Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to Migrant;
Why in the News?
Migrant workers from various parts of India are gradually becoming a noticeable presence in the agricultural fields of Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta, often called the granary of South India.
Migrants in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta
- Labour Shortage in Agriculture: The Cauvery Delta, known as the granary of South India, is experiencing a significant shortage of farmhands as the younger generation moves away from agriculture. This has led to a reliance on migrant workers, particularly from states like West Bengal and Bihar, who are skilled in paddy transplanting and harvesting.
- Economic Dynamics: Migrant labourers are filling the labour gap during agricultural seasons, working in groups and completing tasks more quickly than local labourers. They charge around ₹4,500 to ₹5,000 per acre, compared to local workers who earn ₹600 per day.
- Sociocultural Integration: While there hasn’t been significant tension between migrant workers and local labourers, the integration of migrants into the agricultural workforce is still evolving.
- Local labour unions acknowledge the presence of migrant workers but do not see it as a widespread issue yet, partly due to the ongoing mechanization of agriculture and changing job preferences among the local youth.
Dependence on Migrant Workers in Kerala
- Shift in Labor Sources: Kerala has seen a growing dependence on migrant workers from northern and eastern states, including West Bengal and Bihar, to fill labour shortages in various sectors, including agriculture.
- A recent study by the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation estimated the number of inter-state migrant workers in Kerala at 2.5 million, equivalent to 7% of the state’s population.
- Economic Factors: High wage differentials between Kerala and the migrants’ home states, along with a robust urban economy, have made Kerala an attractive destination for migrant labourers.
External Migration from Uttar Pradesh to Maharashtra
- High Migration Rate: Uttar Pradesh tops the list for inter-state job-related migration to Maharashtra, with over 5.7% of migrants moving for employment purposes between 2020 and 2021.
- Concentration of Migrants: Within Maharashtra, districts such as Mumbai and Thane have the highest concentrations of migrants from Uttar Pradesh.
How does the proposed ‘quota-for-local’ Bill impact migrant workers?
- uction in the already precarious employment options available to migrants, who often fill lower-skilled positions.
- Increased Competition: The migrant workers might face intensified competition for fewer available roles, particularly in sectors where they have traditionally been employed, such as delivery services and hospitality.
- Economic Migration: The bill could lead to a demographic shift in the labor market. Migrants may choose to relocate to states with more inclusive hiring practices, impacting the state’s economy and workforce diversity.
- Exploitation Risks: The present Bill could make migrants more vulnerable to exploitation, as companies may feel less inclined to hire them, leading to further marginalization of these workers.
- Industry Concerns: Business leaders and industry representatives have expressed concerns that the bill could deter investment and talent from flowing into Karnataka, potentially leading to job losses and reduced economic growth. The focus should be on skills rather than reservations.
What measures can be taken to protect migrant workers from exploitation?
- Right to Change Employers: States need to ensure that migrant workers have the freedom to change employers without facing penalties, which can reduce their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.
- Empower Migrant workers: The government/ Private sector needs to provide comprehensive information regarding workers’ rights, including recruitment processes, legal protections, and avenues for reporting abuse.
- Strengthening labor laws and legal assistance with counseling services that protect migrant workers and ensure strict enforcement through regular inspections of workplaces is a need of the hour.
- Social Security and Housing Access: States need to ensure that migrant workers have access to social services, housing, and healthcare, which can help mitigate their vulnerabilities.
- NITI Aayog in its report ”India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” has said that fiscal incentives such as tax breaks or startup grants may be provided for businesses that provide livelihood opportunities where women constitute a substantial portion of their workers.
- International Cooperation: Encourage countries to adopt and implement international standards and conventions that protect the rights of migrant workers, promoting safe and ethical recruitment practices.
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Lack of Proper Data and Registration
- Historical Data Gaps: The last comprehensive survey on internal migration was conducted as part of the National Sample Survey in 2007-08, with the Census 2011 data only partially released in 2020.
- Absence of Real-Time Data: During the COVID-19 lockdown, the Indian government did not collect data on the deaths or job losses of internal migrants. The Ministry of Labour and Employment confirmed that it maintained no records of migrant workers who lost their jobs or lives during this period.
Legislation:
The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 was enacted to protect the rights and regulate the conditions of service for migrant workers who move between states in India for employment.
Implementation Challenges
- Lack of Awareness: Many migrant workers are unaware of their rights under the Act, leading to exploitation and poor working conditions.
- Inadequate Enforcement: There is often insufficient enforcement of the Act by state governments, resulting in widespread violations and the continued presence of migrant workers in informal and unregulated sectors.
- Data Gaps: The absence of accurate data on the number of inter-state migrant workers complicates enforcement and the provision of services.
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Way forward:
- Promote Sustainable Employment and Skill Development in Source Regions: To reduce the over-reliance on migrant labour and address labour shortages in sectors like agriculture, the government should focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities in the migrants’ home states.
- Promote Sustainable Employment and Skill Development in Source Regions: The government should create a real-time migrant data system linked with Aadhaar, enabling targeted policies, social security, and effective crisis response for internal migrants.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Need for Central protection law for healthcare workers;
Why in the News?
Resident doctors across India are on strike, demanding safety laws after a young doctor was tragically raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata on August 9.
Why are Healthcare Workers Protesting?
- Response to Violence: The protests were triggered by the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, 2024.
- Demand for Safety: Healthcare workers are demanding laws and measures that ensure their safety while on duty.
- Historical Context: Violence against healthcare workers is not a new issue in India. Previous incidents, such as the case of Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse who was sexually assaulted in 1973, underscore a long-standing pattern of violence in healthcare settings.
Working Conditions of Junior Doctors, Interns, and Nurses
- Poor Working Environment: Junior doctors, interns, and nurses often work in ill-lit and poorly secured hospital environments.
- Long Shifts and Exhaustion: Many healthcare workers, including the victim of the recent incident, are subjected to excessively long shifts—in this case, a 36-hour duty shift—without adequate rest or safe spaces to recuperate.
- Mental Health Concerns: The stressful working conditions, combined with the threat of violence, have raised significant concerns about the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers.
Key Demands of the Protesters
- Central Protection Act: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is advocating for a Central protection law specifically for healthcare workers, similar to measures in other countries that classify assaults on medical staff as serious offenses.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Protesters are calling for hospital security protocols that match those of airports, including the installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of security personnel, and improved lighting in hospital corridors and wards.
- Safe Work Environment: There is a demand for immediate systemic reforms to improve working conditions, including better security arrangements and the establishment of healthcare facilities as safe zones.
- Accountability and Justice: The IMA has requested a thorough investigation into incidents of violence against healthcare workers, with a focus on timely and professional handling of cases and ensuring that perpetrators face exemplary punishment.
- Government Response: Following the protests, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an order mandating that any violence against healthcare workers must be reported and acted upon swiftly, with institutional FIRs to be filed within six hours of an incident.
Sole responsible for the safety of Health workers:
- State Governments: Health and law enforcement are primarily state subjects in India, meaning that state governments are primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals. They are tasked with implementing laws, providing adequate security in hospitals, and ensuring a safe working environment for medical staff.
- Central Government: The central government plays a role in formulating national policies and frameworks that support the safety of healthcare workers.
- Recent initiatives include the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s order mandating the filing of FIRs within six hours of any violence against healthcare workers, indicating a push for accountability and swift action.
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Way forward:
- Implement a Central Protection Law for Healthcare Workers: The government should fast-track the enactment of a Central law specifically designed to protect healthcare workers from violence.
- Improve Working Conditions and Mental Health Support: Hospitals should prioritize creating safe and well-secured environments for healthcare workers, including reasonable shift hours, adequate rest periods, mental health support, and robust security protocols to prevent future incidents of violence.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Zoopharmacognosy
Why in the News?
Researchers highlighted the zoopharmacognosy (practice of self-medication) by a Sumatran orangutan using the plant Fibraurea tinctoria to treat a facial wound.
What is Zoopharmacognosy?
- Zoopharmacognosy is the study of how animals use natural substances like plants, soils, and insects to treat their own illnesses.
- The term was coined by ecologist D.H. Janzen from the University of Pennsylvania.
- It shows that animals have an instinctive ability to find and use natural remedies.
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Key Studies and Observations
- Neanderthals: In 2012, a Nature publication found that Neanderthals in Northern Spain used plants like yarrow and chamomile to treat infections.
Other Animal Species:
- Primates: Chimpanzees eat bitter leaves, like Vernonia amygdalina, to get rid of intestinal worms.
- Pregnant lemurs nibbling on tamarind leaves to aid milk production.
- Reindeer: Reindeer eat mushrooms like Amanita muscaria, possibly to fight off parasites.
- Birds: Starlings line their nests with antimicrobial plants to protect their young from diseases.
- Elephants: Pregnant elephants in Kenya eat specific plants to help induce labor.
- Dogs: Dogs chew grass and then vomit to clear their stomachs of infections.
PYQ:
[2019] Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of:
(a) Anti-malarial drug
(b) Biodiesel
(c) Pulp for paper industry
(d) Textile fibre |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: REACHOUT Scheme
Why in the News?
The Indian student team, supported by the REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training and Outreach) scheme, achieved remarkable success at the 17th edition of the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) held in Beijing, China.
What is the REACHOUT Scheme?
- It is an initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under the broader PRITHVI (PRITHvi Vigyan) program.
- The scheme aims to enhance the understanding and dissemination of Earth system sciences through research, education, and outreach activities.
About the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO)
- The IESO was established in 2003 during the International Geoscience Education Organization Council Meeting in Calgary, Canada.
- The competition focuses on promoting interest in earth system sciences, particularly in addressing climate change, environmental challenges, and natural disasters.
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India’s Participation:
- India has participated in the IESO since 2007 and hosted the 10th edition in Mysore.
- The Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO) serves as a national-level prelude to the IESO, held across schools in India.
- Top-performing students from INESO represent India at the IESO, with support from MoES and the Geological Society of India.
PYQ:
[2019] Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the
(a) Department of Science and Technology
(b) Ministry of Labour and Employment
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Namdhari Sect
Why in the News?
Recently, followers of the two rival groups within the Namdhari religious sect clashed violently in Haryana.
About Namdhari Sect
|
Details |
| Founder |
Satguru Ram Singh in 1857 (on Baisakhi)
Also known as Kuka Movement |
| Primary Beliefs |
– Belief in a living human Guru; Also known as Kuka/Kukaism
– Guru Granth Sahib is considered the Supreme Gurbani
– Strict vegetarianism and teetotalism (alcohol is forbidden) |
| Key Practices |
– Wearing white attire as a sign of mourning
– Rejection of caste distinctions
– Promotion of widow remarriage
– Non-violent resistance– Cow is the sacred animal |
| Headquarters |
Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana, Punjab |
| Global Presence |
– Deras across Punjab and Haryana
– Presence in countries such as the UK, Canada, and Kenya |
| Role in Independence |
– Early opposition to British rule
– Adoption of non-cooperation and boycott of British goods
– Victims of severe British reprisals |
| Notable Historical Event |
Malerkotla Massacre (1872) – 66 Namdharis executed by the British |
| Leadership Succession |
– After Ram Singh: His brother Satguru Hari Singh
– Later Successors: Satguru Partap Singh, Satguru Jagjit Singh
– Current leaders: Uday Singh and Dalip Singh (factional dispute) |
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints :
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Parliamentary Committees
Why in the News?
Lok Sabha Speaker has constituted six new Parliamentary Committees, for a tenure of 1year:
|
Origin |
Composition |
Functions |
| Public Accounts Committee (PAC) |
Established in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919 |
- 22 members: 15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha;
- Chairman from the Opposition,
- Appointed by the LS Speaker.
|
Examines public expenditure, scrutinizes CAG reports, and ensures efficient use of public funds. |
| Committee on Estimates |
Traces back to 1921; reconstituted in 1950 (recommended by John Mathai) |
- 30 members,
- All from Lok Sabha;
- Elected annually through proportional representation.
- Minister CANNOT be a member.
|
Examines budget estimates, suggests economic efficiencies, and recommends alternative policies. |
| Committee on Public Undertakings |
Established in 1964 based on the Krishna Menon Committee |
- 22 members: 15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha;
- Chairman appointed by the Speaker,
- Chosen from Lok Sabha members
|
Examines accounts and reports of PSUs, and provides recommendations without interfering in operations. |
| Committee on Welfare of OBCs |
The committee was constituted in June 2012 |
It comprises 30 members, with 20 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha |
Focuses on the implementation of policies for OBC welfare, evaluates reservations, and suggests improvements. |
| Committee on Welfare of SC/ST |
N/A |
The committee consists of 30 members, with 20 elected from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. |
Ensures implementation of safeguards for SCs and STs, reviews welfare programs, and suggests enhancements. |
| Joint Committee on Office of Profit |
Joint Committee on Office of Profit was established by the Lok Sabha on July 23, 2019 |
15 members; 10 Lok + 5 from Rajya Sabha. |
Examines cases of MPs/MLAs holding offices of profit, determine qualification, and maintains legislative integrity. |
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the house whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation?
(a) Committee on Government Assurances
(b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
(c) Rules Committee
(d) Business Advisory Committee |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Deceptive Dark Patterns
Why in the News?
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released a report highlighting the use of deceptive dark patterns in Indian apps.
Key highlights of the ASCI Study:
- The ASCI report aims to raise awareness among marketers and designers about the ethical implications of these deceptive patterns.
- The study analyzed 12,000 screens across 53 leading Indian apps in 9 different industries.
- The report identified the use of one or more of 12 deceptive patterns in most of these apps.
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What are Deceptive Dark Patterns?
- These practices use elements of digital choice architecture, particularly in user interfaces.
- The goal is to manipulate or impair consumer autonomy, decision-making, or choice.
- These patterns are often subtle, directing users toward decisions that may not align with their true preferences.
- As a result, they compromise the ability of users to make informed choices.
Examples of Deceptive Patterns:
|
Description |
Example |
| Interface Interference |
Directs users to specific choices using visual tricks. |
Highlighting preferred options with bright colors. |
| Confirm Shaming |
Uses guilt to push users toward certain actions. |
Options like “Upgrade now” vs. “I don’t want a smarter software.” |
| Basket Sneaking |
Adds unwanted items to cart without consent. |
Automatically adding a donation to the shopping cart. |
| Privacy Deception |
Tricks users into sharing more personal data. |
Requiring unnecessary personal info during signup. |
| Drip Pricing |
Reveals extra fees late in the purchase process. |
Adding hidden charges at checkout. |
| Subscription Trap |
Leads to unintended subscriptions without clear notice. |
“Free trial” that auto-renews to a paid plan. |
Importance of Ethical Design
- Raising Awareness: Marketers are encouraged to study the guidelines issued by ASCI and the Department of Consumer Affairs to avoid unethical practices.
- Conscious Patterns Website: Marketers can use resources like the Conscious Patterns website to test their apps and obtain a “conscious score” to ensure that their apps balance business needs with user interests.
- Digital Responsibility: As the digital world evolves, ethical design practices are crucial for building and maintaining trust with customers.
- Marketer and Designer Roles: Both marketers and app designers need to be vigilant about pursuing ethical design to create safe and trustworthy online environments.
PYQ
[2015] What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck? |
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