SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION
1. Context
2. About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organisation.
- It is the world's largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope and population, covering approximately 60% of the area of Eurasia, and 40% of the world's population. Its combined GDP is around 20% of global GDP.
- The SCO was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
2.1. Structure
The SCO has several bodies that oversee its activities, including
- The Council of Heads of State, which is the supreme decision-making body of the SCO.
- The Council of Heads of Government, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the decisions of the Council of Heads of State.
- The Council of Foreign Ministers, which is responsible for coordinating the foreign policies of the SCO member states.
- The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which is responsible for combating terrorism, separatism and extremism in the SCO region and
- The SCO Secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organization.
2.2. Members
- The SCO has eight full members China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
- It also has six observer states Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Mongolia, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
- And six dialogue partners Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
2.3. Goals
- Political and security cooperation, including the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism
- Economic cooperation, including trade, investment, energy and transportation
- Cultural and humanitarian cooperation and
- Coordination of positions on major international issues.
3. Criticism
- The SCO has been criticized by some for being a tool of Chinese and Russian imperialism.
- However, the organization has also been praised for its role in promoting stability and security in Central Asia.
4. The Way Forward
- The SCO has been expanding its membership in recent years, and it may continue to do so in the future.
- The organization is seen by some as a potential rival to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and its growing influence is being watched closely by the United States and its allies.
|
For Prelims: SCO, NATO, India, Central Asia, United States, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, terrorism,
For Mains:
1. Examine the potential challenges and opportunities for India as a full member of the SCO, highlighting its implications for India's political, economic, and security interests. (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit was held on 10th November, 2020 in the video conference format. The Summit was hosted by: (OPSC OAS 2021)
A. Russia B. India C. Kazakhstan D. Uzbekistan
Answer: A
2. The Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was hosted by which country from 15-16 September 2022? (Rajasthan CET 2023)
A. Kazakhstan B. Tajikistan C. Uzbekistan D. India
Answer: C
3. The area known as 'Golan Heights' sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to (UPSC 2015)
A. Central Asia B. Middle East C. South-East Asia D. Central Africa
Answer: B
4. Siachen Glacier is situated to the (UPSC 2020)
A. East of Aksai Chin B. East of Leh C. North of Gilgit D. North of Nubra Valley
Answer: D
|
MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE
1. Context
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs increased the minimum support price for rabi crops for the next marketing season of 2025-26 with the MSP for wheat going up by ₹150 a quintal.
2. What is the Minimum Support Price (MSP)?
- MSP is the minimum price a farmer must pay for their food grains as guaranteed by the government. They are recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
- The CACP submits its recommendations to the government in the form of Price Policy Reports every year.
- After considering the report and views of the state governments and also keeping in view the overall demand and supply situation in the country, the central government takes the final decision.
- The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the nodal agency for procurement along with State agencies, at the beginning of the sowing season.
- 7 cereals (paddy, wheat, maize, bajra, jowar, ragi, and barley)
- 5 pulses (chana, tur/arhar, moong, urad, and Masur)
- 7 oilseeds (rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, soya bean, sunflower, sesamum, safflower, and Enigerseed) and
- 4 commercial crops (sugarcane, cotton, copra, and raw jute).
3. How MSP is Calculated?
- MSP, presently, is based on a formula of 1.5 times the production costs.
- The CACP projects three kinds of production costs for every crop, both at state and all-India average levels.
- A2 covers all paid-out costs directly incurred by the farmer — in cash and kind — on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, hired labour, leased-in land, fuel, irrigation, etc.
- A2+FL includes A2 plus an imputed value of unpaid family labour.
- C2: Estimated land rent and the cost of interest on the money taken for farming are added to A2 and FL.
- Farm unions are demanding that a comprehensive cost calculation (C2) must also include capital assets and the rentals and interest forgone on owned land, as recommended by the National Commission for Farmers.
4. The issue with the calculation of MSP
- To calculate MSP, the government uses A2+FL cost. The criticism of A2+FL is that it doesn’t cover all costs and that a more representative measure, C2, needs to be used.
- For example, in the 2017-18 rabi season, CACP data shows that C2 for wheat was 54% higher than A2+FL.
- The Swaminathan Commission also stated that the MSP should be based on the comprehensive cost of production, which is the C2 method.
5. Key Points about the Farmer's Demand
- After the recent decision to repeal three contentious farm laws, protesting farmer unions are now pressing for their demand of the legalization of the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- They want a legal guarantee for the MSP, which at present is just an indicative or a desired price.
- Legalising MSPs would put the government under a legal obligation to buy every grain of the crops for which MSPs have been announced.
- At present, the PM has announced the formation of a committee to make MSP more transparent, as well as to change crop patterns and to promote zero-budget agriculture which would reduce the cost of production.
- The entire issue of enforcing MSP legally is a tricky, complicated, and multidimensional one, involving lots of factors.
- Core demand: MSP based on a C2+50% formula should be made a legal entitlement for all agricultural produce. This would mean a 34% increase in the latest MSP for paddy and a 13% increase for wheat. MSP should also be extended to fruit and vegetable farmers who have been excluded from benefits so far.
6. The rationale behind the demand for legislation of MSP
- Farmers receive less than MSP: In most crops grown across much of India, the prices received by farmers, especially during harvest time, are well below the officially declared MSPs. And since MSPs have no statutory backing, they cannot demand these as a matter of right.
- Limited procurement by the Govt: Also, the actual procurement at MSP by the Govt. is confined to only about a third of wheat and rice crops (of which half is bought in Punjab and Haryana alone), and 10%-20% of select pulses and oilseeds. According to the Shanta Kumar Committee’s 2015 report, only 6% of the farm households sell wheat and rice to the government at the MSP rates.
7. Challenges associated with MSP
- Protest by Farmers: Farm unions have been protesting for more than six months on Delhi's outskirts, demanding legislation to guarantee MSP for all farmers for all crops and a repeal of three contentious farm reform laws.
- MSP and Inflation: When announcing the MSP, inflation should be taken into account. But often the price is not increased up to the mark. For example, this time MSP for Maize has not even considered inflation then how it will benefit farmers! Also, frequent increases in the MSPs can lead to inflation too.
- High Input Costs: The input costs have been rising faster than sale prices, squeezing the meagre income of the small farmers and driving them into debt.
- Lack of Mechanism: No mechanism guarantees that every farmer can get at least the MSP as the floor price in the market. So proper mechanisms need to be fixed for all times to come.
- Restriction in Europe: Even after producing surplus grains, every year a huge portion of these grains gets rotten. This is due to the restrictions under WTO norms, that grain stocks with the FCI (being heavily subsidized due to MSP) cannot be exported.
|
For Prelims: Minimum Support Price, Rabi Crops, WTO, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, Food Corporation of India
For Mains:
1. Explain the concept of Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India. How is MSP determined, and what is its role in ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce? (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020)
1. In the case of all cereals, pulses, and oil seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India.
2. In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise.
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
Answer: D
2. Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past? (UPSC CSE, 2020)
(1) Minimum Support Price (2) Government’s trading (3) Government’s stockpiling (4) Consumer subsidies Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: D
3. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (UPSC GS1, 2020)
(1) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops (2) Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (3) Social Capital development (4) Free electricity supply to farmers (5) Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system (6) Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 2, 3 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Answer: C
4. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the (UPSC CSE, 2015)
(a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture (d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee Answer: A
|
MULLAPERIYAR DAM
The sub-committee on Mullaperiyar dam could not carry out an inspection of the structure as the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Organisation engineers walked out in protest against the Kerala Minor Irrigation Division for not allowing maintenance work at the dam site for six months.
2. New Guidelines
- The CWC (Central Water Commission) implemented a set of guidelines for dam construction following Kerala's preparation of the DPR (Detailed Project Report) in 2011. Those informed about the situation mentioned that the costs for various project components have increased since the last DPR, hence the need for a revision.
- Recently, the State government approached the CWC to expedite approval for a new dam's construction. Additionally, the State expressed its readiness to supply water to Tamil Nadu from this new dam.
- Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been embroiled in a prolonged legal dispute regarding the stability and other related aspects of the current dam. Kerala has been advocating for a new dam primarily on safety grounds.
- Both states witnessed significant protests after Kerala raised safety concerns and called for the decommissioning the existing dam
3. What do we Know about the Mullaperiyar Dam?
The Mullaperiyar Dam is located in the southern Indian state of Kerala, but it's owned and operated by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Here are some key points about the dam:
- Situated in the Western Ghats, the Mullaperiyar Dam is built across the Periyar River in the state of Kerala
- Although the dam is located in Kerala, it is owned, maintained, and operated by the Government of Tamil Nadu based on a 999-year lease agreement signed in 1886
- The primary purpose of the dam is to divert water from the Periyar River's catchment area to the Vaigai River basin in Tamil Nadu for irrigation and drinking water purposes
- The dam has been a subject of contention between Kerala and Tamil Nadu due to concerns over its structural integrity. Kerala has raised concerns about the dam's safety due to its age and the potential risk to downstream areas in case of a dam failure. Tamil Nadu contends that the dam is safe and necessary for meeting its water needs
- The two states have engaged in a prolonged legal battle over the Mullaperiyar Dam's safety and the need for a new dam. Kerala has called for decommissioning the existing dam and constructing a new one, while Tamil Nadu has insisted on raising the dam's water level, citing its necessity for irrigation
- The issue has reached the Supreme Court of India multiple times, and the court has issued various directives regarding the water level and safety measures to address concerns from both states
- Kerala has raised serious concerns about the dam's structural integrity due to its age and the potential risks associated with a dam failure. There have been apprehensions that the dam, which is over a century old, might not withstand a major earthquake or natural calamity, posing a threat to the downstream areas in Kerala
- Tamil Nadu, which owns and operates the dam, asserts its rights to receive a certain amount of water from the Periyar River through the dam for irrigation purposes in the Vaigai River basin. There have been disagreements between the two states regarding the permissible water level in the dam and the quantity of water to be released to Tamil Nadu
- The disagreement between Kerala and Tamil Nadu has escalated into a legal battle that has been ongoing for decades. Both states have filed numerous cases and counter-cases in courts, including the Supreme Court of India, seeking decisions on issues related to the dam's safety, water sharing, and the need for a new dam
- The Mullaperiyar Dam issue has significant political implications for both states. It has been a point of contention in the political landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with each state advocating for its respective stance on the dam's safety and water-sharing agreements
|
Periyar river
 |
- The Dam Safety Act, introduced to the Rajya Sabha in December 2021, aimed to address issues of inadequate monitoring and maintenance that have led to dam-related disasters.
- This legislation outlined specific duties and required the establishment of both national and state-level bodies to enforce its provisions.
- It proposed the creation of a National Committee on Dam Safety responsible for overseeing policies and regulations, a National Dam Safety Authority tasked with implementation and the resolution of state-level disputes, designating the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC) to lead national dam safety protocols, and the formation of State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) and State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSO)
- The Dam Safety Act (DSA) 2021 was enacted by the Union Government of India to prevent dam failure-related disasters. The act focuses on the proper surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams. It also establishes an institutional mechanism to ensure their safe functioning
- The act was notified by the Government of India on December 14, 2021, and came into effect on December 30, 2021.
- The act provides for institutional mechanisms for surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of the specified dams. The Central Water Commission (CWC) provides technical expertise and guidance on all matters related to dams.
- Failure to comply with any provision of the act is punishable with imprisonment and/or fines. If such obstruction or refusal to comply with directions results in loss of lives or imminent danger thereof, the entity shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years
|
Previous Year Questions
1. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? (UPSC CSE 2010) Dam/Lake River (a) Govind Sagar : Satluj Answer: (b) 2.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2009)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Answer: (d) |
GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX 2024
Indicators: The GHI scores are calculated based on four key indicators:
- Undernourishment: The proportion of the population with insufficient caloric intake.
- Child Wasting: The percentage of children under the age of five who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.
- Child Stunting: The percentage of children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.
- Child Mortality: The mortality rate of children under the age of five, which is often related to malnutrition.
Scoring: The GHI score is on a 100-point scale, where 0 is the best score (no hunger) and 100 is the worst. The scale is divided into five categories:
- Low Hunger: 0 to 9.9
- Moderate Hunger: 10 to 19.9
- Serious Hunger: 20 to 34.9
- Alarming Hunger: 35 to 49.9
- Extremely Alarming Hunger: 50 or more
.png)
.png){kind=small}
- The score is determined by four key indicators: child stunting (percentage of children under five who are shorter than the expected height for their age, indicating chronic malnutrition), undernourishment (portion of the population with inadequate caloric intake), child wasting (percentage of children under five who are underweight for their height), and child mortality (proportion of children who die before reaching five years old).
- According to the report, 13.7% of the population in India is undernourished, 35.5% of children are stunted, 18.7% are wasted, and 2.9% die before their fifth birthday. Notably, India has the highest rate of child wasting worldwide.
- Despite these challenges, the report highlights that India has shown considerable political commitment to improving food and nutrition, citing initiatives such as the National Food Security Act, Poshan Abhiyan, PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, and the National Mission for Natural Farming. However, there remains significant scope for enhancement.
- The report draws attention to the link between the poor nutritional status of mothers and the resulting poor health outcomes for their children, contributing to the cycle of undernutrition.
- Factors such as low maternal weight gain during pregnancy and low infant birth weight contribute to the high rate of child wasting.
- Additionally, the report suggests that GDP growth does not automatically translate to better food and nutritional security, urging the need for policies that focus on pro-poor development and address social and economic disparities
- The report advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes expanding access to social safety nets, addressing factors that impact overall well-being and nutrition, and focusing on tailored strategies for meeting nutritional needs.
- One key recommendation is to enhance access to social safety nets and cash transfer programs, such as the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS), PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY), and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
- Additionally, it calls for increased investments in agriculture through an integrated food systems approach, promoting diverse, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable food production, particularly of crops like millets.
- Furthermore, the report emphasizes targeted investments in maternal and child health, stressing the importance of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene. Lastly, it highlights the need for interventions that account for the connections between food, nutrition, gender issues, and climate
|
Collection Methodology
Last year, the Ministry of Women and Child Development raised concerns about data not being sourced from their ICT application, 'Poshan Tracker'. The Ministry emphasized that organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank have recognized the tracker as a significant advancement. It also noted that the tracker consistently recorded child wasting rates below 7.2% on a monthly basis, significantly lower than the 18.7% reported in the 2023 Global Hunger Index. However, researchers clarified that they rely on survey data validated for inclusion in the Joint Malnutrition Estimates and the WHO Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. They argue that using consistent data sources ensures comparability across countries, and making exceptions would compromise the uniformity of the results and rankings
|
| Rank 2024 | Country Name | GHI 2024 | GHI 2000 |
| 127 | Somalia | 44.1 | 63.3 |
| 126 | Yemen | 41.2 | 41.6 |
| 125 | Chad | 36.4 | 50.5 |
| 124 | Madagascar | 36.3 | 42.3 |
| 123 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 34.9 | 47.2 |
| 122 | Haiti | 34.3 | 39.8 |
| 121 | Niger | 34.1 | 53.1 |
| 120 | Liberia | 31.9 | 48.0 |
| 119 | Central African Republic | 31.5 | 48.0 |
| 118 | Korea (DPR) | 31.4 | 43.7 |
|
Undernourishment
Undernourishment refers to a condition in which people do not have adequate access to food, leading to insufficient caloric intake needed for maintaining a healthy and active life. It is typically measured by the percentage of the population whose caloric intake falls below the minimum dietary energy requirements set by health authorities, based on factors such as age, gender, and physical activity level. Undernourishment is often caused by factors such as poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to nutritious foods. It leads to various health issues, including weakened immunity, stunted growth in children, and higher susceptibility to diseases. In global hunger metrics, like the Global Hunger Index (GHI), undernourishment is a key indicator that reflects the prevalence of hunger in a population and helps track progress toward food security |
|
For Prelims: Global Hunger Index, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)
For Mains: All the related issues regarding Poverty and hunger in India
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? (UPSC CSE 2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only Answer : (c) 1.Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (UPSC CSE Mains 2013) |
DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDEND
- The demographic dividend refers to a period of economic growth that can occur when a country experiences a favorable demographic shift. This shift typically involves a declining birth rate, leading to a relatively large working-age population compared to the dependent population (children and elderly).
- During a demographic dividend, the working-age population becomes a larger proportion of the total population, leading to increased productivity, higher savings and investment rates, and overall economic growth.
- This phenomenon occurs because there are fewer dependents to support, allowing families and governments to allocate more resources towards education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
- The demographic dividend is often seen as an opportunity for countries to accelerate their economic development and improve living standards.
- However, to fully realize the benefits of the demographic dividend, governments need to invest in education, job creation, and healthcare to ensure that the growing working-age population is equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute to economic growth. Additionally, effective policies are necessary to manage the challenges associated with an ageing population that may follow once the demographic dividend period ends
The demographic transition theory outlines the process through which populations transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as they undergo economic and social development.
This transition typically occurs in several stages:
-
Stage 1 - High Birth and Death Rates: In the initial stage, both birth rates and death rates are high, resulting in relatively slow population growth. This stage is characteristic of pre-industrial societies where limited access to healthcare, high infant mortality rates, and agricultural economies contribute to high death rates. Despite the high death rates, birth rates are also high due to factors such as the need for labor in agriculture and cultural preferences for large families.
-
Stage 2 - Declining Death Rates: In this stage, improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition lead to a significant reduction in death rates while birth rates remain high. As a result, there is a rapid increase in population growth. This stage is often associated with the early stages of industrialization and urbanization, where advancements in medicine and public health lead to lower mortality rates.
-
Stage 3 - Declining Birth Rates: As societies continue to develop economically and socially, birth rates begin to decline. Factors such as increased access to education, urbanization, and the empowerment of women contribute to this decline in fertility. Family planning programs and the availability of contraceptives also play a role in reducing birth rates. During this stage, population growth continues, but at a slower pace than in Stage 2.
-
Stage 4 - Low Birth and Death Rates: In the final stage of the demographic transition, both birth and death rates are low, resulting in a stable or slowly growing population. This stage is characteristic of advanced industrialized societies where economic development, urbanization, and social changes have led to small family sizes, increased opportunities for women in the workforce, and higher living standards overall.
| Subject | Demographic Transition | Demographic Dividend |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Process of transitioning from high to low birth and death rates as societies develop economically and socially. | Period of economic growth resulting from a favorable demographic shift, typically characterized by declining birth rates and a relatively large working-age population. |
| Focus | Changes in population structure and dynamics over time. | Economic benefits derived from a specific demographic situation. |
| Key Stages | Pre-industrial (High birth and death rates), Early industrial (Declining death rates), Late industrial (Declining birth rates), Advanced industrial (Low birth and death rates). | Period when the working-age population is a larger proportion of the total population, leading to increased productivity and economic growth. |
| Driving Factors | Improvements in healthcare, education, living standards, and changes in social norms and family planning practices. | Declining birth rates and a growing working-age population. |
| Economic Impact | Leads to changes in population growth rates and age distribution. | Results in increased productivity, higher savings and investment rates, and overall economic growth. |
| Policy Implications | Requires investments in healthcare, education, and family planning to manage population dynamics effectively. | Governments need to implement policies to capitalize on the economic potential of the growing working-age population through education, job creation, and infrastructure development. |
India's demographic dividend holds significant implications for its economic growth, social development, and global competitiveness.
Here are some key aspects of the significance of India's demographic dividend:
-
Large Working-Age Population: India is home to one of the largest working-age populations in the world, with a significant proportion of its population under the age of 35. This demographic advantage presents an opportunity for a substantial labor force that can drive economic growth and development.
-
Potential for Economic Growth: A large working-age population can contribute to increased productivity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, leading to higher economic growth rates. With the right policies and investments in education, skills training, and job creation, India can harness the potential of its demographic dividend to accelerate economic development.
-
Increased Consumer Market: A growing working-age population also translates into a larger consumer market, creating opportunities for businesses to expand their markets and drive domestic consumption-led growth. This can spur demand for goods and services across various sectors of the economy, further stimulating economic activity.
-
Global Workforce Competitiveness: India's demographic dividend enhances its competitiveness in the global workforce. With a large pool of young and skilled workers, India can meet the demands of the global labor market and attract investment from multinational companies seeking talent and expertise.
-
Human Capital Development: Investing in education, healthcare, and skill development is crucial to fully realize the potential of India's demographic dividend. By empowering its youth with quality education and training, India can build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, productivity, and sustainable development.
-
Window of Opportunity: The demographic dividend is not permanent and requires timely policy interventions to maximize its benefits. As India's population ages in the future, the window of opportunity presented by the demographic dividend will gradually diminish. Therefore, strategic planning and investments in human capital and economic sectors are essential to capitalize on this demographic advantage
While India's demographic dividend presents significant opportunities for economic growth and development, it also comes with several challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize its potential.
Some of the key challenges associated with India's demographic dividend include:
-
Unemployment and Underemployment: Despite the large working-age population, India faces challenges of unemployment and underemployment, particularly among youth and educated individuals. Inadequate job creation in both the formal and informal sectors leads to a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the demands of the labor market.
-
Skills Mismatch: There is often a mismatch between the skills possessed by the workforce and the skills demanded by employers. Many young people lack the necessary skills and training required for employment in emerging sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and services. This skills gap hampers productivity and limits job opportunities.
-
Quality of Education: While access to education has improved in India, there are concerns about the quality of education provided, especially in rural areas and government schools. The education system often fails to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the modern workforce, leading to low employability.
-
Informal Economy: A significant portion of India's workforce is employed in the informal sector, which lacks job security, social protection, and access to basic rights. Informal workers often face low wages, exploitative working conditions, and limited opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
-
Gender Disparities: Gender disparities in education, employment, and workforce participation remain significant challenges in India. Women are often underrepresented in the workforce, particularly in higher-skilled and leadership roles. Addressing gender inequalities and promoting women's participation in the labor force is crucial for maximizing the demographic dividend.
-
Urbanization and Infrastructure: Rapid urbanization and migration from rural to urban areas pose challenges related to urban infrastructure, housing, transportation, and social services. Inadequate urban planning and infrastructure development lead to overcrowding, pollution, inadequate housing, and strained public services, affecting the quality of life for urban residents.
-
Healthcare Needs: As the population grows, there is an increasing demand for healthcare services, including preventive care, maternal and child health, and treatment of non-communicable diseases. Ensuring access to quality healthcare for all citizens is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce
|
For Prelims: Economic and Social Development- Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc
For Mains: General Studies III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1.India is regarded as a country with a “Demographic Dividend”. This is due to (UPSC CSE 2011) (a) Its high population in the age group below 15 years (b) Its high population in the age group of 15-64 year (c) Its high population in the age group above 65 years (d) Its high total population Answer (b) A demographic dividend refers to the economic benefit a country can experience when a large share of its population is in the working age group (typically 15-64 years old). This age group is both productive and has a relatively low dependency ratio, meaning there are fewer dependents (children and elderly) to support. India currently has a large young population, which presents a window of opportunity for economic growth if the right investments are made in education, skill development, and job creation |
GREENWASHING
1. Context
2. What is Greenwashing?
- Greenwashing is a deceptive marketing or public relations strategy used by companies and organizations to create a false impression of being environmentally friendly or sustainable.
- It involves presenting misleading or exaggerated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or the company as a whole.
- The term "greenwashing" is a play on the words "green" (associated with environmental friendliness) and "whitewashing" (referring to covering up flaws or negative aspects).
- The purpose of greenwashing is to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, create a positive public image, and potentially gain a competitive advantage over competitors without making substantial efforts to be genuinely eco-friendly.
Greenwashing can take various forms, including:
- Misleading Labels: Companies may use misleading labels or certifications that imply a product is environmentally friendly, but the claims are not backed by credible evidence or certifications.
- Vague Claims: Using vague language or buzzwords like "eco-friendly," "natural," or "green" without providing specific details or evidence to support the claims.
- Selective Information: Highlighting one minor positive aspect of a product or operation while ignoring its overall negative impact on the environment.
- Irrelevant Information: Emphasizing a small, insignificant green effort to distract from more significant environmental issues related to the company's practices.
- Green Packaging: Focusing on eco-friendly packaging while the product itself or the company's overall practices are harmful to the environment.
- Distraction from Other Issues: Using environmental initiatives to divert attention from other problems the company may be facing, such as labor abuses or ethical controversies.
Greenwashing can be harmful as it misleads consumers, making them believe they are supporting environmentally responsible companies when, in reality, their actions may have little to no positive impact on the environment. This practice also undermines the efforts of genuinely eco-friendly businesses, as it creates skepticism and cynicism among consumers.
3. How Greenwashing Works?
- Greenwashing works by manipulating public perception and creating a false image of environmental responsibility without making substantial efforts to be truly eco-friendly.
- It involves various strategies and tactics that are designed to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, improve the company's reputation, and potentially increase sales or market share.
Here's how greenwashing typically works:
- Misleading Claims: Companies make unsubstantiated or vague claims about their products, services, or practices being environmentally friendly without providing evidence or data to support these assertions.
- Cherry-Picking Information: Greenwashing often involves highlighting a minor environmental initiative while downplaying or ignoring other aspects of the company's operations that may have a more significant negative impact on the environment.
- Using Ambiguous Language: Companies may use green buzzwords like "eco-friendly," "sustainable," "natural," or "green" without providing specific details on how these claims are justified.
- False Certifications and Labels: Greenwashing may involve using misleading certifications or labels that imply a product is eco-friendly when, in reality, the certification lacks credibility or is not related to the product's environmental impact.
- Irrelevant Emphasis: Companies might focus on environmentally friendly packaging or insignificant changes while overlooking the overall environmental impact of the product or the company's practices.
4. What are the examples of Greenwashing?
- Fast Fashion: Clothing brands may claim to be environmentally friendly or sustainable but continue to produce low-quality, cheaply made clothes that contribute to excessive waste and pollution.
- Bottled Water: Some bottled water companies market their products as "eco-friendly" due to their lightweight packaging or use of recycled materials, but the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles remains significant.
- Oil and Gas Companies: Fossil fuel companies may promote their investments in renewable energy projects while downplaying their core business's contribution to climate change and environmental degradation.
- Deforestation Initiatives: Companies involved in deforestation may launch token tree-planting campaigns to create a perception of environmental responsibility while ignoring the far-reaching impact of deforestation on ecosystems.
- Transportation: Automobile manufacturers may advertise their electric or hybrid vehicles as environmentally friendly, but the overall environmental impact of vehicle production and disposal is often not fully disclosed.
5. Why Greenwashing is a Problem?
Greenwashing is a significant problem for several reasons:
- Misleads Consumers: Greenwashing deceives consumers into believing that products or services are more environmentally friendly than they actually are. As a result, consumers may make purchasing decisions based on false information, leading to unintended environmental consequences.
- Undermines Trust: Greenwashing erodes trust between companies and consumers. When companies make false or exaggerated claims, it creates skepticism and cynicism among consumers, making it challenging for genuinely sustainable businesses to gain credibility.
- Diverts Attention: Greenwashing can distract consumers, policymakers, and stakeholders from addressing real environmental issues. Instead of focusing on real solutions and efforts towards sustainability, attention, and resources may be directed towards superficial or ineffective green initiatives.
- Slows Down Progress: By promoting greenwashing, companies may delay or avoid making genuine efforts towards sustainability. This hinders progress in creating a more environmentally responsible business environment and addressing pressing environmental challenges.
- Discourages Genuine Sustainability: Companies that engage in greenwashing may undermine the efforts of genuinely sustainable businesses. When consumers feel deceived, they might become less willing to support and pay a premium for truly eco-friendly products or services.
- Neglects Social Responsibility: Greenwashing often diverts attention from other important corporate social responsibility issues, such as fair labor practices, ethical sourcing, or community engagement, leading to an incomplete approach to responsible business conduct.
6. Way Forward
|
For Prelims: Greenwashing, Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, Eco-Friendly, The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
For Mains: 1. Assess the concept of greenwashing in the context of business practices and its implications on environmental sustainability. Discuss how misleading environmental claims by companies affect consumer choices and influence the perception of corporate responsibility. (250 words).
|
|
Previous year Questions
1. Which one of the following best describes the term "greenwashing"? (UPSC 2022)
A. Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
B. Non-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
C. Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
D. Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
Answer: A
2. Regarding "carbon credits", which one of the following statements is not correct? (UPSC 2011)
(a)The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.
(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emissions.
(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environmental Programme.
Answer: d
|
