General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi marked 9 years of Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan.

Need of Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan

• India, as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), had committed to creating an accessible environment for persons with disabilities.
• However, prior to 2015, efforts lacked a cohesive strategy and enforceable timelines.
• The Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995, while welfare-oriented, did not fully address accessibility challenges or empower persons with disabilities
• In response, the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan was launched in 2015, focusing on making public buildings, transport networks, and digital platforms accessible.

About Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan

• It is a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, to ensure universal accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• It aims to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of life and live independently.
• It focuses on creating an accessible physical environment, transportation system, and information & communication ecosystem.
• The campaign’s objectives have been integrated into the Creation of Barrier-Free Environment Scheme under the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (SIPDA), ensuring continued efforts towards accessibility.

Key Achievements

• Accessible Infrastructure
  • Audits: 1,671 government buildings audited.
  • Funding: ₹562 crore released for retrofitting 1,314 buildings.
  • Retrofitting: Accessibility features incorporated into 1,748 government buildings.
  • Transportation: Airports: 35 international and 55 domestic airports made accessible.
  • Railway Stations: 709 fully accessible, 4,068 partially accessible.
  • Buses: 8,695 (5.96%) fully accessible, 42,348 (29.05%) partially accessible.
  • Bus Stations: 3,120 out of 3,533 bus stations equipped with accessibility features.
  • Digital Accessibility: Websites: 95 Central Government and 676 State Government websites made accessible.
  • Education and Language Accessibility: Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre established.
• Training: 1,013 individuals trained in Indian Sign Language.
• 183 students completed the Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpretation (DISLI).
• Media Accessibility: Published Accessibility Standards for TV Viewing for persons with hearing impairments.

Other Ongoing Efforts

• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD): Established in 2012, renamed in 2014.
• Acts as a nodal agency for disability-related matters.
• Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): DDRS is a central sector scheme to provide grant-in-aid to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for projects relating to the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities aimed at enabling persons with disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal, physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric, or socio-functional levels.
• District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC): Addresses needs through early identification, assistive devices, loans, and awareness.
• Acts as an outreach center for National Institutes.
• Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) Scheme: Provides grants to agencies to assist persons with disabilities in procuring aids and appliances.
• Schemes for Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (SIPDA): It is a comprehensive “Central Sector Scheme” that encompasses 10 sub-schemes following its revision during the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) meeting on 11th August 2021.
• Divya Kala Mela: National-level fair dedicated to Divyangjan.
• Celebrates contributions of Divyang artisans.
• PM-DAKSH: One-stop destination for skill training and employment for persons with disabilities.
• Part of the National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities.
• Financial Commitment: Budget Increase: Financial allocations increased from ₹560 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,225.15 crore in 2023-24.
• ₹1,143.89 crore spent in 2023-24, highest in a decade.

Future Outlook

• Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan has made significant strides in creating an inclusive society, addressing long-standing challenges, and setting a strong foundation for universal accessibility across infrastructure, transportation, digital platforms, and education.
• With sustained efforts and innovative solutions, the mission to empower every individual remains steadfast, ensuring equitable development for all.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The rights of persons with disabilities have been a focal point of global human rights discussions, especially following the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) by India in 2007.

• Despite legislative advancements, the practical realisation of these rights remains a challenge.

Prevalence of Disability in India

• As per UNCRPD, PWDs include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act) defines 21 types of disabilities, including speech and language disability, specific learning disabilities, and even includes acid attack victims.
• As per National Family Health Survey (NFHS), India’s population of PWDs has reduced to 1% between 2019 and 2021, from the 2.2% (26.8 million) estimated by the Census in 2011.
• As per 2011 Population Census, 20% of PWDs in India have a disability in movement, 19% have a disability in seeing, 19% have a disability in hearing and 8% have multiple disabilities.
• According to the National Sample Survey (NSS):
• Higher prevalence in rural areas (2.3%) compared to urban areas (2.0%);
• More common among males (2.4%) than females (1.9%);
• 2% of PWDs aged 7 years and above are literate; and
• 3% of those aged 15 years and above have attained secondary education or higher.
• The Brief Disability Model Survey (2019) by the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the prevalence of severe disability among Indian adults at 16%, highlighting the urgent need for robust mechanisms to protect and promote the rights of PwDs.

Related Constitutional Provisions

• Article 41 of the DPSP: It mandates that the State shall make effective provision for securing the right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement, within its economic capacity.
• Article 46: It directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections of the people, including persons with disabilities, and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

Legal Framework

• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act): It replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, aligning national laws with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• It aims to promote a human rights-based approach to disability inclusion, ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as others.
• Key provisions include equality and non-discrimination; community living; and protection from abuse and exploitation etc.
• National Trust Act, 1999: It aims to provide legal guardianship and create an enabling environment for persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and multiple disabilities.

Challenges Facing by PWDs

• Employment and Economic Participation: A report by UnearthInsight revealed that while around 1.3 crore persons with disabilities are employable, only 34 lakh have been employed.
• The IT and retail sectors are leading in creating employment opportunities, but there is a need for broader inclusion across all sectors.
• Discrimination and Stigma: Continuous discrimination and social stigma make it difficult for persons with disabilities to attain their valued functioning. Women and girls with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence.
• Health Issues: Many disabilities are preventable, arising from medical issues during birth, maternal conditions, malnutrition, and accidents.
• Accessibility and Inclusion: Limited access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and employment, remains a significant barrier. The lack of accessible infrastructure and transportation further exacerbates these challenges.
• Education: Inclusive education is still a challenge, with many children with disabilities not attending school due to lack of facilities and trained staff.

Key Issues with the RPWD Act (2016)

• Poor implementation of RPWD Act 2016: Persons with disabilities often face higher rates of unemployment and poverty.
• RPWD Act 2016 provides for reservation in government jobs and incentives in non-government jobs, implementation remains a challenge.
• Role of State Commissioners: RPWD Act mandates the establishment of State Commissioners for Disabilities that are tasked with ensuring the effective implementation of the law through review, monitoring, and quasi-judicial functions.
• According to Section 82 of the RPWD Act, State Commissioners have powers equivalent to civil courts, enabling them to address violations of disability rights effectively.
• However, the effectiveness of these offices varies significantly across states. Many State Commissioners struggle due to inadequate support from state governments, delayed appointments, and a lack of independent oversight.

Case Study: Karnataka

• Karnataka stands out as a positive example, where innovative approaches have been adopted to ensure disability-inclusive governance.
• The State Commissioner’s office has implemented mobile courts to resolve grievances in remote areas and designated District Magistrates as Deputy Commissioners for disabilities, ensuring local governance inclusivity.

Recent Initiatives & Policies

• Unique Disability Identification (UDID) Portal: It aims to create a national database for persons with disabilities and issue a unique disability identity card to enable transparency, efficiency, and ease of accessing government benefits.
• National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006: It aims to create an environment that provides equal opportunities, protection of rights, and full participation for persons with disabilities. It includes provisions for physical, educational, and economic rehabilitation.
• Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): It provides financial assistance to NGOs for projects related to the education and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
• Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan): It aims to make public buildings, transportation systems, and information and communication technology accessible to persons with disabilities.
• National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities: It focuses on enhancing the employability and skills of persons with disabilities through vocational training and employment opportunities.
• Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021: These are an enabling step towards strengthening the national mandate of an Accessible India and a self-reliant India with a vision for a universally accessible and inclusive India.
• ‘Divyang’: With a view to change the societal attitude towards PwDs and to encourage them to participate in the society without any feeling of inferiority, the Prime Minister coined the term ‘divyang’ to denote PwDs.
• The Supreme Court of India has emphasized that accessibility is a fundamental right, essential for enabling persons with disabilities to exercise their rights fully and equally.
• The government is working on stricter norms for accessibility, including larger fines and penalties for non-compliance.
• Initiatives like the Sugamya Bharat Yatra aim to assess and improve accessibility in public spaces.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• India has made notable progress in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities through legislation and various initiatives. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of accessibility and employment.
• While the RPWD Act provides a strong legal framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, its success depends on effective implementation and support from state governments.
• Strengthening the role of State Commissioners, ensuring timely appointments, and promoting the inclusion of qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are crucial steps towards making the rights of citizens with disabilities a reality.
• Continued efforts are essential to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in society and lead dignified lives.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: US President-elect Donald Trump warned the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) with 100% tariffs if they create a new BRICS currency or replace the US dollar as the global reserve currency.

BRICS Currency and US Dollar Dominance:

• The BRICS nations, in light of rising geopolitical tensions and the shortage of US dollars, are exploring alternatives to the US dollar for global trade.
• Diverging economic structures, different monetary and trade policies, and other complexities make the creation of a common BRICS currency a long-term goal.

India’s Approach:

• India is exploring integration into the recently launched BRICS Pay Card, designed to facilitate token retail payments, enhance tourism, and promote financial integration.
• India does not aim to displace the US dollar but seeks to address practical challenges like trade partners’ currency shortages, blocked financial channels, and issues related to “weaponized” currencies.
• Focus on Economic Diplomacy: India advocates for practical solutions such as settling trade payments in rupees, especially with countries facing dollar liquidity issues or sanctions.
• India acknowledges the stability provided by the US dollar and does not seek immediate de-dollarization.
• India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that BRICS should not aim to replace global institutions.

Initiatives for Rupee Internationalisation

• Special Vostro Accounts: To facilitate rupee-based trade settlements, India has introduced special vostro accounts to mitigate exchange rate risk, reduce transaction costs, and bolster forex reserves.
• Targeting Global South: India aims to support countries with dollar shortages (e.g., Sri Lanka, Maldives) and those facing Western sanctions (e.g., Russia, Venezuela).
• Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): India is advancing its CBDC initiative to streamline cross-border payments, enhance security and transparency, reduce reliance on intermediary banks, and keep pace with the global digital economy.

Approach on US Dollar

• India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stated that avoiding the US dollar is not part of India’s policy but efforts are made to find alternatives in specific cases due to US policies complicating trade with some countries.
• India does not have malicious intent towards the dollar, but supports a multipolar world reflected in currencies and economic dealings.

Challenges in Bilateral Trade with Russia

• Despite efforts, India’s trade with Russia in rupees remains low due to Indian banks’ fear of US sanctions and an imbalanced trade relationship with Russia.
• Russia has large reserves of rupees but uses them for investment in Indian stocks and bonds instead of settling trade.
• China’s angle: Trade between Russia and China in domestic currencies (rouble and yuan) has surged, with over 90% of trade now settled in these currencies.

Future of BRICS Currency and Global Financial Landscape:

• China might dominate BRICS currency initiatives, which could shift the power balance within the bloc.
• India should diplomatically engage with the US to explain its position and promote multipolarity.
• India should support financial reforms within BRICS but maintain strong ties with the US to balance its strategic and economic priorities.
• Efforts to promote digital currencies (CBDCs) and platforms like UPI could position India as a leader in the BRICS currency initiatives.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: India’s strategic geographical location, coupled with its burgeoning economy, has made its ports crucial gateways for global trade.

• The Sagarmala Project, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, has played a pivotal role in transforming India’s maritime landscape.
• Post-Sagarmala there is a growing divergence between the performing and lagging ports. This gap needs to be bridged.

India’s Port Sector

• Ports are the lifeline of the Indian economy, with more than 80 per cent of India’s merchandise trade (by volume) transported via ocean routes.
• India, with its vast coastline stretching over 7,500 km, is strategically positioned to play a significant role in global maritime trade.
• At the time of independence, India was left with five major ports, and today India has 13 major and over 200 notified non-major ports, which are the key nodes in global supply chains and also crucial to the growth of the economy.
• Major ports in India are managed by the Union Government. They fall under the Union List of the Indian Constitution, meaning the Union Government has the primary responsibility for regulating and managing them.
• Minor ports are managed by the State Governments through their respective State Maritime Boards. States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have their own boards to govern the non-major ports. These ports fall under the Concurrent List

Current State of Port Performance

• The nine ports of India have made it to the global top 100 rankings in the latest edition of Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), developed by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, for 2023.
• These nine ports are: Visakhapatnam (19), Mundra (27), Pipavav (41), Kamarajar (47), Cochin (63), Hazira (68), Krishnapatnam (71), Chennai (80) and Jawaharlal Nehru (96).
• The ranks in CPPI tell us that there has been a significant improvement via operational efficiency and service delivery in the efficient handling of ships and cargo.
• Indian ports, as reflected in the CPPI, have witnessed notable improvements in operational efficiency, cargo handling, and service delivery. However, despite these achievements, a growing gap remains between the best-performing ports and those that lag behind.
• Ports such as Mundra, Pipavav, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port have also made it into the global top 100 rankings, but there are several ports, particularly in the East and some in the South, that have not seen similar improvements in efficiency.

Sagarmala Project

• The Sagarmala Project, launched in 2014, aims to modernize India’s ports, improve connectivity, and enhance logistics efficiency. Key components of this ambitious initiative include:
• Port Modernization: Upgrading port infrastructure, including berths, terminals, and cargo handling equipment.
• Coastal Shipping: Promoting coastal shipping to reduce road and rail congestion.
• Inland Waterways: Developing inland waterways to transport goods efficiently.
• Logistics Efficiency: Implementing measures to streamline logistics processes and reduce costs.

Key Achievements of Sagarmala

• Port Capacity: India’s key ports had a combined capacity of 1,598 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY22. This capacity is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
• Turnaround Time Reduction: Turnaround time has improved from 82.32 hours in FY17 to 62.16 hours in FY21, showcasing better cargo handling and operational efficiency.
• Non-Major Ports Growth: The role of non-major ports has increased, with these ports accounting for 45% of the total cargo traffic in FY22.

Key Challenges and Areas of Improvement

• Despite the significant progress made through the Sagarmala project, several challenges persist in India’s port infrastructure:
  • High Turnaround Time: While India has reduced the turnaround time (the time taken between a ship’s arrival and departure) to 62.16 hours in FY21, it is still far behind global standards, with countries like Japan (8.16 hours), Taiwan (10.56 hours), and Hong Kong (12.48 hours) having much shorter turnaround times.
  • Productivity Gaps: Although ports like Deendayal, Paradip, and Jawaharlal Nehru have shown substantial growth in productivity, ports in the Eastern and Southern regions have lagged.
  • Complex Customs Procedures: Unlike modern ports like Singapore, where 95% of containers are cleared without physical examination, Indian ports still require 10% of containers to be physically examined, leading to delays and higher transportation costs.
  • Underutilized Capacity: Some ports still operate below their full capacity due to lack of efficient cargo handling systems and outdated equipment.
  • Environmental Challenges: Port activities such as oil spills, ballast water discharge, and dredging operations for port development are harmful to the marine environment.
  • Regulatory Barriers: The governance of Indian ports is fragmented, with major ports governed by the Central Government and minor ports overseen by state governments. The World Bank has highlighted the lack of a unified regulatory body.
  • Social Impacts of Port Development: Port development often leads to the displacement of indigenous coastal populations. Ports like Gangavaram Port in Andhra Pradesh and Mundra Port in Gujarat have faced social resistance due to the displacement of local communities.

Strategic and Economic Impact

• The improvement in port performance has wide-reaching implications for India’s economy:
  • Boost to Trade: In FY24, all key ports in India handled 817.97 million tonnes (MT) of cargo traffic, a 4.45% increase from 784.305 million tonnes in FY23.
  • Job Creation: Port development and modernization generate millions of direct and indirect jobs in the transportation, logistics, and manufacturing sectors.
  • Foreign Investment: Improved port facilities attract foreign investments and promote global trade linkages.
  • Economic Growth: Efficient ports support the growth of other sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy, which rely on smooth logistics for exports and imports.
  • Boost to Blue Economy: India is one of the world’s top five producers of fish, and developed port infrastructure can help boost the export of marine products. Ports play a central role in the blue economy.
  • Strengthening National Security: Well-developed ports are crucial for the security of strategic installations near ports, including naval bases, nuclear power plants, and satellite and missile launching ranges.
  • India as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region: With the development of Indian ports, India can serve as a maritime hub for the South Asian region, offering its ports as part of a hub and spoke model for coastal development.

Future Prospects and Expansion Plans

• India’s maritime vision for 2030 and beyond is defined by two key initiatives:
  • Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030: This vision aims to increase India’s port capacity to 3,000 million tonnes per annum, reduce logistics costs, and improve the overall efficiency of the sector.
  • Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047: Envisions India becoming a global maritime hub with enhanced digitalization, automation, and green practices.
  • India has plans to invest US$ 82 billion in port projects by 2035.
• The Draft Indian Ports Bill 2021, which was circulated in July 2021, aims to centralize the administration of minor ports that are currently managed by state governments.
• In July 2021, the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021 was passed by the Parliament, incorporating global best practices, technological developments, and India’s international obligations in this field.

Conclusion

• By 2030, India’s annual port capacity is likely to exceed 3,000 million tonnes. In order to achieve this target, involvement of the private sector is important, besides government’s active guidance and engagement.
• Greater Centre-State coordination in the maritime sector will pave the way for a comprehensive and inclusive development.
• Strengthening the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) and launching the Maritime Development Fund (MDF) are some low-hanging fruits that can be implemented immediately.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The 16th session of the UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP16) is going to be held from December 2-13, 2024, marking the convention’s 30th anniversary.

• The theme is “Our Land and Our Future.

About the Desertification

• Desertification is a type of land degradation in which an already relatively dry land area becomes increasingly arid, degrading productive soil and losing its bodies of water, biodiversity and vegetation cover.

Causes

• Every year, 100 million hectares of healthy land are degraded due to drought and desertification, largely driven by climate change and poor land management.
• Desertification occurs mainly in dry areas due to climate variations and human activities like over-farming and deforestation.
• Extreme weather events, including droughts and floods, worsen land degradation.
• Agriculture contributes to 23% of greenhouse gas emissions, 80% of deforestation, and 70% of freshwater use.

Impacts

• Healthy land is crucial for life, providing food, shelter, jobs, regulating climate, and supporting biodiversity.
• Up to 40% of the world’s land is degraded, affecting 3.2 billion people.
• Desertification and droughts are worsening, contributing to forced migration. By 2050, 216 million people will be displaced by climate change, with droughts increasing by 29% since 2000.
• Desertification affects 3.2 billion people and leads to $11 trillion in losses. Immediate action is required to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030.
• Impact on Agriculture: Groundwater depletion due to poor rainfall and land management forces farmers to migrate to cities, threatening food security and livelihoods.
• Land degradation impacts several other planetary boundaries, including climate change, biosphere integrity, and freshwater systems, worsening environmental pressures.
• Land degradation undermines Earth’s ability to sustain human life, and failing to reverse it will create challenges for future generations.
• Deforestation and degraded soils drive hunger, migration, and conflicts.

Steps of India

• The National Action Plan to Combat Desertification, 2023 aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land in India by 2030, in line with the country’s commitments under the UNCCD.
• It focuses on South-South Cooperation to share sustainable land management strategies and create additional carbon sinks of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through enhanced forest and tree cover by 2030.
• It outlines remedial and preventive models for combating land degradation and desertification.

Solutions

• It is possible to restore land by implementing sustainable practices. UNCCD aims to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030, with ongoing efforts in places like Burkina Faso and the Philippines.
• UNCCD stresses the need for urgent action to prevent further land degradation, as failure to do so will create long-term consequences for future generations.
• COP16 Goals in Riyadh:
• Accelerate land restoration by 2030
• Build resilience to droughts, sand, and dust storms
• Restore soil health and increase nature-positive food production
• Secure land rights and promote equity in land stewardship
• Ensure land continues to provide climate and biodiversity solutions
• Unlock economic opportunities, including decent land-based jobs for youth.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The government said that the number of gig workers and platform workers in the country is expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30.

What Are Gig Workers?

• Gig workers are individuals who engage in temporary or flexible jobs, often through online platforms.
• They are part of the gig economy, which is characterized by freelance, short-term, or on-demand work rather than traditional, full-time employment.
• The gig economy in India has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the widespread adoption of digital technologies and the proliferation of online platforms.
• The gig and platform economy is an emerging sector with significant growth and employment potential.

Status in India

• As per NITI Aayog’s report “India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” (June 2022), there were 7.7 million gig and platform workers in India in 2020-21, including women.
• According to the Economic Survey 2020-21, India has become one of the world’s largest countries for flexi-staffing (gig and platform work). This form of work is expected to continue growing, particularly with the expansion of e-commerce platforms.

Impacts

• Macro: The gig economy has had a substantial impact on India’s economy.
• It has provided employment opportunities to millions of people, particularly in urban areas
• Micro: Gig work offers several benefits for workers, including flexibility, independence, and the ability to earn additional income.
• Many gig workers appreciate the freedom to set their own schedules and work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Challenges

• Gig workers in India have protested over issues like revenue sharing, working hours, and employment conditions.
• These issues are hard to address within the current legal framework, which is designed for traditional employer-employee relationships.
• Lack of Legal Protection: Without recognizing employment relations, gig workers lack access to labor law protections, such as Occupational safety and health standards etc.
• Income Instability: There is no guaranteed minimum earnings, and workers may not earn consistently, even if available for long hours.
• Unregulated Working Hours: Gig workers, like app-cab drivers, often work late into the night or early mornings, leading to safety concerns, including accidents.

Measures

• For the first time, the Code on Social Security, 2020 provides definitions for ‘gig workers’ and ‘platform workers’ and outlines provisions related to them.
• The Code on Social Security, 2020 includes the provision for framing social security measures for gig and platform workers, covering areas like:
• Life and disability cover
• Accident insurance
• Health and maternity benefits
• Old-age protection

Conclusion and Way Forward

• The gig economy in India is a dynamic and growing sector that offers numerous opportunities for workers and businesses alike.
• However, to fully harness its potential, it is essential to address the challenges faced by gig workers and create a supportive regulatory framework.
• With the right policies and initiatives, the gig economy can contribute significantly to India’s economic growth and provide sustainable employment for millions of people.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), The Worker Population Ratio for women has increased from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24.

About

• The Labour Force Participation Rate for women has risen from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24.
• It indicates that 39.6% of women with post-graduate education and above are employed in 2023-24, up from 34.5% in 2017-18.
• 9% of women with a higher secondary education are part of the workforce in 2023-24, compared to 11.4 per cent in 2017-18.

Recent Trends as per the State of Working India Report 2023

• Older women with lower levels of education are exiting the workforce and younger women with higher levels of education are entering it.
• The number of women in salaried employment is increasing, while women in informal wage work are decreasing.
• The share of women working in agriculture is decreasing. The proportion of women entering the services sector is increasing.
• Impact:
• As the number of women in salaried employment increases, it has a positive impact on the gender gap in earnings, which decreases with more women leaving casual wage work.
• These shifts in the female workforce imply a longer-term impact on women’s economic participation in the country.

Significance of Women Participation

• India is seeking to harness its demographic dividend, with the largest working-age population in the world—expected to touch nearly 70 percent by 2030.
• India is poised to become the biggest contributor to global growth.
• A recent report has forecast that the next five years are crucial for the country to achieve a GDP growth rate of 8 percent.
• To ensure that growth, women must account for more than half of the new workforce which will be created by 2030.

Challenges

• Pay Gap: Despite entering the workforce in larger numbers, women often face a significant gender pay gap.
• Sexual Harassment: Women in the workplace, particularly in male-dominated sectors, face a high risk of sexual harassment.
• Unpaid Domestic Work: Even though women are increasingly participating in the workforce, they still bear the primary responsibility for unpaid domestic labor, such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare.
• Lack of Supportive Infrastructure: There is insufficient support infrastructure such as childcare facilities, flexible working hours, and work-from-home options that could ease the burden of balancing work and family duties.
• Resistance from Family: Families often resist the idea of women working, especially in rural areas or conservative households.

Government Initiatives to Increase women Participation in Labour Force

• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): Under PMMY, women can avail of micro-credit loans without collateral to set up small enterprises, helping women overcome barriers related to accessing capital.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme: The scheme works to prevent gender-based discrimination and violence, focusing on changing societal attitudes towards girls.
• It promotes education, health, and empowerment, which indirectly increases women’s participation in the labor force.
• Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: The Act extended the maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for women working in establishments with more than 10 employees.
• Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) by NITI Aayog: The platform offers mentorship, networking, funding, and skill development opportunities for women in business.
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): The NRLM, through its SHG component, encourages women in rural areas to form collectives that can access credit, entrepreneurship training, and marketing opportunities.
• National Creche Scheme: This scheme supports working mothers, especially those in the unorganized sector, by setting up daycares in nearby locations where they can leave their children while they work.
• Mission Shakti is a women empowerment programme launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) for the period 2021-2025.
• It aims to strengthen interventions for women’s welfare, safety, and empowerment, making women equal partners in nation-building.
• The Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE KIRAN) program has supported nearly 1,962 women scientists from 2018 to 2023.

Way Ahead

• Women-led development remains at the core of announcements made by the Finance Minister (FM) in this year’s Budget.
• There has been a remarkable 218.8 percent rise in the budget allocation for women’s welfare from FY14 to FY25.
• Shifting societal norms about women’s roles through awareness campaigns can encourage more women to join the workforce.
• Encouraging women’s entrepreneurship through easier access to credit, business training, and financial support will foster economic independence.

Ensuring safe work environments, addressing workplace harassment, and offering flexible work options will help women balance work and family responsibilities.

General Studies Paper -1

Context: India’s urban infrastructure is at a critical juncture, facing numerous challenges as the country continues to urbanize rapidly.

• With the urban population expected to double from 400 million to 800 million over the next three decades, addressing these challenges is crucial for sustainable urban development.

Current Financial Landscape of India’s Urban Infrastructure

• A recent World Bank report estimates that India aims to require approximately ₹70 lakh crore by 2036 to meet its urban infrastructure needs.
• Currently, the government invests around ₹3 lakh crore annually in urban infrastructure, which is just over one-fourth of the required ₹4.6 lakh crore per year.
• This significant gap highlights the urgent need for innovative financing strategies.

Major Challenges

Issues With Municipal Finances:

• Municipal finances are a critical component of urban infrastructure funding but have remained stagnant at just 1% of GDP since 2002.
• Nationwide, property tax collection stands at a mere ₹25,000 crore, which is only 0.15% of GDP.
• Municipal bodies contribute 45% of urban investments, with the remainder managed by parastatal agencies.
• Despite an increase in central and state transfers, the financial health of municipalities remains precarious.
• Collection inefficiencies further exacerbate the problem. For instance, urban local bodies (ULBs) in cities like Bengaluru and Jaipur collect only 5%-20% of their potential tax revenue.
• Additionally, cost recovery for services ranges from 20% to 50%, highlighting the significant gap between the costs of urban services and the revenues generated from them.

Structural Challenges: Issues of Absorptive Capacity and Utilisation:

• Indian cities struggle with low absorptive capacity, complicating the urban infrastructure landscape.
• According to the Fifteenth Finance Commission report, about 23% of total municipal revenue remains unspent, indicating a surplus in the municipal system that is not being effectively utilised.
• Even major cities such as Hyderabad and Chennai only managed to spend 50% of their capital expenditure budgets in 2018-19.
• The utilisation of central scheme funds also leaves much to be desired, with the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) achieving 80% utilization and the Smart Cities Mission reaching 70%.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Technological Integration:

• PPPs have been identified as a crucial avenue for urban infrastructure financing. However, there has been a marked decline in PPP projects over the past decade.
• It underscores the need for a more conducive environment for private investment in urban infrastructure.
• Additionally, the potential of digital technology to transform urban infrastructure remains underutilized.

Governance and Planning Issues:

• Urban planning in India faces several challenges, including outdated spatial and temporal plans that fail to accommodate population growth.
• Many urban planning agencies focus more on capital growth rather than addressing the needs of the population, leading to a lack of local ownership and engagement.
• Additionally, the governance structure of ULBs is often inefficient, with significant gaps in tax collection and cost recovery for services.

Climate Change and Environmental Concerns:

• Climate change poses a significant threat to urban areas, exacerbating issues such as flooding, heatwaves, and water scarcity.
• Indian cities are particularly vulnerable due to inadequate infrastructure and poor planning.
• The rapid pace of urbanisation has led to environmental degradation, with increased pollution and loss of green spaces further impacting the quality of life in urban areas.

Social and Economic Inequality:

• Urbanisation in India has often been driven by economic distress, resulting in ‘poverty-driven urbanisation’.
• It has led to the proliferation of slums and informal settlements, where living conditions are poor and access to basic services is limited.
• Growing inequality and social segregation are major challenges, with a significant portion of the urban population lacking access to adequate housing, clean water, and sanitation.

Government Policies to Overcome Issues in India’s Urban Infrastructure

• Smart Cities Mission (2015): It aims to develop 100 smart cities across India by leveraging technology, data, and citizen participation, by focusing on improving urban infrastructure and services through smart solutions, such as intelligent traffic management, efficient waste management, and enhanced public safety.
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) (2015): It focuses on providing basic urban infrastructure in cities, including water supply, sewerage, urban transport, and green spaces, aiming to ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured water supply and a sewerage connection.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) – PMAY(U): It aims to provide affordable housing to all urban poor by focusing on slum rehabilitation, affordable housing through credit-linked subsidies, and the promotion of affordable housing projects in partnership with public and private sectors.
• National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP): It emphasises the development of sustainable urban transport systems.
• It promotes the use of public transport, non-motorized transport, and the integration of land use and transport planning to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
• Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) (2014): It aims to make urban areas open defecation-free and improve solid waste management.
• It focuses on constructing toilets, promoting behavioral change, and ensuring efficient waste collection and disposal.
• Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY): It aims to preserve and revitalize the heritage cities of India.
• It focuses on improving infrastructure, enhancing tourism, and promoting heritage conservation in these cities.
• Digital Public Infrastructure: The government is focusing on digital infrastructure to support urban development. Initiatives like the India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX) facilitate data sharing among various stakeholders to improve urban planning and service delivery.

Strategic Initiatives

• The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), introduced in 2019, emphasises social and infrastructure projects worth INR 102 lakh crores, with significant contributions from both the public and private sectors.
• Additionally, the PM GatiShakti Master Plan aims to enhance India’s logistics network, further supporting urban infrastructure development.
• The Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF), established through priority sector lending shortfalls, aims to create urban infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with an annual outlay of INR 10,000 crore.
• It encourages state governments to utilize resources from the 15th Finance Commission and existing schemes to adopt appropriate user charges while accessing the UIDF.

Technological Integration

• Technological advancements play a pivotal role in transforming urban infrastructure. The Smart Cities Mission, focusing on sustainable and efficient urban planning, leverages technologies like 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create intelligent infrastructure.
• These technologies enhance service delivery, improve resource management, and ensure the sustainability of urban environments.

Sustainable Development

• Sustainability is a cornerstone of India’s urban infrastructure strategy. The India Infrastructure Report 2023 emphasises the need for sustainable urban planning and development.
• It includes integrating green initiatives, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring environmental sustainability in urban projects. It also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships and financial sustainability of urban bodies.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• Addressing the challenges of urban infrastructure in India requires a multi-faceted approach, involving increased financial investment, efficient governance, and innovative solutions.
• By focusing on sustainable development and leveraging technology, India can transform its urban landscape to meet the needs of its growing population.
• Strengthening municipal finances through better tax collection and revenue generation, improving the absorptive capacity of cities, and fostering a more favorable environment for PPPs are essential steps.
• Additionally, innovative financing mechanisms, such as municipal bonds and leveraging commercial debt, can play a crucial role in bridging the financing gap.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: India has proposed setting up a dedicated multilateral fund to support developing countries in tackling plastic pollution at 5th Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee (INC).

About

• INC is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the talks are scheduled to conclude on December 1.
• More than 170 countries in the Republic of Korea are negotiating the global treaty to end plastic pollution, including marine pollution.
• Aim: The treaty aims to have countries cut the production of plastic and plastic polymers.
• The negotiations are whether to agree to binding limits on certain classes of chemicals and on plastic production, or to settle on a package of funding aimed at improving trash collection and recycling.

Background

• In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a resolution to tackle plastic pollution on a global scale.
• 175 nations voted to adopt a global treaty for plastic pollution—agreeing on an accelerated timeline so that the treaty could be implemented as soon as 2025.
• This led to the creation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) tasked with developing a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution by 2024.
• Since 2022, the INC has held four sessions in Uruguay, France, Canada, and Kenya.

New Multilateral Fund

• Objective: The fund would provide grants (not loans) to developing countries to make it easier for them to transition to eco-friendly technologies and practices.
• Governance: It would be governed by a duly constituted subsidiary body.
• It will have equal representation from developed and developing countries.
• It will oversee the fund’s operations, including creating policies, managing resources, and ensuring fair distribution of funds.
• The subsidiary body would also handle technology transfers.
• Grant Based: The fund will provide grant-based finance to developing countries, and the developed countries will be mandated to replenish the fund on a periodic basis.
• Private Funding: It should also provide flexibility of accepting private funds based upon agreed modalities.

Conclusion

• The Global Plastics Treaty is a step in the right direction, but it needs to go beyond just addressing the issue of plastic pollution.
• It is time to eliminate unnecessary plastic, redesign products so they can be reused, repurposed, repaired and recycled, switch to non-plastic substitutes and strengthen systems for sound waste management.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The Indian government has approved ISRO’s Venus Orbiting Satellite mission, named Shukrayaan.

Shukrayaan Mission (Venus Orbiting Satellite)

• Launch Details: Set to launch in March 2028.
• Estimated cost of the mission is Rs 1,236 crore.
• LVM-3 launch vehicle has been identified to place the spacecraft in an Elliptical Parking Orbit (EPO)
• Objectives:
  • Atmospheric Studies: Analyze the composition of Venus’s thick, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. Study the extreme greenhouse effect and its impact on the planet’s climate.
  • Surface Mapping: Utilize advanced radar technology to map the planet’s surface, revealing hidden geological features.
  • Ionospheric Studies: Explore the upper atmosphere of Venus, including the ionosphere, to understand its interaction with solar radiation and the solar wind.
• Scientific Payload:
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): To penetrate the thick clouds and map the surface features.
  • Infrared Spectrometer: To study the composition of the atmosphere and surface.
  • Ultraviolet Spectrometer: To analyze the upper atmosphere and ionosphere.

Challenges of the Mission

• Extreme Environment: Venus’s harsh environment, characterized by high temperatures and acidic atmosphere, poses significant challenges to spacecraft design and operation.
• Technical Complexity: The mission requires precise navigation and control to achieve its scientific objectives.
• Data Transmission: Reliable communication between the spacecraft and Earth over long distances is essential.