CURRENT AFFAIRS – 08/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 08/03/2024

Fall and rise in women’s work participation

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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The discussion surrounding trends in Indian women’s employment is notably prominent, often paralleled by debates on poverty trends.

• Regrettably, while there is substantial scrutiny of poverty measurement, a comparable level of attention is lacking in the examination of employment metrics.

Key Highlights

• Historical Work Participation Rate Fluctuations: 1993-2023
  • Drawing on data from the National Sample Surveys (NSS) and Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS), the overall trend in women’s work participation reveals intriguing patterns.
  • From 1993-94 to 2004-05, the work participation rate for women aged 15 and above hovered around 42%.
  • Subsequently, there was a decline to 28% in 2011-12, followed by a significant plummet to 22% in 2017-18.
  • However, an unexpected surge commenced in 2017, leading to a notable recovery, reaching 36% in 2022-23.
• Divergent Narratives: Pessimistic vs. Optimistic Perspectives
  • In an era marked by the politicization of statistics, these observations sparked a tug-of-war between pessimists and optimists.
  • Pessimists attributed the decline in women’s work participation to reduced job availability and interpreted the subsequent increase as a symptom of rising poverty.
  • Conversely, optimists portrayed the initial decline as a consequence of growing prosperity, allowing women to prioritize family, with the surge indicating expanded job opportunities.
  • An alternative perspective considered this as a natural economic transformation, akin to Claudia Goldin’s U-shaped curve, where women exit the labor market during the shift from agriculture to industry, only to re-enter with the service economy’s ascendance.
• Examining Work Participation by Age and Category
  • To delve into the foundation of these narratives, a closer examination of the 25-59-year-old women’s work participation is crucial.
  • This analysis breaks down participation into three categories:
    • self-employment in agriculture, self-employment in other activities (primarily petty manufacturing or shopkeeping), and wage and salaried work in manual or white-collar occupations.
  • This nuanced breakdown aims to unravel the dynamics influencing women’s engagement in the workforce, offering insights into the diverse sectors shaping their participation trends.
• Shifts in Women’s Work on Family Farms: 1993-2017
  • A notable trend emerges in women’s involvement in family farms, with a substantial drop from 23% to 10% observed between 1993 and 2017.
  • Intriguingly, during a subsequent period marked by increased employment, the engagement in family farm work experienced a remarkable resurgence, more than doubling to reach 23% in the last five years.
  • In contrast, wage labor and self-employment in non-farm activities exhibited relative stability, with rates holding steady at 14-16% and 5-6%, respectively.
  • Though a slight upward trend in wage employment is discernible in recent years, the predominant driver of changes lies in the dynamics of women’s work on family farms.
• Challenges in Labor Force Surveys and Categorization
  • Before delving into explanatory narratives, it is crucial to understand the challenges inherent in labor force surveys, particularly in categorizing women who juggle responsibilities such as raising children and managing family farms.
  • Surveys like NSS and PLFS utilize grids prompting interviewers to record details like “usual principal activity” and involvement “in any work in a subsidiary capacity.”
  • However, these questions may not align with the daily lives of rural women, encompassing tasks like childcare, water fetching, cattle care, grain harvesting, and pickle making for sale.
  • Initially measured using NSS-style questions, the participation rate increased from 28% to 44% for the same women when probed with more context-aware questions.
  • Noteworthy omissions were predominantly observed among self-employed women in agriculture and animal care, emphasizing the importance of nuanced survey techniques in capturing the multifaceted nature of women’s work.
• Historical Challenges in Survey Methodology
  • Addressing the challenges inherent in surveying women’s work traditionally relied on trained field investigators with local expertise.
  • However, India’s esteemed statistical system has undergone a crisis.
  • The shift from locally recruited interviewers to centrally recruited supervisors, often unfamiliar with local conditions, and the use of short-term contractual workers has resulted in a noticeable decline in survey quality.
  • This decline reached a critical point when the government disputed the quality of the NSS consumption expenditure survey in 2017-18.
• Quality Concerns and Statistical System Changes
  • The decline in NSS survey quality has prompted increased attention to data quality, evident in the strengthening of subordinate statistical services from 2,181 officers in 2009-10 to 3,121 in 2019-20.
  • This indicates a recognition of the need to address the declining quality of surveys, particularly in capturing nuanced aspects such as women’s work on family farms.
• Alternative Explanations and Counterargument
  • While one might argue that the surge in women farmers is a result of economic shifts, especially men moving out of agriculture, data challenges suggest a different narrative.
  • Male self-employment in farming experienced a modest decline from 33% to 25% between 2004-05 and 2017-18, a period coinciding with the decline in the female work participation rate.
  • Subsequently, the proportion of men classified as farmers/family helpers slightly increased, accompanied by a more significant rise for women.
• Shifting Focus: Beyond Cause Debate to Opportunities
  • Rather than dwelling on the causes of the fluctuations in the proportion of women farmers and family helpers, attention should shift to the persistent stagnation in the proportion of women as wage workers (around 16%) and owners/family helpers of small businesses (around 6%).
  • The emphasis should be on expanding women’s opportunities beyond agriculture, given the generally higher pay associated with non-agricultural pursuits.

Note: The Work Participation Rate (WPR) is a labor market indicator that measures the percentage of the working-age population (usually defined as individuals aged 15 years and above) who are either employed or actively seeking employment.

What is Claudia Goldin’s U-shaped curve?

• Claudia Goldin’s U-shaped curve refers to a graphical representation that illustrates the relationship between gender wage inequality and the career-life cycle of individuals.
• In simple terms, the curve shows how the gender pay gap changes over the course of a person’s career.
• Early Career (Left Side of the U):
  • At the beginning of their careers, men and women often have similar earnings or a relatively small gender pay gap.
  • Both genders might have similar educational backgrounds and job opportunities early in their professional lives.
• Mid-Career (Bottom of the U):
  • As individuals progress in their careers and reach the mid-career stage, the gender pay gap widens.
  • Factors such as family responsibilities, childcare, and choices related to work-life balance can contribute to women earning less compared to men during this phase.
• Late Career (Right Side of the U):
  • In the later stages of their careers, the gender pay gap starts to narrow again.
  • Women who remain in the workforce and overcome challenges may see improvements in their earnings relative to men.

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A bold step towards a cervical cancer-free future

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, India’s interim Union Budget for 2024-25 shines as a beacon of hope, particularly in the domain of women’s health.

• A notable initiative of the government involves encouraging the vaccination of girls aged nine to 14 against cervical cancer, marking a pivotal step towards safeguarding women’s well-being.

Key Highlights

• Cervical Cancer in India: A Persistent Challenge
  • Despite advancements in healthcare, cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India, with approximately 1.27 lakh cases and 80,000 deaths reported annually.
  • The primary culprit in its development is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
  • In response to this pressing public health challenge, HPV vaccination has emerged as a cornerstone of a comprehensive strategy for disease prevention and health promotion.
• Global Targets and India’s Role
  • The World Health Organization has set ambitious ’90-70-90′ targets for 2030:
    • ensuring 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15, 70% of women undergo cervical cancer screening tests by the age of 35 and 45, and 90% of women with cervical cancer receive treatment.
  • India’s commitment to HPV vaccination plays a pivotal role in achieving these global milestones and eradicating cervical cancer.
• Global Success Stories and Real-World Impact
  • Over 100 countries worldwide have implemented HPV vaccination programs, leading to a significant decline in cervical cancer incidence.
  • Notable success stories include Scotland, where women fully vaccinated between the ages of 12 and 13 show no reported cases of cervical cancer.
  • Australia, set to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, and Rwanda, with a successful vaccination campaign, underscore the importance of prioritizing vaccination in tackling cervical cancer.
• Regional Progress: South East Asia and Bhutan’s Leadership
  • Six out of 11 South East Asia Region countries, including Bhutan, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, have introduced nationwide HPV vaccination.
  • Bhutan, a low-middle income country, initiated a program in 2010 targeting girls aged 12 to 18, achieving an initial coverage of 95%.
  • Remarkably, Bhutan also started vaccinating boys in 2021, demonstrating a comprehensive approach.
  • Ongoing assessments in Thimphu reveal a reduction in the prevalence of targeted HPV types, indicating the program’s broader impact on community-wide transmission reduction.
• The Sikkim Model: Effective Communication and Outreach:
  • Sikkim’s successful approach to HPV vaccination serves as a model for effective public health strategy.
  • Achieving an impressive vaccination coverage of 97% in 2018, Sikkim focused on educating teachers, parents, girls, healthcare workers, and the media about the vaccine’s benefits.
  • This comprehensive communication strategy dispelled myths, addressed misconceptions, and built trust and confidence in the vaccination process.
• India’s Indigenous Quadrivalent Vaccine – Cervavac:
  • India’s recent achievement in developing its quadrivalent vaccine, Cervavac, signifies a significant step towards ensuring accessibility and affordability in the fight against HPV infections and cervical cancer.
  • Developed collaboratively by the Serum Institute of India and the Department of Biotechnology, Cervavac is priced at ₹2,000 per dose, making it more cost-effective than existing vaccines.
  • There is an opportunity to include adolescent boys in the vaccination program, maximizing its impact in preventing HPV transmission.
• One Dose Effectiveness and Scalability:
  • Recent evidence supports the notion that one dose of the HPV vaccine provides similar protection as two or three doses.
  • Drawing inspiration from the success of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, India is poised to make substantial strides in scaling up HPV vaccination efforts.
  • The country’s proven ability to reach remote and underserved populations highlights the inclusivity and accessibility of its vaccination programs.
• Societal and Economic Impact:
  • The significance of HPV vaccination extends beyond individual health outcomes, presenting an opportunity to alleviate the societal and economic burden of cervical cancer.
  • Targeting women during their prime years, cervical cancer has profound effects on families and communities.
  • Preventing HPV infections through vaccination reduces the incidence of cervical cancer, lowering healthcare expenses and fostering the overall welfare and productivity of women.
  • By preventing premature deaths of young mothers, HPV vaccination positively influences health and education outcomes for children.
• Persisting Challenges in HPV Vaccination:
  • Despite the promising strides in HPV vaccination, challenges persist, especially concerning vaccine hesitancy and equitable access.
  • These obstacles necessitate focused efforts in community engagement, misinformation mitigation, and healthcare infrastructure enhancement.
  • Addressing vaccine hesitancy requires active community engagement, dispelling myths, and fortifying healthcare infrastructure.
  • The rollout of U-WIN, akin to Co-WIN for COVID-19, is introduced in the interim Budget.
  • U-WIN, an electronic registry, enables real-time responsiveness in vaccination programs and enhances monitoring capabilities.
• Ensuring Equitable Access:
  • Equitable access to vaccination services, particularly in underserved populations, is crucial.
  • On the supply side, efforts must ensure widespread availability of vaccination services, while demand must be bolstered through improved community awareness.
  • HPV vaccine acceptance faces challenges fueled by myths and misinformation, demanding tailored communication strategies that resonate with diverse cultural and societal norms.
• Amplifying Awareness and Tailored Messaging:
  • Enhancing awareness through diverse channels such as social media and community workshops is vital.
  • The incorporation of HPV information into school health education can generate demand among adolescents.
  • Effective collaboration among government agencies, community partners, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations is crucial to building trust and ensuring the success of HPV vaccination programs.
• Drawing Lessons from COVID-19 Vaccination:
  • Drawing from successful experiences in the nationwide rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, strategies can be adapted to counter pervasive digital and mass misinformation.
  • Public-private partnerships play a pivotal role in ensuring equitable access to vaccination services, aligning with the collective goal of safeguarding women’s health against cervical cancer.

What is cancer?

• Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body.
• These cells can form tumors and interfere with the normal functioning of organs or tissues.
• Cancer can occur in almost any part of the body and may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
• Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and, in some cases, metastasize or spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
• Common types of cancer include:
  • Breast Cancer: Occurs in the breast tissue, commonly affecting women but also possible in men.
  • Lung Cancer: Develops in the lungs and is often associated with smoking, but non-smokers can also develop lung cancer.
  • Colorectal Cancer: Affects the colon or rectum and is among the most common types of cancer.
  • Prostate Cancer: Occurs in the prostate gland in men and is a common cancer in older men.
  • Skin Cancer: Includes various types such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, often associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.
  • Ovarian Cancer: Affects the ovaries in women and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
• Cervical Cancer: Develops in the cervix and is often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
• Stomach Cancer: Affects the stomach lining and is more prevalent in certain regions of the world.
• Liver Cancer: Occurs in the liver and is often related to chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis.
• Leukemia: A type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells.
• Key facts
  • Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths.
  • The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate
  • Around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity.
  • Cancer-causing infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis, are responsible for approximately 30% of cancer cases in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
  • Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively.

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Troubled waters

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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Tensions between China and the Philippines have intensified, reaching a new level as Manila accuses China of “reckless and illegal” actions in the South China Sea.

• The latest incident involves China blocking the Philippines’ resupply mission near Second Thomas Shoal, resulting in minor structural damage to a Philippine boat.

Key Highlights

• Background of Maritime Disputes:
  • The heart of the issue lies in contesting claims over the South China Sea.
  • China asserts territorial control over almost the entire region, including Scarborough Shoal, which it seized from the Philippines in 2012.
  • Despite a favorable ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Beijing has consistently disregarded the legal decision, contributing to ongoing tensions.

About South China Sea

• The South China Sea is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by China to the north, Vietnam to the west, the Philippines to the east, Taiwan to the northeast, Malaysia and Brunei to the south, and Indonesia to the southwest.
• The South China Sea is home to numerous islands and archipelagos, some of which are disputed among neighboring countries.
  • Notable features include the Paracel Islands, the Spratly Islands, the Scarborough Shoal, and the Natuna Islands.
• It is a critical maritime region with major shipping routes that connect the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean. A significant portion of the world’s trade, including oil and natural gas, passes through these waters.
• Geopolitical Disputes:
  • Territorial Claims: Several countries, including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, have territorial claims and disputes over various islands and maritime areas in the South China Sea.
  • Nine-Dash Line: China has claimed a large portion of the South China Sea based on the controversial “Nine-Dash Line,” a demarcation line that extends deep into the sea. This claim has been a source of tension and disputes with neighboring countries.

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Centre to rope in ISRO to provide Internet in 80 remote tribal villages

(General Studies- Paper II, Page 18, the Hindu)

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is planning a collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to implement a pilot project aimed at providing Internet services to approximately 80 tribal villages.

• The initiative will involve deploying Very Small Aperture Terminal (V-SAT) stations in geographically remote and challenging terrains in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
• This partnership aims to bridge the digital divide in tribal-dominated areas that have traditionally lacked connectivity.

Key Highlights

• Project Details and Monitoring:
  • ISRO Chief S. Somnath confirmed the collaboration, stating that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed soon.
  • The V-SAT stations will facilitate internet connectivity, medical services, and educational connectivity in these remote villages.
  • The pilot project will be closely monitored and, if successful, scaled up to include other similar tribal villages across different states.
  • The overarching goal is to enhance e-governance services in these isolated areas.
  • Apart from the collaboration with ISRO, proposals for partnerships with renowned institutions like AIIMS Delhi, IIT Delhi, IIM Calcutta, and IISc Bengaluru were also presented.
• AIIMS Delhi Partnership for Tribal Health Research:
  • The Tribal Ministry is also partnering with AIIMS Delhi to conduct advanced research on tribal health issues, with a particular focus on Sickle Cell Anemia.
  • Additionally, plans include organizing training programs for doctors and paramedical staff working in tribal areas.

What are Very Small Aperture Terminal (V-SAT) stations?

• Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) stations are a type of satellite communication system that uses small satellite dish antennas for two-way data communication.
• These stations are widely used for various purposes, including internet connectivity, private data networks, and voice communication in locations where traditional terrestrial communication infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
• Applications:
  • Internet Connectivity: VSATs are widely used to provide internet access in remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is impractical.
  • Corporate Networks: Businesses with multiple locations, especially in remote areas, use VSATs to establish private data networks for secure and reliable communication.
  • Telecommunications: VSATs are used for voice communication, especially in areas where traditional telecommunication infrastructure is limited.
• Advantages:
  • Global Coverage: VSATs can provide communication services in almost any location with a clear line of sight to the satellite.
  • Quick Deployment: VSAT systems can be deployed relatively quickly, making them suitable for temporary or emergency communication needs.
  • Scalability: VSAT networks can be easily scaled by adding more remote terminals as needed.
• Challenges:
  • Latency: VSATs can experience latency due to the signal travel time to and from the satellite, which may impact real-time applications.
  • Cost: While VSATs offer connectivity in remote areas, the initial setup and operational costs can be relatively high compared to traditional terrestrial alternatives.

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