From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Financial Stability Report
Why in the News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Financial Stability Report (FSR), 2024 has highlighted an increasing household debt burden and a concerning rise in consumption-based borrowing.
About Financial Stability Report (FSR):
The FSR is published biannually (June & December) by the RBI.
It reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC – headed by the Governor of RBI) on risks to financial stability and the resilience of the financial system.
The Report also discusses issues relating to the development and regulation of the financial sector.
Key Highlights of the Financial Stability Report (FSR) 2024:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Time Use Survey (TUS), 2024
Why in the News?
The National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has released the Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024, marking the second nationwide survey of its kind after 2019.
What is the Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024?
The TUS, 2024 is a nationwide survey conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
It is the second edition of the survey, following the first TUS conducted in 2019.
Purpose: TUS measures how individuals allocate their time across paid work, unpaid domestic work, caregiving, learning, leisure, and other daily activities.
India is among a few countries, including Australia, Japan, Korea, the US, and China, that conduct National Time Use Surveys.
Unlike traditional surveys that focus solely on employment, TUS captures both economic and non-economic activities, highlighting gender roles, social structures, and lifestyle changes.
Key Highlights of TUS 2024:
75% of males and 25% of females (aged 15-59 years) participated in employment-related activities in 2024.
In 2019, the participation rate was 70.9% for males and 21.8% for females, reflecting a 3.2% increase in female workforce participation.
Decline in unpaid domestic work for women from 315 minutes/day (2019) to 305 minutes/day (2024), indicating a shift towards paid employment.
41% of women and 21.4% of men in the 15-59 age group engaged in caregiving.
Women spent 140 minutes/day, while men spent 74 minutes/day on caregiving.
Male involvement in child-rearing and elder care is rising, signaling changing gender roles.
89.3% of children (6-14 years) participated in learning activities, dedicating an average of 413 minutes/day.
Leisure time has increased – People aged 6 years and above spent 11% of their daily time on cultural, leisure, mass media, and sports activities, compared to 9.9% in 2019.
16.8% of people engaged in producing goods for personal use, spending 121 minutes/day.
In rural areas, 24.6% of individuals (15-59 years) participated in household production.
Unpaid domestic services participation: 81.5% of women, 27.1% of men.
PYQ:
[2013] Disguised unemployment generally means:
(a) large number of people remain unemployed
(b) alternative employment is not available
(c) marginal productivity of labour is zero
(d) productivity of workers is low
[2023] Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Read the attached story
Why in the News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) survey on agricultural transactions reveals that cash remains the primary mode of payment among farmers, although digital payments are gradually increasing. Despite the rise of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and mobile banking, over 70% of Indian farmers still rely on cash for selling their produce.
Key Findings of the RBI Survey
In 2019, 88% of farmers used cash for transactions. By 2022, this figure dropped to 79% and further declined to 72% in 2024.
However, this transition is slow compared to other sectors of the economy.
The share of farmers using electronic payments has increased from 8% in 2019 to 18% in 2024.
Among traders, the adoption of digital payments has been faster, rising from 8% in 2019 to 31% in 2024.
Among retailers, the usage of electronic payments increased from 3% in 2019 to 22% in 2024.
Reasons behind low Digital Adoption
55% of farmers rely on traders to determine market prices, up from 47% in 2019. 47% depend on fellow farmers, while fewer than 10% use apps or websites to check market rates.
Despite the growth of agri-tech platforms, most farmers still depend on word-of-mouth rather than digital sources for price information.
Multiple intermediaries in the supply chain reduce farmers’ share in the final consumer price.
64% of farmers reported crop damage during the 2023-24 rabi season. Unseasonal rainfall was cited as the top reason (37%), followed by heatwaves (30%).
As a result, 90% of farmers consider weather forecasts as the most important factor in crop-sowing/ harvesting decisions.
PYQ:
[2010] With reference to India, consider the following:
Nationalisation of Banks
Formation of Regional Rural Banks
Adoption of village by Bank Branches
Which of the above can be considered as steps taken to achieve the “financial inclusion” in India?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2016] Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Why in the News?
The latest edition of PLFS report (October-December 2024) has highlighted key labour market indicators.
About Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
The PLFS is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to assess employment and unemployment trends in India.
Launched in April 2017, PLFS provides quarterly estimates for urban areas and annual estimates for both rural and urban areas.
Key Indicators:
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Percentage of people working or seeking jobs.
Worker Population Ratio (WPR): Percentage of people employed.
Unemployment Rate (UR): Percentage of job seekers unable to find employment.
Current Weekly Status (CWS): Employment status based on work done in the last 7 days.
Survey Methodology:
Urban Areas:Rotational Panel Sampling (each household surveyed four times).
Data Collected (Oct-Dec 2024): 5,742 urban units surveyed, covering 1,70,487 individuals across 45,074 households.
Publication:Quarterly Bulletins for urban areas, Annual Reports for rural and urban regions.
Key Highlights of PLFS (Oct-Dec 2024)
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):50.4% (↑ from 49.9% in 2023).
Male LFPR:75.4% (↑ from 74.1% in 2023).
Female LFPR:25.2% (↑ from 25.0% in 2023).
Worker Population Ratio (WPR):47.2% (↑ from 46.6% in 2023).
Male WPR:70.9% (↑ from 69.8% in 2023).
Female WPR:23.2% (↑ from 22.9% in 2023).
Unemployment Rate (UR):6.4% (↓ from 6.5% in 2023).
Male UR:5.8% (unchanged).
Female UR:8.1% (↓ from 8.6% in 2023).
PYQ:
[2023] Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fiscal Health Index
Why in the News?
The NITI Aayog has launched the Fiscal Health Index (FHI), 2025 to provide a comprehensive assessment of the fiscal performance of 18 major states in India.
What is the Fiscal Health Index (FHI)?
The FHI is an initiative by NITI Aayog to analyze the fiscal health of states and guide reforms for sustainable economic growth.
It evaluates states using a composite index derived from five key sub-indices:
Quality of Expenditure
Revenue Mobilization
Fiscal Prudence
Debt Index
Debt Sustainability
The report uses data from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) for the fiscal year 2022-23, supplemented by trends from 2014-15 to 2021-22.
FHI covers states contributing significantly to India’s GDP, demographics, public expenditure, and revenues.
Key Highlights:
Top Performers:
Odisha: Ranked first (67.8), excelling in debt management and sustainability.
Chhattisgarh: Secured second position (55.2), showcasing strong fiscal prudence.
Goa: Achieved third place (53.6), reflecting balanced fiscal practices.
Underperformers:
Kerala: (29.7), struggling with poor debt sustainability and expenditure quality.
Punjab: (28.4), grappling with low revenue mobilization and high deficits.
West Bengal: (27.8), facing challenges in debt index and fiscal management.
Andhra Pradesh: (26.9), hindered by high fiscal deficits.
Regional Insights:
Southern States: Telangana leads (47.5), while Tamil Nadu (30.2), Kerala (29.7), and Andhra Pradesh (26.9) lag.
Developmental Expenditure: Top states allocate up to 73% of total expenditure to growth-focused activities.
Significance
Promotes fiscal discipline through data-driven insights.
Guides state-specific reforms to address disparities.
Encourages healthy competition among states.
Supports cooperative federalism, aligning with “Viksit Bharat @2047”.
Tracks fiscal health annually to ensure continuous improvement.
PYQ:
[2015] The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the (2015)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2024
Why in the News?
The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 was released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti. Conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the report provides a scientific baseline for groundwater quality across India.
Data collected from 15,200 locations and 4,982 trend stations both before and after the monsoon.
Contamination Levels
Nitrate
20% of samples exceeded the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
Hotspots include Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra (>40% of samples), Telangana (27.48%), Andhra Pradesh (23.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (22.58%).
States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland remain within safe limits.
Fluoride
9.04% of samples above permissible limits.
Affected states: Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Arsenic
Detected in Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains (West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh).
Linked to cancer and skin lesions.
Uranium
42% of Rajasthan and 30% of Punjab samples exceed 100 ppb.
Over-exploited zones in Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh also show elevated levels, posing kidney damage risks.
Agricultural Suitability
SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) & RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate): 81% of samples suitable for irrigation; 100% suitability in North-Eastern states.
High Sodium: Elevated levels in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, risking soil degradation.
Salinity (as a measure of Electrical Conductivity (EC)): High in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Karnataka.
Temporal Trends
Seasonal Improvements: Post-monsoon recharge improves EC (salinity) and fluoride levels.
Stable Nitrate since 2015 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.
Rising Nitrate (2017–2023) in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana.
Hotspots of Contamination
Nitrate:
Rajasthan (Barmer, Jodhpur), Maharashtra (Wardha, Jalgaon), Andhra Pradesh (Palnadu), Tamil Nadu (Villupuram), Punjab (Bathinda).
Uranium:
Over-exploited aquifers in Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat.
Arsenic:
Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar.
What are the key factors contributing to decline in Groundwater quality?
Groundwater quality declines due to:
Industrialization, with untreated waste introducing heavy metals and chemicals into aquifers, and agricultural practices, where excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leads to nitrate contamination.
Urbanization worsens the problem through improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and landfill contamination.
Over-extraction for agriculture and domestic use lowers water tables, exposing aquifers to pollutants like arsenic and uranium.
Climate change and poor livestock waste management further exacerbate contamination and reduce aquifer recharge.
Government Initiatives to conserve Groundwater
Jal Jeevan Mission – Groundwater Component (2023): Ensures source sustainability for rural water supply by focusing on groundwater recharge and sustainable extraction with local governance participation.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain (2021): A nationwide campaign promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, emphasizing the creation of water conservation structures.
National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (Updated 2020): Maps groundwater aquifers to guide sustainable management, particularly in over-exploited areas.
Atal Bhujal Yojana (2019): Focuses on sustainable groundwater management through community participation in seven water-stressed states, with decentralized planning involving Gram Panchayats.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:
1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.
2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 highlights key trends in consumption patterns across India. It is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) every 5 years.
Important Highlights of HCES, 2023-24:
Rural Spending: Monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) increased by 9.3% to ₹4,122 in 2023-24 (from ₹3,773 in 2022-23); significantly higher than ₹1,430 in 2011-12.
Urban Spending: MPCE rose by 8.3% to ₹6,996 (from ₹6,459 in 2022-23); up from ₹2,630 in 2011-12.
Rural-Urban Gap: Narrowed to 69.7% in 2023-24, compared to 71.2% in 2022-23 and 83.9% in 2011-12.
Food Expenditure: Share increased to 47.04% in rural and 39.68% in urban households, reversing a decades-long decline.
Rural households spent most on beverages and processed food (11.09%), followed by milk products (8.44%) and vegetables (6.03%).
Urban households spent most on beverages and processed food (9.84%), milk products (7.19%), and vegetables (4.12%).
Decline in expenditure on sugar and salt, with rising spending on beverages and processed foods, signaling dietary shifts.
Non-Food Expenditure: Accounted for the majority in both rural (52.96%) and urban areas (60.32%).
Major rural non-food expenses: Conveyance (7.59%), medical expenses (6.83%), and clothing & bedding (6.63%).
Major urban non-food expenses: Conveyance (8.46%), entertainment (6.92%), and durable goods (6.87%).
– Regional Variations:
States with largest rural-urban gaps: Meghalaya (104%), Jharkhand (83%), and Chhattisgarh (80%).
Consumption Inequality: Gini coefficient declined from 0.266 to 0.237 in rural areas and 0.314 to 0.284 in urban areas, indicating reduced income disparity.
Features and Significance
Consumption Trends: Indicates rising food expenditure driven by inflation and evolving post-pandemic behaviors.
Changing Diet Patterns: Increased preference for beverages and processed foods in both rural and urban households reflects dietary shifts.
Regional Disparities: Offers insights into high- and low-spending regions, aiding targeted interventions.
Policy Implications: Highlights the need for price stabilization for essentials, rural infrastructure investments, and urban employment growth to address income disparities and rising expenses.
PYQ:
[2019] In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because:
(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
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NHRC, its Composition, Functions and Powers
Why in the News?
Justice (Retd.) V Ramasubramanian has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Priyank Kanoongo (former NCPCR chief) and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) have been appointed as NHRC Members.
About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Overview
A Statutory Body formed under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
Composition and Membership
Chairperson: Must be a former Supreme Court Justice or Chief Justice; appointed by the President.
Members:
Four full-time members:
1 ex-SC Judge (Chairperson),
1 ex-SC Judge,
1 ex-Chief Justice of a High Court,
1 with knowledge/experience in human rights.
At least one woman among the members.
Seven ex-officio members: Chairpersons of National Commissions (e.g., SC/ST, Women, Minorities, etc.) + Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Appointment Process:
The President appoints based on a recommendation committee (PM, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Home Minister, Leaders of Opposition, etc.).
Judicial appointments: Consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
Removal: By an order of the President, after consultation with the Supreme Court.
Terms of Office:
3-year term or until the age of 70.
Eligible for reappointment, but not for other government jobs.
Salaries: Determined by the Central Government.
Reporting: Submits reports to the Centre and concerned states; these are tabled before legislatures with an action-taken report.
Limitations:
No inquiry after one year from the alleged violation.
Functions are recommendatory; no direct power to punish or award relief.
Limited role in armed forces cases.
Powers and Functions
Functions:
Inquire into alleged human rights violations.
Recommend interim relief to victims or families.
Intervene in court proceedings on human rights matters.
Review constitutional/legal safeguards for human rights.
Study international human rights instruments.
Promote human rights literacy.
Support NGOs in human rights work.
Powers:
Can regulate its own procedure.
Has all powers of a civil court, with judicial character.
PYQ:
[2020] Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)?
Preamble
Directive Principles of State Policy
Fundamental Duties
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2021] Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analysing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: RBI, Key highlights of the report
Why in the News?
According to the RBI report on state finances, India’s fiscal deficit has increased from 2.8% of GDP in FY22 to a projected 3.2% in FY24, signaling that fiscal consolidation is being side-lined in favor of increasing expenditure.
Capital expenditure (capex) has risen from 2.2% of GDP in FY23 to a budgeted 3.2% in FY24, indicating increased investment in assets for future growth.
Fiscal position of the States as per the Report
Fiscal Deficit:
The Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) of states is projected to rise from 2.7% of GDP in FY2022-23 to 2.9% of GDP in FY2023-24.
This rise indicates that fiscal consolidation has been put on hold, with states continuing to spend more than their revenues.
Many states have budgeted for fiscal deficits above the 3% of GSDP mark, including Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, among others.
Revenue Expenditure:
Revenue Expenditure is expected to increase to 14.6% of GDP in FY2025, up from 13.5% in FY2024, indicating a rise in the current expenditure of states.
Capital Expenditure (Capex):
States have ramped up their capital expenditure (spending on creating assets), which has increased from 2.2% of GDP in FY2023 to 3.2% of GDP in FY2024.
This increase is in line with the government’s focus on infrastructure and long-term growth.
State Revenue:
State revenues are projected to increase from 13.3% of GDP in FY2024 to 14.3% in FY2025, driven by improved tax collections.
There has been a marked improvement in own tax revenue buoyancy compared to the pre-Covid period.
Debt-to-GDP Ratio:
The debt-to-GDP ratio for states has increased slightly to 28.8% in FY2024, from 28.5% in FY2023.
States with high fiscal deficits tend to have debt-to-GDP ratios above the national average, which suggests they have been sustaining deficits for a longer time.
Borrowing Trends:
States have shifted significantly towards market borrowings.
The share of market borrowings in financing the fiscal deficit has increased from 17% in 2005-06 to 79% in FY2024-25.
Recommendations:
The report suggests prudent management of subsidies, rationalization of centrally sponsored schemes, debt consolidation, and the adoption of climate and outcome budgeting to improve state fiscal health.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following statements:
The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the State Governments.
The Central Government has domestic liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to that of 49% of GDP of the State Governments.
As per the Constitution of India, it is mandatory for a State to take the Central Government’s consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NHA estimates
Why in the News?
National Health Accounts (NHA) data for 2021-22 shows a decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare due to increased government health expenditure (GHE) and an enhanced public healthcare framework.
What are NHA estimates?
The NHA estimates are based on the globally accepted framework of ‘A System of Health Accounts (SHA), 2011’ which facilitates inter-country comparisons.
This report provides a systematic description of the financial flows in India’s health system by different sources, how the money is spent, how healthcare is provided, and the nature of healthcare services that are used.
Key Observations from the NHA 2021-22 Data:
Details
Decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)
OOPE has decreased due to increased government investment and improved public healthcare infrastructure, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Rise in Government Health Expenditure (GHE)
GHE as a percentage of GDP rose from 1.13% in 2014-15 to 1.84% in 2021-22. GHE’s share of overall government spending increased from 3.94% to 6.12%, reflecting the government’s commitment to public healthcare.
Increase in Per Capita Health Spending
Per capita health spending tripled from ₹1,108 in 2014-15 to ₹3,169 in 2021-22, allowing for more investment in infrastructure, workforce, and services.
Expansion of Social Security Expenditure (SSE)
SSE on healthcare grew from 5.7% to 8.7% of Total Health Expenditure (THE), helping protect individuals from catastrophic health expenses and reducing OOPE.
Growth of Government-Funded Insurance Schemes
Programs like Ayushman Bharat and state-level health insurance schemes increased healthcare access for economically vulnerable populations, reducing reliance on personal funds.
Foundation for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
The decline in OOPE and increased public health spending are integral to achievingUHC, aiming for equitable healthcare access for all citizens.
PYQ:
[2021] “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.
[2019] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of:
(a) Digital security infrastructure
(b) Food security infrastructure
(c) Health care and education infrastructure
(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure
The survey gathered primary data from 1 lakh rural households across 28 states and Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The first NAFISsurvey was conducted for the agricultural year 2016-17, with results released in 2018.
This survey provides valuable information on rural economic and financial indicators, especially in the post-COVID period.
Key Highlights from NAFIS 2021-22:
Details
1. Increase in Average Monthly Income
• Average monthly income increased by 57.6% from Rs. 8,059 in 2016-17 to Rs. 12,698 in 2021-22, indicating a nominal CAGR of 9.5%.
• Agricultural households earned slightly more, with an average income of Rs. 13,661, compared to Rs. 11,438 for non-agricultural households.
• Salaried employment was the largest income source for all households, accounting for approximately 37% of total income.
• For agricultural households, cultivation was the main income source, contributing about one-third of their monthly earnings.
• For non-agricultural households, government/private services contributed 57% of the total household income.
2. Rise in Average Monthly Expenditure
• Average monthly expenditure increased from Rs. 6,646 in 2016-17 to Rs. 11,262 in 2021-22.
• Agricultural households had higher expenditure at Rs. 11,710, compared to Rs. 10,675 for non-agricultural households.
• In states like Goa and Jammu & Kashmir, monthly household expenditure exceeded Rs. 17,000.
• Overall, agricultural households demonstrated both higher income and expenditure levels than non-agricultural households.
3. Increase in Financial Savings
• Annual average financial savings rose to Rs. 13,209 in 2021-22 from Rs. 9,104 in 2016-17.
• 66% of households reported saving money in 2021-22, up from 50.6% in 2016-17.
• 71% of agricultural households reported savings, compared to 58% of non-agricultural households.
• States with 70% or more households saving money include Uttarakhand (93%), Uttar Pradesh (84%), and Jharkhand (83%).
• States with less than half of households reporting savings are Goa (29%), Kerala (35%), Mizoram (35%), Gujarat (37%), Maharashtra (40%), and Tripura (46%).
4. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Usage
• 44% of agricultural households possessed a valid Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
• Among those with land holdings greater than 0.4 hectares or who had taken agricultural loans from banks in the past year, 77% had a valid KCC.
5. Insurance Coverage
• Households with at least one member covered by any form of insurance increased from 25.5% in 2016-17 to 80.3% in 2021-22.
• 80.3% means that four out of every five households had at least one insured member.
• Agricultural households had higher insurance coverage than non-agricultural households by about 13 percentage points.
• Vehicle insurance was the most prevalent, with 55% of households covered.
• Life insurance coverage extended to 24% of households, with agricultural households showing slightly higher penetration (26%) compared to non-agricultural ones (20%).
6. Pension Coverage
• Households with at least one member receiving any form of pension increased from 18.9% in 2016-17 to 23.5% in 2021-22.
• Overall, 54% of households with at least one member over 60 years old reported receiving a pension.
• Pensions included old age, family, retirement, or disability pensions, highlighting their importance in supporting elderly members of society.
7. Financial Literacy
• Respondents demonstrating good financial literacy increased from 33.9% in 2016-17 to 51.3% in 2021-22, a rise of 17% points.
• Individuals exhibiting sound financial behavior increased from 56.4% to 72.8% during the same period.
• When assessed on financial knowledge, 58% of rural respondents and 66% of semi-urban respondents answered all questions correctly.
Key aspects that contribute to Rural Empowerment
The survey shows significant progress in rural financial inclusion since the first survey in 2016-17.
Rural households have seen improvements in income, savings, insurance coverage, and financial literacy.
Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, MGNREGS, and PMAY-G have contributed to the improvement in the lives of rural people.
PYQ:
[2015] Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana was launched by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 28 August 2014. What is the main objective of the scheme?
(a) To provide housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates
(b) To promote women’s Self Help Groups in backward areas
(c) To promote financial inclusion in the country
(d) To provide financial help to marginalised communities
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hema Commission Report on Women Safety
Why in the News?
A single bench of the Kerala High Court has stayed the release of the Justice Hema Commission report.
The report investigated women’s working conditions in the Malayalam film industry.
About the Assault that Exposed the Deep Gender Divide
On February 17, 2017, a leading Malayalam film actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in her car while traveling from Thrissur to Kochi.
The incident caused shock and outrage across Kerala as disturbing details emerged, including a video purportedly intended for blackmail.
Six of the ten accused were arrested quickly, and popular actor Dileep was named an accused and remanded to judicial custody in July. He is currently out on bail, with the trial ongoing since 2020.
Formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)
The incident highlighted the discriminatory treatment faced by women in the film industry.
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) was formed in response, submitting a petition to the Chief Minister demanding an inquiry into gender issues in the industry.
The Hema Commission
In July 2017, five months after the incident, the state government formed a 3-member committee headed by retired Kerala High Court judge, Justice K Hema.
The committee’s objective was to investigate issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry.
In December 2019, a 300-page report was submitted to the CM Pinarayi Vijayan, including documents, audio, and video evidence.
Findings and Recommendations
The commission consulted multiple women professionals in the industry, recording detailed accounts of sexual harassment, wages earned, and possible blacklisting.
The report highlighted the existence of a casting couch, and the presence of alcohol and drugs on film sets.
The commission recommended forming a tribunal to investigate these allegations.
Other recommendations included making job contracts mandatory, ensuring wage parity across genders for the same job, banning drugs and liquor on shooting locations, and ensuring safe working conditions for women.
PYQ:
[2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:
Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2014] We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM-STIAC, CCUS
Why in the News?
The 25th Prime Minister’s Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) meeting was recently held at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe in New Delhi.
Highlights of the 25th PM-STIAC Meet
The meeting was aimed to discuss robust policy formulation for effective Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in India.
Focus was on India’s carbon market, carbon credit scheme, and strategies to achieve a 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070.
About PM-STIAC
Details
Objective
Provide advice on STI policies and oversee implementation of the government’s STI vision
Establishment
2018
Chairperson
Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India
Composition
Eminent scientists, technologists, and innovators from various fields
Key Roles and Functions
Policy Advice
Inter-Ministerial Coordination
Project Oversight
Innovation Ecosystem Promotion
Global Collaboration
Public Engagement
Policy and Program Development
Major Initiatives and Missions
NM-ICPS: Cyber-Physical Systems Innovation Hubs
Quantum Frontier Mission: Quantum Technologies
AI Mission: AI for Inclusive Growth
Electric Mobility Mission: Promote EVs
Waste to Wealth Mission: Sustainable Waste Management
Health and Well-being Mission: Improve Healthcare Delivery
AGNIi: Accelerating Growth of New India’s Innovations
Deep Ocean Exploration
What isCarbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)?
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a technology aimed at reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial processes and power generation.
It involves three main steps:
Capture:
CO₂ is separated and captured from industrial emissions or directly from the air.
Capture technologies include pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion.
Utilization:
Captured CO₂ is converted into useful products such as chemicals, fuels, and building materials.
Utilization helps in creating economic value from CO₂ and can support the development of a circular carbon economy.
Storage:
CO₂ is transported and stored in geological formations such as depleted oil and gas fields, deep saline aquifers, or basalt formations.
This prevents CO₂ from entering the atmosphere, thereby mitigating climate change.
Significance:
Climate Change Mitigation: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helping to meet climate targets.
Energy Transition: Supports the transition to low-carbon energy systems.
Economic Benefits: Generates new economic opportunities through the creation of new markets for CO₂-derived products.
Policy Initiatives for CCUS in India
National Hydrogen Energy Mission (2021):
Launched in 2021, the mission aims to promote the production and use of green hydrogen, with CCUS being a crucial component for producing blue hydrogen from natural gas.
Department of Science and Technology (DST) Initiatives:
DST has funded various research projects focusing on developing CCUS technologies since the early 2000s.
Projects include capturing CO₂ from industrial sources and converting it into valuable products like methanol and synthetic fuels.
National Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage Policy Framework and Its Deployment Mechanism (2020):
Established in 2020, the framework aims to create a roadmap for deploying CCUS technologies across various sectors.
It focuses on enhancing research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities and creating enabling regulatory and policy environments.
Industry Collaborations:
Collaborations with industries such as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for pilot projects on CCUS.
Public-private partnerships to foster innovation and scale up CCUS technologies have been ongoing since the 2010s.
International Collaborations (CSLF, 2003):
India joined the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) in 2003, which promotes international collaboration on CCUS technology development.
Collaborations with countries like the United States and the United Kingdom for knowledge sharing and technical support.
Green Energy Corridors (2015):
Integration of CCUS with renewable energy initiatives to ensure a sustainable and low-carbon energy mix.
Established in 2015, this initiative supports developing infrastructure for transporting and storing captured CO₂.
PYQ:
[2020] Which one of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’?
(a) It is a measure, in monetary value, of the long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emissions in a given year.
(b) Requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels.
(c) Efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live-in a new place.
(d) Contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key stats mentioned in the newscard; National Statistical Office (NSO)
Why in the News?
The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has released the ‘Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors 2024’.
Data Collection Strategies by NSO:
Crops are divided into 12 groups: Cereals, pulses, oilseeds, sugars, fibres, indigo, dyes and tanning material, drugs and narcotics, condiments & spices, fruits & vegetables, other crops, by-products, and kitchen garden.
Livestock products are divided into 7 groups: milk, meat, eggs, wool and hair, dung, silk worm cocoons & honey, and increment in livestock.
About the National Statistical Office (NSO)
The NSO was established in 1950 as the Central Statistical Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Planning.
It was later renamed the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in 1970 and subsequently became the NSO in 2019.
Over the years, it has evolved to become the primary statistical agency in India.
Organizational Structure: The NSO consists of several divisions and units responsible for different statistical functions.
Key organizations under NSO: Central Statistical Office (CSO)
The CSO is a part of the NSO and focuses on macroeconomic statistics and national income accounting.
It is responsible for producing key economic indicators such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
Key Reports released by NSO:
Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
EnviStats India 2024: Environment Statistics
Energy Statistics India 2024
National Accounts Statistics 2024
Quarterly Estimates of GDP
Sector-wise share of Value of Output
Salient Features and Summary Results
India’s Agricultural Rankings: India ranks second worldwide in arable land, third in cereal production, and is a leading producer of groundnut, fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, tea, and jute. It is also the largest producer of milk, second in egg production, and fifth in meat production.
GVA Contribution: The shares of Crop, Livestock, Forestry and Fishing sub-sectors in value of output of Agriculture and allied sector were 54.3%, 30.9%, 7.9% and 6.9% respectively in 2022-23.
Crop Sub-sector Trends: The crop sub-sector remains the largest contributor to the Gross Value of Output (GVO) but has seen its share decline from 62.4% in 2011-12 to 54.3% in 2022-23. Fruits and vegetables’ output has significantly increased, highlighting the growing importance of horticulture.
Livestock Sub-sector Growth: The livestock sub-sector has seen an increase in the output of milk, meat, and eggs, indicating a steady growth in this area.
Forestry and Fishing: The forestry sector has diversified its output sources, and the fishing and aquaculture sector has seen significant growth, especially in Andhra Pradesh.
State-wise Details from 2011-12 to 2022-23
State-wise Value of Output of Crop
Highest Output: Uttar Pradesh leading in cereals and sugarcane production.
Lowest Output: Lakshadweep:
State-wise Value of Output of Livestock
Highest Output:
Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan together accounted for about a quarter of the livestock sub-sector’s output.
Lowest Output:
Goa: Output remained at ₹0 lakh throughout the period.
Key Trends:
Madhya Pradesh: Significant increase in livestock output, particularly in milk and meat production.
West Bengal: Steady growth in egg production.
State-wise Value of Output of Forestry and Logging
Major products: Industrial wood (68%), Fuelwood (20%), and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) (12%) in 2022-23.
Top States in 2022-23:Maharashtra: 16.4% share, Rajasthan: 10.6% share,Uttar Pradesh: 8.7% share, Madhya Pradesh: 7.7% share and Odisha: 5.3% share.
State-wise Value of Output of Fishing and Aquaculture
Highest Output: Andhra Pradesh: Share increased from 17.7% in 2011-12 to almost 40.9% in 2022-23, leading in fish and prawn farming.
Lowest Output: Arunachal Pradesh: Output increased from ₹0 lakh (2011-12) to ₹3 lakh (2022-23).
All India Item-wise Value of Output from Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, and Fishing
Cereals: Paddy and wheat are the top contributors to the cereals sub-sector. Paddy output in 2022-23 was ₹220,200 crore, while wheat output was ₹137,300 crore.
Pulses: Gram and Arhar together accounted for nearly 59% of the pulses output. Madhya Pradesh led in pulses production with a 22% share in 2022-23.
Oilseeds: Groundnut and Rapeseed & Mustard are the highest contributors within the oilseeds group. Gujarat and Rajasthan are the leading states in oilseeds production.
Sugar Crops: Uttar Pradesh remains the largest producer of sugarcane, increasing its share from 41% in 2011-12 to 54.5% in 2022-23.
Livestock Products: Milk, meat, and eggs are the major contributors within the livestock sub-sector. The share of milk, meat, and eggs in the livestock sub-sector was 66.5%, 23.6%, and 3.7% respectively in 2022-23.
Forestry Products: The forestry sector’s output is mainly driven by industrial wood, fuelwood, and NTFP. The share of industrial wood increased to 68% in 2022-23.
Fishing and Aquaculture: The fishing and aquaculture sector has seen a significant increase in output, with Andhra Pradesh leading the production. The output of fishing and aquaculture increased from ₹80 thousand crore in 2011-12 to ₹195 thousand crore in 2022-23.
PYQ:
[2011] A state in India has the following characteristics:
Its northern part is arid and semiarid.
Its central part produces cotton.
Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops.
Which one of the following states has all of the above characteristics?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Forest Fires as per FSI report
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
Last week, three instances of forest fire were reported from the major forest belts in Uttarakhand.
The severity of the situation has prompted the deployment of Indian Air Force personnel and Mi-17 choppers, engaged in the critical operation of dousing the flames using the Bambi Bucket Method.
Causes of Wildfire:
Firstly, the general major causes of forest fires in Uttarakhand are continued dry weather and lack of moisture in the forests.
Secondly, according to the Forest Research Institute (FRI, 2019), 95% of forest fires are attributed to human activities.
The common human-induced causes include – Grazers setting fire to dry grass, Slash-and-burn agriculture, Unattended campfires, and Intentional arson.
Uttarakhand’s Forest Vulnerability:
As per the latest report from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the Recorded Forest Area (RFA) in the State is 38,000 sq km of which 26,547 sq km is Reserved Forest, 9,885 sq km is Protected Forest, and 1,568 sq km is Unclassed Forests.
Highly flammable Chir Pine trees, covering extensive areas, increase the fire risk.
This risk is compounded by prolongeddry spells and excess biomass accumulation.
Additionally, the proximity of villages facilitates anthropogenic activities such as forest clearance and grazing.
Forest Fires in India: Recent Statistics
Odisha recorded 4,237 forest fires as compared to 1,499 between April 20 and 27 in 2023. Similarly, Chhattisgarh recorded 757 fires last year as compared to 2,116 this year, Jharkhand 633 as against 1,926 and Andhra Pradesh 527 as compared to 1,126 in 2023.
However, Uttarakhand has recorded the highest number of large forest fires in the country in the last seven days since April 28, according to the Forest Survey of India (FSI) data.
Mitigation Strategies
Localized Initiatives:
Effective measures to mitigate forest fire risks include controlled burning, biomass removal, prescribed burns, and enhanced surveillance using drones.
Community engagement and proactive involvement, as demonstrated in Kerala, provide valuable insights for forest fire management.
Government Initiatives:
The government has introduced measures such as a satellite-based fire alert system by the Forest Survey of India, aiding in early detection and response efforts.
Forest staff utilize various techniques, including counter-fires and fire beaters, to contain and manage forest fires effectively.
Wildfires Mitigating Strategies:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) outlines four strategies to prevent and manage forest fires:
Erecting watch towers for early detection,
Deploying fire watchers,
Engaging local communities, and
Establishing and maintaining fire lines.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) website distinguishes between two types of fire lines:
Kachha fire lines involve clearing undergrowth and shrubs while preserving trees to decrease the amount of available fuel.
Pucca fire lines are clear-cut areas that create a barrier between forest compartments or blocks to contain potential fire spread.
PYQ:
[2020] Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Monetary Policy
Mains level: The impact of climate shock and extreme weather events
Why in the news?
Extreme weather conditions may pose a risk to inflation, along with prolonged geopolitical tensions that could keep crude oil prices volatile, the Reserve Bank’s April Bulletin said on April 23.
RBI’s Monetary Policy Report on the impact of climate shock and extreme weather events on food inflation:
Effects of Food Inflation: The report highlights the significance of extreme weather events and climate shocks in affecting not only food inflation but also the broader impact on the natural Rate of Interest and Financial Stability.
Broader Economic Impact: Climate shocks and extreme weather events are mentioned to have a broader impact on the economy’s financial stability, indicating that disruptions in food production and supply chains due to these events can lead to inflationary pressures beyond just the food sector.
Use of Economic Modeling: The report mentions the utilization of a New-Keynesian model incorporating a physical climate risk damage function to estimate the macroeconomic impact of climate change. This likely includes projections on how climate shocks affect food production and subsequently food inflation.
Warning on Long-Term Output Reduction: The report warns that without climate mitigation policies, the long-term economic output could be lower by around 9% by 2050. This suggests that climate shocks and extreme weather events could have lasting effects on food production and inflation.
Potential for Inflation Hysteresis: There’s a warning about the potential for inflation hysteresis to become entrenched, which could lead to a de-anchoring of inflation expectations. This implies that persistent disruptions caused by climate shocks could lead to sustained increases in food inflation.
Way Forward:
Need Investment in Climate Resilience: Governments and businesses can invest in climate-resilient agriculture practices and infrastructure to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather events on food production.
Need Diversification of Food Sources: Diversifying food sources can help reduce reliance on regions prone to climate-related disruptions. This could involve promoting local food production, supporting small-scale farmers, and investing in alternative food production methods such as vertical farming or hydroponics.
Mains PYQ
Q What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Antimicrobial resistance
Mains level: Read the attached story
In the news
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly published the surveillance data of the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for 2019-22.
This report marks the first comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
About INFAAR
Network Formation: INFAAR, established under ICAR, comprises 20 laboratories, including 17 ICAR Research Institute Laboratories, one Central Agriculture University Laboratory, one State Agriculture University Laboratory, and one State Veterinary University.
Collaborative Support: Technical assistance from FAO and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) enhances INFAAR’s capabilities for data collection and analysis.
Expansion Goals: INFAAR aims for further expansion to encompass more laboratories and enhance surveillance coverage.
Antibiotic Use and AMR Trends
Impact of Antibiotics: Antibiotic usage in food animal production contributes to AMR development, necessitating surveillance to inform policy decisions.
Production Systems: Three key aquaculture systems—freshwater, brackish-water, and marine—were surveyed, covering diverse environments.
Panel of Antibiotics: Antibiotics tested included amikacin, ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, aztreonam, cefotaxime, cefepime, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, imipenem, meropenem, and tetracycline.
Surveillance Methodology
Sample Collection: Samples collected from 3,087 farms spanning 42 districts in 12 states of India, including fish or shrimp tissues and pond or seawater samples.
Bacterial Isolates: A total of 6,789 bacterial isolates were analyzed, including 4,523 freshwater, 1,809 shrimp, and 457 mariculture isolates.
Resistance Profiles: Resistance profiles were analyzed for Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CONS), Escherichia coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio sp., and Aeromonas species.
Key Findings:
(1) Resistance Patterns in Fisheries Sector
Species Specific Resistance: Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species exhibited high resistance against penicillin across all systems.
Variation across Environments: Freshwater fish showed notable resistance to ciprofloxacin, while marine samples demonstrated higher resistance to cefotaxime.
Shrimp Aquaculture: Notable resistance against ampicillin and cefotaxime was observed in shrimp samples, indicating a concerning trend.
(2) Resistance Patterns in Livestock Sector
Animal Origins: E. coli and Staphylococcus isolates from cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, pig, and poultry were characterized for AMR profiles.
Poultry Resistance: Poultry-origin isolates exhibited higher resistance rates across various antibiotics compared to other food animals.
(3) Multidrug Resistance Analysis
Emergence of MDR: Approximately 39% of aquaculture-origin E. coli isolates and 15.8% of poultry isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR).
ESBL and AmpC Producers: Detection of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC type β-lactamase producers underscores the complexity of AMR challenges.
Key Recommendations by the Study
Baseline Data: The report provides foundational data for understanding AMR trends and evaluating intervention effectiveness.
Judicious Use: High resistance to critical antibiotics underscores the importance of prudent antibiotic use in food animal production.
Policy Implications: The findings will inform policy and decision-making for AMR containment in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
Conclusion
The INFAAR surveillance report sheds light on the evolving landscape of antimicrobial resistance in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
By highlighting resistance patterns and advocating for responsible antibiotic usage, this initiative paves the way for effective AMR containment strategies and sustainable agricultural practices.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CREA
Mains level: Air pollution woes
In the news
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) recently released data shedding light on air pollution levels across urban centers in India during February 2024.
Surprisingly, Meghalaya’s Byrnihat emerged as the most polluted ‘city’ in the nation, sparking concerns about air quality in the otherwise cleaner Northeast region.
About Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)
CREA is a non-profit think tank researching energy and air pollution based in Helsinki (Finland).
It was established in 2019 with the goal of tracking the impacts of air pollution by providing data-backed research products.
Key Insights
(1) Alarming Pollution Levels in NE
Pollution Pinnacle: Byrnihat, an industrial town near the Assam border, recorded the highest levels of PM2.5 pollution in India, with a monthly average concentration of 183 µg/m3.
Byrnihat vs. National Averages: Byrnihat’s PM2.5 levels were significantly higher than those in Bihar’s Araria, the second-most polluted city, highlighting the severity of pollution in the former.
Northeastern Representation: Other northeastern cities such as Nalbari, Agartala, Guwahati, and Nagaon also featured among the 30 most polluted cities in India, indicating a broader regional trend of worsening pollution levels.
(2) Cleanest Cities and Regional Disparities
Positive Performers: Sivasagar, Silchar, Aizawl, and Imphal emerged as the cleanest cities in the region, with PM2.5 concentrations below the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
National Rankings: Sivasagar secured the second position nationally, underscoring its exemplary air quality standards.
(3) Silver Lining: Improvements and Opportunities
Positive Trends: February witnessed a notable improvement in air quality, with 36 cities classified under the ‘good’ category, reflecting positive strides in pollution mitigation efforts.
Opportunities for Progress: The data signals opportunities for collaborative action and policy interventions to address environmental challenges and safeguard public health.
Implications and Recommendations
Monitoring Imperative: The data underscores the urgent need to enhance air quality monitoring infrastructure in the northeastern states to effectively track pollution levels.
Environmental Concerns: Unregulated industrial operations, inadequate public transportation, rampant construction, and other factors contribute to the deteriorating air quality in the region, necessitating stringent regulatory measures.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Women, Business and Law Index
Mains level: NA
In the news
India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Women, Business and Law index saw a significant improvement, climbing to 113 out of 190 countries in the latest edition of the report.
It is intriguing to know that none of the countries globally achieved a full score in the new index, indicating pervasive gender disparities in legal rights worldwide.
About Women, Business and Law Index
The Women, Business and Law Index is a World Bank initiative aimed at measuring how laws and regulations impact women’s economic opportunity.
The index provides objective and measurable benchmarks for evaluating global progress towards legal gender equality.
Range from 0 to 100, where 100 denotes equal legal rights for men and women.
The report assesses eight critical areas: mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood, entrepreneurship, assets, and pension.
The 2024 edition marks the 10th iteration of the report.
India’s Performance
Legal Rights Gap: Indian women now enjoy 60% of the legal rights granted to men, slightly below the global average of 64.2%.
Regional Comparison: India outperformed its South Asian counterparts, where women typically have access to only 45.9% of the legal protections compared to men.
Supportive Frameworks: India’s performance in establishing supportive frameworks fell short, with only 54.2% of the necessary frameworks in place.
Policy Efforts: India aims to increase female labour force participation, which stood at 37% in 2022-23, significantly lower than many advanced economies.
OECD Comparison: The female labour force participation rate in OECD countries exceeded 50% in 2022, highlighting the gap India seeks to bridge.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2015:
‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is released by which organisation?
(a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and development (OECD)
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar has been appointed as the chairperson of Lokpal, the anti-corruption ombudsman of India.
Justice Khanwilkar retired from the Supreme Court in July 2022, bringing a wealth of judicial experience to his new role.
About Lokpal
Establishment: Lokpal is a statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013.
Mandate: It is tasked with investigating allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and related matters.
Organisational Structure:
The Lokpal comprises a chairperson and a maximum of 8 members.
The chairperson must be a former Chief Justice of India, a former Supreme Court judge, or an eminent person meeting eligibility criteria.
Half of the members must be judicial members, either former Supreme Court judges or former Chief Justices of High Courts.
At least 50% members must be from SC / ST / OBC / Minorities and women.
Members serve a term of 5 years or until they turn 70, whichever is earlier.
Perks and Benefits: The salary, allowances, and other conditions of service for the chairperson are equivalent to those of the CJI, while members receive benefits similar to Supreme Court judges.
Appointment Process:
The President of India appoints the chairperson and members based on the recommendation of a selection committee.
The selection committee includes the PM as Chairperson, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India or a nominated judge, and one eminent jurist.
Jurisdiction:
Lokpal has jurisdiction to investigate allegations of corruption against Prime Ministers, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials of the Union Government.
It extends to individuals associated with government-funded entities and those receiving substantial foreign contributions.
Exceptions for Prime Minister:
Lokpal cannot probe allegations against the PM related to certain sensitive areas like international relations, security, public order, atomic energy, and space without the approval of at least 2/3rds of its members.
A full Lokpal bench must consider initiating inquiries into complaints against the PM.
Powers of Lokpal:
Lokpal exercises superintendence over and provides directions to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)in corruption cases.
It can authorize the CBIfor search and seizure operations linked to such cases.
The Lokpal’s Inquiry Wing possessespowers akin to a civil court.
It can recommend the transfer or suspension of public servantsimplicated in corruption allegations.
Lokpal is empowered to prevent the destruction of records during preliminary inquiries and confiscate assets obtained through corruption.
Reporting and Accountability
Annually, Lokpal submits a report on its activities to the President, which is then presented to both Houses of Parliament for scrutiny.
Try this PYQ from CS Mains 2013
Q.‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.
