Why is it in the News?

As Africa houses three-fourths of humanity and over 39 percent of the global GDP, there's a growing call to reform existing structures towards a more inclusive and representative system focused on development.

Context:

• President of India, Droupadi Murmu's trip to Mauritius underscored the significance of India's ties with African nations, particularly emphasizing Mauritius' role as a pivotal partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
• This visit reflects India's expanding involvement in Africa, characterized by joint initiatives in community development and the inauguration of critical infrastructure projects.
• As India endeavors to bolster its standing within the Global South, it becomes imperative to comprehend the diverse facets of the India-Africa relationship, analyzing the potential opportunities it offers and the necessity for enhanced collaboration.

Analyzing India's Comprehensive Engagement with Africa:

• Investments and Trade: India's commitment to Africa is evidenced by its burgeoning investments, which soared to $98 billion in 2023, reflecting its confidence in Africa's economic potential and its dedication to nurturing enduring partnerships.
  • Bilateral trade between India and Africa has surged to $100 billion, spanning diverse sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and services, catalyzing economic growth and diversification in both regions.
• Developmental Projects: India's involvement in Africa extends to diverse developmental initiatives, encompassing infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors.
  • By spearheading such projects, India not only fosters economic progress in Africa but also cements diplomatic ties and goodwill.
• Export of Scalable Solutions: Drawing on its expertise in cost-effective and scalable solutions, India has played a pivotal role in addressing various challenges confronting African nations.
  • Through initiatives spanning from eco-friendly housing to solar energy technology, Indian entities contribute to poverty alleviation and sustainable development, bolstering India's reputation as a dependable partner committed to mutual progress.
• Mutual Prosperity and Development: India and Africa mutually benefit by capitalizing on each other's strengths and resources.
  • While India's investments stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and facilitate technology transfer in Africa, African markets offer India access to vital natural resources, new markets, and strategic collaborations.
  • This symbiotic relationship fosters economic resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth in both regions.

The Strategic Significance of India's Advocacy for Africa's Representation in Global Arenas:

• Enhancing Africa's Representation and Influence India's active advocacy for Africa's presence in global governance platforms underscores its dedication to amplifying the voices of developing nations.
  • Recognizing Africa's substantial population and economic contribution, India emphasizes the necessity of its representation for a fairer and more inclusive international system.
  • Initiatives like supporting the African Union's inclusion in the G20 highlight India's acknowledgment of Africa's pivotal role in shaping global agendas.
• Driving Reform and Adaptation Amidst evolving global challenges, there's a growing impetus for adapting governance structures to address emerging issues and foster sustainable development.
  • India's push for Africa's participation in global forums reflects its commitment to reforming institutions like the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank to better reflect the interests of developing nations.
• Fostering Strategic Partnerships India's advocacy for Africa's representation in global governance is not only driven by altruism but also strategic considerations.
  • Recognizing Africa's increasing influence, India seeks to cultivate strategic partnerships with African nations to advance its global interests.
  • By supporting Africa's involvement in decision-making processes, India enhances its diplomatic influence and strengthens its position as a leading voice in the Global South.
• Advancing Development Goals: Aligned with its broader development agenda, India's advocacy for Africa's representation in global governance focuses on priorities such as poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.
  • By championing Africa's interests in international forums, India aims to address systemic inequalities and advocate for policies benefiting vulnerable populations.
  • This advocacy spans various domains, including trade, finance, climate change, and peace and security, reflecting India's commitment to fostering a more equitable world order.

Exploring India Africa's Rich Historical Bonds and Charting a Path for Future Collaboration:

• Legacy of Colonialism and Struggle for Liberation: India's historical relationship with Africa is deeply rooted in its fight against colonialism, with both regions sharing similar experiences of exploitation and oppression under European rule.
  • India's support for African liberation movements during the colonial era solidified a bond based on shared values of freedom and sovereignty.
• Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Connections: Centuries of interaction between Indian traders, scholars, and missionaries with African societies have left enduring cultural legacies, enriching both regions' traditions and languages.
  • Today, vibrant Indian communities contribute to Africa's cultural diversity and economic vitality, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
• Commitment to Development and Capacity-Building: India's engagement with Africa in development cooperation dates back to its early days of independence, with a focus on providing technical assistance and capacity-building support.
  • Continued collaboration in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure underscores India's enduring commitment to Africa's progress and prosperity.
• Exploring Economic Opportunities and Innovation: With Africa emerging as a dynamic economic hub, India stands poised to deepen its economic ties by leveraging historical bonds and cultural affinities.
  • Opportunities abound for enhanced trade, investment, and technology exchange, benefiting both regions and driving sustainable development.
• Forging Strategic Partnerships in a Changing Global Landscape: Amid geopolitical shifts, India and Africa have the chance to strengthen strategic alliances grounded in shared values and interests.
• By aligning diplomatic efforts and leveraging their collective strengths, both regions can wield greater influence on global issues like climate change, terrorism, and pandemics, fostering a more equitable and inclusive world order.

Conclusion

The multifaceted partnership between India and Africa presents abundant prospects for economic, political, and social collaboration. In India's pursuit of leadership within the Global South, fostering closer ties with African nations emerges as imperative. Amidst the swiftly evolving global landscape, the alignment between India and Africa signifies a potential for mutual prosperity and advancement

Why is it in the News?

In recent years, the combination of unpredictable weather patterns and rapid economic growth has resulted in significant spikes in electricity demand, posing a challenge to reliably meet the escalating requirements.

Background:

• India has grappled with the looming threat of electricity shortages in recent years, particularly exacerbated by rising temperatures amplifying the power demand.
• While discussions on this matter typically revolve around the deficit in domestic thermal coal and the need for imports, a more thorough investigation uncovers intricate challenges concerning logistics and regulatory interpretation.
• Therefore, it is imperative to delve into these dimensions, shedding light on the complexities of the situation and seeking solutions to tackle the root causes.

What are the Primary Causes of Domestic Thermal Coal Shortages?

• Transportation Infrastructure Deficiencies: A critical challenge lies in the inadequacy of transportation infrastructure, notably the railway network, which predominantly facilitates coal transportation across India.
  • Despite substantial coal production, the limited capacity of railways often hampers timely delivery to power plants, contributing to delays and inefficiencies in the coal supply chain.
• Geographical Disparities: Complicating matters, the distribution of coal mines and power plants across diverse regions adds another layer of complexity to logistics.
  • Power plants situated far from coal mines encounter heightened logistical hurdles, facing difficulties in securing a consistent coal supply due to increased transportation time and costs.
• Storage and Handling Limitations: Insufficient storage and handling infrastructure at both mines and power plants exacerbate challenges in managing demand and supply fluctuations.
  • Inadequate storage capacity can lead to stockpiling issues, exacerbating delays and hindering efficient coal delivery.

Balancing Alternative Domestic Sources and Imports:

• Exploration of Alternative Domestic Sources: While alternative coal sources, like auctions organized by Coal India Ltd., present a viable domestic option, they often receive less attention compared to imports.
  • These auctions enable power plants to procure coal domestically, albeit potentially at higher prices, yet remain overlooked in favor of imported coal.
  • However, auctions offer a feasible alternative, particularly for plants not hindered by logistical constraints in accessing coal from auction sites.
• Narrow Focus on Imports: The discourse tends to prioritize imports as the default solution for coal shortages, neglecting the potential of domestic alternatives and failing to consider the broader implications of heavy reliance on imported coal.
• Cost Implications: Importing coal entails additional costs, including transportation, handling, and import duties, resulting in higher variable costs for coal-based electricity.
  • These expenses are often transferred to consumers through elevated electricity tariffs, burdening both households and industries.
• Regulatory Interpretation: Misinterpretation of Ministry of Power advisories recommending coal imports as mandates further blur the distinction between alternative sources and imports.
  • While these advisories may propose importing a certain percentage of coal, they should not be perceived as obligatory requirements but rather as guidelines to be tailored to each power plant's unique circumstances.
• Less Emphasis on Domestic Procurement Enhancement: The emphasis on imports sidelines opportunities to improve domestic coal procurement and distribution processes.
  • Addressing logistical hurdles and streamlining administrative procedures could enhance the efficiency and reliability of India's domestic coal supply chain, potentially reducing the reliance on costly imports.

Regulatory Frameworks Influencing Responses to Electricity Shortages and Coal Procurement Strategies:

• Clarifying Advisory Interpretations: An ongoing challenge in regulatory considerations involves clarifying interpretations of advisories from government entities like the Ministry of Power.
  • While these advisories may offer recommendations for addressing coal shortages, particularly through import suggestions, they should not be misconstrued as mandates.
  • Misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary costs and burdens on consumers, as power plants may feel compelled to comply with import recommendations, disregarding potentially viable domestic alternatives.
• Forward-Thinking Regulatory Decision-Making: Regulatory bodies overseeing electricity generation and distribution must adopt a forward-thinking approach to decision-making.
  • This entails comprehensive assessments of regulatory measures' implications on stakeholders, including consumers, power producers, and distribution utilities.
  • Analysis should weigh the costs and benefits of various coal procurement strategies, encompassing factors like transportation costs, import duties, and environmental impacts.
• Customized Approaches for Diverse Plant Settings: Recognizing the varied challenges among power plants regarding coal shortages, regulatory bodies should tailor measures to each plant's specific circumstances.
  • Pit-head plants, closer to coal mines, may have easier access to domestic coal and encounter fewer logistical constraints compared to plants situated farther away, necessitating heavier reliance on imports.
  • Regulatory interventions should thus be nuanced and adaptable rather than uniformly applied.
• Balancing Cost-Efficiency and Reliability: Regulators face the critical task of balancing cost and reliability in electricity supply.
  • While imports may offer prompt solutions to coal shortages, they incur substantial costs affecting consumers.
  • Therefore, regulators must meticulously evaluate the potential cost savings of domestic procurement against the reliability and security of imported coal supply, ensuring transparency and equity in decision-making.
• Long-Term Planning and Sustainability Integration: Regulatory considerations should encompass long-term planning and sustainability objectives alongside immediate coal shortage mitigation.
  • While addressing immediate needs is crucial, regulators must also contemplate the broader ramifications of coal procurement strategies on energy security, environmental sustainability, and renewable energy transition.
  • This necessitates a forward-looking approach aligning short-term actions with long-term sustainability objectives, facilitating India's transition to a resilient and sustainable energy framework.

Conclusion

Addressing electricity shortages in India necessitates a nuanced approach that considers both logistical hurdles and regulatory complexities. While importing coal may offer a temporary solution, it does not tackle the fundamental logistics inefficiencies. India can better navigate the challenges of power generation by addressing root causes and implementing tailored solutions, ensuring a more effective response to evolving weather patterns and increasing demand for electricity

Why is it in the News?

One significant event during the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Abu Dhabi was the inability to ratify the agreement concerning investment facilitation for development (IFD). Despite garnering backing from over 70% of the membership, approximately 120 member countries, the agreement remained unadopted.

Context:

• The recent 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Abu Dhabi unfolded a notable occurrence as the agreement on investment facilitation for development (IFD) failed to gain adoption.
• Despite substantial backing from approximately 120 member countries, the IFD Agreement encountered resistance, particularly from India and South Africa.
• In light of these events, it becomes imperative to delve into India's opposition to the IFD Agreement and its apprehensions regarding its alignment with WTO principles, especially concerning the intertwining of investment with trade and the procedural aspects of negotiation surrounding the agreement.

What is the IFD agreement?

• The Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement is a legally binding framework that aims to enhance investment flows and promote transparency in regulatory processes.
  • Finalized in November 2023, the agreement is the result of plurilateral negotiations initiated by 70 countries under the Joint Statement Initiative at the WTO in 2017.
• Despite initial opposition from some countries, including India, the IFD Agreement gained significant support, with 120 nations pushing for its inclusion as a plurilateral agreement within Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement.
  • Although the WTO is primarily a multilateral trade organization, the allowance for plurilateral agreements under Article II.3 of the WTO Agreement sets the stage for binding commitments among participating WTO member countries.

Key objectives of the IFD Agreement include:

• Regulatory Transparency: Increasing openness in investment policies and procedures to instill confidence and predictability in the investment landscape.
• Streamlined Administrative Procedures: Simplifying investment-related processes and reducing red tape to attract and facilitate foreign investment inflows.
• By creating a stable and transparent environment for international investments, the IFD Agreement aims to contribute to economic growth and development, catalyzing cooperation among participating WTO members without imposing obligations on non-signatory countries.

What are India’s Concerns?

• India's resistance to the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement stems from concerns regarding its alignment with the WTO framework and the process undertaken to integrate it into the WTO rulebook.
• Given the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism, which solely permits state-to-state legal claims, incorporating Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) appears infeasible.
• This challenge contributed to India and South Africa's significant efforts to prevent the IFD Agreement from becoming an official component of WTO regulations.

India's primary apprehensions surrounding the IFD Agreement:

• Integrating Investment into the WTO: India questions the compatibility and relevance of investment policies within the WTO's scope, particularly when considering existing platforms dedicated to investment negotiations.
• Process-related Concerns: India argues that the procedure for incorporating the IFD Agreement into the WTO rulebook must be carefully scrutinized, ensuring adherence to established protocols and consensus-building among all member nations.
• While the actual content of the IFD Agreement does not appear to be India's primary concern, the nation's stance underscores the importance of considering the broader implications of such agreements within the global trade and investment landscape.
  • As the international community navigates the complexities of investment facilitation and regulatory reform, the debate surrounding the IFD Agreement will continue to shape the future of multilateral cooperation and the evolution of the WTO's mandate.

Is Investment a Suitable Component of the WTO Framework?

• India posits that investment's integration into the World Trade Organization (WTO) may not inherently translate to increased cross-border trade, contrasting with scholarly perspectives emphasizing the interconnectedness of trade and investment.
• Citing the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), it is highlighted that a substantial portion—70%—of international trade occurs within global value chains, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between trade and investment.
• Contemporary free trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership exemplify this integration, featuring comprehensive investment provisions encompassing facilitation and protection measures.
• Intriguingly, India's recent trade pact with the European Free Trade Association, despite including investment provisions focused on facilitation and promotion, underscores a pragmatic approach to incorporating investment elements, albeit with limitations.

Negotiating Process of the IFD Agreement:

• India has emphasized the absence of a negotiating mandate regarding investment discussions.
• India contends that the WTO's General Council's decision in 2004 ruled out talks on the nexus between trade and investment, a facet categorized under the 'Singapore issues' introduced during the 1996 WTO Singapore ministerial conference.
• These discussions were explicitly excluded from the Doha round of negotiations initiated in 2001.
• Additionally, India has pointed to the 2015 WTO Nairobi ministerial decision, which stipulates that launching negotiations on new issues multilaterally necessitates unanimous agreement among all member states.
• India argues that since consensus wasn't reached among all nations to commence negotiations on an IFD Agreement, the ensuing negotiations and the resultant text presented for adoption are deemed illegitimate.

Key Questions Surrounding the IFD Agreement:

• India's assertion of a negative mandate against initiating negotiations on the trade and investment relationship raises two critical queries warranting clarification.
• Firstly, does this negative mandate extend to all facets of investment, including facilitation?
  • Notably, the shelved investment agreement proposed during the 1996 Singapore ministerial primarily addressed market access and investment protection, leaving ambiguity regarding whether the negative mandate encompasses all investment-related aspects within the WTO.
• Secondly, does the negative mandate solely pertain to launching negotiations on new issues in a multilateral context?
  • The inquiry arises as to whether this prohibition extends to negotiations commenced on a plurilateral basis.
  • The negotiations for an IFD agreement were instigated on a plurilateral, not multilateral, basis.
• Although Article X.9 of the WTO Agreement stipulates that adding an agreement to the existing set of Plurilateral Agreements listed in Annex 4 necessitates consensus exclusively, the agreement lacks provisions mandating consensus for initiating negotiations for a Plurilateral Agreement.

Way forward:

• As the primary regulatory body for international trade, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is responsible for updating existing rules and establishing new ones.
  • However, reaching a consensus on decision-making within the WTO remains a significant challenge, often leading to legislative deadlock.
• In this context, Preferential Agreements (PAs), such as the proposed Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement, can serve as catalysts for reinvigorating the WTO's legislative function.
  • By fostering cooperation among subsets of WTO members, Preferential Agreements (PAs) can help circumvent the challenges of consensus-building within the broader organization.
• As India continues its ascent to become the world's third-largest economy, it is increasingly critical for the nation to reassess its defensive posture toward PAs.
  • By recognizing the potential benefits of agreements like the IFD, India has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership on the global stage, support the revitalization of the WTO's legislative function, and contribute to a more collaborative and effective approach to international trade regulation.

Conclusion

The failure to ratify the IFD agreement at MC13 underscores the formidable challenges encountered by the WTO in navigating intricate matters such as investment facilitation. It underscores the divergent perspectives among member nations regarding the scope and nature of the WTO's role in governing global economic interactions. Closing these divergences becomes imperative for the WTO to adeptly address the evolving landscape of international trade and investment

Why is it in the News?

According to the India Employment Report 2024 by the ILO and IHD, nearly 83% of the unemployed workforce comprises youth, with the percentage of educated unemployed youth more than doubling from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022.

India Employment Report 2024:

• The India Employment Report 2024, the third installment in the series of publications by the Institute for Human Development focusing on labor and employment concerns, is conducted in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO).
• This report delves into the issue of youth employment, analyzing the evolving economic, labor market, educational, and skills landscapes in India over the past twenty years.
• It sheds light on recent trends in the Indian labor market, showcasing both positive advancements and enduring challenges, including those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Insights from the India Employment Report 2024:

• Drawing from data sourced from National Sample Surveys and Periodic Labour Force Surveys spanning 2000 to 2022, the report offers a comprehensive analysis of employment trends and the present landscape.

Employment Trends & Current Scenario:

• Female labor market participation, after a notable decline in previous years, exhibited accelerated growth post-2019, particularly in rural regions.
• A noticeable trend in the Indian labor market is the gradual shift of the workforce from agriculture to non-farm sectors.
• Self-employment and casual employment dominate India's employment landscape, with approximately 82% of the workforce engaged in the informal sector, and nearly 90% informally employed.
• While wages for casual laborers saw modest growth from 2012 to 2022, real wages for regular workers stagnated or declined.
• Official surveys inadequately capture migration levels in India, expected to significantly rise along with urbanization in the future, reaching around 40% migration rate and a 607 million urban population by 2030.

Challenges of Youth Employment:

• Despite a sizable working-age population, India's youth demographic, accounting for 27% of the total population in 2021, is projected to decline to 23% by 2036.
• Each year, approximately 7-8 million youths join the labor force, presenting an opportunity for India to capitalize on the demographic dividend.
• Youth labor market participation has historically been lower than adults, primarily due to higher education enrollment rates.
• Youth unemployment witnessed a notable increase from 5.7% in 2000 to 17.5% in 2019, declining to 12.1% in 2022 post-lockdowns.

Recommendations:

• The report underscores five key policy domains for comprehensive action, focusing on both general employment enhancement and youth-specific interventions:
  • Promoting job creation
  • Enhancing employment quality
  • Addressing labor market disparities
  • Strengthening skills and active labor market policies
  • Bridging knowledge gaps on labor market dynamics and youth employment.

What is the International Labour Organization (ILO)?

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations (U.N.) agency.
• The goal of the ILO is to advance social and economic justice by setting international labor standards.
• The ILO has 187 member states and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with approximately 40 field offices around the world.
• The standards upheld by the ILO are broadly intended to ensure accessible, productive, and sustainable work worldwide in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and dignity.

Understanding the ILO

• It was founded in 1919 under the League of Nations and incorporated into the U.N. as a specialized agency in 1946.
• The ILO is the first and oldest specialized agency of the U.N.
• The organization’s goal is to serve as a uniting force among governments, businesses, and workers.
• It emphasizes the need for workers to enjoy conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity through their employment.
• The ILO promotes international labor standards through its field offices in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe and Central Asia.
• The organization provides training on fair employment standards, offers technical cooperation for projects in partner countries, analyzes labor statistics and publishes related research, and regularly holds events and conferences to examine critical social and labor issues.
• The ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.
  • The organization was recognized for improving fraternity and peace among nations, pursuing decent work and justice for workers, and providing technical assistance to developing nations.
• The labor standards set forth by the ILO have been published in 190 conventions and six protocols.
• These standards recognize the right to collective bargaining, attempt to eliminate forced or compulsory labor abolish child labor, and eliminate acts of discrimination concerning employment and occupation.
•  As a result, the protocols and conventions of the ILO are a major contributor to international labor law.

Structure:

• A unique feature of the ILO is its tripartite character.
• The membership of the ILO ensures the growth of the tripartite system in the Member countries.
• At every level in the Organization, Governments are associated with the two other social partners, namely the workers and employers.
• All three groups are represented in almost all the deliberative organs of the ILO and share responsibility for conducting its work.
• The work of the Conference and the Governing Body is supplemented by Regional Conferences, Regional Advisory Committees, Industrial and Analogous Committees, Committee of Experts, Panels of Consultants, Special Conference and meetings, etc.

The three organs of the ILO are:

• International Labour Conferences: General Assembly of the ILO – Meets every year in June.
• Governing Body: Executive Council of the ILO. Meets three times a year in March, June, and November.
• International Labour Office:  A permanent secretariat.

India & ILO:

• India is a founder member of the International Labour Organization, which came into existence in 1919.
• At present the ILO has 187 Members.

About the Institute of Human Development (IHD):

• Founded in 1998 under the patronage of the Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), the Institute of Human Development (IHD) is dedicated to fostering a society that embraces an inclusive social, economic, and political framework, devoid of poverty and deprivation.
• IHD's core mission revolves around conducting research in diverse domains such as labor and employment, livelihood, gender, health, education, and various facets of human development.
• Through its endeavors, IHD seeks to generate knowledge and insights that contribute to the advancement of human welfare and societal well-being.

Why is it in the News?

Even though World TB Day (March 24) has passed, recognizing the needs and interests of patients and communities must form the basis of disease elimination.

What is Tuberculosis?

• Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne bacterial infection caused by a type of bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• The infection primarily attacks our lungs and if not treated early, permanent lung damage can result.
• Tuberculosis can also spread to other parts of the body such as the intestines, bones and joints, brain, skin, and other tissues of the body.
• It can be classified into two categories:
  • Active tuberculosis (TB) and
  • Latent tuberculosis (TB).

Causes of Tuberculosis (TB):

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis usually spreads from person to person through airborne droplets, which are produced when the infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings.

Signs & symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB):

• A person with latent Tuberculosis (TB) cannot spread the infection to others as it is not contagious and may not show symptoms because their immune system is protecting them from getting sick.
• However, latent TB can develop into active TB if that individual’s immune system cannot stop the bacteria from growing and starts showing symptoms such as:
  • Bad cough that lasts for 3 weeks or longer
  • Pain in chest
  • Coughing blood or sputum
  • Fever or night sweats
  • Weight loss or no appetite
  • Chills
  • Weakness

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB):

• Tuberculosis (TB) can be tested in two ways, namely skin test and blood test.
• These two tests only tell if a person has TB or not; if the test is positive then other tests are needed to check if it is latent TB or active TB, such as chest X-ray or CT, or acid-fast bacillus tests (sputum tests).

Treatment of Tuberculosis (TB)

• Both latent TB and active TB can be effectively treated with antibiotics, albeit requiring different durations of treatment.
• Complete adherence to medication is imperative for curing TB; failure to complete the prescribed course may lead to the recurrence of illness and increased difficulty in recovery.
  • For latent TB, treatment typically involves a course lasting 3-9 months, comprising 1-2 antibiotics.
  • While active TB necessitates a more extensive regimen, with doctors prescribing 2 to 4 or more antibiotics for 6-9 months or longer.
• Ensuring proper medication adherence is crucial for individuals with latent TB to prevent its progression to active TB.
• In many cases, significant improvement is observed within weeks of initiating treatment, with the infection becoming non-contagious.
• Therefore, completing the full course of medication is essential to safeguard oneself and others from tuberculosis.

What is drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TB)?

• Drug-resistant TB is when the bacteria that causes TB becomes resistant to some or all the medications.
• Once drug-resistant TB is developed, it is very difficult to treat it.
• It may require more and different medications with a longer period of treatment.
• Some injectable drugs can cause loss of hearing and balance problems.

Status of TB in India:

• India bears approximately 27% of the global burden of tuberculosis (TB), making it the country with the highest TB burden worldwide.
• Government of India aims to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025.
• The theme for World Tuberculosis Day (March 24) in 2024 was the same as in 2023 “Yes, we can end TB”, which reflects the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eliminate TB by 2030.

Challenges Confronting India in TB Elimination:

• Drug-resistant TB Cases: India grapples with a substantial burden of drug-resistant TB, including multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), necessitating more expensive, specialized drugs and prolonged treatment durations.
• Diagnostics and Case Detection: Accurate and timely TB diagnosis remains a challenge, particularly in areas lacking access to modern diagnostic tools, leading to reliance on older, less reliable methods.
• Poor Primary Healthcare and Infrastructure: Limited access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural and remote regions, results in delayed diagnosis and treatment, facilitating TB transmission within communities.
• Stigma and Awareness: Stigma surrounding TB may deter individuals from seeking timely healthcare, while inadequate awareness about the disease perpetuates its prevalence.
• Private Sector Engagement: With a significant portion of healthcare services provided by the private sector, effective TB control necessitates coordinated efforts and standardized treatment protocols between the public and private sectors.
• Treatment Adherence: Ensuring patient adherence to the full course of TB treatment, which involves prolonged antibiotic courses, poses a significant challenge.
• Vulnerable Populations: Certain demographics, such as migrant workers, urban slum dwellers, and individuals residing in overcrowded conditions, face heightened TB risks, requiring targeted interventions.

Initiatives by the Government of India to Eradicate TB:

• National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP): A National Strategic Plan (2017-25) aims to eliminate TB from India by 2025.
• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA): Introduced in 2022, this initiative provides community support to TB patients, offering nutritional, diagnostic, and vocational assistance.
• Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP): Launched in 1997, RNTCP has been continuously revised and strengthened to combat TB effectively.
• Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST): Efforts have been intensified to ensure universal access to drug susceptibility testing, enabling early detection of drug-resistant TB strains for tailored treatment.
• Ni-kshay Portal: An online platform established to monitor notified TB cases effectively.
• Introduction of New Drugs: Drugs like Bedaquiline and Delamanid for treating drug-resistant TB are provided free of cost to TB patients.
• Research and Development (R&D) for Treatment: Studies are ongoing to explore shorter anti-tubercular drug courses, aiming to reduce treatment duration.
• Vaccine Development: Trials are being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines such as Immuvac and VPM1002 in preventing TB, offering promising avenues for future TB prevention strategies.

Global Efforts to Eradicate TB:

• End TB Strategy: spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), it provides a roadmap for countries to reduce TB incidence by 80%, and TB deaths by 90%, and eliminate catastrophic costs for TB-affected households by 2030.
• World Development Report (1993): Published by WHO, it highlighted TB treatment for adults as the most cost-effective among all developmental interventions.
• The Global Fund: a global initiative aimed at defeating HIV, TB, and malaria, striving for a healthier, safer, and more equitable future worldwide.
• The Stop TB Partnership: a collaborative effort involving expertise from diverse country, regional, and global partners, dedicated to transforming the TB landscape and achieving the goal of ending TB by 2030.
• Sustainable Development Goal 3: part of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, it targets to end the TB epidemic by 2030, reflecting a commitment to global health and well-being.

Way Forward:

• Development and Widespread Adoption of an Adult TB Vaccine: Prioritizing the research and development of an effective vaccine against TB for adults.
  • Ensuring widespread distribution and utilization of the vaccine to bolster TB prevention efforts globally.
• Cost Reduction of Anti-TB Drugs: Implementing strategies to lower the production costs of essential anti-TB medications.
  • Making these drugs more accessible and affordable to all individuals in need, regardless of economic status.
• Innovation in TB Treatment: Investing in research and development to create injection-free and orally-administered TB medications.
  • Expanding treatment options to enhance patient compliance and improve treatment outcomes.
• Integration of AI-Assisted Radiology: Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology to facilitate rapid and accurate TB diagnosis.
  • Promoting the use of handheld radiology devices equipped with AI algorithms, allowing for quick TB detection with high accuracy rates, thereby streamlining diagnostic processes and improving patient care.

Why is it in the News?

In the context of climate change-related pressures, the world also needs to foster improved cooperation over water-sharing.

Context:

• The global water crisis remains a critical issue, with roughly two billion people lacking access to clean water, threatening individual and collective well-being.
• Water has been a determining factor in civilizations' prosperity and decline throughout history.
• Ancient Mesopotamian cities experienced conflicts over fertile land and water resources, illustrating the age-old struggle for water.
• As the 31st World Water Day approaches in 2024, themed "Leveraging Water for Peace," the United Nations emphasizes the significance of water diplomacy to tackle contemporary water challenges and secure a sustainable future for all.

Water Diplomacy in a Time of Extremities:

• Encouraging Collaborative Governance: Water diplomacy underscores the necessity of collaborative governance mechanisms to effectively tackle shared water challenges.
  • By uniting relevant stakeholders—governments, local communities, NGOs, and international agencies—collaborative governance frameworks foster dialogue, information exchange, and joint decision-making.
  • These mechanisms pave the way for sustainable water management policies and strategies that prioritize the needs and interests of all involved parties.
• Ensuring Fair Water Allocation: At the core of water diplomacy lies the principle of equitable water allocation among riparian states.
  • Acknowledging that water resources transcend political boundaries, water diplomacy advocates for fair distribution, considering the needs, rights, and vulnerabilities of all stakeholders.
  • Through negotiated agreements and treaties, riparian states can establish frameworks for sharing water resources, managing competing demands, and peacefully resolving disputes.
• Promoting Regional Stability and Peace: Effective water diplomacy contributes to regional stability and peace by mitigating conflicts over shared water resources.
  • By fostering cooperation and understanding among neighboring states, water diplomacy builds trust, enhances security, and reduces tensions stemming from water-related disputes.
  • Additionally, collaborative water management initiatives foster cross-border cooperation, economic integration, and diplomatic relations, bolstering broader efforts to uphold peace and stability in conflict-prone regions.
• Embracing Inclusive Approaches: Inclusive water diplomacy involves engaging a diverse array of stakeholders, including indigenous communities, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector.
  • Recognizing the importance of marginalized groups' contributions and perspectives, inclusive approaches promote social equity and transparency in decision-making processes.
  • By integrating local knowledge, cultural practices, and community priorities, inclusive water diplomacy enhances the legitimacy and efficacy of governance frameworks.
• Preventing and Resolving Conflicts: Water diplomacy plays a pivotal role in preventing and resolving conflicts arising from competing water interests.
  • Through proactive diplomacy, early warning systems, and confidence-building measures, riparian states can address potential sources of tension and defuse conflicts before they escalate.
  • Moreover, mechanisms for peaceful dispute resolution, such as arbitration and mediation, enable states to resolve water-related disputes through dialogue and negotiation, averting coercive or confrontational measures.

Strategic Approaches for Tackling Rural Water Challenges in India:

• Enhancing Infrastructure: A primary strategy involves developing water infrastructure like wells, hand pumps, boreholes, and piped systems to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in rural areas.
  • Investment in constructing and maintaining such infrastructure can reduce waterborne diseases, leading to better health outcomes.
• Encouraging Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in planning, implementing, and managing water projects is crucial for their sustainability and success.
  • Empowering rural residents through participatory water management committees and user associations can promote ownership of water resources, efficient practices, and conflict resolution.
• Conservation and Management Practices: Promoting conservation and management practices is vital for maximizing water efficiency in rural areas.
  • Techniques like rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, watershed management, and soil moisture conservation can reduce reliance on unpredictable water sources and build climate resilience.
• Incorporating Technological Innovations: Leveraging technology can significantly improve water access and management in rural areas.
  • Solar-powered pumps, drip irrigation systems, and water-efficient technologies can enhance agricultural productivity, while monitoring applications and remote sensing can enable real-time resource management.
• Policy Support and Interventions: Government support is essential in addressing rural water needs through adequate funding, regulatory frameworks for equitable water distribution, and legislation to protect water resources and promote sustainable practices.
  • Policy coherence across the agriculture, health, and environment sectors is crucial for tackling the interconnectedness of water, food security, and rural development.

Addressing Transboundary Water Challenges:

• Highlighting the Significance of Transboundary Waters: The report underscores the prominence of transboundary waters, noting that a substantial portion of the world's freshwater resources, including those in India, are shared across borders.
  • India's extensive landmass boasts a network of long rivers, vital not only for its own needs but also shared with neighboring countries.
  • However, the South Asian region has witnessed a significant deterioration in water quality in recent years, particularly in rivers like the Meghna, Brahmaputra, Ganga, and Indus, as highlighted in the 2024 report.
• The Need for Sophisticated Cross-Border Water Governance: Addressing these challenges requires a sophisticated approach to cross-border water governance, promoting effective and equitable allocation of water resources among nations that share them.
  • It is imperative to develop robust mechanisms for cooperation and coordination to manage shared waters sustainably.
• Global Perspective on Transboundary Cooperation: According to a 2021 UNESCO progress report on Sustainable Development Goal indicator 6.5.2, titled "Progress on transboundary water cooperation," out of UNESCO's 194 member states and 12 associate members, 153 countries are classified as water-sharing nations.
  • Remarkably, transboundary waters account for 60% of the world's freshwater flows.
  • However, only 24 of these 153 countries have achieved a 100% cooperation agreement on their shared waters, indicating the pressing need for enhanced collaboration.
• Ensuring Collective Well-being and Peace: While significant progress has been made in fostering peace over time, the scarcity of freshwater poses a threat to our collective well-being and peace.
  • This issue is not only crucial for achieving the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also for maintaining stability and harmony among nations.
  • Effective transboundary cooperation in the sustainable management of water resources is essential to realize benefits across various sectors, including health, food and energy security, disaster resilience, education, improved standards of living, employment, economic development, and the preservation of ecosystem services.

Conclusion

As the global struggle for clean water access continues for approximately two billion people, the ever-increasing demand for this precious resource directly impacts our collective well-being and peace. In order to build a sustainable future, we must prioritize water conservation efforts that transcend political boundaries, fostering regional cooperation and stability. By recognizing the urgency of this challenge, we can work together to ensure a secure and equitable water supply for generations to come.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organized a consultative workshop in New Delhi today on the Blue Economy Pathways study report status.

Context:

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has collaborated with the World Bank to conduct a technical study and compile a report titled 'India’s Blue Economy: Pathways for resource-efficient, inclusive, and resilient growth in India.'
• This report aims to explore global best practices in Blue Economy implementation, develop an ocean accounting framework, enhance institutional capacity, and propose innovative finance mechanisms in alignment with India's Blue Economy Policy framework.

What is the Blue Economy?

• The blue economy, or the ocean economy, is a term used to describe the economic activities associated with the oceans and seas.
• The World Bank? defines the blue economy as the “sustainable use of ocean resources to benefit economies, livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health”.
• The activities? commonly understood to represent the blue economy include maritime shipping, fishing and aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, water desalination, undersea cabling, seabed extractive industries and deep sea mining, marine genetic resources, and biotechnology.
• The blue economy is estimated to be worth more than US$1.5 trillion? per year globally.
• It provides over 30 million jobs and supplies a vital source of protein to over three billion people.

How do the Oceans Contribute to Sustainable Development?

• There is a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) dedicated to oceans: number 14, ‘Life Below Water?’ aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
• It sets out seven targets for a sustainable ocean economy by 2030. So far, progress toward reaching these goals has been limited?.
• There have been some small improvements in the sustainability of fisheries and an expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), but these cover only around 7.5% of the oceans.

How are the Oceans Governed?

• Governance of the ocean and the blue economy is both complex and potentially difficult to implement, which has led to fragmented approaches to the sharing of marine resources between nations and impeded understanding of the environmental impacts of the blue economy.
• Ocean-related regulations apply to Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), which include territorial waters, archipelagos, and the area of sea that extends 200 nautical miles out from countries’ coastlines.
• The remaining area is called the High Seas? (or ‘open ocean’) and accounts for 64% of the world’s oceans.

Importance of the Blue Economy:

• Economic Prosperity: The Blue Economy offers substantial avenues for economic advancement across various sectors including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
• Sustainable Resource Management: It advocates for the responsible and sustainable utilization of marine resources such as fish stocks, minerals, and energy sources, ensuring their availability for present and future generations.
• Renewable Energy Development: By fostering the exploration of renewable energy sources like offshore wind, wave, and tidal energy, the Blue Economy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby combating climate change.
• Tourism Boost: Coastal and marine tourism serves as a cornerstone of the Blue Economy, stimulating revenue generation, and job creation, and bolstering local economies in coastal areas.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Healthy oceans play a pivotal role in regulating the planet's climate.
  • Through conservation efforts and sustainable practices, the Blue Economy aids in mitigating climate change impacts by preserving coastal ecosystems and reducing carbon emissions.
• Biodiversity Protection: Through the promotion of sustainable practices and responsible resource management, the Blue Economy contributes to the conservation of marine biodiversity, safeguarding endangered species and habitats.

Challenges Facing the Blue Economy:

• Pollution and Environmental Degradation: India's coastal regions confront significant pollution stemming from industrial discharge, untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and plastic waste.
  • This pollution adversely impacts marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the long-term sustainability of marine industries.
• Overexploitation of Marine Resources: Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices exacerbate resource depletion, leading to diminished fish stocks and jeopardizing the livelihoods of coastal communities.
• Climate Change Impacts: The effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and alterations in oceanic conditions, pose threats to fisheries, aquaculture, coastal infrastructure, and marine biodiversity.
• Maritime Security Challenges: India's maritime security faces multifaceted challenges including piracy, illegal trafficking, maritime terrorism, and territorial disputes, necessitating robust security measures.
• Limited Institutional Capacity and Infrastructure: Effective management and sustainable development of the blue economy require robust institutional frameworks, governance mechanisms, and infrastructure.
  • However, India grapples with capacity constraints, inadequate funding, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and regulatory gaps, hindering optimal resource management and development.

India's Blue Economy:

• India's Blue Economy, encompassing its vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), holds immense potential for driving sustainable growth and development.
• With a coastline stretching 7,517 km and an EEZ covering over two million square kilometers, India is endowed with abundant living and non-living resources.
• Although currently contributing approximately 4% to the nation's GDP, India's Blue Economy is projected to experience significant expansion with improved mechanisms and infrastructure.
  • Furthermore, the coastal economy plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of over four million fisherfolk and other coastal communities.

Four key industries are poised to propel India's Blue Economy forward:

• Fishing: Leveraging the rich marine resources to enhance fisheries production and promote sustainable fishing practices.
• Aquaculture: Developing innovative techniques to foster the cultivation of aquatic organisms, contributing to food security and livelihood opportunities.
• Ports: Investing in port infrastructure and capacity building to facilitate maritime trade, cargo handling, and logistics efficiency.
• Shipping: Strengthening the shipping industry to support global commerce, transportation, and connectivity while ensuring environmental sustainability

Government Initiatives Promoting Blue Economy:

• Sagarmala Programme: The Sagarmala Programme, a flagship initiative, focuses on modernizing India's ports, improving port connectivity, and driving port-led development.
  • It prioritizes logistics optimization, coastal shipping promotion, and the establishment of coastal economic zones to stimulate economic expansion and employment generation.
• National Policy Framework: The government has devised a comprehensive National Policy Framework for the Blue Economy, outlining a strategic path for the sustainable development and management of marine resources.
  • It aims to integrate sectors like fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, and renewable energy to foster holistic growth.
• National Marine Fisheries Action Plan (NMFAP): This plan encompasses strategies to enhance fishery resources assessment, upgrade infrastructure and technology in the fisheries sector, and encourage aquaculture development.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): The government has initiated the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Program to foster sustainable development and conservation of coastal ecosystems.
• Blue Economy Cell: The Ministry of Earth Sciences has instituted a dedicated Blue Economy Cell to streamline research, policy formulation, and implementation of Blue Economy endeavors.
• Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): India is actively developing Marine Spatial Planning frameworks to ensure the efficient and sustainable utilization of marine space.

Conclusion

India's Blue Economy is on the brink of substantial expansion in the coming years.

With the government's proactive Blue Economy Mission, there's potential for this sector to emerge as a key economic driver, contingent upon effective policy implementation.

Aligned with the government's broader vision outlined in the 'Vision of New India by 2030', the Blue Economy policies are geared towards securing enduring economic benefits, fostering job creation, promoting equity, and safeguarding environmental sustainability.

Why is it in the News?

India and Bhutan decided on Wednesday to postpone a state visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Thimphu this week because of bad weather.

Context:

• The planned visit to Bhutan on 21-22 March by the Indian prime minister however had to be postponed due to inclement weather conditions over Paro airport.
• Notwithstanding the sudden intervention by nature, the visit which was otherwise planned amid an electioneering time, showcases the importance that New Delhi is imparting to an important friend and neighbour.
• The importance of Bhutan for India can be immediately gauged from the manner in which China is seeking to woo its southern neighbour away from the ambit of Indian influence.

Background of India-Bhutan Relations:

• India and Bhutan have maintained a special bilateral relationship based on mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding.
  • This unique partnership is founded upon the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, first signed in 1949 and subsequently renewed in 2007.
  • The treaty has provided a strong framework for the two nations to develop close political, economic, and cultural ties.
• A significant aspect of the enduring bond between India and Bhutan lies in their spiritual kinship.
  • Bhutan regards India as the "gyagar," acknowledging its role as the sacred birthplace of Buddhism.
  • This deep cultural and religious connection has helped foster resilience and camaraderie between the two nations, further cementing their historical friendship.

Why does Bhutan Hold Significant Importance for India?

• India and Bhutan have maintained strong bilateral relations rooted in shared cultural heritage, political cooperation, economic ties, and social connections.

Cultural Bonds:

• Buddhist Heritage: With India being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Bhutanese monks frequently visit significant Buddhist sites such as Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, and Rajgir, fostering spiritual connections.
• Open Border Policy: The open border encourages regular exchanges of travellers for work, tourism, shopping, and medical care, further strengthening cultural ties.

Political Cooperation:

• High-Level Visits: Frequent political exchanges at the ministerial level, including visits by the Indian Prime Minister and the King of Bhutan, sustain and strengthen bilateral relations.
• Doklam Crisis: During the 2017 crisis, Bhutan granted access to Indian army personnel to resist Chinese incursions, demonstrating mutual trust and cooperation.
• Civilian Award: Bhutan conferred its highest civilian award on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021, recognizing his contributions to the friendship between the two nations.

Economic Partnerships:

• Financial Assistance: India has provided financial aid to Bhutan since the 1960s, supporting its five-year plans, for agriculture, irrigation, health, industrial development, road transport, energy, and education.
• Trade and Commerce: The 1972 Agreement on Trade and Commerce, revised in 2016, promotes free trade, with India being Bhutan's largest trading partner, exceeding $1422 million in bilateral trade in 2021-22.
• Vaccine Maitri Initiative: Bhutan was the first country to receive Indian-made Covishield vaccines, with 550,000 doses gifted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Hydropower Collaboration: A vital cooperation area generating significant revenue, hydroelectric projects are covered under a 2006 bilateral agreement, with four operational projects supplying 2136 MW of electricity to India and two more under construction.

Social Connections:

• Education: Approximately 1,000 scholarships are provided annually to Bhutanese students in Indian universities for engineering and medicine, fostering knowledge exchange.
• Indian Diaspora: 50,000 Indians working in Bhutan contribute to fields such as education, arts, and health.

Environmental Importance:

• Carbon-Neutral Commitment: As one of the few countries committed to carbon neutrality, Bhutan has found a key partner in India to achieve this goal through renewable energy, forest conservation, and sustainable tourism initiatives.

New Cooperation Areas:

• Space: Joint development of the India-Bhutan SAT small satellite aims to help manage Bhutan's natural resources, promoting scientific collaboration.
• Fintech: Launching the RuPay Card enables full interoperability, with Bhutan as the second country to launch India's BHIM app for cashless payments.
• E-learning: Integrating Bhutan's DrukRen with India's National Knowledge Network facilitates information access for universities and research institutions in both countries, fostering educational cooperation.

What are the Challenges in India-Bhutan Relations?

• Despite their close ties, India-Bhutan relations face several challenges that must be addressed to maintain a strong partnership.

China's Growing Influence:

• Chinese Presence: China's increasing influence in Bhutan, particularly near the disputed Bhutan-China border, has raised concerns in India, traditionally Bhutan's closest ally.
  • While Bhutan and China have not established diplomatic relations, their friendly exchanges can potentially shift the balance of power in the region.

Border Disputes:

• Incidents of Incursions: While the 699 km India-Bhutan border has been largely peaceful, recent incursions by Chinese forces have created flashpoints, such as the 2017 Doklam standoff in the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction.
  • Any escalation of these border disputes could strain India-Bhutan relations and challenge their traditional security cooperation.

Hydropower Projects:

• Bhutan's hydropower sector is a key economic pillar, with India playing a significant role in its development.
  • However, some Bhutanese have expressed concerns over the perceived disproportionate benefits for India.
  • These concerns have led to public opposition in Bhutan against Indian involvement in the sector, which could impact bilateral relations.

Trade Issues:

• Trade Imbalance: India accounts for over 80% of Bhutan's imports and exports, raising concerns about the significant trade deficit.
  • Bhutan seeks greater access to the Indian market for its products to reduce the trade deficit, which could require further negotiation and collaboration between the two countries.
• To navigate these challenges, both India and Bhutan must address these concerns through open dialogue, strategic cooperation, and mutually beneficial agreements to maintain their strong and enduring partnership.

Strategies for Strengthening Indo-Bhutan Relations:

• To further enhance the bilateral ties between India and Bhutan, several approaches can be adopted to address potential challenges and promote mutual growth such as:
• Diplomatic Engagement: India should regularly discuss with Bhutan to comprehend its evolving foreign policy objectives and concerns.
  • Continual support for Bhutan's sovereignty and development needs is vital to allay any apprehensions of India as a threat.
• Expanded Economic Assistance: India can provide increased economic aid, trade advantages, and infrastructural development to shield Bhutan from succumbing to China's debt-trap tactics.
• Fortifying Defense Collaboration: India should address existing impediments in the relationship and reinforce defence and security cooperation with Bhutan to ensure mutual safety and counter potential Chinese influence effectively.
• Promoting Regional Cooperation: India and Bhutan are members of various regional organizations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and BBIN.
  • Strengthening regional cooperation mechanisms will ensure Bhutan's interests are adequately represented in these forums, enhancing overall regional stability and prosperity.

Conclusion

Bhutan is perhaps one of the most important allies that India has in its neighbourhood. Time has proven its relationship with India. However, recent times have witnessed changing dynamics in the Himalayan kingdom’s polity. Focusing on diplomatic engagement, bolstering economic support, strengthening military ties, and fostering regional cooperation will pave the way for a prosperous and secure future. Also, corrective and course-correction measures that are being undertaken by India to implement its Neighbourhood First policy are laudable.

Key Facts about Bhutan:

• Geography: Nestled between India and China, Bhutan is a landlocked country characterized by majestic mountains and verdant valleys.
  • Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan.
• Political System: Bhutan transitioned to democracy in 2008, following its inaugural democratic elections. The King of Bhutan serves as the Head of State.
• Official Name: Referred to as the 'Kingdom of Bhutan', its Bhutanese name is Druk Gyal Khap, translating to the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'.
• River: The Manas River, stretching over 376 km, holds the title of Bhutan's longest river. It flows through the Himalayan foothills, forming a transboundary river between southern Bhutan and India.
• Government system: Bhutan follows a parliamentary monarchy system.
• Borders: Bhutan shares borders with only two countries: India and Tibet (an autonomous region of China).

Why is it in the News?

A recent World Bank Group report highlighted that women globally earn only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, underscoring the persistent gender pay gap where women, on average, earn less than men.

Context:

• The World Bank Group's recent report sheds light on the persistent issue of the gender pay gap, revealing that women globally earn only 77 cents for every dollar their male counterparts earn.
• This disparity has been a contention, with critics sometimes questioning its existence.
  • However, the International Labour Organisation regards the gender pay gap as a tangible indicator of inequality between men and women.
• While various reports present different figures, it is crucial to acknowledge the underlying factors that contribute to this gap and work towards eradicating them to achieve equitable pay for all individuals, regardless of gender.

How is the Gender Pay Gap Calculated?

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines the gender pay gap as the difference between the average wage levels of all working women and men in the labor market, whether they are paid a monthly salary, hourly wage, or daily wage.
  • It is crucial to note that this gap does not exclusively represent the wage disparity between men and women with similar qualifications and job responsibilities.
  • Rather, it encompasses the overall earnings difference between all working women and men.
• While the concept of "equal pay for equal work" advocates for equitable compensation for men and women with the same qualifications and job duties, the gender pay gap reflects broader income disparities.
• There is no single, universally agreed-upon method for calculating the gender pay gap.
  • Different organizations and studies may produce varying figures due to their distinct approaches.
• Understanding the various factors contributing to the gender pay gap and addressing them through appropriate policies and initiatives is vital for achieving gender equality in the workforce and ensuring fair compensation for all workers.

Methodological Differences and the Persistence of the Gender Pay Gap:

• The variation in reported gender pay gaps can be attributed to the distinct methodologies employed by different organizations and studies.
  • For instance, Pew Research used hourly wages to calculate the disparity. At the same time, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics utilized weekly wages, considering only full-time workers, defined as those working at least 35 hours per week.
  • Such differences in approach can lead to varying estimates of the gender pay gap.
• Despite these discrepancies in methodology, it is essential to recognize that the gender pay gap is a persistent issue in most countries and industries.
  • While the extent of the gap may differ across studies, the underlying reality is that income disparities between men and women continue to be a prevalent challenge.

What are the Root Causes of the Gender Pay Disparity?

• The gender pay gap can be attributed to several interconnected factors that perpetuate income inequality between men and women.
• Firstly, women's lower labor force participation rate is influenced by prevailing gender stereotypes and societal expectations about gender roles.
  • The International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that the global labor force participation rate for women stands at just under 47%, compared to 72% for men.
  • In India, the 2011 Census reported a workforce participation rate of 25.51% for women, against 53.26% for men.
• Secondly, even when women join the workforce, they are often concentrated in lower-paying sectors or job roles.
  • The ILO's Women in Business and Management report found that fewer women occupy management and leadership positions, particularly at higher levels.
  • They are more likely to work in support functions such as human resources and financial administration, leading to a lower average salary compared to male managers.
• A Georgetown University survey in 2013 further highlighted that the top 10 highest-paying professions, primarily in engineering and computer science, were dominated by men, while women were overrepresented in the 10 lowest-paying professions, such as arts and education.
• Additionally, women are more likely to work part-time due to limited full-time employment opportunities and family responsibilities.
  • In 73 countries, based on 2018 data, women outnumbered men as part-time workers.
  • The ILO explains that part-time work often lacks proportional benefits to full-time positions, impacting women's overall remuneration over time.
• Other institutional and socioeconomic factors, such as the traditional view of men as breadwinners, lower investments in women's education, and concerns over safety in commuting and the workplace, also contribute to the gender pay gap.
• Addressing these underlying issues and promoting gender equity in the workforce is essential to bridging the gender pay gap and achieving fair compensation for all individuals.

Understanding the Implications of the Gender Pay Gap:

• Analyzing the gender pay gap through various demographic factors reveals patterns that provide valuable insights into income disparities between men and women.
  • For example, women in their mid-30s and 40s often experience a decline in earnings compared to men in similar positions and professions.
• Critiques of the 77% statistic argue that it overlooks the "motherhood penalty," where unmarried women earn 95 cents or more for every dollar a man makes.
  • This penalty suggests that women face career growth setbacks when they take breaks to raise children, highlighting an area requiring attention to promote equal opportunities.
• The 2023 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences winner, Claudia Goldin, extensively researched pay equality and argued that traditional gender roles force men to "step up" in their careers while women "step back" for family responsibilities.
  • This dynamic ultimately disadvantages both genders, as men miss out on family time, and women sacrifice their careers.
• Efforts to close the gender pay gap, such as implementing maternity and paternity leave policies and flexible work arrangements, have shown promise in reducing income disparities.
• However, the pace of progress varies, emphasizing the need for continued attention and innovation in promoting equal opportunities for all workers.

Conclusion

The gender pay gap continues to pose significant challenges across nations and industries. Examining demographics and career stages reveals important patterns that underline disparities between men's and women's earnings. Addressing inequalities, such as the "motherhood penalty," and transforming traditional work structures are vital for achieving equal opportunities. While policies like parental leave and flexible work arrangements have shown promise, sustained commitment to innovation and reform is crucial for fostering lasting progress and a more equitable professional environment.

Why is it in the News?

Financial inclusion awareness programmes must give special attention to women in households not headed by women.

Context:

• Financial inclusion is a key driver for realizing a more sustainable and inclusive future, as it directly influences the achievement of eight out of the 17 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Despite its importance, inequalities continue to exist, with India's subpar performance in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 underscoring significant gaps in the economic realm.
• To address these disparities, particularly for women in India, it is vital to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the complex aspects of financial inclusion.
• Insights can be drawn from multiple sources such as the World Bank's Global Findex Database and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), ultimately paving the way for targeted interventions and improved financial access for all.

What is Financial Inclusion?

• Financial inclusion is a method of offering banking and financial services to individuals.
• It aims to include everybody in society by giving them basic financial services regardless of their income or savings.
• It focuses on providing financial solutions to the economically underprivileged.
• The term is broadly used to describe the provision of savings and loan services to the poor in an inexpensive and easy-to-use form.
• It aims to ensure that the poor and marginalized make the best use of their money and attain financial education.
• With advances in financial technology and digital transactions, more and more startups are now making financial inclusion simpler to achieve.

The Role of Financial Inclusion in Advancing Women's Empowerment:

• Financial inclusion not only facilitates women's access to bank accounts but also drives broader economic participation and empowerment.
• By offering women avenues for savings, credit, and investment, financial inclusion empowers them to manage risks, build assets, and seize socio-economic opportunities.
• In doing so, it bolsters women's resilience to economic uncertainties, fosters greater household welfare, and promotes economic stability, thereby illustrating its pivotal role in driving gender equity and sustainable development.

Insights from NFHS Data on Women's Financial Inclusion Progress:

• The NFHS data offers a comprehensive understanding of the multi-faceted dimensions of financial inclusion among women in India.
• Over the past two decades, several indicators point towards a significant improvement in women's economic empowerment and access to financial services including:

Financial Autonomy and Decision-making:

• A notable aspect highlighted by the NFHS surveys is the increasing financial autonomy among women.
• There has been a marked shift towards greater control over financial resources, with more women possessing self-operated bank accounts and playing an active role in financial decision-making within their households.
• This trend signifies a positive step towards women's economic independence, contributing to their overall empowerment and well-being.

Awareness and Utilization of Micro-Credit Programs:

• Micro-credit schemes have emerged as a key facilitator of financial assistance for women entrepreneurs and small business owners in rural India.
• The NFHS data indicates a growing awareness of these programs among women, with an increasing number utilizing micro-credit facilities to support their economic activities.
• This underscores the importance of targeted interventions and support mechanisms in promoting women's access to formal credit sources, fostering entrepreneurship, and generating income at the grassroots level.

Access and Utilization of Formal Banking Services:

• An analysis of factors such as education, occupation, and household characteristics reveals key determinants of women's financial inclusion.
• The NFHS data emphasizes the pivotal role of education in enabling women's awareness and utilization of financial services.
• Similarly, occupation and access to electronic media also significantly influence women's access to formal banking channels and digital financial tools.
• These insights underscore the need for targeted interventions and policy measures to address disparities and barriers, ensuring inclusive financial access, particularly among marginalized and vulnerable groups of women.

Advances in Global Financial Inclusion and India:

• Financial inclusion has become a key enabler of economic growth and development worldwide, with India demonstrating substantial progress in this arena.
• According to the World Bank's Global Findex Database, there has been a significant increase in adult ownership of bank accounts globally between 2011 and 2020.
• India's commendable growth of 42 percentage points during this period exemplifies the success of targeted interventions promoting financial access, particularly for marginalized communities such as women.
• This upward trend emphasizes the importance of continued efforts in fostering inclusive financial systems to ensure sustainable development and shared prosperity.

The Influence of Government Initiatives on Financial Inclusion:

• India's commitment to advancing financial inclusion has resulted in substantial progress, particularly in reducing the gender gap in account ownership.
  • The introduction of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in 2014 played a pivotal role in this achievement, offering universal access to banking services, including savings accounts, remittances, and overdrafts to underserved communities such as women in rural and urban areas.
  • By January 2024, PMJDY had facilitated the opening over 28 crore accounts for women, significantly contributing to bridging the gender gap in financial access.
• Furthermore, government initiatives like the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) have been instrumental in fostering women's economic empowerment and participation in the formal financial sector.
  • These schemes provide opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship training, and access to credit, enabling women to establish and sustain livelihoods.
• In addition, social protection programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana offer financial assistance and support during critical life stages such as pregnancy and homeownership.
  • Collectively, these initiatives have played a vital role in promoting women's economic independence and overall well-being, underscoring the importance of continued efforts towards inclusive financial systems.

Challenges and Way Forward:

• While significant progress has been made in advancing financial inclusion, several challenges remain, requiring concerted efforts and multi-stakeholder collaboration to address. Key areas of focus include:
• Enhancing Financial Literacy: Despite the expansion of banking services, a significant proportion of the population, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, lack adequate knowledge and understanding of financial products and services.
  • By promoting targeted education and awareness campaigns, we can empower individuals to make informed financial decisions and fully utilize available resources.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: The potential of digital financial services to enhance access and convenience is immense.
  • However, disparities in internet connectivity, smartphone ownership, and digital literacy create barriers to their effectiveness.
  • Expanding digital infrastructure and promoting digital literacy initiatives are critical to ensuring equitable access to digital financial services for all segments of society.
• Promoting Inclusivity of Marginalized Communities: Systemic barriers continue to hinder the meaningful participation of marginalized communities, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in the financial ecosystem.
  • These barriers are multifaceted, encompassing social, cultural, and economic factors.
  • To overcome these challenges, tailored interventions and affirmative action programs are necessary, fostering an enabling environment that promotes their inclusion and empowerment.
• Advancing through Collaboration: A collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, civil society organizations, and grassroots initiatives, is indispensable in advancing financial inclusion.
  • By coordinating efforts, leveraging resources, and implementing holistic solutions, we can collectively navigate the path ahead, overcoming challenges, and ensuring inclusive and sustainable financial systems for all.

Conclusion

Advancing financial inclusion for women in India is essential for fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. While initiatives like PMJDY and DAY-NRLM have made significant strides, concerted action is necessary to tackle remaining disparities and fully leverage women's economic potential. By emphasizing education, digital literacy, and tailored awareness initiatives, India can unlock fresh opportunities for women's economic empowerment, thereby advancing the agenda of inclusive growth and prosperity.

Why is it in the News?

With a series of elections to be held across the world in 2024, the potential of AI to disrupt democracies cannot be dismissed.

Context:

• The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) marks a significant turning point in human history.
• With the rise of Generative AI (GAI), the possibility of achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) becomes increasingly feasible, raising questions about its potential to mimic human abilities.
• Thus, exploring AI's profound influence on human life, particularly within electoral contexts and broader societal realms, is imperative.

What is Generative AI (GAI)?

• Generative AI, short for Generative Artificial Intelligence, represents a branch of artificial intelligence focused on creating new content rather than simply processing or analyzing existing data.
  • Unlike traditional AI systems, which are designed to recognize patterns or make predictions based on historical data, generative AI models have the capability to generate new data that resembles real-world examples.
• These models work by learning patterns and structures from large datasets and then using that knowledge to create new content.
  • They can produce various types of content, including images, text, audio, and even video.
    • For example, a generative AI model trained on a dataset of human faces can generate realistic-looking images of faces that have never existed before.
• One of the key technologies behind generative AI is deep learning, particularly a type of neural network called a generative adversarial network (GAN).
  • In a GAN, two neural networks are pitted against each other: a generator and a discriminator.
  • The generator creates new data samples, while the discriminator tries to distinguish between real and fake data.
  • Through this adversarial process, the generator learns to produce increasingly realistic content.
• Generative AI has a wide range of applications across various industries.
  • In the field of art and design, it can be used to generate new artwork, music, or even fashion designs.
  • In entertainment, it can create realistic characters and environments for video games and movies.
  • In healthcare, it can generate synthetic medical images for training diagnostic algorithms.
• However, the technology also raises ethical concerns, such as the potential for misuse, copyright issues, and the creation of fake content.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Shaping Electoral Landscapes:

• A Transformative Influence- AI's Ascendancy in Politics: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into electoral processes represents a profound transformation in global political dynamics.
  • As nations gear up for elections, the incorporation of AI technologies introduces new variables that require a reassessment of conventional campaign methodologies and voter outreach strategies.
  • In the context of upcoming elections, including India's extensive seven-phase general election, AI emerges as a decisive factor influencing electoral trajectories.
  • The deployment of Generative AI, with its ability to conduct dynamic simulations and replicate real-world interactions, presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges for political stakeholders and the electorate.
• Harnessing AI for Campaign Innovation and Voter Engagement: Political entities and candidates are leveraging AI-driven tools to analyze vast datasets, craft targeted messaging, and optimize campaign blueprints.
  • AI-powered predictive analytics empower parties to pinpoint swing voters, tailor messages to specific demographics, and deploy resources more precisely.
  • Additionally, AI-enabled sentiment analysis of social media platforms furnishes real-time insights into voter attitudes and emerging concerns, informing campaign narratives and responsiveness strategies.
  • Moreover, AI's impact extends beyond campaign frameworks to encompass voter engagement and mobilization endeavors.
  • Through AI-driven chatbots, personalized interactions with voters are facilitated, addressing inquiries, disseminating information, and fostering voter participation.

What are the Concerns Regarding AI's Impact on Electoral Integrity?

• Challenges Posed by Deep Fakes: The expanding presence of AI within electoral arenas prompts apprehensions regarding its implications for democratic processes and the integrity of elections.
  • The emergence of 'Deep Fake' technology, capable of generating convincingly realistic yet fabricated audio, video, and textual materials, presents a formidable obstacle in identifying and combatting misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
  • Deep fakes produced by AI possess the capacity to deceive voters, manipulate public opinion, and erode trust in democratic institutions, thus distorting the integrity of electoral outcomes.
• Impact on Public Discourse and Decision-making: Moreover, the utilization of AI-powered algorithms in social media platforms for content curation and recommendation purposes raises concerns regarding filter bubbles, echo chambers, and algorithmic bias.
  • These algorithms, driven by AI, may inadvertently amplify divisive content, perpetuate existing biases, and contribute to the segmentation of public discourse, consequently influencing voter perceptions and decision-making processes.

What are AI Influences its challenges, and Mitigation Strategies?

• As artificial intelligence (AI) permeates various spheres of society, including electoral contexts, addressing the concept of AI influence becomes increasingly critical.
• AI influence refers to the ability of AI-driven tactics to shape human behavior and decision-making processes, often without individuals' explicit awareness or consent.
• Challenges in Addressing AI Influence: A primary challenge in addressing AI influence is mitigating its impact on electoral dynamics.
  • AI-powered algorithms can analyze extensive data sets to predict and influence voter behavior, potentially affecting electoral outcomes in ways that may not align with democratic principles or voter preferences.
  • To counter this, safeguards must be implemented to prevent undue AI-driven influence on electoral processes and outcomes.
• Promoting Transparency and Accountability: Transparency and accountability are crucial in addressing AI influence.
  • Electoral authorities and policymakers should establish clear guidelines and regulations governing the use of AI in political campaigns and voter engagement efforts.
  • This includes mandates for disclosing the use of AI-driven algorithms, data sources, and methodologies in campaign strategies, enhancing public awareness and understanding of AI's role in elections.
• Protecting Democratic Values: Efforts to combat AI influence should prioritize safeguarding democratic values and electoral integrity.
  • Measures must be implemented to detect and mitigate AI-driven manipulation, such as disinformation campaigns, deep fakes, and algorithmic bias.
  • Collaborative approaches involving electoral authorities, technology firms, civil society organizations, and academia are essential to develop effective tools and techniques for detecting and countering AI-driven threats to electoral integrity.
• Empowering Voter Literacy: Promoting media literacy and digital literacy among voters is crucial for combating AI influence.
  • By equipping voters with the skills to critically evaluate information sources, distinguish fact from fiction, and identify manipulation tactics, individuals can resist the influence of AI-driven propaganda and make informed voting decisions.
  • Educational initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and media literacy programs are vital for enhancing voter resilience against AI-driven misinformation and manipulation.

Additional Measures for Ensuring Electoral Integrity:

• Incorporating Ethical Guidelines into AI Governance: Furthermore, the ethical dimensions of AI governance should inform the development and application of AI technologies within electoral contexts.
  • Ethical AI governance frameworks should prioritize principles such as fairness, transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic values.
  • This entails conducting comprehensive risk assessments, ensuring transparency and explainability in algorithms, and establishing mechanisms for independent oversight and accountability.
• Adopting Proactive Strategies: Policymakers, electoral authorities, and civil society actors should embrace proactive strategies to uphold electoral integrity and democratic principles in the age of AI.
  • Implementing robust regulatory frameworks, transparency mandates, and oversight mechanisms is crucial for mitigating the risks associated with AI-driven manipulation and disinformation campaigns.
  • Furthermore, investments in digital literacy initiatives and media literacy programs can empower voters to critically assess information sources, distinguish between fact and fiction, and resist manipulation efforts.

Way Forward:

• The risks associated with AI pose a substantial threat, surpassing concerns regarding biases in its design and development.
• AI systems inherently tend to manifest adversarial traits, for which effective mitigation strategies have yet to be fully realized.
• Beyond electoral implications, India's position as a digital frontrunner necessitates a cautious approach towards AI adoption, recognizing both its potential advantages and disruptive capabilities.
• While AI offers numerous benefits, it is imperative for the nation and its leaders to acknowledge its potential for malevolence.
• India's prominence in digital innovation presents both opportunities and challenges, as the advancement of AI, including AGI, brings both advantages and risks.
• Addressing the complexities of AI policy requires amplifying democratic voices and resisting the tendency to cede policymaking authority to a select few tech conglomerates.

Conclusion

The emergence of AI marks a significant milestone in human evolution, impacting electoral dynamics and social harmony in profound ways. While AI offers remarkable progress, it demands careful oversight to minimize its disruptive effects and uphold democratic values. As we venture into the realm of AI, wise decision-making and forward-thinking are essential to steer toward a future characterized by ethical AI governance and conscientious innovation.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that the country would vote in seven phases from April 19 to June 1 and the results will be announced on June 4. With this, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect.

What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?

• The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines published by the Election Commission of India (EC) for political parties and candidates to set standards of conduct during the election campaign and polling.
• It also explains how parties can lodge complaints to the EC observers in case of dispute and instructs how the Ministers of the parties in power must conduct themselves when the MCC is in force.
• In 2019, a new addition regarding election manifestos was added, instructing parties to not issue promises which were ‘repugnant to the ideals of the Constitution’.

Is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Legally Binding?

• The MCC evolved as part of the ECI’s drive to ensure free and fair elections and was the result of a consensus among major political parties.
  • It has no statutory backing.
  • Simply put, this means anybody breaching the MCC can’t be proceeded against under any clause of the Code.
  • Everything is voluntary.
  • The EC uses moral sanction or censure for its enforcement.
• The ECI can issue a notice to a politician or a party for an alleged breach of the MCC either on its own or based on a complaint by another party or individual.
  • Once a notice is issued, the person or party must reply in writing, either accepting fault and tendering an unconditional apology or rebutting the allegation.
  • In the latter case, if the person or party is found guilty subsequently, he/she can attract a written censure from the ECI, something that many see as a mere slap on the wrist.
• However, several actions are listed as ‘electoral offenses’ and ‘corrupt practices’ under the Indian Penal Code (now known as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and the Representation of the People Act, 1951 such as:
  • Causing tension between castes, religious or linguistic communities
  • Appealing to caste or communal feeling to secure votes
  • Using places of worship for election propaganda
  • Bribing/intimidating/impersonating voters
  • Canvassing within 100 meters of polling booths
  • Transporting voters to and from polling stations
  • Disrupting public meetings
  • Serving or distributing liquor on polling day
  • Holding public meetings 48 hours before the closing of polls
• These actions will attract appropriate punishment as per these laws.

Previous Model Code of Conduct ‘Violations’:

• During the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was questioned by the ECI for alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi favored his "big industrialist friends" during an election rally.
• In 2017, both BJP and Congress accused each other of violating the MCC during the Gujarat polls.
• In 2014, Amit Shah and Azam Khan were banned from campaigning by the ECI during the Lok Sabha polls under Article 324 of the Constitution for inflammatory speeches, which was lifted after they apologized and pledged to follow the Code.

When Does MCC Come Into Force and End?

• The MCC comes into force immediately when the election schedule is announced by the Election Commission and remains in operation till the election process is complete, i.e. results are announced.
• The MCC applies to all elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
• It is also applicable for State Legislative Council elections from Local Bodies, and Graduates’ and Teachers’ Constituencies.
• It is enforced throughout India in case of General elections, and the State up for polls in case of Legislative Assembly elections.

Who Is Bound by It?

• All organizations, committees, corporations, and commissions (e.g. Transport authorities, Jal boards) funded wholly or partially by the Centre or State are bound by the MCC.
• While listed political parties and candidates are bound to follow the MCC, even non-political organizations that hold campaigns favoring a political party or candidate are bound to follow specific guidelines mentioned by the EC.

How is the MCC Enforced?

• Before holding polls for the General or State Assembly elections, the Election Commission issues guidelines to the government to shift out all officers including police who are posted in their home district, and who have completed/completed three out of four years in that district to ensure no interference.
• The MCC is then implemented by the newly appointed officials and nodal EC officers monitor compliance.
• No election campaigning is allowed within the constituency 48 hours before the close of polls.

What Restrictions Does the Model Code of Conduct Impose?

• The MCC contains eight provisions dealing with general conduct, meetings, processions, polling day, polling booths, observers, the party in power, and election manifestos.
• As soon as the code kicks in, the party in power, whether at the Centre or in the states, should ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning.
  • Hence, no policy, project, or scheme can be announced that can influence voting behavior.
• The party must also avoid advertising at the cost of the public exchequer or using official mass media for publicity on achievements to improve chances of victory in the elections.
• The code also says the ministers must not combine official visits with election work or use official machinery for the same.
• The ruling party cannot use government transport or machinery for campaigning.
• It should also ensure that public places such as maidans etc., for holding election meetings, and facilities like the use of helipads are provided to the opposition parties on the same terms and conditions on which they are used by the party in power.
• The issue of advertisement at the cost of the public exchequer in the newspapers and other media is also considered an offense.
• The ruling government cannot make any ad-hoc appointments in government, public sector undertakings, etc., which may influence the voters.
• Political parties or candidates can be criticized based only on their work record and no caste and communal sentiments can be used to lure voters.
• Mosques, Churches, Temples, or any other places of worship should not be used for election campaigns.
• Bribing, intimidating, or impersonation of voters is also barred.
• Holding public meetings during the 48 hours before the hour fixed for the closing of the poll is also prohibited.
  • The 48 hours is known as “election silence”.
  • The idea is to allow a voter a campaign-free environment to reflect on events before casting her vote.

What are the Guidelines for Poll Manifestos?

• Manifestos must not contain anything repugnant to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.
• They must reflect the rationale for welfare scheme promises and indicate ways to meet the financial requirements for it.
• The manifesto documents must not be released during the prohibitory period (when MCC kicks in).

How are Violations Dealt With?

• Any complaint regarding elections should be brought to EC observers, the Returning Officer, the local magistrate, the Chief Electoral Officer, or the Election Commission itself.
• In response, any directions issued by the EC, Returning Officer, or District Election Officer shall be strictly complied with.

Why is it in the News?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) reportedly issued an advisory on 1 March 2024 (Advisory) to “intermediaries” and “platforms” hosting artificial Intelligence (AI) including generative AI-based models.

Context:

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), previously recognized as the Department of Electronics and IT (DEITY), has come under scrutiny regarding its endeavors to govern technology and the Internet.
• It is imperative to examine MEITY's recent advisory regarding generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), exploring its legal foundation, uncertainties, and repercussions for technology regulation in India.

What is the Recent Advisory by MEITY on AI Regulation?

• Regarding the Regulation of AI Technologies: The advisory urges tech firms to ensure that their AI models, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI, prevent users from hosting or displaying unlawful content, addressing concerns about potential misuse.
• Quality Assurance and Testing: It stresses the use of reliable and tested AI models while cautioning against deploying under-tested or unreliable ones without explicit permission from the Government of India, aiming to uphold quality standards and mitigate associated risks.
• Advisory on Transparency and Accountability: The advisory highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in AI deployment, recommending appropriate labeling of AI models to acknowledge potential fallibility or unreliability, reflecting a broader commitment to ethical AI practices and user awareness of associated limitations and risks.

Analysis of Ambiguity Regarding the Legal Status of Government Advisory:

• Lack of Statutory Authority: The uncertainty surrounding the legal status of MEITY's advisories is a key issue in assessing the government's regulatory power and its impact on stakeholders.
  • Unlike established regulatory bodies such as SEBI, MEITY lacks explicit statutory powers to issue binding directives or advisories.
  • This absence of a specific legal framework leads to interpretation challenges and questions about the enforceability of MEITY's directives.
• Uncertainty on MEITY’s Advisory Power: The IT Act of 2000, which primarily governs technology regulation in India, does not grant MEITY the authority to issue advisories on emerging technologies like AI.
  • While the IT Act addresses electronic records, digital signatures, and cybersecurity, it does not specify MEITY's mandate to regulate AI or other technological advancements.
• Lack of Defined Terms and References: The term "advisory" lacks a precise definition under the IT Act or other relevant legislation, allowing MEITY to issue directives that carry the weight of official recommendations without a clear legal foundation.
  • This ambiguity leaves stakeholders, including technology firms and legal experts, uncertain about the legal consequences of non-compliance with MEITY's advisories.
  • Furthermore, MEITY's advisories often lack explicit citations of legal authority or references to specific legislative provisions, contributing to perceptions of arbitrary regulatory actions.
• Compliance Challenges: In the absence of clear penalties or enforcement mechanisms tied to MEITY's advisories, compliance becomes discretionary rather than obligatory.
  • This situation underscores the ambiguity surrounding the legal standing of MEITY's regulatory directives, raising concerns about accountability and procedural fairness in technology regulation.

Additional Concerns Regarding Government’s Advisory on AI:

• Transparency Issues and Hasty Policymaking: MEITY's advisories, particularly those related to AI regulation, exhibit a pattern of expedited policymaking driven by media events, lacking thorough evaluation or stakeholder input.
  • Released with limited transparency, these advisories fail to provide comprehensive information, undermining the credibility of MEITY's regulatory decisions.
• Ambiguous Terminology and Ministerial Clarifications: The recent AI advisory introduces vague terms like "bias prevention" and proposes an AI model licensing system without clear definitions or legal framework.
  • Ministerial clarifications on social media platforms add to the confusion, leaving terms undefined and enforcement mechanisms uncertain.
  • This ambiguity contributes to stakeholder uncertainty and undermines legal clarity.
• The decline in Administrative Standards and Overreach: MEITY's reliance on advisory regulations marks a decline in administrative standards, sidestepping formal legislative processes and stakeholder consultations.
  • The extension of IT Rules, 2021, to regulate digital content further illustrates regulatory overreach.
  • Additionally, the influence of social media metrics on policy decisions reflects a departure from deliberative governance.
• Threat to Freedom of Expression: MEITY's regulatory actions, including AI governance advisories and social media content moderation directives, risk infringing on online freedom of expression.
  • The vague and arbitrary nature of these directives may lead to self-censorship among individuals and organizations, fearing repercussions for expressing dissent or challenging government policies.
  • This suppression of free speech undermines democratic discourse and diversity in the digital realm.
• Expansion of Surveillance and Control Measures: Digital authoritarianism often entails expanding state surveillance and control over online activities.
  • MEITY's regulatory efforts, such as implementing IT Rules, 2021, and proposing AI governance measures, could facilitate heightened government surveillance and online content censorship.
  • This erosion of digital privacy rights jeopardizes individual autonomy and fosters a climate of apprehension and self-censorship among internet users.
• Impact on Innovation and Technological Advancement: MEITY's regulatory overreach and legal ambiguity pose substantial obstacles to innovation and technological progress in India.
  • Uncertainty surrounding compliance obligations and enforcement mechanisms discourages investment and innovation in emerging fields like AI.
  • Moreover, burdensome regulatory requirements may stifle entrepreneurship and impede the growth of India's technology sector.

Why Regulate the AI Sector?

• The regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents an evolving landscape as governments navigate the potential benefits and pitfalls of this influential technology.

Reasons for Regulation:

• Risk Management: AI carries the potential for bias, discrimination, privacy breaches, and safety concerns. Regulations serve to mitigate these risks effectively.
• Transparency and Understandability: Many AI systems operate opaquely, complicating comprehension of their decision-making processes. Regulations can foster transparency and clarity.
• Establishing Accountability: Regulatory frameworks can delineate clear lines of responsibility for the creation, deployment, and utilization of AI systems.
• Building Public Confidence: Well-defined regulations can instill public confidence in AI technologies, promoting their conscientious development and application.

Way Forward:

• Unified Effort: Combating the challenges posed by digital authoritarianism demands a unified effort to uphold democratic principles, foster transparency and accountability, and protect fundamental rights in the digital realm.
• Scrutiny of MEITY’s Regulatory Measures: MEITY's regulatory initiatives must undergo thorough scrutiny and oversight to ensure alignment with democratic norms and respect for individual liberties.

Conclusion

MEITY's advisory regulations raise pertinent questions regarding its legal jurisdiction, transparency, and impact on technological advancement in India. The ambiguity in terminology, swift policy formulation, and reliance on social media for dissemination weaken the credibility and efficacy of regulatory measures. Addressing these concerns necessitates a reassessment of MEITY's regulatory strategy and a commitment to transparent, inclusive governance practices.

Why is it in the News?

The announcement in the interim Budget for 2024-25, of a corpus of ?1 lakh crore to bolster the research and innovation ecosystem within the country, has sparked enthusiasm within the scientific and research communities.

Context:

• In the current scenario, the recent allocation of a substantial ?1 lakh crore in India's Interim Budget for 2024-25 to enhance the research and innovation ecosystem underscores the nation's dedication to advancing scientific pursuits.
• Additionally, the decision to expand the iconic slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' to 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan' signifies a renewed focus on research and innovation as essential elements of development.
• Evaluating the present state of India's research and development (R&D) landscape, including its funding, output, and the potential impact of recent initiatives on nurturing a conducive environment for research and innovation, is imperative.

Current Outlook of India's R&D Landscape:

• Gross Expenditure on Research and Development: India's R&D sector has witnessed substantial growth, with Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) increasing from ?6,01,968 million in 2010-11 to ?12,73,810 million in 2020-21.
  • Despite this growth, India's research investment as a percentage of GDP remains at 0.64%, lagging behind major developed and emerging economies like China (2.4%), Germany (3.1%), South Korea (4.8%), and the United States (3.5%).
• Academic Talent: Despite the relatively lower GDP allocation for R&D, India has emerged as a key producer of academic talent, annually producing an impressive 40,813 PhDs, ranking third globally after the United States and China.
• Research Output: India's research output remains substantial, ranking third globally with over 3,00,000 publications in 2022, showcasing the nation's robust research ecosystem and its dedication to advancing knowledge across various fields.
• Innovation: India demonstrates commendable performance in patent grants, securing the sixth position globally with 30,490 patents granted in 2022.
  • While this number is lower compared to the U.S. and China, it reflects India's evolving innovation landscape and its potential for further growth in intellectual property creation.
• Major Sponsors: In India, GERD is primarily driven by the government sector, including the central government (43.7%), State governments (6.7%), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) (8.8%), and the public sector industry (4.4%), with the private sector industry contributing only 36.4% during 2020–21.
• Investment in R&D: According to R&D statistics (2022-23) from the Department of Science and Technology, India's total investment in R&D reached $17.2 billion in 2020-21.
  • Within this sum, 54% ($9.4 billion) is allocated to the government sector, predominantly utilized by four key scientific agencies — the DRDO (30.7%), the Department of Space (18.4%), ICAR (12.4%), and the Department of Atomic Energy (11.4%).

Major Challenges Facing R&D:

• Private Sector Inertia: Despite India's significant Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD), private industries contribute only 37% of the country's R&D funding, reflecting a discrepancy compared to the global trend where business enterprises typically contribute over 65%.
• Low Participation by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): HEIs play a minor role in R&D investment, contributing only 8.8% ($1.5 billion), limiting their potential contribution to research and innovation.
• Brain Drain: Talented researchers often migrate to countries with better research infrastructure and funding opportunities, leading to a loss of skilled manpower and hindering R&D progress.
• Inadequate Education and Training: The education system may fail to adequately equip students with the requisite skills and knowledge needed to excel in R&D, posing a challenge to innovation and scientific advancement.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Complex procedures and bureaucratic red tape can impede research initiatives, delaying progress and discouraging potential investors from engaging in R&D activities.
• Limited Collaboration with Academia: A gap exists between academic research and industry needs, hampering the effective transfer of knowledge and technology, and inhibiting the development of innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Proposed Measures:

• Embrace a Collaborative Approach: Fostering collaboration among the government, business enterprises, and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is imperative to harness the full potential of science, technology, and innovation for driving economic growth and technological progress.
• Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between academia and industry can facilitate the translation of research findings into commercial applications, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.
• Optimize Resource Allocation: Directing resources towards safeguarding intellectual property rights and addressing technical challenges can unlock new markets and spur innovation.
• Provide Government Subsidies to Stimulate Private Sector Investment: Implementing government initiatives such as tax incentives and grants can incentivize increased private sector investment in Research and Development (R&D), bolstering India's R&D ecosystem and fostering stronger industry-academia partnerships for knowledge exchange and innovation.
• Prioritize Skill Development: Reforms in education that prioritize the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills are essential to nurture a workforce capable of driving innovation and scientific advancement.
• Streamline Bureaucratic Processes: Simplifying regulatory procedures and regulations can expedite research projects, attract investments, and create a conducive environment for R&D activities.
• Incentivize Innovation: Introducing government schemes and awards to recognize and reward innovative research endeavors can incentivize scientists, researchers, and businesses to pursue groundbreaking innovations that contribute to societal progress and economic development.

Government Initiatives:

• National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP): Recent initiatives, such as the National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, signal a strong commitment to fostering research and innovation.
  • The NDTSP aims to incentivize private sector engagement in R&D, while the ANRF Act seeks to bridge the R&D investment gap and nurture a robust research culture within HEIs.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act: Enacted to address India's persistent R&D investment gap, this legislation aims to cultivate a thriving research culture within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and drive innovation across various sectors.
• UchhatarAvishkarYojana (UAY): Geared towards promoting innovation that addresses industry needs and enhances India's manufacturing competitiveness, UAY fosters collaboration between academia and industry, both domestically and internationally, to drive advancements in research and technology.
• Impacting Research Innovation & Technology (IMPRINT): This initiative endeavors to tackle pressing engineering challenges by facilitating interdisciplinary research collaborations and translating knowledge into practical solutions across ten designated technology domains.
• Establishment of Research Parks: Research parks established at premier institutes such as IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Kharagpur serve as platforms for fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and entrepreneurial ventures, facilitating the establishment of R&D units, and promoting innovation.
• Impact of Recent Initiatives: These initiatives, coupled with the allocation in the interim Budget, are poised to drive India's research and innovation agenda forward, particularly in burgeoning industries.

Way Forward:

• India's technological and manufacturing ambitions rely on a pivotal transformation within its R&D domain, necessitating a dual-pronged strategy:
• Encouraging active participation from the private sector, alongside
• Strengthening the research infrastructure within academia.
• Embracing a multifaceted approach that engages a spectrum of stakeholders is imperative to confront the challenges and unlock the full potential of R&D, fostering India's economic expansion and global competitiveness.
• Drawing insights from the R&D frameworks of developed nations while leveraging India's inherent strengths in agile decision-making and strategic alignment could catalyze a formidable evolution within its R&D landscape.

Conclusion

While significant strides have been made, there is a need for increased funding, stronger industry-academia collaboration, and policy measures to incentivize private sector involvement. Recent initiatives such as the NDTSP and the ANRF Act represent positive steps towards realizing India's potential as a powerhouse of research and innovation. By creating a conducive environment for research and innovation, India can pave the way for sustainable development and prosperity in the years to come.

Why is it in the News?

Although protecting persecuted individuals is commendable, the ideal solution is to grant refugee status to all, irrespective of their religious affiliation.

Context:

• India has been engaged in heated discussions over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) since its inception in 2019.
• The recent issuance of Rules under the CAA by the Union government has sparked renewed debates concerning its impact on India's constitutional secularism.
• Amid these discussions, it is crucial to assess the CAA's provisions, their effects on citizenship, and the wider socio-political consequences they carry.

Concerns Surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act:

• Selective Approach to Citizenship: The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 amends India's Citizenship Act of 1955 and introduces a selective approach to granting citizenship.
  • This selective approach is a significant point of contention, as it differentiates between individuals based on their religious identity.
• Preferential Treatment for Certain Religious Groups: The CAA expedites the citizenship process for undocumented immigrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
  • However, the Act explicitly excludes Muslims from these provisions, which has led to considerable debate and criticism.
• Violation of Secular Principles: Critics argue that the CAA violates the secular principles enshrined in India's Constitution.
  • Secularism, a foundational tenet of India's democratic ethos, mandates that the state remain neutral in matters of religion and guarantee equal rights and protections to all citizens, regardless of their faith.
• Discriminatory Nature: The CAA's exclusion of Muslims from its purview has been perceived as discriminatory and runs counter to India's historical commitment to religious pluralism and tolerance.
  • This discriminatory nature has sparked widespread protests and highlighted deep divisions within Indian society regarding citizenship, identity, and secularism.
• Upholding Constitutional Principles: The protests against the CAA underscore the importance of upholding constitutional principles and safeguarding the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliation.
  • This controversy serves as a reminder of the need for inclusive and non-discriminatory policies that respect the diversity of India's population.

Potential Implications of the Notified Rules under the Citizenship Amendment Act:

• Streamlined Citizenship Process: The notified Rules streamline the citizenship application process by providing clear procedures and documentation requirements.
  • This standardization can potentially expedite the citizenship-granting process, allowing eligible individuals to secure legal status more efficiently.
• Lenient Proof Requirements: The Rules offer leniency in requirements for proof of nationality and residence, accepting various documents as evidence.
  • This flexibility may enable more individuals to establish their eligibility for citizenship under the CAA.
• Centralisation of Authority: The notified Rules centralize the citizenship-granting process at the national level, with an empowered committee formed by the Union government now responsible for processing applications.
  • This centralisation consolidates power at the national level, potentially reducing the role of local authorities in decision-making and grassroots-level accountability.
• Legal and Constitutional Challenges: The Rules are likely to face legal and constitutional challenges, particularly regarding their compatibility with India's constitutional principles and international legal standards.
  • Critics argue that the CAA and its accompanying Rules violate the constitutional guarantee of equality before the law (Article 14) by discriminating based on religion.
• Contradictions and Regional Discontent: The implementation of the CAA has exposed internal contradictions within India's citizenship laws, particularly in the case of Assam.
  • The discrepancy between Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the provisions of the CAA has fuelled discontent among local communities and complicated the citizenship landscape.
• Overall, the notified Rules under the Citizenship Amendment Act have significant implications for the citizenship-granting process, the balance of power between national and local authorities, and the interpretation of constitutional principles.
• As the legal and societal debates surrounding the CAA continue, these implications will likely shape the discourse on citizenship and belonging in India.

Moving Toward Inclusive Solutions: Addressing the Concerns Raised by the Citizenship Amendment Act:

• To address the concerns raised by the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and its accompanying Rules, it is crucial to adopt a more inclusive approach that aligns with international humanitarian norms and India's commitment to secularism.

Here are some steps that can be taken:

• Inclusive Protection for Persecuted Individuals: Instead of granting citizenship based on religious affiliation, India should consider offering refugee status to all persecuted individuals, regardless of their religion.
  • This approach would be in line with international humanitarian norms and would uphold the principle of secularism enshrined in India's Constitution.
• Ratification of International Conventions: Ratifying international conventions such as the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees would demonstrate India's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring their rights.
  • This step would also bring India in line with global standards for refugee protection.
• Reevaluation of the Citizenship Amendment Act: Given the concerns surrounding the CAA's compatibility with constitutional principles and its potential for discrimination, it is essential to reevaluate the Act's provisions.
  • This process should involve a thorough examination of the CAA's impact on vulnerable communities and its alignment with India's democratic values.
• Upholding Constitutional Values: To ensure that the CAA and other legislation adhere to India's core values, it is crucial to reaffirm the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and secularism as outlined in the Constitution.
  • Policies and laws should be crafted to uphold these principles and protect the rights of all individuals, irrespective of their religious affiliation.
• By taking these steps, India can work toward addressing the concerns raised by the Citizenship Amendment Act and foster a more inclusive approach to citizenship that aligns with the nation's historical commitment to diversity and pluralism.

Why is it in the News?

More than four years after Parliament passed The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday notified the Rules to implement the law.

Context:

• The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 amended the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide a pathway to Indian citizenship for migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian communities who entered India before December 31, 2014, from Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh.
• The law was enacted amidst nationwide protests, particularly in Assam, and was officially notified on January 10, 2020.
• However, the implementation of the CAA was delayed due to the absence of accompanying rules and regulations.
  • To address this issue, the Union government issued an order on May 28, 2021, empowering district collectors in 13 districts with significant migrant populations to accept citizenship applications from the groups specified in the 2019 amendment.
• The CAA has been a subject of controversy and criticism, with opponents arguing that it violates the secular principles of the Indian constitution by excluding Muslims from its purview.
• Supporters of the law contend that it offers relief to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries.
• As the rules for the CAA have now been put in place, its implementation is anticipated to be a significant development in the ongoing discussions surrounding citizenship and immigration in India.

About the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019:

• The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) of 2019 is a significant amendment to India's Citizenship Act of 1955.
  • It aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist, Jain, and Christian immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who have faced religious persecution and have been residing in India without documentation.
• The CAA reduces the residency requirement for citizenship from 11 years to 5 years for eligible immigrants who entered India before December 31, 2014.
  • The Act also includes provisions for the cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration in cases where the individual has violated any provision of the Citizenship Act or other applicable laws.
• The CAA applies to individuals who have been compelled to seek shelter in India due to religious persecution.
  • However, the Act does not apply to certain areas, such as regions covered by the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution (which deals with autonomous tribal-dominated regions in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram) and states with an inner-line permit regime (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram).
• The implementation of the CAA has faced delays due to opposition in several states, including Assam and Tripura.
  • The Act has sparked protests and legal challenges, with critics arguing that it violates the secular principles of the Indian Constitution and excludes certain persecuted groups, such as the Rohingya from Myanmar, Tibetan Buddhists from China, and Tamils from Sri Lanka.
• The CAA has been a subject of intense debate, with supporters claiming it offers relief to persecuted minorities and opponents asserting that it discriminates against Muslims and undermines India's secular fabric.
  • The Supreme Court is currently considering multiple petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the CAA.

Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024:

• The Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024 lay out a clear process for eligible refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh to seek Indian citizenship through registration or naturalization.
  • The process begins with the submission of an application, along with an affidavit confirming the accuracy of the information provided and an affidavit from an Indian citizen vouching for the applicant's character.
• Applicants must also provide a declaration of their familiarity with one of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
  • The application is to be submitted electronically to an empowered committee via a district-level committee, as notified by the central government.
  • The district-level committee, headed by a designated officer, is responsible for verifying the submitted documents and administering the oath of allegiance to the applicant.
• Supporting documents that must be provided by applicants include:
  • A passport issued by the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh
  • A birth certificate
  • Any form of identity document
  • Land or tenancy records; or any document proving that the applicant's parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of one of the three countries.
    • These documents remain valid even beyond their expiration dates.
• Proof of entry into India before December 31, 2014, is also required.
  • Acceptable supporting documents for this include:
  •  visa and immigration stamp
  • A registration certificate from the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)
  • A slip issued by the Census enumerators in India
  • A government-issued license or certificate
  • A permit in India (including a driving license
  • Aadhaar number, or ration card), or a marriage certificate issued in India.
• Once an application is approved, the applicants will be issued a digital certificate, granting them Indian citizenship.
  • These rules provide a structured pathway for eligible refugees from the specified countries to obtain citizenship in India, offering them a chance at a new beginning and a sense of belonging in their adopted homeland.

The Mains issues and challenges associated with the CAA of 2019:

• Legal challenge: The CAA has been challenged in the Supreme Court by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and others on the grounds of discrimination and violation of fundamental rights.
• Right to equality: Critics argue that using religion as a criterion for citizenship eligibility violates Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law and equal protection under the law.
• Targeting of Muslims: Concerns have been raised that the CAA, in conjunction with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, may disproportionately affect Muslims and lead to their exclusion from citizenship.
• Secularism: The use of religion as a basis for citizenship is seen by some as a violation of the principle of secularism, which is a fundamental feature of the Indian Constitution.
• Conflict with Assam Accord: The CAA's cutoff date for determining citizenship contradicts the Assam Accord of 1985, which set a different date for identifying foreigners in the state, leading to protests and opposition in Assam and other northeastern states.
• Widespread protests: The CAA has sparked protests across India, reflecting the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the issue of citizenship and the challenge of balancing the needs of persecuted minorities with upholding constitutional principles and addressing regional concerns.

What is the Government’s Stand?

• The government's position on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is that Muslims have been excluded from the list of "persecuted" minorities because they constitute the majority in the Islamic countries of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
  • According to the government, the CAA aims to provide citizenship to those who have faced religious persecution in these countries.
• However, this rationale is subject to scrutiny, as there are other persecuted minorities in these countries and elsewhere who have not been included in the CAA.
  • For instance, Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka, Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, and minority Muslim sects like Ahmadiyyas and Hazaras in Pakistan and Afghanistan also face persecution in their respective countries.
• The exclusion of these groups from the CAA raises questions about the criteria used to determine which minorities are considered persecuted and eligible for Indian citizenship under the Act.

What’s Next?

• The court will have to look into two issues:
  • Whether the special treatment given to the so-called “persecuted minorities” from the three Muslim-majority neighboring countries only is a reasonable classification under Article 14 of the constitution for granting citizenship, and
  • Whether the state is discriminating against Muslims by excluding them.
• The Supreme Court has earlier held that the law has to clear two legal hoops to pass the equality test when it is challenged on the grounds of Article 14.
  • First, any differentiation between groups of persons must be founded on an “intelligible differentia”, and
  • Second, “that differentia must have a rational nexus to the object sought to be achieved by the Act”.
• The SC can strike down a classification if it is found to be arbitrary. The court recently struck down the electoral bonds scheme on the ground that it was “manifestly arbitrary” — that is, “irrational, capricious or without an adequate determining principle”.

Why is it in the News?

The Supreme Court of India has recently mandated the public disclosure of all pertinent information regarding corporate funding of political parties, with the State Bank of India and other entities directed to comply with the court's directive.

Context:

• The recent landmark ruling by the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench, led by the Chief Justice of India, represents a pivotal moment in Indian democracy.
• This ruling specifically addresses the legality of the Electoral Bond Scheme (EBS) initiated through the Finance Act of 2017.
• Beyond its immediate implications, the verdict underscores fundamental principles such as equality, transparency, and proportionality concerning corporate contributions to election funding.

What is the Supreme Court verdict on the Electoral Bond Scheme?

• Nullification of Electoral Bond Scheme: The Supreme Court declared the Electoral Bond Scheme (EBS) unconstitutional, citing concerns over unrestricted donations, anonymity of contributions via promissory notes, and exemption of corporate donors from disclosure obligations.
  • This underscores the imperative of transparency in corporate election financing, aligning with constitutional rights outlined in Article 14 (equality) and Article 19(1)(a) (right to information).
• Immediate Cessation of Electoral Bonds and Disclosure Mandates: The Court mandated the immediate cessation of electoral bonds and directed all pertinent authorities to disclose relevant information dating back to April 12, 2019.
  • The State Bank of India's request for an extension was met with skepticism, prompting a contempt petition against them for non-compliance.
• Guidelines on Legislative Passage via Money Bill Route: While the verdict didn't specifically address the Speaker's authority to classify bills as money bills, it offered guidance suggesting that not all legislative determinations qualify as financial or economic decisions.
  • This challenges the presumption of constitutionality and underscores the need for a nuanced approach in evaluating bills passed via the money bill route.

What is the Reason Behind SC's Scrutiny of Electoral Bond Scheme (EBS)?

• Elimination of Donation Caps: The court closely examined the EBS due to its elimination of donation caps imposed on political parties, as outlined in the Finance Act 2017.
  • This removal of restrictions allowed for unrestricted inflow of funds into electoral campaigns, posing a potential threat to the democratic principle of a level playing field.
• Anonymity of Donations via Promissory Notes: An area of concern highlighted by the court was the provision in the EBS allowing for anonymous donations to political parties through promissory notes issued by recognised banks.
  • This mechanism raised significant issues regarding transparency and accountability, as it enabled substantial financial backing to political entities without disclosing the identity of the contributors.
• Exemption of Corporate Donors from Disclosure Requirements: The EBS faced scrutiny for exempting corporate donors from the obligation to disclose their contributions in balance sheets, a highly contentious feature.
  • This exemption created opacity surrounding corporate funding of political parties, undermining the transparency necessary for a robust democratic process.

SC’s Analysis of the Proportionality Doctrine: Its Implications on Legislative Goals and the Restriction of FR

• Evolution of the Proportionality Doctrine: The judgment highlights the proportionality doctrine as a tool for self-discipline in constitutional judicial review, aimed at balancing governmental powers with individual rights
  • Serving as a foundational aspect of constitutional discipline, it establishes parameters applicable to all governance institutions.
• Differentiation Between Manifest Arbitrariness and Reasonable Exercise of Power: A crucial distinction is drawn between manifest arbitrariness and the reasonable exercise of power, with the court emphasizing that restricting a fundamental right does not equate to abrogating it entirely.
  • This distinction safeguards against arbitrary exercise of governmental authority, stressing the necessity for reasonable and proportionate limitations on rights.
• Legitimate Goals and Appropriate Means: Applying the proportionality test, the court scrutinizes the legislative objectives behind the Electoral Bond Scheme, mandating that any restriction on a fundamental right must serve a legitimate goal and utilize suitable means.
  • Questions are raised regarding the legitimacy of curbing black money as a specific ground under Article 19(2), emphasizing the need for the state to justify its actions with reasonable objectives.
• Nexus Between Law and Stated Objectives: Introducing the concept of a reasonable nexus, the court holds that laws should demonstrate a rational connection between means employed and objectives sought to be achieved.
  • This requirement ensures that restrictions on fundamental rights are directly related to their intended purpose, avoiding arbitrary infringements.
• Balancing Conflicting Rights: A notable development is the introduction of the double proportionality test, addressing conflicts between equal rights such as donor privacy and voter information and influence.
  • The court mandates a secondary proportionality assessment to ensure that any infringement on one right is justified and not disproportionate in impact.
• Alternative Measures and Judicial Restraint: While advocating proportionality, the court suggests alternative measures to achieve legislative goals, such as setting up electoral trusts or imposing caps on corporate funding.
  • Additionally, it exercises judicial restraint, respecting the autonomy and powers of the executive and legislative branches.
• Chief Justice M C Chagla's Warning: The judgment recalls Chief Justice M C Chagla's 1958 caution regarding the influential role of big business and money in democracy, highlighting a long-standing concern about corporate influence.
  • Chagla's foresight underscores the judiciary's role in preventing improper or corrupt influence, emphasizing the need to safeguard democratic values.
• Historical Perspectives by the CJI: Chief Justice Chandrachud's historical perspective underscores the judiciary's responsibility to prevent improper influences on democracy, advocating for a proactive role in safeguarding democratic values.
  • The court's assertion aligns with the idea of acting as a check against attempts to compromise the democratic process, particularly by powerful corporate entities.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's nullification of the Electoral Bond Scheme is a staunch defense of democratic principles. By rejecting elements that undermine transparency, equality, and accountability, the court reaffirms core democratic values. This landmark ruling signifies a crucial juncture in India's legal narrative, establishing a precedent for safeguarding democracy against opaque financial influences.

Why is it in the News?

Though women have a crucial role in energy access, production, and consumption, they face barriers that limit their participation and impact in the energy sector.

Context:

• Gender equality and women's empowerment discussions have surged in recent times.
• Yet, the interconnectedness of gender equality and sustainable energy development is frequently neglected.
• Hence, there's a crucial need to delve into the intricate relationship between these areas, recognizing their pivotal contribution to attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Crucial Role of Gender Equality in Sustainable Energy:

Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development. Women play a crucial role in energy access, production, and consumption. Yet, they often face significant barriers that limit their participation and impact in the energy sector. This gender disparity not only hampers individual opportunities but also hinders overall economic growth and environmental sustainability.

• Foundational Role in SDGs: Gender equality is intricately linked with SDGs like SDG5 (gender equality), SDG7 (clean energy), and SDG12 (climate action), serving as a cross-cutting enabler for overall SDG success.
• Impact on Clean Energy Access: Studies consistently demonstrate that gender equality and women's empowerment are essential for achieving universal access to sustainable energy.
  • Recognizing women's active participation in the energy sector is crucial for devising inclusive policies and strategies for clean energy access.
• Strategic Alignment with Climate Action: Gender equality is integral to climate action, as reflected in its inclusion in SDG12.
  • Empowering women in the energy sector fosters sustainable and climate-resilient practices, supporting efforts to combat environmental degradation.
• Social Justice and Economic Development: Gender equality in sustainable energy transcends SDGs, embodying principles of social justice.
  • Addressing gender disparities in energy access not only aligns with moral imperatives but also drives broader economic growth and prosperity.

Gender Equality in Energy Access:

• Household Responsibilities: Women predominantly manage household energy tasks like cooking, heating, and lighting.
  • However, energy infrastructure tends to reach women last, leading to a lack of access to modern energy sources, forcing reliance on harmful alternatives like biomass and kerosene.
• Disproportionate Impact: The absence of clean and reliable energy sources exposes women and children to household air pollution, contributing to 3.2 million premature deaths annually, with 60% affecting women and children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Energy Poverty: Limited access to modern energy perpetuates energy poverty, exacerbating health risks associated with household air pollution and hindering socio-economic development.
• Gender Disparity in the Energy Sector: Despite representing 48% of the global labor force, women constitute only 32% of full-time employees in the renewable energy sector and a mere 22% in the overall energy sector.
• Educational Barriers: Gender disparities in educational access hinder women from acquiring technical skills and training necessary for employment in the energy sector, further perpetuating gender inequality.
• Limited Opportunities: Women face restricted opportunities to pursue technical roles within the energy sector, contributing to the underrepresentation of women in positions of leadership and decision-making.
• Inequitable Policies: Company policies within the energy sector often fail to promote gender diversity and equality, perpetuating systemic barriers to women's advancement and participation in the industry.

What are the Economic Benefits of Empowering Women in the Energy Sector?

• Increased Productivity and Efficiency: Empowering women in the energy sector can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
  • Diverse teams that include women bring different perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and innovative ideas, enhancing overall productivity in the workplace.
• Enhanced Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Women's inclusion in decision-making processes within the energy sector can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Research indicates that diverse teams, including gender-diverse ones, tend to make better decisions by considering a wider range of perspectives and factors.
• Talent Retention and Recruitment: Promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the energy sector can help attract and retain top talent.
  •  Organizations that prioritize gender equality are often perceived as more desirable workplaces, leading to improved recruitment and retention rates.
• Access to Untapped Talent Pool: Empowering women in the energy sector provides access to an untapped talent pool, thereby addressing skills shortages and labor market gaps.
  • By tapping into the skills and expertise of women, energy companies can enhance their competitiveness and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Gender equality in the energy sector contributes to broader economic growth and sustainable development.
  • Women's participation in the workforce, particularly in high-growth sectors like energy, stimulates economic activity, drives innovation, and fosters inclusive growth.
• Increased Financial Performance: Companies with greater gender diversity at all levels, including leadership positions, tend to outperform their less diverse counterparts financially.
  • Research suggests that organizations with diverse leadership teams achieve higher financial returns, indicating a positive correlation between gender diversity and financial performance.
• Reduction in Gender Pay Gap: Empowering women in the energy sector can help reduce the gender pay gap and promote equitable compensation practices.
  • By ensuring equal pay for equal work and addressing barriers to women's advancement, energy companies can create fairer and more inclusive workplaces.

Way Forward:

• Address Gender Disparity in the Energy Sector: Transform perceptions regarding women's roles in the energy sector and integrate gender considerations into energy policies at all levels.
  • Stakeholders including governments, non-state actors, international institutions, and philanthropic organizations must collaborate to create an enabling environment and implement innovative solutions.
  • This approach not only enhances access to clean energy but also fosters women's meaningful participation in the sustainable energy transition.
• Promote Entrepreneurship and Collective Initiatives: Support initiatives like the Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE) that empower individuals, particularly women, to initiate entrepreneurial ventures and drive collective action for sustainable energy.
  • Explore opportunities in Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) initiatives, which are being implemented by various state governments in India in partnership with philanthropic organizations.
  • DRE initiatives can rapidly deliver affordable energy access, alleviate women's daily burdens, and enhance their productivity.
• Leverage Inspirational Initiatives: Draw inspiration from initiatives such as Solar Mamas launched by Barefoot College in India, which empowers illiterate women to become solar engineers.
  • These initiatives not only bring clean energy solutions to communities but also promote women's economic empowerment and leadership in the energy sector.

Conclusion

It is important to recognise that the dialogue on gender and energy has clearly shifted from women being identified as part of vulnerable groups to acknowledging them as key agents of change and decision makers across the energy sector. Gender-responsive and women-led initiatives have been successful in the clean energy space. That is why, this is the right time to harness the power of women and energy to create a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable world for present and future generations.

Why is it in the News?

The latest India Justice Report (IJR) points out that the gender gap remains wide in each of the subsystems that make up the justice delivery system — police, judiciary, prisons, legal aid, and human rights commissions.

Background:

• Diversity stands as a fundamental cornerstone of institutional efficacy globally, with gender inclusivity serving as a pivotal measure of dedication to this principle.
• As International Women’s Day is celebrated today (8th March), it becomes imperative to assess the status of gender diversity within India's justice delivery system, as underscored in the recent findings of the India Justice Report (IJR).
• The data underscores a stark gender disparity within different subsystems, prompting inquiries into the extent of justice institutions' dedication to cultivating inclusivity.

Gender Disparities in India's Justice Delivery System as Revealed by the India Justice Report (IJR):

• Systemic Inequities: The IJR underscores pervasive gender gaps within every facet of the justice delivery system, encompassing the police, judiciary, prisons, legal aid, and human rights commissions.
  • This comprehensive analysis illuminates the systemic nature of the issue, indicating that gender disparities are not isolated incidents but rather entrenched throughout the justice system.
• Quotas and Limited Progress: While quotas have aided in women's inclusion, their impact appears concentrated in lower-level positions within the justice system.
  • Despite affirmative action measures, women's representation in higher-ranking roles remains disproportionately low.
• Numerical Underrepresentation: The IJR's analysis reveals a stark reality, with only approximately three lakh women active in the justice delivery system.
  • This numerical underrepresentation not only indicates inadequate representation but also suggests underlying structural barriers hindering women's full participation.
• Gender Disparity in the Judiciary: Within the judiciary, data indicates a concerning trend where women's presence diminishes significantly as one ascends the hierarchy.
  • While women comprise 35% of subordinate judges, this percentage drastically declines to 13% in high courts, with a notable lack of women in the Supreme Court.
• Leadership Void: The absence of a female Chief Justice of India, despite decades of existence, underscores persistent barriers preventing women from ascending to the highest echelons of the judiciary.
  • Similarly, women's representation in chief justice positions in high courts remains disproportionately low.
• NHRC's Gender Imbalance and Limited Women Representation: The NHRC, entrusted with upholding fairness and justice, demonstrates a glaring lack of gender diversity, having never had a female commissioner.
  • This absence of women in decision-making roles within a human rights commission highlights institutional disregard for gender representation.
• Similar gender imbalances extend to state commissions, with few women serving as members or holding leadership positions, emphasizing the systemic nature of gender disparity within these crucial institutions.

What are the Potential Factors Contributing to Disparity?

• Institutional Apathy and Lack of Initiative: The absence of women in pivotal roles within these commissions reflects not only a numerical deficit but also a lack of proactive efforts to address and rectify this imbalance.
  • Findings from the IJR suggest a notable apathy within these institutions, where fostering gender diversity is often overlooked or relegated to a secondary concern.
• Complacency: State commissions, akin to the NHRC's shortcomings, fail to exemplify gender inclusivity.
  • The IJR's data paints a discouraging picture, with only a few commissions demonstrating a willingness to appoint women to decision-making positions.
  • The absence of proactive measures perpetuates an institutional culture indifferent to the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.
• Deflection of Responsibility: Decision-makers within these institutions often deflect responsibility instead of addressing the root causes of gender disparity.
  • Excuses citing "difficulties" in "accommodating" more women serve as common deflection tactics, diverting attention from the urgent need to challenge existing institutional structures and cultures hindering women's entry and retention.

What are the Possible Benefits of Diversity Within the Justice Delivery System?

• Global Research Insights: Research worldwide consistently highlights the positive outcomes of diverse and inclusive work environments.
  • The IJR echoes this global perspective, emphasizing that the integration of women and other diversities can reshape institutional culture within the justice system.
  • It challenges conventional practices by introducing fresh perspectives, experiences, and methodologies that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.
• Internal Cultural Transformation: Incorporating women into traditionally male-dominated institutions disrupts established norms and cultivates a culture of openness.
  • This transformation extends beyond numerical representation, fostering the integration of diverse viewpoints, communication styles, and problem-solving approaches.
  • Women, as essential contributors, can drive a shift towards more collaborative, empathetic, and innovative decision-making processes.
• Improved Public Perception: Inclusive institutions not only benefit internally but also enhance public trust and perception.
  • A justice delivery system that mirrors the diverse population it serves becomes more responsive, credible, and reflective of societal values.
  • This alignment between the institution and the public fosters trust and inclusivity, strengthening the legitimacy and effectiveness of the justice system.

Way Forward:

• Institutional Readiness: Initiating institutional change necessitates preparedness. Justice administrators are urged to proactively tackle systemic obstacles impeding women's inclusion.
  • This entails conducting a thorough assessment of current structures, policies, and practices to identify and dismantle barriers obstructing women's full and equitable participation at all levels of the justice system.
• Leading Through Example: The absence of a female Chief Justice of India and the scarcity of women in judiciary leadership roles underscore the imperative for a transformative shift.
  • Institutions must actively advocate for and facilitate women's ascension to leadership positions, challenging entrenched biases and breaking the glass ceiling that historically hindered their advancement.
• Reassessing Recruitment and Retention Strategies: There is a pressing need to critically reassess recruitment and retention practices within the justice delivery system.
  • This entails a comprehensive review of hiring procedures, promotion criteria, and initiatives to ensure gender-equitable treatment throughout individuals' careers.

Conclusion

To achieve justice, barriers must be dismantled, equal opportunities ensured, and the institutional biases perpetuating gender disparities acknowledged. Upholding equality mandates justice institutions to address systemic impediments hindering women's inclusion, transcending superficial measures. Decision-makers must lead by example, reassess practices, and implement strategies fostering gender balance and inclusivity within the justice system.

Why is it in the News?

The evolving academic landscape necessitates exploration of credit system challenges and transformative impacts of initiatives like the National Credit Framework (NCrF) and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).

Context:

• In the realm of academia, the credit system serves as a cornerstone for quantifying students' learning endeavors and accomplishments.
• Consequently, as the educational landscape evolves, it becomes imperative to delve into the importance of credits, address challenges stemming from credit incompatibility, and examine the transformative potential of initiatives such as the National Credit Framework (NCrF) and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).

What is the Need for the National Credit Framework (NCrF)?

• The limitations encountered by the pre-NEP credit system highlighted the urgent need for a more adaptable and versatile approach to earning credits.
• It became evident that existing credit systems, although a progression towards flexible education, did not sufficiently cater to the modern demand for interdisciplinary studies and the diverse goals of students.
• As a pivotal move towards reshaping the educational paradigm, the University Grants Commission (UGC) unveiled the National Credit Framework (NCrF) in April 2023.

What is the National Credit Framework (NCrF)?

• The National Credit Framework (NCrF) heralds a paradigm shift in academic structuring, redefining the traditional notion of the academic year and credit allocation.

Framework Components:

• The NCrF comprises three principal verticals:
  • The National School Education Qualification Framework (NSEQF),
  • The National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF), and
  • The National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

Provisions:

• Integration of Academic and Vocational Education: The NCrF emphasizes the integration of academic and vocational education, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) to ensure equivalence and coherence between the two education streams.
• Credit System: A credit system based on 'notional learning hours' is introduced, wherein students must accrue a minimum of 40 credits per year, with each semester accounting for 20 credits.
  • Notional hours encompass various academic activities, including attending classes, studying for assessments, and completing assignments and homework.
  • Students are expected to accumulate a total of 160 credits over their schooling period, with 120 credits attainable upon completion of a three-year bachelor's degree and 320 credits upon completion of a Ph.D.
• Credit Acquisition Mechanisms: The NCrF introduces various mechanisms for credit acquisition, extending beyond traditional academic pursuits.
  • Credits can be earned through participation in Olympiads, science quizzes, internships, and employment during college.
• Credit Levels: The framework delineates credit levels ranging from level 1 to level 8, with specific levels associated with different stages of education.
  • Higher education spans levels 4.5 to 8, while vocational education and training encompass levels 1 through 8.
• Aadhaar-Enabled Student Registration: An Aadhaar-enabled student registration system is implemented, providing students with an Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) account for depositing degrees and credits.
  • This system includes a knowledge locker akin to DigiLocker, ensuring secure storage of academic credentials.

What is the Significance of Credits in Students' Academic Journey”?

• Capturing Learning Effort and Achievement: Credits serve as tangible markers of students' academic journeys, encapsulating not just the knowledge acquired but also the dedication and effort invested in their educational pursuits.
  • By assigning numerical values to credits, institutions can systematically evaluate students' engagement and accomplishments.
• Linkage to Curricular Activities: Beyond conventional classrooms, credits extend their influence to encompass various curricular activities such as internships, research projects, and community service.
  • Acting as a unifying thread, credits seamlessly integrate these diverse experiences into the broader academic narrative, ensuring that students' educational endeavors embrace practical applications and real-world scenarios.
• Acknowledgment of Skill Acquisition and Development: Recognizing that education encompasses more than just the accumulation of facts, credits play a crucial role in acknowledging skill acquisition and development.
  • Whether it involves honing critical thinking abilities, enhancing communication skills, or mastering technical expertise, credits become a measure of students' holistic growth.
  • This emphasis on skills not only prepares students for professional challenges but also aligns education with the evolving demands of the contemporary workforce.
• Systematic Monitoring and Assessment: Credits serve as a guiding compass for both students and educational institutions, offering a systematic mechanism to monitor and assess academic progression.
  • Through credit-based systems, institutions can quantify learning outcomes within a structured qualification framework.
  • This systematic approach enables a nuanced understanding of academic advancement, allowing institutions to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and tailor educational strategies accordingly.
• Measurement of Quantification within a Qualification Framework: One of the primary roles of credits is to provide a quantifiable measure within a qualification framework.
  • This facilitates the standardization of educational achievements and enables easy comparison and recognition of academic accomplishments.
  • Credits thus serve as a universal language that transcends institutional boundaries, fostering a cohesive understanding of academic excellence.

Challenges Encountered by the Pre-NEP Credit-Based System (Choice Based Credit System [CBCS]):

• Compatibility Issues between CBCS and Semester System: Despite efforts by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to address rigid educational structures through the implementation of CBCS and semester systems, challenges arose in their compatibility.
  •  These initiatives aimed to introduce flexibility but faced hurdles in implementation and effectiveness.
  •  Incompatibilities within the CBCS model and semester mechanisms hindered seamless student mobility between educational institutions and programs.
• Lack of Exploratory Educational Experience: Despite intending to offer students a varied and exploratory educational experience, CBCS faced criticism for perceived inflexibility.
  • Critics argued that it limited students' ability to delve into a wide range of learning objectives.
  • The rigid structure of CBCS was viewed as a constraint rather than an enabler, raising concerns about fostering interdisciplinary learning and accommodating diverse academic pursuits.
• Shortcomings in Providing Student Autonomy: Another challenge was the perceived inadequacy in providing autonomy to students.
  • Pre-NEP credit systems did not effectively empower students to participate in diverse academic pursuits.
  • Constraints imposed by existing credit structures hindered students' ability to customize their educational journeys based on individual interests, thereby limiting the realization of a personalized and dynamic learning experience.

Conclusion

The integration of the NCrF and ABC signifies a monumental shift in the Indian education landscape, emphasizing flexibility, inclusivity, and holistic learning. This transformative initiative resonates with the objectives of the National Education Policy, heralding a future of dynamic and adaptable education systems tailored to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of both students and educators.

Why is it in the News?

Increasing women’s representation in green jobs will lead to benefits such as boosting a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy

Context:

• The worldwide movement towards low-carbon development presents India with a distinctive opportunity for progress.
• Nevertheless, this transition brings forth a gender disparity challenge, as men tend to transition to green jobs more rapidly than women.
• Hence, it's crucial to delve into the gender aspects of India's green transition, highlighting the imperative for women's empowerment and gender equality in climate initiatives.

What are Green Jobs?

• Green jobs represent a category of employment directly benefiting the planet and contributing to overall environmental well-being.
• These roles are geared towards mitigating the negative environmental impact of various economic sectors and advancing the creation of a low-carbon economy.
• Occupations involving renewable energy, resource conservation, and the promotion of energy-efficient practices fall under this umbrella.
• The International Labour Organization characterizes green jobs as 'decent jobs that contribute to the preservation or restoration of the environment.'
• They encompass diverse sectors such as manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and automobiles, historically characterized by lower female representation.

Gender Disparity in Green Jobs:

• Globally, men tend to transition to green jobs at a faster pace than women.
• Despite India's significant increase in renewable energy capacity by 250% between 2015 and 2021, women constitute only 11% of workers in the solar rooftop sector.
• The Annual Survey of Industries 2019-20 reveals that women workers are predominantly concentrated in industries like apparel, textile, leather, food, and tobacco.
• According to a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) 2019 report, men make up 85% of the workforce in sectors such as infrastructure, transport, construction, and manufacturing.
• A 2023 study by the Skill Council for Green Jobs indicated that 85% of green skills training was provided to men, with over 90% of women expressing belief that social norms hinder their participation in such training.
• Restrictive social norms contributing to this disparity include perceptions that women are unsuitable for certain technical roles, safety concerns, lower representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, and familial constraints.

Advantages of Women's Engagement in Green Jobs:

• Addressing Gender Bias in the Labour Market: Increased representation of women in green jobs acts as a potent remedy to entrenched gender biases in the labor market.
  • By entering traditionally male-dominated sectors like manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy, women challenge stereotypes and reshape societal perceptions of gender roles.
• Expanded Economic Opportunities: Women's greater involvement in green jobs opens up expanded economic avenues for them.
  • Participation in sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency enables women to access high-growth industries, fostering both economic growth and personal financial stability.
  • Beyond economic benefits, engagement in green jobs offers opportunities for women's advancement in technical and social spheres, exposing them to innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and networking opportunities.
• Empowerment of Women's Agency: The transition to green jobs empowers women by granting them agency over their economic destinies.
  • In roles contributing to environmental preservation or restoration, women find alignment with a broader sense of purpose, fostering a deeper connection to their work and its societal impact.
• Contribution to Long-Term Gender Empowerment: Participation in green jobs extends beyond immediate economic gains, contributing to the enduring empowerment of women.
  • By breaking into historically imbalanced sectors, women pave the way for future generations, inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
• Promotion of Environmental Stewardship: Women's involvement in green jobs resonates with their recognized role as custodians of the environment.
  • With a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems, women offer unique perspectives to the development and implementation of sustainable practices within green industries.

Way Forward:

• Addressing Data Gaps: Rectifying the lack of data is imperative to understand the landscape of women's participation in green jobs in India.
  • Initiatives should focus on mapping emerging areas for green growth and collecting sex-disaggregated data on green jobs to enhance women's engagement.
  • Conducting gender analysis, gathering gender statistics through periodic labor force surveys, and mobilizing additional resources can shed light on the present and future impact of low-carbon transitions on women workers and entrepreneurs. 
• Supporting Women Entrepreneurs: Gender-targeted financial policies and products tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs can catalyze their entry into the green transition market.
  • Measures such as collateral-free lending, financial literacy training, and establishing supportive networks are crucial to unlock their potential.
  • Developing appropriate tools to assess creditworthiness, facilitate loan disbursement, and reduce operational costs for women-owned businesses is essential.
• Promoting a Gender-Just Transition: A comprehensive strategy for a gender-just transition encompasses employment, social protection, reduction of care work burden, and skill development.
  • Collaboration among government, private sectors, and stakeholders is essential to harness innovation, technology, and finance for women entrepreneurs and workers.
  • Businesses must prioritize gender justice to mitigate barriers and promote equitable job opportunities for a fair transition.

Conclusion

As India navigates its green transition, prioritizing women's empowerment and gender equity in climate actions is essential for unlocking the co-benefits of a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy. Bridging the gender gap in green jobs requires concerted efforts to address social norms, collect gender-disaggregated data, and implement inclusive policies. This is not only an economic imperative but a crucial step towards building a socially equitable and inclusive future for all.

Why is it in the News?

By 2030, India wants to set up 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power generating capacity but the problem is that the availability of the minerals is not enough. One needs to process it and manufacture the final product which also means access to technology.