+91 83196 18002
office@raosacademy.in
Pre Booking Open For UPSC Civil Services Coaching 2024-2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 27/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/03/2024

admin
Contents
  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/03/2024

Employment scenario in India grim, says ILO report

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The India Employment Report 2024, released by the International LabourOrganisation (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD), highlights significant trends in the country’s labor market.

  • According to the report, India’s youth constitute a staggering 83% of the unemployed workforce.
  • Notably, the proportion of educated youth, with at least a secondary education, among the total unemployed youth has nearly doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022.

Key Highlights

  • Trends in Youth Employment:
    • The study points out a trend of increased youth employment and underemployment between 2000 and 2019.
    • However, there was a decline during the pandemic years.
    • Educated youth, in particular, faced heightened levels of unemployment during this period.
    • Changes in Labor Market Indicators:
      • Key labor market indicators like the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR) exhibited a long-term deterioration from 2000 to 2018.
      • However, there was an improvement post-2019, coinciding with periods of economic distress, both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with the exception of two peak COVID-19 quarters.
    • Interpretation of Improvements:
      • The report cautions against interpreting the recent improvements in labor market indicators too optimistically.
      • While there has been a noticeable increase in jobs during slowdown periods, the underlying drivers of these changes remain uncertain.
    • Paradoxical Trends in Job Growth:
      • Over the past two decades, India’s job market has witnessed paradoxical improvements in labor market indicators.
      • Despite non-farm sectors growing at a higher rate than agriculture employment, the fundamental issue of insufficient growth in non-farm sectors persists.
      • The ability of these sectors to absorb workers from agriculture remains a challenge, even though labor from agriculture is mainly absorbed by the construction and services sectors.
    • Informal Work and Decline in Regular Employment:
      • The report highlights that a staggering 90% of workers in India remain engaged in informal work, while the share of regular employment, which had been steadily increasing after 2000, started declining after 2018.
      • This shift underscores widespread livelihood insecurities among workers, with only a small percentage covered by social protection measures, particularly in the non-agricultural organized sector.
      • Furthermore, the rise in contractualization has led to only a small percentage of regular workers being covered by long-term contracts.
    • Skills Gap Among Youth:
      • Despite India’s large young workforce being considered a demographic dividend, the report indicates a significant skills gap.
      • A substantial portion of youth lacks basic digital skills, with 75% unable to send emails with attachments, 60% unable to copy and paste files, and 90% unable to input a mathematical formula into a spreadsheet.
      • This deficiency in essential skills poses a significant challenge to their employability in an increasingly digitalized world.
    • Gender Disparities in the Labor Market:
      • The report also sheds light on the substantial gender gap in India’s labor market, characterized by low rates of female labor force participation.
      • Particularly among highly educated young women, the unemployment challenge is immense, reflecting the broader lack of quality employment opportunities for women in the country.
    • Social Inequalities and Marginalized Communities:
      • Despite affirmative action and targeted policies, marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes continue to face barriers in accessing better job opportunities.
      • While these communities have shown improvement in educational attainment, they still lag behind in terms of job access and quality.
      • They are more likely to engage in low-paid temporary casual wage work and informal employment, perpetuating social inequalities.
      • The report emphasizes that despite strides in educational attainment, hierarchies within social groups persist, further exacerbating disparities in employment outcomes.

About International LabourOrganisation (ILO)

  • The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to improving labor conditions and living standards worldwide.
  • Established in 1919 in the aftermath of World War I, as part of the Treaty of Versailles under the League of Nations and later incorporated into the UN in 1946, the ILO aims to promote social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights.
  • It has 187 member states and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with field offices globally.
  • Mission:
    • The ILO’s mission is to promote decent work globally, emphasizing freedom, equity, security, and human dignity in employment.
  • Structure:
    • It operates through a unique tripartite structure involving workers, employers, and governments, providing a platform for promoting decent work for all.
  • Functions:
    • The ILO develops and promotes international labor standards, offers technical assistance, conducts research, and fosters cooperative organizations and rural industries.
  • Achievements:
    • The ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for its efforts in improving fraternity and peace among nations, pursuing decent work and justice for workers, and providing technical assistance to developing nations.
  • Programs:
    • The ILO runs various programs, including BetterWork, aimed at improving working conditions in industries like garment and footwear, promoting lasting improvements and productivity.

Sensing threat from China, Indiajoins the race to mine sea patch

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

India recently submitted an application to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) located in Jamaica, seeking rights to explore two expansive areas in the Indian Ocean seabed that fall outside its jurisdictional boundaries.

  • One of these regions, known as the AfanasyNikitin Seamount (AN Seamount), is rich in cobalt and has been claimed by Sri Lanka under separate laws.

Key Highlights

  • Description of the AN Seamount:
    • The AN Seamount is a substantial geological formation stretching approximately 400 kilometers in length and 150 kilometers in width, situated within the Central Indian Basin.
    • It lies approximately 3,000 kilometers away from India’s coastline.
    • The seamount rises from an oceanic depth of around 4,800 meters to about 1,200 meters and is known to contain significant deposits of cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper, as confirmed by surveys conducted over the past two decades.
  • Exploration Process and Legal Framework:
    • To commence actual extraction activities, interested parties, including nations, must first obtain an exploration license from the ISBA.
    • These exploration rights pertain specifically to areas classified as the open ocean, where no single country can claim sovereignty.
    • Despite being potentially rich in mineral resources, the logistical and financial challenges associated with extraction in the open ocean have deterred commercial exploitation thus far.
    • Currently, no nation has conducted commercial resource extraction from open ocean areas.
    • Challenges and Potential Obstacles:
      • While India’s application to the ISBA signals its intent to explore and potentially exploit resources in the AN Seamount and other open ocean regions, it may encounter hurdles from another UNCLOS-affiliated body, the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
      • This commission is responsible for determining the extent of a country’s continental shelf, which could impact India’s exploration ambitions.
    • Exclusive Rights and Continental Shelf Claims:
      • Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), countries possess exclusive rights extending up to 200 nautical miles from their coastal borders, encompassing both the sea surface and the underlying seabed.
      • Ocean-bound states may also have a natural extension of land, known as the continental shelf, connecting their border to the deep ocean beyond the 200-nautical-mile limit.
      • To assert claims over such areas, countries must present detailed scientific justifications, including underwater mapping and surveys, to a scientific commission appointed by the International Seabed Authority (ISBA).
      • If approved, countries gain primacy in exploring and exploiting both living and non-living resources in these regions.
    • Variations in Continental Shelf Claims:
      • While claims to the continental shelf typically do not extend beyond 350 nautical miles from a country’s coast, certain regions along the Bay of Bengal allow for different criteria to be applied.
      • Taking advantage of this provision, Sri Lanka has made claims up to 500 nautical miles.
      • In response, India has pursued its own claims, motivated in part by the presence of Chinese activities in the region.
      • Failing to assert claims now could have implications for future control over these areas.
      • Areas not classified as part of a country’s continental shelf are considered “high seas” and are open to exploration by any country.
      • Interested nations can approach the ISBA and seek permission for exploration in these regions.
    • India’s Application and ISBA Proceedings:
      • India has applied for exploration rights in two significant areas:
        • theAfanasyNikitin Seamount (AN Seamount) and the Carlsberg Ridge in the Central Indian Ocean.
      • The AN Seamount, rich in cobalt, has already been claimed by Sri Lanka, leading to a review process by the ISBA.
      • India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences has led a delegation to Jamaica, the headquarters of the ISBA, to present scientific evidence supporting India’s claims.
      • However, the ISBA has requested clarification from India on several points, with a final decision expected later this year.
      • India has also staked claims for its continental shelf up to 350 nautical miles from its borders, similar to Sri Lanka’s assertions.
      • While these claims are pending approval, India has previously obtained exploration rights to other regions in the Central Indian Ocean and has conducted surveys in these areas.

About the International Seabed Authority (ISBA)

  • The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an intergovernmental organization established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to regulate deep-sea mining activities in international waters beyond national jurisdiction.
  • Formation:
    • The International Seabed Authority was established in 1994, following the entry into force of UNCLOS.
    • It was created to manage and regulate mineral-related activities in the international seabed area, known as the “Area,” which comprises the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.
  • Mission:
    • The primary mission of the ISA is to organize, regulate, and control all mineral-related activities in the international seabed area for the benefit of humankind as a whole.
    • It aims to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful impacts arising from deep-sea mining activities and to promote the equitable sharing of benefits derived from seabed resources.
  • Functions:
    • Regulation of Mineral Activities: The ISA regulates all mineral-related activities in the international seabed area, including exploration, exploitation, and processing of minerals.
    • Issuance of Contracts: The ISA issues exploration and exploitation contracts to qualified entities interested in conducting deep-sea mining operations in designated areas of the international seabed.
    • Environmental Protection: The ISA establishes environmental guidelines and standards to minimize the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining activities and protect marine biodiversity.
    • Benefit Sharing: The ISA promotes the equitable sharing of financial and other benefits derived from deep-sea mining activities, particularly with developing countries and landlocked and geographically disadvantaged states.
  • Membership:
    • The ISA has 168 member states and the European Union.
    • Member states participate in the decision-making processes of the ISA through their representation in the Assembly, Council, and other subsidiary bodies.
  • Headquarters:
    • The headquarters of the International Seabed Authority is located in Kingston, Jamaica.

About the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

  • The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international treaty that governs the use of the world’s oceans and seas.
  • It provides a comprehensive framework for the regulation of various maritime activities, including navigation, territorial seas, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), continental shelves, fishing, marine environmental protection, scientific research, and the management of marine resources.
  • UNCLOS replaced the four treaties of the 1958 Convention on the High Seas and is considered a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world’s oceans and seas, addressing various aspects of ocean space.
  • Formation:
    • UNCLOS was adopted in 1982 at the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
    • It entered into force in 1994 after it was ratified by a sufficient number of countries.
  • Key Provisions:
    • Territorial Seas:
      • UNCLOS defines the territorial sea as the belt of water adjacent to the coastline of a state, over which the state exercises sovereignty.
      • The width of the territorial sea cannot exceed 12 nautical miles.
    • Contiguous Zone:
      • Beyond the territorial sea, the contiguous zone is an additional zone where a coastal state may exercise certain limited controls for the purpose of preventing and punishing infringements of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea.
    • Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs):
      • UNCLOS establishes the concept of EEZs, extending from the territorial sea baseline to a distance of up to 200 nautical miles from the coastline.
      • Within the EEZ, coastal states have sovereign rights over the exploration and exploitation of natural resources, including fisheries and energy resources.
    • Continental Shelf:
      • UNCLOS defines the continental shelf as the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond the territorial sea and throughout the natural prolongation of a coastal state’s land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin.
      • Coastal states have sovereign rights to explore and exploit the resources of the continental shelf.
    • International Seabed Area:
      • UNCLOS establishes the International Seabed Area, which comprises the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.
      • It regulates mineral-related activities in this area through the International Seabed Authority.
    • Freedom of Navigation:
      • UNCLOS guarantees the freedom of navigation for all states in the world’s oceans, including the right of innocent passage through territorial seas and the right of transit passage through international straits.
    • Marine Environment Protection:
      • UNCLOS includes provisions aimed at protecting and preserving the marine environment, including measures to prevent pollution from ships, marine scientific research, and conservation and management of marine living resources.
    • Member States:
      • UNCLOS has been ratified by 168 parties, including 167 states and the European Union, making it one of the most widely accepted international treaties.
    • Dispute Settlement:
      • UNCLOS provides mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes between states concerning the interpretation or application of the convention.
      • This includes arbitration, adjudication by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), and other dispute resolution mechanisms.

Stop the war

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) called for an “immediate ceasefire” on March 25, following Israel’s assault on Gaza, which has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and displacement.

  • The conflict has seen devastating consequences, with thousands killed or injured, and the vast majority of Gaza’s population facing hunger crises and displacement.

Key Highlights

  • Shift in US Policy:
    • Significantly, the United States, which previously vetoed every UNSC resolution urging an immediate ceasefire, abstained from voting this time.
    • This abstention signals a potential shift in the Biden administration’s policy towards the conflict, marking a departure from previous stances.
    • All other members of the UNSC, including countries like Britain, supported the resolution, indicating a growing consensus for a ceasefire.
    • However, Israel reacted angrily to the resolution, criticizing it for not conditioning a ceasefire on the release of hostages.
  • Assessment of Israel’s Strategy:
    • The conflict’s prolonged duration has raised questions about Israel’s strategy and objectives. Despite initial sympathy and solidarity following a cross-border attack by Hamas, Israel’s response, which targeted the entire population of Gaza, has drawn international criticism.
    • Israel’s failure to achieve clear objectives and its inability to significantly weaken Hamas have led to internal divisions and increased isolation on the international stage.

About the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

  • The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
  • Formation:
    • The UNSC was established in 1945 as part of the United Nations Charter, which was signed in San Francisco on June 26, 1945, and came into effect on October 24, 1945.
  • Composition:
    • The Security Council consists of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.
    • The non-permanent members are distributed geographically to ensure fair representation from different regions of the world.
  • Functions:
    • Maintenance of International Peace and Security:
      • The primary responsibility of the Security Council is to maintain international peace and security.
      • It does so by identifying threats to peace or acts of aggression and taking measures, including the use of sanctions, diplomatic mediation, peacekeeping operations, and, in extreme cases, authorization of military action, to address conflicts and prevent further escalation.
    • Peacekeeping Operations:
      • The Security Council has the authority to establish peacekeeping missions or operations to help resolve conflicts, monitor ceasefires, facilitate negotiations, protect civilians, and support the implementation of peace agreements in conflict-affected areas.
    • Decision-Making Process:
      • The Security Council operates on the principle of consensus among its member states.
      • However, when consensus cannot be reached, decisions require the affirmative votes of at least nine of the 15 members, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members (known as the “veto-wielding” members).

A cry for help, a call for reflection and action

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The current socio-academic landscape in India is raising significant concerns regarding the well-being and nurturing of students.

  • The evolving socio-economic dynamics are not only fostering a sense of despondency among youth but are also contributing to stress in their academic pursuits.
  • This heightened pressure is tragically leading to a disturbing trend of student suicides.

Key Highlights

  • Case Study: Kota’s Academic Pressure:
    • A poignant example is the case of a teenager from Bihar who penned a note before taking their own life in Kota, Rajasthan, known as a hub for academic coaching.
    • The stress associated with preparing for competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) was evident in the note, highlighting the immense pressure faced by students.
    • Suicide Incidents and Police Records:
      • Reports indicate a troubling trend of suicides among students preparing for competitive exams in Kota.
      • Police records reveal concerning statistics, with 15 student suicides recorded in 2022, 18 in 2019, and 20 in 2018.
      • During the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020-21, when traditional coaching centers were disrupted, data on student suicides is negligible.
    • Coaching Industry in Kota:
      • Kota attracts over 200,000 aspirants annually from across India, drawn by the promise of academic excellence and rigorous preparation for coveted entrance exams like the JEE and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
      • The city’s residential coaching institutes contribute significantly to Kota’s economy, generating an estimated annual revenue of approximately ₹10,000 crore.
    • Measures for Student Welfare:
      • Amidst mounting concerns, coaching institutes in Kota have implemented various measures to address student welfare.
      • Notably, hostels have been equipped with “anti-suicide features,” including devices installed on ceiling fans to prevent self-harm and iron grills across balconies and passages.
      • However, ensuring uniform implementation across the approximately 25,000 paying guest accommodations in Kota remains challenging.
    • Preventive Measures in Kota:
      • The local government in Kota has implemented temporary measures to prevent student suicides, including halting routine testing in coaching institutes for over two months.
      • Hostel staff are undergoing training to enhance their ability to address student welfare concerns, with specialized training in areas such as mess administration, psychological support, and behavioral counseling.
      • The Kota police have also initiated proactive campaigns, such as “darwazepedastak (knock on door),” to encourage hostel wardens to monitor students’ well-being closely.
    • Student Suicide Statistics:
      • According to the “Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2022” report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 13,000 Indian students took their lives in 2022, accounting for 7.6% of total suicide fatalities.
      • The number of student suicides has been on the rise in recent years, with figures increasing from 10,335 in 2019 to 13,089 in 2021.
      • Over the past decade, nearly 95,000 students have tragically ended their lives.
    • Challenges in Education and Job Market:
      • India’s education system faces challenges such as limited job opportunities, insufficient government institution seats, and high fees in private institutions, leading to intense competition among students.
      • The pressure to excel academically, often driven by parental expectations, contributes to the stress experienced by students.
      • Financial constraints further exacerbate the situation, as many families cannot afford additional educational resources like coaching and tuition.
      • This pressure to succeed in exams, coupled with a lack of support and encouragement from faculty members, increases the risk of student suicides.
    • Impact of Family Dynamics on Student Development:
      • In contemporary Indian society, significant changes in family structures are observed, leading to weakened connections between children and their families.
      • This shift affects a child’s ability to engage with relatives and influences their social relationships.
      • Parental imposition of academic preferences and societal expectations can hinder a student’s individual interests, resulting in emotional detachment and a lack of parental empathy.
      • Students often struggle to meet parental standards, particularly when forced into academic pursuits they have no inherent interest in.
      • The emphasis on expectations, performance, and personal interests in family interactions can either motivate students through positive reinforcement or lead to feelings of humiliation and desperation when expectations are not met.
    • Impact on Student Well-being:
      • The pressure to excel academically overshadows students’ social lives, causing them to sacrifice interpersonal relationships and essential personal pursuits.
      • This can result in inner turmoil, as evidenced by students expressing distress on social media platforms.
      • Educational institutions often fail to provide the necessary emotional support, further exacerbating the challenges faced by students, particularly those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
    • Need for Supportive Social Infrastructure:
      • There is an urgent need for the social infrastructure to become more supportive and accommodating to address the challenges faced by young individuals.
      • Creating an atmosphere of empathy and acceptance is essential to counteract the negative consequences of parental and societal expectations on student well-being.
      • Additionally, efforts must be made to provide emotional scaffolding and support to students, especially those from marginalized communities, to ensure their holistic development and well-being.

The need to curb black carbon emissions

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

At the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow in November 2021, India committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, positioning itself as a leader in the global effort towards carbon neutrality.

  • This pledge reflects India’s determination to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Highlights

  • Renewable Energy Progress:
    • India has made significant strides in renewable energy deployment, with over 180 GW of renewable energy capacity installed by 2023.
    • The country is on track to meet its target of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
    • This progress demonstrates India’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Significance of Black Carbon:
    • Black carbon, a dark, sooty material emitted during incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels, plays a crucial role in climate change.
    • It contributes to global warming and poses serious health risks to humans.
    • Exposure to black carbon has been linked to heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.
    • Sources and Impact of Black Carbon Emissions in India:
      • In India, black carbon emissions primarily arise from burning biomass in traditional cookstoves, with the residential sector contributing 47% of the country’s total black carbon emissions.
      • Industries, diesel vehicles, open burning, and other sources also contribute to black carbon emissions.
      • Efforts to reduce black carbon emissions in the industry and transport sectors have shown progress, but challenges persist in the residential sector.
      • Traditional cooking practices using biomass fuels like cow dung or straw contribute significantly to black carbon emissions.
      • Addressing this issue requires targeted interventions and widespread adoption of cleaner cooking technologies.
    • Introduction to Pradhan MantriUjjwalaYojana (PMUY):
      • The Pradhan MantriUjjwalaYojana (PMUY), launched by the Government of India in May 2016, aims to provide free liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections to households below the poverty line.
      • The primary objective is to offer clean cooking fuel to rural and poor households, reducing their reliance on traditional cooking fuels.
      • PMUY has played a crucial role in reducing black carbon emissions by offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fuel consumption.
      • The program provides infrastructure such as free gas stoves, deposits for LPG cylinders, and a distribution network, facilitating the adoption of LPG as a cooking fuel.
      • As of January 2024, PMUY has successfully provided connections to over 10 crore households, significantly expanding access to clean cooking fuel across India.
      • Challenges and Limitations:
        • Despite its successes, PMUY faces challenges in ensuring sustained usage of LPG among beneficiaries.
        • RTI data reveals that 25% of PMUY beneficiaries, equivalent to 2.69 crore people, either availed zero LPG refills or only one refill in 2022-2023, indicating continued reliance on traditional biomass for cooking.
        • The average PMUY beneficiary household consumes only 3.5-4 LPG cylinders per year, significantly lower than the six or seven cylinders used by regular non-PMUY households.
        • This indicates that up to half of a PMUY beneficiary household’s energy needs are still met by traditional fuels, which emit high levels of black carbon.
      • Government Initiatives and Role in Access to Clean Cooking Fuels:
        • The government plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in rural areas by securing access to clean cooking fuels.
        • Immediate benefits for rural communities are seen through the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), although renewable sources hold promise for the future.
        • Subsidy Increases and Affordability Concerns:
          • In October 2023, the government increased the LPG subsidy to ₹300 from ₹200, aiming to make clean fuel more accessible.
          • However, despite this subsidy, the cost of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder remains high, around ₹600 per cylinder, due to rapid price increases.
          • Many Pradhan MantriUjjwalaYojana (PMUY) beneficiaries find this price prohibitive, especially when alternative biomass fuels are perceived as ‘free.’
          • Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of a further ₹100 price reduction in March 2024 is seen as a temporary solution, and concerns remain about refill rates if availability issues persist.
        • Challenges in Last-Mile Connectivity and Distribution Network:
          • One significant hurdle to the success of PMUY is the lack of last-mile connectivity in the LPG distribution network, particularly in remote rural areas.
          • This issue leads to continued reliance on biomass fuels.
          • A potential solution lies in the local production of coal-bed methane (CBM) gas through biomass composting.
          • CBM is a cleaner fuel with lower black carbon emissions, and investment in local CBM production can ensure every rural household has access to clean cooking fuel.
        • Impact on Health and Disproportionate Effects:
          • The reliance on traditional fuels due to a shortage of LPG and higher usage of such fuels disproportionately affects women and children.
          • They face increased indoor air pollution, leading to various health issues and premature deaths.
        • Global Responsibility and Climate Mitigation:
          • As India addresses its responsibilities on the global stage towards long-term decarbonization, prioritizing initiatives like PMUY can position the country as a leader in addressing regional health concerns and meeting sustainability goals.
          • Mitigating residential emissions, particularly black carbon, can contribute significantly to reducing indoor air pollution-related deaths, estimated at over 6.1 lakh per year.

About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

  • The Pradhan MantriUjjwalaYojana (PMUY) is a significant social welfare scheme launched by the government on May 1, 2016, with the aim of providing LPG connections to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households in India.
  • The scheme focuses on empowering women, especially in rural areas, by providing clean cooking fuel to reduce health hazards associated with traditional cooking methods like coal, kerosene, and firewood.
  • Under the PMUY, LPG connections are distributed to BPL families, with a support amount of Rs. 1600 per connection, issued in the name of women of the households.
    • Additionally, All PMUY beneficiaries will be provided with first LPG refill and Stove (hotplate) both free of cost along with their deposit free connection by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
  • Target: The target under the scheme was to release 8 Crore LPG Connections to the deprived households by March 2020.
    • On 7th September 2019, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India handed over the 8th Crore LPG connection in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
  • Ujjwala 2.0:
    • Additional allocation of 1.6 Crore LPG Connections under PMUY scheme with special facility to migrant households.
    • Target number of connections under Ujjwala 2.0 was achieved during Dec’22, thus taking overall connections under the scheme to 9.6 Crore.
  • Government of India has approved release of additional 75 lakh connections under PMUY Scheme, taking overall target under the scheme to 10.35 Crore, against which connections are getting released now.

Can AI help in navigating mental health?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

In the realm of mental healthcare, Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly through Natural Language Processing (NLP), is revolutionizing therapeutic approaches.

  • NLP enables computers to comprehend and interpret human language, facilitating innovative solutions in mental health treatment.

Key Highlights

  • Benefits for Patients:
    • NLP-based programs offer numerous advantages to patients seeking mental health support.
    • One significant benefit is the provision of privacy and anonymity, addressing external and internalized stigma associated with seeking help.
    • Text-based platforms and virtual mental health assistants empower individuals to access therapy affordably and conveniently, regardless of demographic or geographical barriers.
    • Supportive Functions of Chatbots:
      • Chatbots equipped with NLP capabilities can provide personalized care to users by assisting them in reframing thoughts, validating emotions, and offering guidance.
      • This support becomes particularly valuable in situations where access to human therapists is limited.
      • Patients can receive continuous assistance, leading to improved health outcomes comparable to traditional in-person care.
      • Continuity of care is essential in mental health treatment to ensure a holistic approach and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
      • Digital therapy assistants offer consistent support and guidance, directing users to resources for coping with distress, grief, and anxiety.
    • Integration into Healthcare Systems:
      • To maximize the impact of AI-driven mental health solutions, chatbots should be seamlessly integrated into healthcare systems.
      • Companies developing these technologies must prioritize expanding the scope of service delivery through collaborations and partnerships.
      • This includes facilitating follow-up services such as referrals, in-person treatment, or hospital care when necessary, ensuring comprehensive support for patients.
    • Benefits for Clinicians:
      • AI tools, particularly those utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP), offer significant advantages to clinicians in mental healthcare.
      • These tools assist clinicians in navigating the complexities of mental health illnesses by summarizing vast datasets, including clinical notes, patient conversations, neuroimages, and genetic information.
      • By providing comprehensive patient histories, AI tools save valuable time during sessions and enable clinicians to make more informed decisions.
      • Streamlining Treatment Decisions:
        • Recent advancements in NLP programs allow for the forecasting of responses to antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs.
        • By analyzing brain electrical activity, neuroimages, and clinical surveys, these programs can predict treatment outcomes, streamlining decision-making processes and minimizing the risk of ineffective interventions.
        • Additionally, some chatbots are developing e-triaging systems, reducing wait times and freeing up clinical hours for more critical cases.
      • Specialized Care for Severe Mental Illnesses:
        • With improving bandwidth, mental health providers can dedicate more time to severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
        • AI-driven applications allow for more efficient triaging, enabling clinicians to focus on specialized care where it is most needed.
      • Future Directions and Considerations:
        • The potential of AI applications in mental healthcare is vast, and continued refinement is essential for widespread adoption.
        • Companies developing these applications should utilize diverse population-wide datasets to minimize bias and incorporate a broader set of health indicators for comprehensive patient care.
        • Additionally, adherence to global compliance standards is crucial to prioritize user safety and well-being.
        • Government and Institutional Priorities:
          • Governments and institutions play a vital role in guiding the development and implementation of AI-driven mental health solutions.
          • It is imperative to prioritize user safety and well-being by ensuring compliance with established standards and regulations.
          • As these applications evolve, ongoing updates to governing laws and regulations are necessary to maintain high standards of care and ensure ethical use of AI in mental healthcare.

Set the wheels in motion for a cyclists’ manifesto

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

In India, cycling transcends being merely a transport issue and holds significant implications for social justice, transforming people’s lives in profound ways.

  • While Western discourse often revolves around decarbonizing transport, cycling in India serves as a means of empowerment and accessibility for many.

Key Highlights

  • Data on Cycling Ownership and Use:
    • Despite the dominance of car-centric road infrastructure and the rise in motor vehicle ownership, cycling has shown remarkable resilience in India.
    • Data from National Family Health Surveys reveals that while national ownership of cycles saw only a marginal increase from 48% to 55% over two decades, certain states experienced phenomenal growth.
    • States like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal witnessed significant increases, with ownership percentages surpassing 75% in some cases.
    • In contrast, car ownership remained considerably low, averaging 5.4% across these states.
    • Impact on School Commuting:
      • Analysis of National Sample Survey Organisation surveys on household consumption revealed a notable increase in cycling to school, particularly in rural areas.
      • Nationally, cycling to school rose from 6.6% in 2007 to 11.2% in 2017, with rural areas witnessing a nearly twofold increase.
      • This surge can be attributed to bicycle distribution schemes (BDS) implemented by various state governments, providing free bicycles to schoolchildren through in-kind or in-cash transfers.
    • Effect of Bicycle Distribution Schemes:
      • States that implemented BDS experienced significant increases in cycling to school.
      • For instance, Bihar saw a quadrupling of cycling to schools from 3.6% in 2007 to 14.2% in 2017 following the launch of BDS in 2006.
      • Similarly, West Bengal’s SaboojSaathi scheme, initiated in 2015, led to a 12-percentage point increase in cycling levels from 2014 to 2017.
      • The success of BDS across different states underscores the latent demand for cycling and its transformative impact.
    • Impact on Children’s Lives:
      • Access to bicycles through schemes like BDS has a profound effect on children’s education, particularly for girls.
      • In Bihar and Karnataka, BDS has led to increased enrolment of girls in class nine and higher participation in secondary school certification exams.
      • These outcomes highlight the role of bicycles in overcoming barriers to education for children who previously struggled due to distance and affordability issues.
    • Empowerment of Low-Income Women:
      • In urban areas like Bengaluru, providing free bicycles to low-income women has resulted in significant shifts in commuting behavior.
      • Two-thirds of recipients, after receiving bicycles and training, switched to cycling for their daily commute, replacing long walks or bus rides.
      • Affordability was a key barrier to bicycle ownership for these women, underscoring the importance of initiatives to provide access to cycles.
    • Policy Recommendations:
      • State governments should expand BDS schemes to cover a broader population, including both rural and urban areas.
      • Initiatives like the Shakti scheme in Karnataka, offering free bus travel to women, have shown significant increases in ridership, indicating the impact of reducing out-of-pocket expenses on transportation use.
      • States could also consider extending similar schemes to adults, such as providing free bicycles to laborers, to facilitate mobility for marginalized populations.
    • Urban Challenges and Infrastructure Needs:
      • While access to bicycles is essential, addressing urban challenges is crucial for promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.
      • Current road designs in urban areas pose significant risks to cyclists, with multi-lane roads and wide junctions making cycling hazardous.
      • Investing in dedicated cycling infrastructure, including cycle tracks, safe parking facilities, and repair shops, is imperative to ensure the safety and convenience of cyclists in cities.