptions in the supply chain, such as transportation issues or logistical challenges, can also affect the supply of milk and contribute to inflationary pressures.
- Disease Outbreaks: Disease outbreaks among cattle, such as lumpy skin disease, foot-and-mouth disease, or other health issues, can affect milk production. These outbreaks may result in a decrease in the number of healthy and productive cattle, leading to a decline in milk output and subsequently driving up milk prices.
- Fodder Prices: The cost of animal feed, such as fodder, plays a significant role in milk production costs. Fluctuations in fodder prices can impact the overall cost of maintaining dairy cattle. If fodder prices increase due to factors like supply-demand imbalances, weather conditions, or changes in agricultural practices, it can contribute to higher milk prices.
- Input Costs: Various input costs involved in milk production, such as labor, veterinary services, and energy costs, can affect the overall cost structure. Increases in input costs, including wages, veterinary medicines, or energy prices, can exert upward pressure on milk prices.
- Import Dependence: In some cases, countries may rely on milk imports to meet domestic demand. If the import costs increase due to factors like changes in international prices, trade policies, or exchange rate fluctuations, it can contribute to higher domestic milk prices.
- Market Structure and Competition: The market structure and competition within the dairy industry can impact milk prices. If the market is concentrated with a limited number of dominant players, it may lead to less competition, allowing suppliers to exercise greater pricing power. This can contribute to higher milk prices for consumers.
- Government Policies and Regulations: Government policies and regulations related to milk production, procurement, and pricing can influence milk inflation. Policies such as subsidies, import restrictions, quality standards, or pricing mechanisms can affect the overall supply-demand dynamics and pricing in the milk market
Way ahead
- Focus on buffer stocking policy: To tackle cereal inflation, using the buffer stocking policy more proactively is important. Unloading excess stocks in open market operations can be an effective tool in managing cereal inflation.
- Preemptive policy actions: It is important to implement policy actions in a preemptive manner rather than being reactive to events. This includes timely unloading of excess stocks and adjusting import duties to maintain price stability.
- Monitor and address external shocks: Given that food price inflation can be triggered by external shocks like droughts and supply chain disruptions, it is crucial to closely monitor such factors and take appropriate measures to mitigate their impact.
- Strengthen milk production: To address milk inflation, efforts should be made to address factors like the lumpy skin disease and high fodder prices that have strained milk production. Policies supporting the growth and sustainability of the milk industry should be implemented.
- Lower import duties on fat and skimmed milk powder (SMP): By reducing import duties to around 10 to 15 percent, there could be an increase in imports of fat and SMP, which may help in controlling milk and milk product prices.
Conclusion
- By effectively managing inflation, implementing proactive policies, and fostering collaboration between the RBI and the Government of India, India can navigate the challenges of inflation management, ensure economic stability, and promote sustainable development in critical sectors.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trade agreements
Mains level: RCEP and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and possible implications for India
Central Idea
- India’s recent shift from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) has raised questions about the motivations behind this decision and the potential implications for the country.
What is Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)?
- RCEP is a trade agreement involving 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, namely the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam — as well as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
- RCEP is aimed at creating a regional free trade area, covering a significant portion of the global economy. It is considered one of the largest trade agreements in the world in terms of population, GDP, and trade volume.
- The RCEP negotiations began in 2012 and were concluded in November 2020. The agreement is seen as a significant development in regional trade integration, particularly in light of rising protectionism and uncertainties in the global trading system.
What is Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)?
- The IPEF is an economic framework proposed by the United States as an alternative or complement to RCEP.
- The purpose of the IPEF is to promote economic cooperation, trade, and investment among participating countries in the Indo-Pacific region, with the United States taking a leading role.
- The article highlights that the IPEF focuses on non-tariff areas such as intellectual property, services, investment, domestic regulations, digitalization, labor, and environmental standards.
- Unlike traditional trade deals that primarily address tariffs, the IPEF seems to emphasize these broader aspects of economic integration.
Potential reasons for India’s shift from the RCEP to the IPEF
- Strategic Partnership with the United States: India’s top foreign policy priority is to develop a strategic partnership with the United States. The shift to the IPEF may reflect India’s desire to align itself more closely with the United States and its Indo-Pacific strategy.
- Deteriorating Relationship with China: India’s relationship with China has further deteriorated. The decision to join the IPEF could be seen as a way for India to distance itself from China and align with countries that share similar economic and strategic interests.
- Economic Concerns: India may have had concerns about the potential impact of the RCEP on its manufacturing sector. The fear of cheap Chinese goods flooding the Indian market might have influenced India’s decision to explore alternative economic frameworks like the IPEF.
- Non-Tariff Issues and Economic Interests: The IPEF’s focus on non-tariff areas such as intellectual property, services, investment, and digital economy might align more closely with India’s economic interests. By joining the IPEF, India may seek to address these issues and negotiate agreements that are more favorable to its domestic industries and economic priorities.
- Balancing Regional Influence: Joining the IPEF could be part of India’s broader strategy to balance China’s growing influence in the region. By aligning with countries like the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and others in the Indo-Pacific, India may aim to assert its own influence and shape regional economic dynamics.
IPEF’s four Pillars
- Trade: This pillar focuses on facilitating trade and reducing barriers among the participating countries. While India has not joined the trade pillar, there may be pressure for it to do so.
- Supply Chains: This pillar aims to establish integrated and efficient supply chains within the participating countries. It likely involves promoting cooperation and coordination in areas such as logistics, infrastructure, and connectivity to facilitate smooth trade flows.
- Clean Economy: The clean economy pillar focuses on promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and green technologies. It likely involves commitments and cooperation to address climate change, reduce emissions, and promote clean energy and sustainable practices.
- Fair Economy: The fair economy pillar aims to establish a fair and level playing field for businesses and promote inclusive economic growth. It likely includes provisions related to competition policy, fair trade practices, and addressing inequalities within and among the participating countries.
Serious implications for India Joining the IPEF
- Economic Dependency: Joining the IPEF could result in increased economic dependency on the United States. If the IPEF aims to establish an integrated economic system centered on the U.S., India may become heavily reliant on U.S.-driven policies, which may not align with India’s specific economic interests and priorities. This could limit India’s ability to pursue independent economic strategies.
- Trade-offs and Market Access: The framework may require India to make trade-offs in various areas, such as agriculture, intellectual property, labor and environment standards, and the digital economy. These trade-offs may involve compromising certain domestic policies or sectors in exchange for market access or participation in the IPEF.
- Impact on Domestic Industries: The IPEF particularly related to non-tariff barriers, intellectual property rights, and labor and environment standards, could impact India’s domestic industries. Depending on the specific terms, India’s manufacturing sector and other industries may face challenges related to competition, compliance, or market access, which could have implications for employment, growth, and economic development.
- Policy Constraints: Joining the IPEF could limit India’s policy-making autonomy in key areas such as agriculture, labor, environment, and digital economy. The IPEF may entail commitments that restrict India’s ability to design and implement policies aligned with its national interests, potentially constraining its ability to protect domestic industries, regulate markets, or enact necessary reforms.
- Implications for Small and Medium Enterprises: The IPEF’s provisions and requirements may disproportionately impact small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India. Compliance with standards, regulations, or market access requirements could pose challenges for SMEs, potentially hampering their growth and competitiveness.
- Loss of Sovereignty: Depending on the nature of the IPEF, India joining the framework may entail ceding a degree of sovereignty or decision-making authority to the collective interests of participating countries. This loss of sovereignty could limit India’s ability to shape its own economic policies and respond to emerging challenges or priorities.
Way ahead
- Comprehensive Assessment: Conduct a thorough and comprehensive assessment of the potential benefits and risks associated with joining the IPEF. Evaluate the specific terms, provisions, and potential impacts on various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, services, intellectual property, and labor standards.
- Prioritize National Interests: Clearly define and prioritize India’s national interests in terms of economic growth, job creation, industrial development, and sustainable development.
- Engage in Negotiations: Actively engage in negotiations and discussions with the participating countries of the IPEF to ensure that India’s concerns, interests, and objectives are adequately represented and addressed. Seek to negotiate favorable terms and provisions that protect and promote India’s economic priorities.
- Strengthen Domestic Industries: Focus on strengthening domestic industries and sectors to enhance competitiveness and resilience. Invest in research and development, innovation, infrastructure, and skill development to ensure that Indian industries can withstand competition and capitalize on opportunities that arise from participation in the IPEF or other trade frameworks.
- Diversify Trade Partnerships: While considering the IPEF, continue efforts to diversify trade partnerships beyond the United States and the Indo-Pacific region. Explore opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties with other countries or regions that align with India’s economic interests and offer potential growth prospects.
- Foster Regional Cooperation: Promote regional cooperation within the Indo-Pacific region through alternative frameworks or platforms that better align with India’s priorities and ensure a more inclusive and equitable approach to economic integration.
- Domestic Policy Reforms: Strengthen domestic policy frameworks and institutions to support economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and address challenges related to labor, environment, intellectual property, and other areas covered by the IPEF.
- Public Consultation and Transparency: Ensure transparency and engage in public consultation processes to seek inputs and feedback from stakeholders, including industry associations, civil society organizations, academia, and experts.
Conclusion
- It is essential for India to approach the decision on joining the IPEF with a long-term perspective, taking into account its national interests, economic priorities, and the potential impact on various sectors. A well-informed and strategic approach will enable India to make decisions that maximize benefits and minimize risks for its economy and society.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a government-backed modular network for e-commerce, food and grocery delivery, and cabs in India.
- ONDC has witnessed significant growth, with a rising number of orders and participants.
- India Post, one of the world’s largest logistics systems, is expected to join ONDC, strengthening the network.
About ONDC
- The ONDC is a private non-profit Section 8 company established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Government of India.
- It aims to develop open e-commerce by creating a set of specifications designed to foster open interchange and connections between shoppers, technology platforms, and retailers.
- It was incorporated on December 31, 2021, with an initial investment from Quality Council of India and Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited).
What does one mean by ‘Open-sourcing’?
- Free for all: An open-source project means that anybody is free to use, study, modify and distribute the project for any purpose.
- Open licensing: These permissions are enforced through an open-source licence easing adoption and facilitating collaboration.
What processes are expecting to be open-sourced with this project?
- Several operational aspects including onboarding of sellers, vendor discovery, price discovery and product cataloguing could be made open source on the lines of Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
- If mandated, this could be problematic for larger e-commerce companies, which have proprietary processes and technology deployed for these segments of operations.
What does the DPIIT intend from the project?
- Digitize the entire value chain,
- Standardize operations,
- Promote inclusion of suppliers,
- Derive efficiencies in logistics and
- Enhance value for stakeholders and consumers
Processes in the ONDC
- Seller Onboarding: Sellers can register and onboard their businesses onto the ONDC platform.
- Vendor Discovery: Buyers can discover relevant vendors and sellers on the ONDC network.
- Price Discovery: Transparent marketplace for comparing prices across sellers.
- Product Cataloguing: Sellers can create and manage catalogues of their products on the platform.
- Transaction Processing: Secure and seamless payment infrastructure for completing purchases.
- Order Fulfillment: Coordinating delivery or provision of purchased products or services.
- Customer Support: Assistance for addressing queries and concerns of buyers and sellers.
- Data Management and Security: Robust practices to protect user data and ensure security.
Why such a move by the govt?
- Digital boom: This COVID pandemic has made every business to go digital. India is a country with 700 million internet users of whom large crunch of population are active buyers on e-coms.
- Promoting competition: ONDC aims to foster a more competitive marketplace by providing opportunities for small retailers and businesses.
- Fostering inclusivity: It seeks to enable small retailers to access a wider customer base, promoting inclusivity in the digital commerce ecosystem.
- Curbing monopolistic practices: ONDC addresses potential monopolistic behavior and rent-seeking tendencies by certain e-commerce platforms.
- Enhancing efficiency: By streamlining operations and standardizing processes, ONDC aims to drive efficiencies in the digital commerce ecosystem.
- Digital Public Infrastructure: ONDC is part of the government’s efforts to build and support essential digital services and infrastructure.
- Government support: The government’s involvement in ONDC demonstrates its commitment to supporting small businesses and advancing digital transformation.
Scope for ONDCs success
- Government backing: ONDC is a government-backed initiative, indicating strong support and resources from the government to drive its success.
- Inclusive approach: ONDC aims to create a level playing field for small retailers and businesses, empowering them to compete with larger e-commerce platforms.
- Industry expertise: The drafting panel of ONDC includes experienced individuals from various sectors, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the table.
- Successful track record: India has previously executed successful public digital platforms like UPI and Aadhaar-linked projects, demonstrating the country’s capability in implementing digital initiatives.
- Open-Sourcing approach: The open-sourcing of processes within ONDC can foster innovation, collaboration, and widespread adoption, similar to the success of UPI.
- Growing digital market: India has a large population of internet users, making it a thriving market for digital commerce. ONDC can tap into this market and capitalize on the increasing adoption of online services.
- Potential for disruption: ONDC’s entry into the digital commerce ecosystem can disrupt existing players and bring about positive changes, offering more choices and opportunities for businesses and consumers.
Issues that can be raised
- EODB concerns: They may raise hues over operability and ease of doing business.
- Compliance burden: MSMEs have already raised the growing compliance burden for e-commerce.
Other challenges
- Every platform has its own challenges so would the ONDC may have.
- While UPI was ruled out (BHIM being the first) people were reluctant in using it due to transaction failures.
- With subsequent improvements and openness people and businesses are using it in every walks of life. So it would work with ONDC.
Conclusion
- While challenges may exist, the combination of government support, industry expertise, and the aim to create a more inclusive and competitive digital commerce landscape provides a strong foundation for the success of ONDC.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Groundwater exploitation issue
Central Idea: Groundwater extraction in northwestern India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Faridabad, has led to land subsidence and structural damage.
What is Groundwater?
- Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock.
- It is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand and rocks called aquifers.
- Aquifers are typically made up of gravel, sand, sandstone, or fractured rock, like limestone.
- Water can move through these materials because they have large connected spaces that make them permeable.
- Aquifers, hand-dug wells, and artesian wells are different types of sources of groundwater.
Reasons for Depletion
- Increased demand for water for domestic, industrial and agricultural needs and limited surface water resources lead to the over-exploitation of groundwater resources.
- Limited storage facilities owing to the hard rock terrain, along with the added disadvantage of lack of rainfall, especially in central Indian states.
- Green Revolution enabled water-intensive crops to be grown in drought-prone/ water deficit regions, leading to over-extraction of groundwater.
- Frequent pumping of water from the ground without waiting for its replenishment leads to quick depletion.
- Subsidies on electricity and high MSP for water-intensive crops is also leading reasons for depletion.
- Inadequate regulation of groundwater laws encourages the exhaustion of groundwater resources without any penalty.
- Deforestation, unscientific methods of agriculture, chemical effluents from industries, and lack of sanitation also lead to pollution of groundwater, making it unusable.
- Natural causes include uneven rainfall and climate change that are hindering the process of groundwater recharge.
Impact of groundwater depletion
- Lowering of the water table: Groundwater depletion may lower the water table leading to difficulty in extracting groundwater for usage.
- Reduction of water in streams and lakes: A substantial amount of the water flowing in rivers comes from seepage of groundwater into the streambed. Depletion of groundwater levels may reduce water flow in such streams.
- Subsidence of land: Groundwater often provides support to the soil. When this balance is altered by taking out the water, the soil collapses, compacts, and drops leading to subsidence of land.
- Increased cost for water extraction: As the depleting groundwater levels lower the water table, the user has to delve deep to extract water. This will increase the cost of water extraction.
Mechanism of Land Subsidence
- The relationship between excessive groundwater extraction and land subsidence became evident through the analysis of data from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites.
- Excessive groundwater withdrawal, coupled with limited monsoon rain, has resulted in critically low groundwater levels in the region.
- Land subsidence occurs when underlying aquifers, which are deep water channels storing percolated water, are not adequately recharged.
- The depletion of aquifers causes the layers of soil and rock above them to sink gradually.
- This sinking of soil is similar to “soil settlement” observed in mining operations.
Regulation of Groundwater in India
(1) Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)
- It has the mandate of regulating groundwater development and management in the country.
- It is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
- CGWA issues advisories, public notices and grant No Objection Certificates (NOC) for ground water withdrawal.
(2) National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM)
- The NAQUIM is an initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti for mapping and managing the entire aquifer systems in the country.
- It maintains the Hydrological Map of India.
(3) Atal Bhujal Yojana
- It is a Central Sector Scheme, for sustainable management of groundwater resources with community participation in water-stressed blocks.
Way Forward
- Routine survey: There should be regular assessment of groundwater levels to ensure that adequate data is available for formulating policies and devising new techniques.
- Assessment of land use pattern: Studies should be carried out to assess land use and the proportion of agricultural land falling under overt-exploited units.
- Changes in farming methods: To improve the water table in those areas where it is being overused, on-farm water management techniques and improved irrigation methods should be adopted.
- Reforms in power supply subsidies: The agricultural power-pricing structure needs to be revamped as the flat rate of electricity adversely affects the use of groundwater.
- Monitoring extraction: There should be a policy in place to monitor the excessive exploitation of groundwater resources to ensure long-term sustainability.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Types of Bail in India
Mains level: Prison reforms in India
Central Idea: The Supreme Court emphasized that orders in bail cases should adhere to the constitutional principle of personal liberty.
Supreme Court on Bail
- Short debates: Prolonged debates on bail may prejudice the accused in their case.
- Upholding liberty: Delays in pronouncing bail decisions impinge on the personal liberty of the undertrial.
- No extensive discussions and elaborations: The Supreme Court highlights the significance of brevity (state of being brief, concise) in bail orders.
- No early delving into case details: Long orders may unnecessarily delve into the details of the case, which is not appropriate at the bail stage.
- Ensuring fairness and impartiality: Such brevity ensures that the case is not unduly influenced or prejudiced during the bail proceedings.
- Promptness in pronouncing bail decisions: The Court emphasized the need for prompt pronouncement of bail decisions. Every day of waiting affects the personal liberty of the undertrial.
What is Bail?
- Bail is the conditional release of a defendant with the promise to appear in court when required.
- The term also means the security that is deposited in order to secure the release of the accused.
Types of Bail in India
- Depending upon the sage of the criminal matter, there are commonly three types of bail in India:
- Regular bail: Regular bail is generally granted to a person who has been arrested or is in police custody. A bail application can be filed for the regular bail under section 437 and 439 of CrPC.
- Interim bail: This type of bail is granted for a short period of time and it is granted before the hearing for the grant of regular bail or anticipatory bail.
- Anticipatory bail: Anticipatory bail is granted under section 438 of CrPC either by session court or High Court. An application for the grant of anticipatory bail can be filed by the person who discerns that he may be arrested by the police for a non-bailable offense.
Conditions for Grant of Bail in Bailable Offences
- Section 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, lays down that a person accused of a bailable offence under IPC can be granted bail if:
- There are sufficient reasons to believe that the accused has not committed the offence.
- There is sufficient reason to conduct a further inquiry in the matter.
- The person is not accused of any offence punishable with death, life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years.
Conditions for Grant of Bail in Non-Bailable Offences
- Section 437 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 lays down that the accused does not have the right to apply for bail in non-bailable offences.
- It is discretion of the court to grant bail in case of non-bailable offences if:
- The accused is a woman or a child, bail can be granted in a non-bailable offence.
- There is a lack of evidence then bail in non-Bailable offenses can be granted.
- There is a delay in lodging FIR by the complainant, bail may be granted.
- The accused is gravely sick.
Why bail needs reform?
- Huge pendency of undertrials: Referring to the state of jails in the country, where over two-thirds lodged are undertrials,
- Indiscriminate arrests: Of this category of prisoners, majority may not even be required to be arrested despite registration of a cognizable offense, being charged with offenses punishable for seven years or less.
- Disadvantageous for some sections: They are not only poor and illiterate but also would include women. Thus, there is a culture of offense being inherited by many of them.
- Colonial legacy: Theoretically, the court also linked the idea of indiscriminate arrests to magistrates ignoring the rule of “bail, not jail” to a colonial mindset.
What is the law on bail?
- The CrPC does not define the word bail but only categories offences under the Indian Penal Code as ‘bailable’ and ‘non-bailable’.
- The CrPC empowers magistrates to grant bail for bailable offences as a matter of right.
- This would involve release on furnishing a bail bond, without or without security.
Way forward
- Bail Law would certainly take care of not only the unwarranted arrests but also the clogging of bail applications before various courts.
- With restrictive bail conditions and a conservative view on bail, we may forget the meaning of personal liberty, which is the greatest of human freedoms enjoyed in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)
Mains level: Various ARTs
Central Idea
- The birth of a baby using three persons’ DNA using Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT) in the UK has generated significant attention and discussion.
- The baby has three parents, with the mitochondria coming from a donor in addition to the genetic material from the biological parents.
- This pioneering technology was employed to prevent the baby from inheriting the mother’s mitochondrial disease.
What is Mitochondria?
|
Description |
| Structure |
Membrane-bound organelles with outer and inner membranes |
| Energy Production |
Generate ATP through cellular respiration and oxidative phosphorylation |
| ATP Production |
Breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the inner membrane |
| DNA and Replication |
Possess their own circular DNA (mtDNA) and can replicate independently |
| Other Functions |
Involved in calcium signalling, apoptosis, and synthesis of molecules |
| Inheritance |
Maternally inherited during fertilization |
| Evolutionary Origin |
Arise from a symbiotic relationship with bacteria-like organisms |
| Disorders |
Mutations or dysfunction can cause mitochondrial diseases |
- Certain defects in mitochondria can lead to mitochondrial diseases, impacting the function of energy-hungry tissues in various organs.
- Mitochondrial diseases have no cure but can be treated, and their incidence is estimated to be one in 5,000 people.
- In this case, the mother had a mitochondrial disease that she wanted to avoid passing on to her baby, but she did not want to use a donor egg.
What is Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)?
- MRT is a medical technique used to prevent the transmission of certain mitochondrial diseases from a mother to her child.
- It involves replacing faulty mitochondria in an egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria from a donor.
- The procedure is typically performed using in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques.
- The nucleus, containing the majority of the genetic material, is transferred from the intended parents’ egg or embryo to a donor egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria.
- The resulting embryo, with nuclear DNA from the intended parents and healthy mitochondria from the donor, is then implanted into the mother’s uterus for gestation.
How does it work?
- The father’s sperm fertilizes the eggs from the biological mother and a female donor with healthy mitochondria.
- The genetic material from the donor’s egg is replaced with that of the biological parents, resulting in an egg with the parents’ DNA and the donor’s mitochondria.
- This modified egg is then implanted into the mother’s uterus and carried to full term, resulting in a baby free from the mother’s mitochondrial disease.
Uses of MRT
- Prevention of Mitochondrial Diseases: MRT helps prevent the transmission of certain mitochondrial diseases from mothers to their children.
- Family Planning: It enables individuals or couples with mitochondrial DNA mutations to have genetically related children without the risk of disease inheritance.
- Improved Health: MRT can significantly improve the overall health and well-being of individuals by avoiding debilitating mitochondrial diseases.
- Ethical Considerations: It provides an alternative to traditional donor egg options, allowing intended parents to have a child with their own genetic material while avoiding disease transmission.
- Scientific Advancements: MRT contributes to scientific research and advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, expanding our understanding of mitochondrial biology and potential treatment options for mitochondrial disorders.
Recent advancements in UK
- The baby primarily carries DNA from its biological parents and a small percentage from the donor whose mitochondria was used during fertilization.
Scientific process
- Mitochondrial diseases are inherited from the mother, prompting research to find ways to protect infants from inheriting these diseases.
- The Newcastle Fertility Clinic developed an advanced in vitro fertilization technique known as Mitochondrial Donation Treatment (MDT).
Legal Facilitation of MDT
- The UK government amended the law in 2015 to allow for mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) or MDT.
- The Newcastle Fertility Centre became the first center to obtain a license to perform the procedure, and the first cases were approved in 2018.
Issues with MRT
- Transfer of Defective Mitochondria: There is a minimal risk of transferring small amounts of defective mitochondria along with healthy ones during the procedure.
- Long-Term Safety: The long-term safety of MRT is still being studied, and ongoing monitoring is necessary to assess any potential risks or effects.
- Ethical and Social Concerns: MRT raises ethical and social considerations related to the creation and destruction of embryos, use of donor gametes, and altering the germline.
- Limited Availability: MRT is a highly regulated procedure, and its availability may be limited to specific countries or cases approved by regulatory bodies.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact: Undergoing MRT involves emotional implications and decision-making, which can have an impact on individuals and couples involved.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Palghat Gap, Western Ghats
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The article discusses the Palghat (Palakkad) Gap, a significant corridor in the Western Ghats of India. It provides information about the geological origin of the gap.
What is Palghat Gap?
- The Palghat Gap is a 40 km wide corridor in the Western Ghats, known for its steep hills and serving as a gateway to Kerala.
- It is a crucial passage for roads and railways connecting Coimbatore and Palakkad.
- The Bharathappuzha River flows through the Palghat Gap.
- The vegetation in the gap is classified as dry evergreen forest, different from the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats.
- The Palghat Gap marks a distinct divide in the flora and fauna of the region.
Geological origin of the Palghat Gap
- The Palghat Gap is a geological shear zone running from east to west.
- Shear zones are weak regions in the Earth’s crust, occasionally causing tremors in the Coimbatore region.
- The formation of the Palghat Gap occurred when the continental shelves shifted after the separation of Australia and Africa from the Gondwana landmass.
- India and Madagascar were connected until volcanic activity led to their split, with a similar gap called the Ranotsara Gap in Madagascar.
Biogeographic distinctions and ancient history
- The biogeographic distinctions in species north and south of the Palghat Gap may be attributed to an ancient river or an incursion of the sea in the distant past.
- Elephant populations on the Nilgiris side of the gap have different mitochondrial DNA from elephants in the Anamalai and Periyar sanctuaries.
- DNA analysis of the White-bellied Shortwing, an endemic bird species, shows divergence between populations in the Nilgiris and the Anamalai regions.
Biodiversity south of the Palghat Gap
- The southern region of the Western Ghats, located south of the Palghat Gap, exhibits high species richness and phylogenetic diversity.
- A recent study reports over 450 tree species, including ancient species like Magnolia champaca, dating back 130 million years.
- The warm weather and moist air of the southern Western Ghats support a diverse range of life, making it an island refuge during cycles of ice ages and droughts.
- The southern Western Ghats receive rainfall more evenly throughout the year compared to the northern region.
Back2Basics: Western Ghats
- The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri mountain range, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
- It spans an area of 160,000 sq. km. and stretches for 1,600 km parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, passing through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
|
Description |
| Flora and Fauna |
The Western Ghats are home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including over 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 227 reptile species, 179 amphibian species, 290 freshwater fish species, and 6,000 insect species. |
| Geological Significance |
The Western Ghats, known as the “Great Escarpment of India,” are older than the Himalayas. They influence India’s monsoon weather patterns by intercepting rain-laden monsoon winds from the southwest during late summer. |
| Geographic Features |
Stretching north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, the Western Ghats separate the plateau from the narrow coastal plain called the Western Coastal Plains, which lies along the Arabian Sea. |
| Catchment Area |
The Western Ghats cover a vast catchment area for complex riverine drainage systems, contributing to almost 40% of India’s total drainage. The range acts as a barrier, blocking southwest monsoon winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau. |
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