8 March 2024 CNA
Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Fall and rise in women’s work participation 2. The burden of women in construction 3. Bridging the gender gap in health research POLITY 1. Sena row: SC asks if Maharashtra Speaker contradicted verdict C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. A bold step towards a cervical cancer-free future SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. The determinant in ‘more women in the job market’ F. Prelims Facts 1. Centre to rope in ISRO to provide Internet in 80 remote tribal villages 2. INS Kolkata assists vessels hit in Gulf of Aden; rescues 21 crew members 3. Kerala comes up with long, short-term measures to prevent man-animal conflict G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Fall and rise in women’s work participation
Syllabus: Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Mains: Issues of women’s work participation
Context​: The discourse surrounding trends in women’s employment in India has become a subject of considerable debate, often paralleling discussions on poverty.Â
- However, while poverty measurement receives significant scrutiny, similar attention is not extended to employment measurement. This discrepancy underscores the complexity of understanding women’s labour force participation, which has exhibited notable fluctuations over the years.
Two Contrasting Narratives
- Pessimistic Perspective: Views the decline in women’s work participation as indicative of diminishing job availability, with subsequent increases seen as a sign of poverty.
- Optimistic Perspective: Attributes the initial decline to improved prosperity, allowing women to prioritize family responsibilities, with the subsequent surge reflecting increased job opportunities.
Examination of Trends
- Analysis of women’s work participation, particularly in the 25-59 age group, reveals significant fluctuations driven primarily by changes in work on family farms.
- Challenges in accurately measuring women’s work participation arise from survey methodologies that struggle to capture the nuanced activities of rural women, leading to discrepancies in reported data.
- Declining quality of statistical surveys further complicates the analysis, with recent attention to data quality potentially inflating reported figures.
Counterargument
- While some attribute the increase in women’s farm work to economic shifts, such as men’s movement out of agriculture, this argument is countered by modest declines in male self-employment in farming during periods of declining female work participation.
Way forward
- Rather than debating the causes of fluctuations in women’s farm work, efforts should focus on expanding women’s opportunities outside of agriculture, particularly in wage employment and small business ownership.
Nut Graf: The fluctuations in women’s work participation in India underscore the complexity of understanding labour force dynamics and the challenges inherent in accurately measuring women’s economic activities, particularly in rural areas. Instead of engaging in debates over the causes of these fluctuations, policymakers must prioritize efforts to expand women’s opportunities outside of agriculture, thereby promoting economic empowerment and fostering inclusive growth.
2. The burden of women in construction
Syllabus: Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Mains: Issues faced by women in the construction sector
Context​: Women’s low participation in the labour force remains a critical issue in India, warranting scrutiny not only of their employment rates but also the quality of their work. The construction sector, often overlooked in discussions on women’s employment, serves as a significant employer, particularly for migrant women from marginalized communities.Â
Dual Burden of Work
- Time Allocation: Women in the construction sector face a dual burden of paid employment and unpaid domestic work, spending substantial time on both activities. This includes childcare responsibilities, often necessitating simultaneous engagement in multiple tasks.
- Workplace Challenges: Employers in construction often exploit women’s labour by breaking down tasks to evade minimum wage regulations, resulting in high-intensity, laborious work without adequate safety measures. Women are often paid based on the quantity of work completed rather than hourly wages.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Technology and Automation: Increasing automation in construction may reduce job opportunities for women in labour-intensive tasks. However, skilling initiatives can empower women to engage in higher-quality, better-paying work within the sector.
- Employer Perceptions: Despite the potential for skill development, employers often hesitate to train women, citing assumptions about their capabilities in operating equipment and machinery.
Solutions
- Social Protection: The provision of social protection measures, including on-site childcare facilities, can alleviate women’s burden of unpaid childcare responsibilities, enabling greater focus on paid employment.
- Skills Training: Investments in skills training programs tailored to the needs of women in construction can enhance their employability and enable access to higher-quality jobs.
- Workplace Safety: Ensuring workplace safety standards and providing necessary safety equipment are essential to protect women from occupational hazards associated with labour-intensive tasks.
Nut Graf: The construction sector, as a significant employer of women, holds immense potential to absorb a substantial portion of the female labour force, particularly migrant women, into productive paid work.
3. Bridging the gender gap in health research
Syllabus: Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Mains: Gender gap in health research
Context​: Prioritizing women’s health is imperative for achieving health equity globally. Despite comprising nearly half of the world’s population, women have historically faced deep-seated biases in healthcare, with their health needs often overshadowed by a focus on gynaecological and reproductive issues.Â
Historical Bias and Disparities
- Medical Research Bias: Traditional medical research has favoured the male body as the standard, resulting in disproportionate risks and disparities in women’s health.
- Systemic Biases in Data Collection: Biases in data collection perpetuate disparities, leading to misdiagnoses, ineffective treatments, and unnecessary suffering for women.
Significance of Addressing the Gender Gap
- Global Recognition: Reports like the World Economic Forum’s ‘Closing the Women’s Health Gap’ highlight the urgent need for global efforts to address gender disparities in health research, funding, and policymaking.
- Indian Context: Genetic variations in the Indian population underscore the importance of gender-sensitive approaches in healthcare research and policy formulation.
Solutions
- Gender Analysis in Clinical Trials: Clinical trials must analyze and report gender-specific findings to tailor treatments effectively.
- Inclusion of Gender Differences on Drug Labels: Providing information on gender differences and safe use during pregnancy empowers healthcare providers and patients to make informed decisions.
- Recruitment of Women in Clinical Trials: Ensuring adequate representation of women in clinical trials is essential for understanding treatment efficacy across diverse populations.
- Dissecting Data with a Gender Lens: Analyzing data through a gender lens reveals nuances crucial for refining healthcare strategies.
- Embracing Precise Terminology on Sex and Gender: Clear and accurate language fosters inclusivity and effective healthcare communication.
Importance of Women’s Inclusion in Research
- Enriching Insights: Women’s unique insights and experiences enrich research, fostering a more inclusive, women-centric perspective in healthcare.
- Dismantling One-Size-Fits-All Approaches: Women’s inclusion in research allows for the development of more nuanced, effective healthcare solutions that benefit everyone.
Nut Graf: Bridging the gender gap in health research and practice is essential for building a future founded on equality and fairness in healthcare access and outcomes. It transcends gender, reshaping healthcare systems to serve everyone equitably and effectively.
Category: POLITY
1. Sena row: SC asks if Maharashtra Speaker contradicted verdict
Syllabus: Powers, functions and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies
Mains: Issues with the powers of the Speaker
Context​: The recent controversy surrounding Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s decision to declare Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction as the “real” Shiv Sena has raised questions about the Speaker’s adherence to judicial precedent.Â
- This issue pertains to the interpretation of the Constitution and the role of the Speaker in determining the authenticity of political factions within the legislative assembly.
Issues
- Contradiction with Judicial Precedent: The Supreme Court questions whether Speaker Narwekar contradicted a previous Constitution Bench judgment by considering the ‘legislative majority’ as a criterion for determining the authentic political party.
- Interpretation of Speaker’s Role: The crux of the issue lies in the Speaker’s discretion in discerning the genuine political party amidst factional disputes, particularly regarding the weightage given to the legislative majority versus other factors.
Significance
- Constitutional Implications: The case highlights the constitutional principles governing the role of the Speaker and the separation of powers within a democratic framework.
- Political Stability: The resolution of this dispute is crucial for maintaining political stability in Maharashtra and upholding the integrity of the democratic process.
Solutions
- Adherence to Judicial Precedent: Emphasize the importance of the Speaker’s adherence to the principles laid down by previous judicial decisions, particularly the distinction between the legislative and political wings of a party.
- Transparent Criteria: Advocate for transparent and consistent criteria for determining the authenticity of political factions, ensuring that decisions are based on objective parameters rather than subjective considerations.
Nut Graf: The Sena row underscores the delicate balance between legislative authority and judicial oversight within the democratic system. The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of Speaker Narwekar’s decision serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional principles and safeguarding democratic norms.
D. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. A bold step towards a cervical cancer-free future
Syllabus: GS-3, Developments in Science and Technology
Mains: New steps towards a cervical cancer-free future
Context:​ India’s interim Union Budget 2024-25 has garnered attention for its significant focus on women’s health, particularly through the introduction of measures to encourage HPV vaccination among girls. This bold step aligns with the global efforts to combat cervical cancer, marking a pivotal moment in prioritizing women’s well-being.
Issues
- Cervical Cancer Burden: Despite advancements in healthcare, cervical cancer remains a major health concern for women in India, with high incidence and mortality rates.
- Global Targets and Programmes: The World Health Organization has set ambitious targets, including HPV vaccination for girls and cervical cancer screening for women, to combat cervical cancer by 2030.
Significance
- Global Success Stories: International examples, such as Scotland, Australia, and Rwanda, highlight the effectiveness of HPV vaccination in reducing cervical cancer incidence.
- Regional Progress: Countries like Bhutan and Sikkim within the Southeast Asia Region have demonstrated success in implementing HPV vaccination programmes, showcasing the potential for broader impact in the region.
- India’s Indigenous Vaccine: The development of Cervavac offers accessibility and affordability, further enhancing India’s capability to combat HPV infections and cervical cancer.
Solutions
- Communication Strategy: Effective communication, as exemplified by Sikkim’s vaccination campaign, is crucial in dispelling myths and building trust among communities.
- Inclusive Vaccination: Including adolescent boys in vaccination programmes can maximize the impact on HPV transmission.
- Adapting to Evidence: Recognizing the effectiveness of single-dose HPV vaccination can inform policy decisions and optimize resources.
- Addressing Challenges: Overcoming vaccine hesitancy and ensuring equitable access require community engagement, awareness campaigns, and leveraging technological tools like the U-WIN portal.
Nut Graf: India’s commitment to HPV vaccination in the interim Union Budget heralds a significant advancement in women’s health. By drawing inspiration from global successes and leveraging its vaccination infrastructure, India is poised to make substantial progress in combatting cervical cancer.
Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. The determinant in ‘more women in the job market’
Syllabus: GS-2, Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Mains: Opportunities and challenges for women in the job market
Context:​ There is a growing consensus among social scientists, governments, and international organizations regarding the imperative to increase women’s participation in the economy and labour market to foster India’s economic growth.Â
- Despite this recognition, women’s involvement in the workforce remains notably low in India compared to other countries in Asia.Â
- This discrepancy can be attributed to various factors, with patriarchy emerging as the underlying determinant shaping women’s roles within society and the economy.
Issues
- Root Cause: Patriarchy: Patriarchy, characterized by male dominance in familial, societal, and economic spheres, serves as the primary obstacle to women’s participation in the labour market.
- Unpaid Domestic Work: Women are burdened with disproportionate responsibilities for unpaid domestic work, relegating them to inferior roles with limited economic agency and mobility.
- Gendered Choices in Employment: Women’s labour market choices are influenced by societal expectations and domestic obligations, leading to the perpetuation of gender stereotypes and occupational segregation.
Significance
- Economic Productivity: The underutilization of women’s labour potential hampers overall economic productivity and growth, necessitating interventions to unlock this latent workforce.
- Gender Equality: Addressing barriers to women’s labour force participation is crucial for achieving gender equality and dismantling patriarchal structures within households and society at large.
Solutions
- Redistribution of Domestic Work: Efforts to redistribute unpaid domestic work and caregiving responsibilities within households can alleviate the burden on women and enable their greater participation in the labour market.
- Infrastructural Support: Providing infrastructural support, such as access to fuel-efficient stoves and doorstep water supply, can enhance the productivity of women’s domestic work and reduce time constraints.
- Mainstreaming Unpaid Work: Shifting certain unpaid care responsibilities, such as childcare and eldercare, to the mainstream economy through government or civil society interventions can free up women’s time for educational and economic pursuits.
- Promotion of Gender Equality: Promoting gender equality within households is essential for fostering equal opportunities for men and women in both domestic and economic spheres. This involves challenging traditional gender roles and dismantling the subordination of women within households.
Nut Graf: Addressing the low participation of women in the labour market requires a multifaceted approach that confronts the entrenched patriarchal norms shaping gender roles and expectations. By redistributing unpaid domestic work, providing infrastructural support, and promoting gender equality, India can create an environment conducive to greater female workforce participation.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Centre to rope in ISRO to provide Internet in 80 remote tribal villages
Context: The Tribal Affairs Ministry plans to collaborate with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide Internet services to around 80 remote tribal villages in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and empower tribal communities by enabling access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and e-governance.
Collaboration with ISRO
- Deployment of V-SAT Stations: ISRO will deploy V-SAT (very small aperture terminal) stations in geographically remote and difficult-to-reach tribal villages.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): ISRO chief S. Somnath confirmed the collaboration and stated that an MoU would be signed soon to provide pilot connectivity services, including Internet, medical, and educational connectivity.
Other Proposals Discussed
- Projects with Eminent Institutes: Proposals for projects with institutes like AIIMS Delhi, IIT Delhi, IIM Calcutta and IISc Bengaluru were discussed.
- Health Research and Training: Partnership with AIIMS Delhi for advanced research on tribal health issues, including sickle cell anaemia, and organizing training programs for medical staff in tribal areas.
- Technology and Entrepreneurship: Plans to set up a specialized department for appropriate technology and entrepreneurship in collaboration with IIT Delhi and IIM Kolkata.
- Training Facility in Semiconductors: Proposal to collaborate with IISc Bengaluru to establish a training facility offering semiconductor courses for tribal students.
Significance
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Providing Internet access to remote tribal villages enhances connectivity and access to essential services, contributing to socio-economic development.
- Empowering Tribal Communities: Access to education, healthcare, and e-governance empowers tribal communities, enabling them to participate more actively in economic and social activities.
2. INS Kolkata assists vessels hit in Gulf of Aden; rescues 21 crew members
Context: Indian Naval destroyer INS Kolkata recently responded to two instances of missile/drone attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden. In one incident, the warship rescued 21 crew members from the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier MV True Confidence, while in another, it provided assistance to the Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC Sky II.
Rescue Operation for MV True Confidence
- Incident Details: MV True Confidence was hit by a drone/missile approximately 55 nm southwest of Aden on March 6, resulting in a fire onboard and critical injuries to some crew members.
- Response by INS Kolkata: The warship, deployed for maritime security operations, arrived at the scene and rescued 21 crew members, including one Indian national, providing critical medical aid to the injured personnel.
- Evacuation to Djibouti: The rescued crew, including the critically injured, were evacuated to Djibouti for further medical assistance.
Assistance to MSC Sky II
- Incident Details: On March 4, MSC Sky II, a Liberian-flagged container vessel, was hit approximately 90 nm southeast of Aden.
- Response by INS Kolkata: Upon receiving a request for assistance, INS Kolkata diverted to the scene, provided firefighting assistance, and escorted the vessel to the territorial waters of Djibouti.
- Safety Measures: A specialist firefighting team and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from INS Kolkata embarked on the vessel to assist in extinguishing residual fires and assessing residual risks.
Issues
- Security Concerns: The incidents highlight the security challenges faced by merchant vessels navigating through the Gulf of Aden and the need for enhanced maritime security measures.
- Safety of Crew: The safety and well-being of crew members aboard merchant vessels remain a priority amidst escalating threats in maritime regions prone to piracy and armed attacks.
3. Kerala comes up with long, short-term measures to prevent man-animal conflict
Context: The Kerala government has unveiled a comprehensive set of both long-term and short-term measures to mitigate the increasing instances of man-animal conflict, particularly with wild elephants, in the Wayanad district. These measures aim to protect human habitations, enhance wildlife habitats, and reduce confrontations between humans and animals.
Long-Term Measures
- Smart Elephant Fence: Implementation of a smart elephant fence to prevent wild elephants from encroaching into human settlements.
- Undergrowth Removal: Utilization of workers from the employment guarantee scheme to clear undergrowth in private estates, reducing potential hiding spots for wild animals.
- Eradication of Invasive Plants: Eradication of invasive plant species like senna and removal of eucalyptus and acacia plantations to support the regeneration of natural vegetation.
- Wildlife Habitat Improvement: Activities aimed at improving wildlife habitats to minimize conflicts between humans and animals.
- Fencing to Prevent Animal Entry: Installation of fences to deter wild animals from entering human habitats, thus safeguarding lives and property.
Short-Term Measures
- Inter-State Coordination Committee Meetings: Regular meetings of the inter-State coordination committee to address immediate issues related to man-animal conflict.
- Command Control Centre: Establishment of a Command Control Centre in Wayanad to monitor and respond to incidents of wild animal intrusions.
- Strengthening Early Warning System: Enhancement of the early warning system to alert people about the presence of wild animals in their vicinity.
- Drone Surveillance: Deployment of drones for surveillance to track the movement of wild animals and prevent potential conflicts.
- Compensation to Victims: Prompt clearance of compensation to victims affected by wild animal attacks to provide financial relief.
- New Forest Station: Setting up of a new forest station to enhance monitoring and management of wildlife.
- Closure of Ecotourism Destinations: Temporarily closing ecotourism destinations in forest areas until the man-animal conflict issue is mitigated.
Issues
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Increasing instances of conflict between humans and wild animals pose threats to both human lives and wildlife conservation efforts.
- Habitat Fragmentation: Human encroachment into wildlife habitats and habitat fragmentation exacerbate conflicts between humans and animals.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Man-animal conflicts may lead to the loss of biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems, affecting both wildlife and humans.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of India:
- The ED is an independent body established under the Constitution of India.
- It is primarily responsible for enforcing the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- The ED functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in India:
- India’s FLFPR has been steadily increasing over the past 5 years, reflecting greater female empowerment.
- India has one of the highest FLFPRs in the world, signifying a strong presence of women in the workforce.
- Skill development programs targeted towards women can increase FLFPR.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aims to provide clean cooking fuel to below-poverty line (BPL) households in rural areas.
- One of the objectives of PMUY is to reduce indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking fuels.
- PMUY is a social welfare scheme launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2, and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Q4: Consider the following statements regarding the Chief Justice of India:
- Statement 1: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is appointed by the President of India.
- Statement 2: The term of the Chief Justice of India is fixed, and it is five years.
- Statement 3: The Chief Justice of India can be impeached by a special majority of both houses of Parliament.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
- Statements 1 and 2
- Statements 1 and 3
- Statement 2 only
- Statement 3 only
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Q5. In India, which one of the following compiles information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments and lay-offs in factories employing workers?
- Central Statistics Office
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
- Labour Bureau
- National Technical Information System Manpower
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Click on the link for the video explanation of the above questions and answers.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Human-wildlife conflicts are increasingly becoming a critical challenge for conservation efforts and human safety, especially in areas where expanding human habitats intersect with wildlife territories. In the context of the escalating conflicts between humans and wildlife across various parts of India, critically examine the underlying causes of these conflicts. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, Environment]
- Despite various initiatives and schemes launched by the Government of India to enhance female labour force participation, the country still faces a significant gender gap in its labour market. Critically examine the effectiveness of these initiatives in bridging the gender gap in employment. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, Social Justice]
Read previous CNA articles here.
Comments