LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE (LFPR)
1. Context
2. What is Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)?
- The labor force participation rate (LFPR) is a measure that refers to the percentage of the working-age population (typically defined as individuals aged 15 years and above) who are either employed or actively seeking employment.
- It is a commonly used indicator to understand the level of engagement of a country's population in the labor market.
- To calculate the LFPR, the number of individuals in the labor force (which includes both employed and unemployed individuals actively seeking work) is divided by the total working-age population and multiplied by 100 to express it as a percentage.
- The labor force includes people who are currently employed, as well as those who are unemployed but actively looking for work.
- It does not include individuals who are not in the labor force, such as students, retirees, homemakers, or individuals who are not actively seeking employment.
- The LFPR provides insights into the proportion of the population that is economically active, which is important for assessing the level of labor market engagement, estimating potential labor supply, and evaluating changes in workforce dynamics over time.
3. LFPR and Unemployment Rate in India
- Unemployment Rate: The percentage of people who are unemployed and actively seeking work.
- LFPR (Labour Force Participation Rate): The percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
- Importance of Unemployment Rate: Commonly used to assess the stress in the job market.
- India's Unique Situation:
- Low LFPR: India's LFPR has been consistently lower than the global average.
- Falling LFPR: India's LFPR has been declining over time.
4. Significance of LFPR
- Developing Economy Concern: A low and falling LFPR is unfavorable for a developing economy like India.
- Lack of Job Opportunities: Workers may opt out of the labor force due to prolonged unemployment and discouragement.
- The unemployment rate alone is insufficient to gauge India's labor market situation.
- LFPR provides a more comprehensive understanding of labor market engagement and workforce dynamics.
5. Falling LFPR
- India's LFPR has been continuously decreasing since 2016-17.
- Reached its lowest level in 2022-23.
- Despite fast economic growth (e.g., GDP growth of 7.2% in 2022-23), LFPR has been declining.
6. Low Female LFPR
- Female LFPR in India has dropped to just 8.8% in FY23.
- More than 90% of working-age women in India do not actively look for jobs.
- Significantly lower LFPR among women indicates gender-related challenges in accessing and participating in the labor market.
7. Key Observations
- The falling LFPR contradicts the country's economic growth rate.
- Female LFPR is particularly concerning, with a vast majority of women not seeking employment.
- Low LFPR and low female LFPR signify potential issues with job availability, gender inequality, and labor market participation in India.
8. Comparison of Labor Force Participation Rates in India and Other Countries
- CMIE vs. ILO: CMIE's measure of assessing the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is more stringent than that of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
- India's LFPR: CMIE estimated India's LFPR at 40% for 2022, while the ILO pegged it at 49%. Both measures indicate a low LFPR compared to other countries.
- Higher LFPR in other countries: According to the ILO model, several Latin American and Asian economies have significantly higher LFPRs than India.
- Indonesia had an LFPR of around 67% in 2022, while South Korea and Brazil had rates as high as 63-64%. Argentina, Bangladesh, and the Philippines recorded LFPRs in the range of 58-60%. Sri Lanka had over 51% of its population in the labor force.
- In contrast, India had less than half of its working-age population either employed or actively seeking employment, according to the data.
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For Prelims: Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), Labour force participation rate (LFPR), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), International Labour Organisation (ILO), and Unemployment rate.
For Mains: 1. What is Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and discuss the factors that have contributed to the Low LFPR in India? (250 Words)
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Previous year Question
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1. Given below are two statements, one is labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). (UPPSC 2019)
Assertion (A): The labour force participation rate is falling sharply in recent years for females in India.
Reason (R): The decline in labour force participation rate is due to improved family income and an increase in education.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes:
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true
Answer: C
2. Which of the following statements about the employment situation in India according to the periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 is/are correct? (UPSC CAPF 2020)
1. Construction sector gave employment to nearly one-tenth of the urban male workforce in India
2. Nearly one-fourth of urban female workers in India were working in the manufacturing sector
3. One-fourth of rural female workers in India were engaged in the agriculture sector
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 2 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
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FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENT ACT (FEMA)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has searched the premises of Capricornian Shipping & Logistics Private Limited and others under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in connection with “suspicious” outward remittances amounting to ₹1,800 crore
2.Foreign Exchange Management Act(FEMA)
The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) is an important piece of legislation in India that governs foreign exchange and payments.
Here is an overview of FEMA and its history:
FEMA replaced the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) of 1973. FERA was considered stringent and primarily aimed at controlling and regulating foreign exchange in India. However, it was felt that the economic environment required a more liberalized and contemporary approach
FEMA was introduced in 1999 to replace FERA, aligning with the economic reforms and liberalization measures undertaken by the Indian government in the early 1990s. The primary objective was to promote external trade and payments and to facilitate foreign investment in India.
3.Key Features of FEMA
- FEMA brought about a more liberalized approach compared to its predecessor. It aimed to simplify and rationalize foreign exchange management, making it more conducive for foreign trade and investment
- FEMA distinguishes between current account transactions (related to trade in goods, services, and short-term financial transactions) and capital account transactions (related to long-term investments and capital movements)
- FEMA provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for foreign exchange transactions and seeks to manage and regulate various aspects, including dealings in foreign exchange, export and import of currency, and opening and maintenance of foreign currency accounts
- The act empowers the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to regulate foreign exchange transactions. It also prescribes penalties for contravention of its provisions to ensure compliance.
- FEMA establishes adjudicating authorities to hear cases related to violations. It also provides for the establishment of the Foreign Exchange Appellate Tribunal to hear appeals against the orders of the adjudicating authorities
- Since its enactment, FEMA has undergone several amendments to keep pace with changing economic scenarios and to address emerging challenges. Amendments have been made to enhance regulatory measures, facilitate ease of doing business, and align with international best practices
- One of the primary objectives of FEMA is to liberalize and facilitate foreign exchange transactions. It aims to simplify procedures and create a conducive environment for foreign trade and investment
- FEMA seeks to promote external trade and payments by providing a regulatory framework that governs the flow of foreign exchange in and out of the country. This includes facilitating imports and exports of goods and services
- FEMA is designed to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) by providing a transparent and predictable regulatory environment. The act lays down the rules and regulations governing the acquisition and transfer of immovable property by non-residents
- FEMA empowers the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to manage and regulate the country's foreign exchange reserves effectively. This involves maintaining stability in the foreign exchange market and ensuring the availability of adequate reserves to meet external obligations
- FEMA distinguishes between current account transactions (related to day-to-day trade in goods, services, and short-term financial transactions) and capital account transactions (related to long-term investments and capital movements). This helps in applying appropriate regulations to different types of transactions
- The act aims to establish a robust adjudication and enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with its provisions. It provides for penalties and adjudicating authorities to address violations and maintain the integrity of the foreign exchange management system
- FEMA is designed to align with international best practices in the field of foreign exchange management. This alignment is essential for integrating India into the global economy and ensuring compatibility with international norms and standards
- The act allows for amendments to be made to its provisions to adapt to changing economic conditions and emerging challenges. This ensures that the regulatory framework remains relevant and effective in a dynamic global economic environment.
The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in India has a wide applicability, covering various individuals, entities, and transactions involved in foreign exchange dealings. Here's a breakdown of its applicability:
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Residents and Non-Residents: FEMA applies to both residents and non-residents of India. Residents are individuals or entities ordinarily resident in India, while non-residents are those residing outside India.
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Indian Entities: Indian entities, including companies, partnerships, trusts, and other forms of organizations, are subject to FEMA regulations concerning foreign exchange transactions.
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Foreign Entities: Foreign entities, including companies, branches, subsidiaries, and other organizations, are also subject to FEMA regulations when conducting transactions involving Indian currency or assets in India.
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Foreign Exchange Transactions: FEMA governs various foreign exchange transactions, including the acquisition and transfer of foreign exchange, remittances, import and export of goods and services, external commercial borrowings, and investments in India by non-residents.
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Current and Capital Account Transactions: FEMA distinguishes between current account transactions and capital account transactions. Current account transactions include day-to-day trade in goods and services, while capital account transactions involve long-term investments and capital movements. FEMA applies different regulations to these types of transactions.
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Authorized Persons: FEMA designates certain individuals and entities as authorized persons, such as authorized dealers, authorized banks, and other financial institutions. These authorized persons play a crucial role in facilitating foreign exchange transactions and are responsible for complying with FEMA regulations.
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Regulatory Authorities: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the primary regulatory authority responsible for administering FEMA and enforcing its provisions. The RBI issues regulations, notifications, and guidelines to ensure compliance with FEMA requirements.
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Penalties and Enforcement: FEMA establishes penalties for contravention of its provisions, including fines, confiscation of assets, and imprisonment. Adjudicating authorities and appellate tribunals are designated to hear cases related to violations and enforce compliance with FEMA regulations.
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Authorized Dealers (ADs) | Broadest category, authorized for a wide range of forex transactions. | State banks, commercial banks, co-operative banks, foreign banks. |
| Full-Fledged Money Changers (FFMCs) | Authorized to buy and sell foreign currency notes, travelers' cheques and foreign currency instruments. | Money exchange companies, authorized hotels. |
| Authorised Money Changers (AMCs) | Limited scope compared to FFMCs, can only buy and sell foreign currency notes and travelers' cheques. | Small money exchange booths, airport counters. |
| Authorized Banks | Specific banks authorized for limited forex transactions, like specific export-import transactions. | Export houses, financial institutions engaged in specific foreign exchange activities. |
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Previous Year Questions
1.Which one of the following groups of items is included in India’s foreign-exchange reserves? (UPSC CSE 2013) (a) Foreign-currency assets, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and loans from foreign countries Answer: (b) Mains
1.Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (2021) |
SICKLE CELL DISEASE
1. Context
2. What are Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia?
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the shape and function of red blood cells. Red blood cells are normally round and flexible, but in people with sickle cell disease, they become sickle-shaped or C-shaped. These sickle-shaped cells can get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow and causing pain, fatigue, and other serious health problems.
Symptoms of sickle cell disease can include:
- Painful episodes, called crises, that can last for days or even weeks
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Anemia (a lack of red blood cells)
- Frequent infections
Types of Sickle Cell Disease
There are several different types of sickle cell disease, depending on the specific mutations in the haemoglobin gene. The most common type is sickle cell anaemia (HbSS), which occurs when a person inherits two copies of the gene mutation from each parent. Other types of sickle cell disease include sickle cell-beta thalassemia (HbSB), which occurs when a person inherits one copy of the sickle cell gene mutation and one copy of a beta-thalassemia gene mutation, and sickle cell-C disease (HbSC), which occurs when a person inherits one copy of the sickle cell gene mutation and one copy of a haemoglobin C gene mutation.
Causes of Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation in the haemoglobin gene. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The mutation causes the haemoglobin to be misshapen, which makes the red blood cells sickle-shaped.
2.1. Thalassaemia
Thalassaemia is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the production of haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. People with thalassaemia have less haemoglobin than normal, which can lead to anaemia and other health problems.
Types of Thalassaemia
There are two main types of thalassaemia:
- Alpha thalassaemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces the alpha globin chain of haemoglobin.
- Beta thalassaemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces the beta globin chain of haemoglobin.
Symptoms of Thalassaemia
The severity of thalassaemia symptoms depends on the type of thalassaemia and the severity of the mutation. Symptoms of thalassaemia can include:
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Slow growth
- Enlarged spleen
Causes of Thalassaemia
Thalassaemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is made up of two globin chains, alpha and beta. Alpha thalassaemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces the alpha-globin chain, while beta thalassaemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces the beta-globin chain.
3. How Does the Therapy Work?
- Both sickle cell disease and thalassaemia are caused by errors in the gene for haemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells that carry oxygen to organs and tissues.
- The therapy uses the patient’s own blood stem cells, which are precisely edited using Crispr-Cas9.
- A gene called BCL11A, which is crucial for switching from foetal to adult haemoglobin, is targeted by the therapy.
- Foetal haemoglobin, which is naturally present in everyone at birth, does not carry the same abnormalities as adult haemoglobin.
- The therapy uses the body’s own mechanisms to start producing more of this foetal haemoglobin, alleviating the symptoms of the two conditions.
3.1. Trial Results
- Sickle cell disease: 45 people received Casgevy. Only 29 of these patients had been in the trial long enough for the interim analysis on which the approval is based.
- All but one of these 29 trial participants had no severe pain crises for at least 12 months after treatment.
- Thalassaemia: The therapy has been administered to 54 persons with thalassaemia for the trial. Of them, 42 were in the trial long enough for the interim analysis. 3
- 9 of the 42 patients did not need a transfusion for at least 12 months after the treatment. The need for transfusion dropped by 70% in the other three.
4. Treatment Preparation and challenges
- Casgevy is a one-time treatment for which the doctor has to first collect blood stem cells from the bone marrow using a process called apheresis used to filter out the blood for different components.
- The cells are then sent to the manufacturing site where it takes about six months for them to be edited and tested.
- Before a transplant with the edited cells, the doctor gives a conditioning medicine for a few days to clear the bone marrow of other cells that will be replaced by the modified cells.
- The patient has to stay in the hospital for at least a month so that the edited cells take up residence in the bone marrow and start making red blood cells with normal haemoglobin.
- Side effects from the treatment are similar to those associated with autologous stem cell transplants, including nausea, fatigue, fever and increased risk of infection.
- While the therapy shows tremendous potential, the cost remains a significant challenge, with estimates suggesting it could be as high as $2 million per patient.
- This poses accessibility issues, especially for individuals in poorer countries.
- However, experts believe that with more research and development, prices may decrease, and local manufacturing facilities can enhance affordability.
| An estimated 30,000-40,000 children in India are born with sickle cell disease every year. India also has the largest number of children with thalassaemia major in the world about 1-1.5 lakh. Dr Chakraborty’s team is also working on gene therapy for sickle cell disease with the government’s big push. The team is currently working on the pre-clinical studies and are likely to enter clinical trial in the next few years. |
5. Conclusion
Casgevy's approval marks a significant milestone in Crispr-based therapy. While challenges exist, including pricing and accessibility, ongoing research and potential reductions in costs indicate a promising future for gene therapies. The working gene therapy for sickle cell disease with upcoming clinical trials in the pipeline.
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For Prelims: Sickle Cell Disease, thalassaemia, CrisprCas9, Noble Prize, red blood cells,
For Mains:
1. Critically analyze the challenges associated with gene therapy, including cost and accessibility, and discuss potential solutions. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
2. Sick cell anemia (Sickle cell anemia) is caused by? (UPSSSC Chakbandi Lekhpal 2019)
A. Deficiency of folic acid
B. Abnormal levels of hemoglobin
C. Deficiency of iron
D. Decreased production of red blood cells (RBCs)
3. What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? (UPSC 2019)
A. A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
B. A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients
C. A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
D. A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops
4. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2018)
Terms Sometimes seen in news Context/Topic
1. Bell II experiment Artificial
2. Blockchain Digital/Cryptocurrency
3. CRISPR - Cas9 Particle Physics
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
5. Einstein got the Nobel Prize for (BPSC 64TH CCE 2018)
A. relativity
B. Bose-Einstein condensation
C. mass-energy equivalence
D. photoelectric effect
E. None of the above/More than one of the above
6. Who among the following scientists shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with his son? (UPSC CSE 2008) (a) Max Planck (b) Albert Einstein (c) William Henry Bragg (d) Enrico Fermi
7. Nobel Prize winning scientist James D. Watson is known for his work in which area? (UPSC CSE 2008) (a) Metallurgy (b) Meteorology (c) Environmental protection (d) Genetics
8. Nobel Prize for Economics was instituted in the year _______ (Punjab Patwari 2016) A. 1984 B. 1962 C. 1948 D. 1968 9. Red blood cells (RBCs) have (NDA 2017)
A. no nucleus, no mitochondria, and no endoplasmic reticulum
B. nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum
C. nucleus, mitochondria but no endoplasmic reticulum
D. no mitochondria but endoplasmic reticulum is present
10. Which one of the following statements about blood elements is correct? (UPSC CAPF 2018)
A. Red blood cells number is same as that of white blood cells and platelets.
B. The number of white blood cells is more than red blood cells.
C. The number of red blood cells is the highest.
D. The number of red blood cells is lower than platelets.
Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-A, 4-B, 5-D, 6-C, 7-D, 8-D, 9-A, 10-C
Mains
1. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (UPSC 2021)
2. The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in the 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? (UPSC 2021)
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INDIA-BHUTAN
1. Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan last week underlines the special importance of the Himalayan Kingdom for India’s foreign policy.
2. Historical Ties between India and Bhutan
India and Bhutan have a long and close history of diplomatic and economic ties, characterized by cooperation and mutual respect. Their relations can be traced back to ancient times when they had cultural and economic interactions.
- The modern era of India-Bhutan relations formally began with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between India and Bhutan in 1949. This treaty laid the foundation for diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation. It also affirmed Bhutan's sovereignty while recognizing India's role in guiding its foreign policy.
- India has played a crucial role in ensuring Bhutan's security. During the border dispute between Bhutan and China in 2017, India supported Bhutan's stance, reinforcing their security cooperation.
- India has been a major source of economic aid and development assistance for Bhutan. Various Indian projects in Bhutan have focused on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and other sectors, contributing to Bhutan's socio-economic progress.
- One of the significant areas of economic collaboration has been hydropower. India has been involved in the development of several hydropower projects in Bhutan, providing a source of revenue for the Bhutanese economy. These projects have also enhanced regional energy security.
3. Economic Ties and Road Connectivity
- The discussions involved plans for improved connectivity between the two nations, especially focusing on border areas and immigration posts to support Bhutan’s initiative for a smart city at Gelephu, situated on the border between Bhutan and Assam. This development aims to fortify ties and foster regional growth.
- India's approval for the final survey on a 58 km cross-border rail link between Gelephu and Kokrajhar in Assam marks a significant step. Additionally, both nations have agreed to explore an 18 km rail link between Samtse in Bhutan and Banarhat in West Bengal, fostering greater trade opportunities. Furthermore, the agreement to extend Bhutanese trade items to Chilahati in Bangladesh from Haldibari in West Bengal indicates a broader regional trade expansion strategy.
- India’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s socio-economic development in line with Bhutanese government priorities was reaffirmed by Prime Minister Modi. This includes support for Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan and the Bhutanese King's vision for a Special Economic Zone in the Sarpang district, which includes plans for an international airport at Gelephu.
- Acknowledging India's support for Bhutan's 12th Five-Year Plan, the Bhutanese King expressed gratitude, while India reiterated its commitment to assist in the upcoming 13th Five-Year Plan. The joint statement highlighted the importance of their strong bilateral ties and mutual support in various developmental efforts.
- The decision to transform the Darranga-Samdrup Jongkhar border crossing into an immigration check post is aimed at enhancing connectivity, tourism, and facilitating entry for third country nationals. Upgrading the land customs station at Dadgiri in Assam to an Integrated Check Post (ICP) and developing facilities in Gelephu on the Bhutanese side will further support the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone project, boosting trade and connectivity.
- These joint initiatives are expected to ease travel between India and Bhutan, foster increased trade with Bangladesh, and bolster tourism revenues for Bhutan, particularly important in the wake of economic challenges resulting from the pandemic. Bhutan's initiatives, led by the King, intend to create more job opportunities and enhance tourism in the country.
4. Conclusion
The recent discussions and agreements between India and Bhutan focus on improving connectivity, trade, and tourism, as well as addressing economic challenges in Bhutan through infrastructure development and international cooperation.
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For Prelims: India-Bhutan, Treaty of Friendship between India and Bhutan in 1949,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the prospects and challenges of the economic and infrastructure collaborations between the India-Bhutan. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. When was the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed ? (UPRVUNL AE EE 2021)
A. 1949 B. 1953 C. 1951 D. 1950
Answer: A
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GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD
1. Context
2. Endangering GIBs
- Hearing petitions highlighting deaths of the GIBs due to power transmission lines, a special bench of the apex court was formed.
- This apex court directed the Chief Secretaries of Gujarat & Rajasthan to undertake a comprehensive exercise to find out the total length of transmission lines in question and the number of bird diverters required.
- This is not the first time that the Supreme Court had intervened in the conservation of the GIB.
- In 2021, the Supreme Court directed the authorities to convert the overhead cables into underground powerlines, within one year & the time diverters were to be hung from existing power lines.
3. Power Lines-Threat
- Several threats have led to the decline of the GIB population, but powerlines seem to be the most significant.
- In different parts of the world, the bustard populations have shown high mortality because of power lines like Denham's bustard in South Africa, and Great Indian Bustard in Spain.
- GIBs are large birds standing about one metre tall & weighing about 15-18 kilos.
- The GIBs are not great fliers & have sideways vision to maximise predator detection but the species' frontal vision is narrow.
- These birds cannot detect power lines from far & since they are heavy fliers, they fail to manoeuvre across power lines within close distances.
- The combination of these traits makes them vulnerable to collision with power lines.
- In most cases, death is due to collision rather than electrocution.
- A study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in 2020 recorded 6 cases of GIB mortality due to power-line collisions in Thar from 2017-20.
4. Preventive Steps
- The GIBs enjoy the highest protection both in India & globally, as per Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in Appendix I of CITES, as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- The population of GIBs was 1,260 in 1969 but has declined by 75% in the last 30 years.
- GIB population was distributed among 11 states in western India, but now the population is restricted to Rajasthan & Gujarat.
- Small populations are found in Maharashtra, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh.
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The overall population of the GIB totals 150 across the country, 128 in Rajasthan.
A total of 16 GIB chicks, artificially hatched from eggs collected from the wild, are being reared in the satellite conservation breeding facility in Rajasthan.
The objective of Habitat Improvement & Conservation Breeding of Great Indian Bustard, an integrated approach is to build the captive population of the GIBs & to release the chicks in the wild.
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- The initiative is likely to take 20-25 years.
- Scientists from WII, have called for removing all overhead powerlines passing through the GIB priority/critical areas in Rajasthan.
5. Other Threats
- GIBs are slow breeders & they build their nests on the ground.
- The species were subjected to hunting & egg collection in the past.
- There was a decline in prevailing habitat loss as dry grasslands were diverted for other use.
- Experts warn of pesticide contamination & increase in populations of free-ranging dogs & pigs along with native predators, putting pressure on nests & chicks.
- Most of the population of the species is confined to the Jaisalmer Desert National Park (DNP), Wildlife enthusiasts believe that more areas outside the protected area must be made suitable for the species.
- A conservation effort like "Project Tiger" may not work for a large bird of an arid region that can always fly out of the protected area.
For Prelims & Mains
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For Prelims: Project Tiger, Endangered species, Great Indian Bustard, IUCN Red List, Wildlife Institute of India, Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Jaisalmer Desert National Park
For Mains:
1. Discuss the reasons for the declining population of the Great Indian bustard, and what are the possible reasons for its endangered status. (250 Words)
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BLACK CARBON EMISSIONS
2. Black carbon
Black carbon, also known as soot, is a type of fine particulate matter that consists of carbonaceous material produced through incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. It is a significant component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution and has several unique characteristics and impacts on the environment and human health.
Sources of Black Carbon
- Black carbon is emitted during the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as diesel, gasoline, and coal in engines, power plants, and industrial processes.
- It is also generated when biomass, including wood, crop residues, and animal dung, is burned for cooking, heating, and agricultural purposes.
- Activities like open burning of waste, forests, and agricultural fields release substantial amounts of black carbon into the atmosphere.
Characteristics of Black Carbon
- Black carbon absorbs sunlight, contributing to localized warming effects on surfaces where it settles, such as snow and ice-covered regions (albedo reduction).
- Unlike greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) that persist for centuries, black carbon has a shorter atmospheric lifetime (days to weeks), but its impact on climate can be significant due to its strong warming potential.
- Black carbon can travel long distances in the atmosphere before settling on surfaces, affecting both local and global air quality and climate.
3. Relevance of Black Carbon
Black carbon, a dark, sooty substance emitted during incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels, holds significant relevance due to its contribution to global warming and associated health risks.
Environmental Impact and Health Risks
Black carbon is a potent contributor to global warming and poses severe health risks. Studies have established a direct correlation between exposure to black carbon and increased risks of heart disease, birth complications, and premature death. In India, a significant portion of black carbon emissions originates from the incomplete combustion of biomass, such as cow dung or straw, in traditional cookstoves.
Emission Sources in India
A 2016 study revealed the distribution of black carbon emissions in India: the residential sector contributes 47%, industries contribute 22%, diesel vehicles contribute 17%, open burning contributes 12%, and other sources contribute 2%. Efforts to decarbonize industries and transport sectors have led to reductions in black carbon emissions over the past decade. However, addressing emissions from the residential sector remains a significant challenge.
4. Impact of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), launched by the Government of India in May 2016, aimed to provide free liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections to households below the poverty line. The initiative's primary goal was to offer clean cooking fuel to rural and impoverished households, reducing their reliance on traditional cooking fuels and consequently mitigating black carbon emissions.
Successes and Challenges
PMUY has played a crucial role in reducing black carbon emissions by providing a cleaner alternative to traditional fuel consumption. The program includes infrastructure such as free gas stoves, deposits for LPG cylinders, and an extensive distribution network. As of January 2024, PMUY has successfully provided connections to over 10 crore households.
Challenges and Remaining Issues
Despite its successes, PMUY faces challenges in ensuring sustained use of LPG among beneficiaries. RTI data from 2022-2023 indicated that 25% of PMUY beneficiaries, accounting for 2.69 crore people, either did not refill their LPG cylinders or refilled them only once, continuing to rely entirely on traditional biomass for cooking. The average PMUY household consumes only 3.5-4 LPG cylinders per year, significantly lower than the six or seven cylinders used by non-PMUY households. This means that a significant portion of energy needs in PMUY households is still met by high black carbon-emitting traditional fuels.
Impact on Health and Disproportionate Effects
The persistent usage of traditional fuels has adverse health effects, especially on women and children, who are disproportionately affected by indoor air pollution. Higher levels of indoor air pollution can lead to various health issues and premature deaths. Additionally, shortages of LPG further exacerbate the situation, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to promote sustained usage of clean cooking fuels among PMUY beneficiaries.
5. Government's Role in Clean Cooking Fuels
The government plays a crucial role in ensuring access to clean cooking fuels, which significantly impacts the quality of life, particularly in rural areas. While renewable energy sources hold promise for the future, immediate benefits can be derived from the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in rural communities.
Subsidies and Affordability
The government has implemented measures to make LPG more affordable, such as increasing the LPG subsidy from ₹200 to ₹300 in October 2023. Despite these efforts, the rapid increase in LPG prices over the past five years has resulted in a significant cost burden for beneficiaries. Even with additional subsidies, the cost of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder remains relatively high at about ₹600 per cylinder. This pricing disparity makes alternatives like cow dung and firewood appear more attractive since they are perceived as "free" alternatives. While temporary price reductions, like the ₹100 reduction announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2024, provide short-term relief, a sustainable solution is needed to address long-term affordability challenges.
Last-Mile Connectivity and Distribution Challenges
Another major obstacle to the success of initiatives like PMUY is the lack of last-mile connectivity in the LPG distribution network, particularly in remote rural areas. This lack of connectivity forces many households to continue relying on biomass fuels. One potential solution to improve access to clean cooking fuel is the local production of coal-bed methane (CBM) gas through biomass composting. CBM is a cleaner fuel with lower black carbon emissions, and investing in local CBM production can enhance accessibility to clean cooking fuels in rural areas.
Role of Local Initiatives and Panchayats
Local initiatives, particularly at the village level led by Panchayats, can play a vital role in promoting the production and distribution of CBM gas. By encouraging and supporting CBM production locally, every rural household can gain access to clean cooking fuel, thereby reducing dependence on traditional and polluting biomass fuels. This approach aligns with broader sustainability goals while addressing immediate energy and environmental challenges in rural communities.
6. India's Global Responsibility for Black Carbon Reduction
India's role on the global stage in achieving long-term decarbonization is critical, requiring urgent action to address environmental and health challenges. Prioritizing initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) can position India as a global leader in tackling regional health issues and fulfilling its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal of providing affordable clean energy to all, contributing significantly to global climate mitigation efforts.
Impact of Black Carbon Reduction
Recent estimates highlight that mitigating residential emissions, including those of black carbon, can prevent more than 6.1 lakh deaths annually due to indoor exposure to air pollution. This underscores the immense potential of targeted measures like PMUY in not only improving public health but also in reducing India's overall carbon footprint and contributing to global efforts aimed at combating climate change.
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For Prelims: Black Carbon Emissions, Sustainable Development Goal, LPG, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, PM2.5, Net zero emissions, Climate Change, Renewable energy
For Mains:
1. Explain the significance of black carbon emissions in the context of global warming and associated health risks. Discuss the major sources of black carbon emissions in India and the challenges in mitigating these emissions. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements (UPSC 2020)
1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body.
3. They can be used in biochemical sensors.
4. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 1, 3 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: C
2. With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct? (UPSC 2019)
A. Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
B. Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
C. A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
D. Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes
3. Consider the following statements (upsc 2016)
1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the 'Club of Rome
2. Sustainable Development goals has to be achieved by the year 2030
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct
A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 Nor 2
4. LPG stands for (MPSC 2017)
A. Liquidity, Profitability and Growth
B. Liberalisation, Privatisation and Growth
C. Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation
D.None of the above
5. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched (RRC Group D 2018)
A. July 2017 B. January 2018 C. May 2014 D. May 2016
6. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m³.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 3 and 4 B. 1 and 4 only C. 2, 3 and 4 D. 1 and 2 only
Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C, 5-D, 6-B
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AI AND MENTAL HEALTH
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language in a manner that is meaningful and contextually relevant. It encompasses a wide range of techniques and algorithms designed to process and analyze natural language data, such as text and speech, to extract useful information and derive insights.
Key components and techniques within NLP include
- Tokenization: Breaking down text into smaller units such as words, phrases, or sentences (tokens) to facilitate analysis and processing.
- Part-of-Speech Tagging: Identifying the grammatical parts of speech (e.g., nouns, verbs, adjectives) for each word in a sentence.
- Named Entity Recognition (NER): Identifying and categorizing named entities such as names of people, organizations, locations, dates, and more within text data.
- Syntax and Parsing: Analyzing the grammatical structure of sentences to understand relationships between words and phrases.
- Semantic Analysis: Understanding the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences in context to derive semantic relationships and infer intent.
- Sentiment Analysis: Determining the sentiment or emotional tone expressed in text data, such as positive, negative, or neutral sentiments.
- Machine Translation: Translating text from one language to another using algorithms and language models.
- Text Generation: Creating human-like text or responses using generative models, such as language models and neural networks.
NLP finds applications across various domains and industries
- NLP powers conversational AI systems, chatbots, and virtual assistants that can interact with users in natural language, answer queries, and perform tasks.
- NLP techniques are used in search engines to understand user queries and retrieve relevant information from vast datasets.
- NLP helps businesses analyze customer feedback, reviews, and social media content to gauge sentiment and customer satisfaction.
- NLP plays a crucial role in machine translation systems, enabling automated translation between different languages.
- NLP techniques are used to summarize large volumes of text or extract key information from documents, emails, and articles.
- NLP powers speech recognition systems that convert spoken language into text, facilitating applications such as voice assistants and dictation software.
3. Benefits of NLP in Mental Healthcare for Patients
The persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues, both external and internalized, affects individuals across different demographics and regions. However, Natural Language Processing (NLP) programs offer significant advantages to patients seeking mental healthcare.
- Text-based platforms and virtual mental health assistants powered by NLP technology provide a level of privacy and anonymity that encourages individuals to seek help. This can lead to improved help-seeking behaviour, especially among those hesitant to seek traditional in-person therapy due to stigma or privacy concerns.
- NLP-driven chatbots can assist users by helping them reframe negative thoughts, validate emotions, and offer personalized care. These interactions are particularly valuable in situations where immediate human support is unavailable. Chatbots can play a role in supporting individuals with mental health challenges by providing guidance and emotional support.
- Studies have shown that digital therapy tools and chatbots can contribute to positive patient health outcomes comparable to in-person care. Continuity of care is crucial in mental health treatment, and chatbots can help bridge gaps in care, reducing the risk of relapse and promoting overall wellness.
- Chatbots are scalable, cost-effective, and available 24/7, making mental health support more accessible to a broader population. Integrating chatbots into existing health programs can enhance overall mental healthcare delivery and reach underserved communities.
- NLP-powered chatbots can guide users to resources and strategies for healthier coping mechanisms during periods of distress, grief, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. This holistic approach to mental healthcare emphasizes self-care and empowers individuals to manage their mental well-being proactively.
- Companies developing chatbots must proactively collaborate with healthcare providers and organizations to expand service delivery. This includes facilitating referrals, connecting users with in-person treatment options, or guiding them to appropriate hospital care when necessary.
4. Advantages of NLP for Clinicians in Mental Healthcare
Mental health disorders often have complex and multifaceted origins, posing challenges for clinicians in diagnosis and treatment planning. However, Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies offer several benefits to clinicians in the mental healthcare field.
- By leveraging vast datasets, AI tools powered by NLP can summarize diverse patient information, including clinical notes, conversations, neuroimages, and genetic data. This comprehensive view helps clinicians quickly grasp the patient's entire history, facilitating more informed and personalized treatment decisions.
- NLP-driven tools assist clinicians in saving valuable time during sessions by efficiently organizing and summarizing relevant patient information. This streamlined approach enables clinicians to focus more on patient interaction and therapeutic interventions rather than sifting through extensive records.
- Predictive Analysis for Treatment Response: Recent advancements in NLP programs have demonstrated the ability to forecast responses to antidepressants and antipsychotic medications. By analyzing brain electrical activity, neuroimages, and clinical surveys, these tools can predict treatment outcomes, aiding clinicians in making informed decisions and minimizing the risk of ineffective interventions.
- Some NLP-powered chatbots are creating e-triaging systems that prioritize patient needs based on severity and urgency. This system can significantly reduce wait times for patients and free up valuable clinical hours, allowing clinicians to focus on high-priority cases promptly.
- With improved efficiency and reduced administrative burdens, mental health providers can allocate a higher proportion of their time to severe mental illnesses requiring specialized care. Conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia benefit from dedicated clinical attention, and NLP tools can help streamline administrative tasks to prioritize patient care.
- Support for Complex Decision-Making: NLP technologies provide additional support to clinicians in complex decision-making processes, such as treatment planning, risk assessment, and follow-up care. By analyzing diverse data sources and offering predictive insights, these tools enhance clinical judgment and improve overall treatment outcomes.
5. Future Directions in Mental Healthcare Innovations
The field of mental healthcare is poised for further advancements and innovations, driven by technological developments and evolving patient needs.
- Companies developing mental healthcare applications must refine their algorithms by utilizing more diverse and inclusive population-wide datasets. This approach helps minimize bias and ensures that AI-driven tools are effective across various demographic groups.
- Future applications should incorporate a broader set of health indicators beyond traditional data sources. By including factors such as lifestyle data, social determinants of health, and environmental influences, these tools can provide a more holistic and personalized patient care experience.
- It's crucial to develop and implement conceptual frameworks that guide the design and deployment of mental healthcare innovations. These frameworks should focus on improving health outcomes, promoting patient well-being, and ensuring ethical and responsible use of technology.
- Rigorous and continuous testing of mental healthcare applications is essential to ensure their effectiveness, safety, and adherence to quality standards. Ongoing evaluation and feedback loops help refine algorithms, improve user experience and address emerging challenges.
- Governments and institutions play a vital role in prioritizing user safety and well-being. It is imperative to establish and enforce global compliance standards for mental healthcare technologies. This includes data privacy regulations, ethical guidelines, and mechanisms for monitoring and addressing potential risks.
- As technology evolves, there is a need to update existing beliefs, laws, and regulations governing mental healthcare. This includes adapting to new paradigms of care delivery, addressing emerging ethical dilemmas, and advocating for better standards of care that leverage technological advancements responsibly.
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For Prelims: Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Mental Health
For Mains:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors, including healthcare. Discuss the potential of Natural Language Processing (NLP)--powered applications to improve accessibility and affordability of mental healthcare services in India. How can these advancements be leveraged to bridge the gap in mental health professionals in the country? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Natural language processing (NLP) is a branch of artificial intelligence that helps computers ______ human language. (SSC CHSL 2023)
I. understand
II. Interpret
III. manipulate
A. I, II and III only B. I and III only C. I and II only D. II and III
Answer: A
2. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? ( UPSC 2020)
1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2, 3, and 5 only
B. 1, 3, and 4 only
C. 2, 4, and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: B
3. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (UPSC 2020)
1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units.
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs.
3. Disease diagnosis.
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion.
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only B. 1, 3 and 4 only C. 2, 4 and 5 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: B
Mains
1. Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seemed to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of boss’ style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publicly. It became apparent that though there were no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realised that his relation with his senior officer was becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and contented even at home. Rather without any reason he would lose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behaviour. Due to harassment and humiliation suffered by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus, it damaged his physical and mental health. (upsc 2021) (a) What are the options available with Pawan to cope with the situation? (b) What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace,tranquility and congenial environment in the office and home? (c) As an outsider, what are your suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene? (d) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for officers at various level sin the government offices? 2. Why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society? (upsc 2023) |
'DELISTING' MONUMENTS
- The ASI, operating under the Union Ministry of Culture, is tasked with safeguarding and preserving specific monuments and archaeological sites deemed nationally significant under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904 and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 (AMASR Act).
- Delisting a monument implies its removal from ASI's conservation, protection, and maintenance purview. According to the AMASR Act, any construction-related activities are prohibited around protected sites. Once delisted, regular construction and urbanization activities can occur in the vicinity.
- The list of protected monuments can fluctuate due to new listings and delistings. Presently, ASI oversees 3,693 monuments, which will decrease to 3,675 after the ongoing delisting process concludes in the coming weeks.
- This marks the first significant delisting effort in decades. Section 35 of the AMASR Act empowers the Central Government to declare, through notification in the Official Gazette, the cessation of national importance for any ancient or historical monument or archaeological site.
- The gazette notification for the 18 monuments in question was issued on March 8. A two-month period is allotted for the public to submit objections or suggestions
- The AMASR Act serves to safeguard structures and sites aged over a century, encompassing various entities like temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and historical artifacts such as cannons and mile pillars ("kos minars").
- These sites are spread throughout the country and, with time, some, particularly the smaller or less known ones, have been lost due to factors like urbanization, encroachments, dam and reservoir constructions, or neglect, resulting in their deterioration. In certain instances, there exists no collective memory of these monuments, complicating efforts to locate them physically.
- According to the AMASR Act, the ASI is tasked with periodic inspections of protected monuments to evaluate their condition and ensure their conservation and preservation.
- In instances of encroachment, the ASI has the authority to file a police complaint, issue show-cause notices for encroachment removal, and notify local authorities regarding the necessity for encroachment demolition.
- However, the enforcement of these measures hasn't been consistently effective. Established in 1861 to oversee archaeological excavations and conservation, the ASI faced operational challenges in subsequent decades.
- Most of the presently protected monuments came under ASI's purview from the 1920s to the 1950s. However, post-independence, governmental priorities shifted towards sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, diverting limited resources away from heritage protection efforts.
- Additionally, ASI's focus leaned more towards discovering new monuments and sites rather than conserving and safeguarding existing one
- In December 2022, the Ministry of Culture reported to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture that 50 out of India's 3,693 centrally protected monuments were unaccounted for.
- Among these, 14 had succumbed to rapid urbanization, 12 had been submerged due to reservoirs or dams, and the remaining 24 were unable to be traced, as conveyed by the Ministry to the Committee.
- The Committee was informed that security personnel were stationed at only 248 of the 3,693 protected monuments. In its report addressing 'Issues concerning Untraceable Monuments and Monument Protection in India', the Committee expressed disappointment that the government, due to financial constraints, could only provide 2,578 security personnel at 248 locations, falling short of the total requirement of 7,000 personnel for monument protection
