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Monthly DNA
A recent study published in the Lancet noted overall decrease in child marriage in India except 4 States. What are the key findings of the Lancet report? India – 1 in 5 girls are still married below legal marriage age Skewed achievements – Some States have achieved dramatic decreases while other states like West Bengal have struggled. Bihar (16.7%), West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra accounted for more than half of the total headcount burden of child marriages in girls. West Bengal – It has the largest absolute increase in headcount representing an increase of 32.3% in headcount with over 5,00,000 more girls getting married as children. What is situation…
11 January, 2024
Issues related to Child
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has its origin from the erstwhile Ministry of Welfare. Two departments have been under the Ministry Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (Samajik Nyaya and Adhikarita Vibhag) Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) The Ministry is entrusted with the welfare, social justice and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized sections - scheduled and backward classes, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, victims of drug abuse, transgenders, etc. Union Minister - Dr. Virendra Kumar Initiatives for the welfare of Scheduled Class Scholarship Schemes Schemes About Pre Matric Scholarship for SCs Post Matric Scholarship for SC…
09 January, 2024
Ministry of Social Justice
The Warli are an indigenous of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The name "Warli" comes from the word "Warla", which means "piece of land" or "field". The Warli are considered by some to be a sub-caste of the Bhil tribe, and their history dates back to the 10th century AD. The Warli people speak Varli or Warli, an Indo-Aryan language.
02 January, 2024
Tribes
Recently, a detailed report on the implementation of the Centre’s policy on child labour was tabled in Parliament. Based on the recommendations of Gurupadaswamy Committee, the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act was enacted in 1986 and the National Policy on Child Labour was declared in August, 1987. Prepared by – The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour. Findings - The number of working children has decreased from 1.26 crore (2001 census) to 1.01 crore (2011 census) and has decreased from 57.79 lakh (2001 census) to 43.53 lakh (2011 census) in the age group of 5-14 years. It is practically not possible to meet the…
26 December, 2023
Issues related to Child
The Dhangar community’s demand for ST status has been dismissed. Dhangars – They are large cluster of pastoral groups and they live mostly in Western Maharashtra and Marathwada. Population – In Maharashtra, they are estimated to range from 4 to 12% of the total population (unofficially estimate). Reservation status – In Maharashtra, there is an exclusive quota of 3.5% under a separate category called NT (No Tribe). In central list, they are recognised as Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. Demand for ST status – It started in 1955, when there was no reservation for them either in the state or at the Centre. Reason for demand – Better constitutional safeguards to SC…
26 December, 2023
Caste
Aim - To help people with disabilities, especially women and youth with disabilities, become active participants. Implemented by - The ILO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Women’s Development Corporation in Maharashtra. Through this project, persons with disabilities were trained as Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs). International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a United Nations agency that works to eradicate poverty and hunger in developing countries.
16 December, 2023
Disability
Pakadwa Vivah is a tradition in Bihar where a boy is kidnapped or coerced and then married to a girl. In this practice, the wishes of the boy and girl are not considered. The practice is illegal and prevalent in several parts of Bihar.
14 December, 2023
Social issues
As per annual report of National Crime Record Bureau the crimes against women rose 4% in 2022 compared to 2021. Crime in India 2022 Released by- National Crime Record Bureau. Increase in crime- The report indicates 4% rise in crimes against women which corresponds to roughly 51 FIRs each hour. Majority of cases- Cruelty by spouses or relatives accounted for the highest number of cases in crime against women, it is followed by Kidnapping and abduction, Assault "with intent to outrage modesty", and Rape. Around 13,000 cases were registered under Dowry Prohibition Act. Delhi- It registered highest rate (144) of crime against women in the country which…
12 December, 2023
Women
Ministry of Tribal Affairs initiates IEC Campaign on Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) to raise awareness and ensure 100% saturation of Government Schemes in PVTG majority tribal habitations ‘Empowering Tribals, Transforming India’: IEC initiative to ensure coverage of every PVTG household that has remained unreached due to distance, lack of road and digital connectivity and will provide facilities at their doorstep. Aim: of reaching out to 22000 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) majority tribal habitations and PVTG families in 200 districts across the country. Name of Scheme/ intervention Ministry/Department/Organization Aadhar Card UIDAI PM Garib Kalyan…
12 December, 2023
Tribes
Kerala breaks the general assumption that educated women have fewer children than uneducated women. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) among educated women is remarkably higher than that among the illiterate women. Kerala is the only State in the country with high Total Fertility Rate among educated women. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is the average number of children born to a woman during her reproductive years (15-49 years).
07 December, 2023
Women
Nayi Chetna – 2.0 is a gender campaign that aims to eradicate violence against women and advance the rights of women and gender-diverse individuals. The campaign was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The campaign is led by Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and launched in all states under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, supported by 9 ministries.
17 November, 2023
Women
The 2nd edition of Rohini Nayyar Prize was presented to Deenanath Rajput, for his work on empowering tribal women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. It is a prize to recognize the exemplary contributions of young Indians, under the age of 40 years, towards improving the lives of people in rural India. The prize was presented in memory of late economist-administrator Dr Rohini Nayyar.
02 November, 2023
Social issues
Rat hole mining is being done to rescue the workers in collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand. Rat hole – It refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for 1 person to descend using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams. Rat hole mining – It is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams, typically around 3-4 feet depth. They are prevalent in Meghalaya due to challenging terrain and the coal seam here are very thin (less than 2 m) in most cases. Types – There are 2 types of rat hole mining. Side cutting – Narrow tunnels are excavated into the…
28 November, 2023
Social issues
On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas of 2023, India has launched a new scheme PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan. Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated every year on November 15 since 2021 to mark the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda. PM- JANMAN – It is launched for the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). It is also named as PM PVTG Development Mission. Objectives To protect the tribes on the verge of extinction and nurture them with basic facilities. To ensure last-mile welfare scheme delivery. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)are a more vulnerable group among tribal groups in India and 75…
18 November, 2023
Tribal problems and solutions
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the delay in India’s system of child adoption. What is Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)? Statutory body- CARA is enacted under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Launched- 1990 Aim- To oversee child adoption procedures, in the best interest of the child, for Indians and non-resident Indians living abroad. Mandate- To monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. To deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention, 1993. Nodal agency- Ministry of Women & Child Development. CARA became a signatory to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation of 1993 and…
16 November, 2023
Child rights
The Union government is now looking to design a survey that can gauge the Human Development Index (HDI) specifically for about 28 lakh people of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). According to the 2011 Census, the Scheduled Tribes account for 104 million representing 8.6% of the country’s population. These Scheduled Tribes are spread throughout the country largely in forest and hilly regions. The essential characteristics of these communities are: Primitive Traits Geographical isolation Distinct culture Shy of contact with community at large Economically backwards Government of India set up Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 1999 after the bifurcation of Ministry of Social Justice and…
13 November, 2023
Tribal problems and solutions
In India, the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated every year on November 15 since 2021 to recognize the efforts of the brave tribal freedom fighters. It is to mark the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country. Objective - To recognize the efforts of the tribals for preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of valour, hospitality and national pride. Activities undertaken – Debate completions, social activities and others events to show case The achievements of tribals in Indian Freedom struggle. Benefits of various welfare measures taken by Government of India in tribal…
12 November, 2023
Tribes
Civil Union and Marriage The Centre has objected to the Supreme Court hearing petitions seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage on the grounds that the judiciary has the authority to do so for the "socio-legal institution" of marriage. The CJI underlined in his answer to the Centre's objections that the hearing's focus will be on creating a concept of a "civil union" that receives legal recognition under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. Describe Civil Union. A civil union, commonly referred to as a civil partnership, is a recognised legal arrangement, much like marriage, that was primarily developed to give same-sex…
21 April, 2023
Gender issue
Social Protection for Children Latest Context According to a new ILO-UNICEF analysis, there is still a social protection coverage gap of 1.5 billion children who are not receiving family or child cash payments. According to a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Children's Fund, social protection lessens family poverty and vulnerability, which lessens one of the main causes of child labour (UNICEF). In a recent report titled "More than a billion reasons: The urgent need to build universal social protection for children," the ILO and UNICEF found that only 1 in 4 children are…
14 March, 2023
Child
Cochlear Implant Scheme Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the effectiveness of the Cochlear Implant Plan, which provides free surgery for children under the age of five. The Central Government pays the six lakh rupee cost of one operation. About Cochlea The inner ear contains a hollow spiral-shaped bone called the cochlea, which is essential to hearing and takes part in auditory transduction. Electrical impulses are converted from sound waves into distinct sound frequencies by the brain. What is a Cochlear Implant? The cochlear implant is a prosthetic device, a part of which is surgically implanted inside the cochlea. Children…
11 March, 2023
Child
Women Business and Law Report 2023 The World Bank just published the report Women, Business and the Law 2023. The World Bank's Women, Business and the Law 2023 study gave India a score that was higher than the average for the region. The research for India uses information about the laws and ordinances in Mumbai, the nation's business capital. Highlight of the Report Due to regulations affecting working women's income and pensions that do not ensure equality with Indian men, India's score on a World Bank index measuring the life cycle of a working woman fell to 74.4 out of a…
11 March, 2023
Women
National Youth Parliament Festival 2023 The fourth edition of the National Youth Parliament Festival took place in New Delhi, the nation's capital. The Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs Shri Nisith Pramanik spoke on the opening day of the National Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF) finals at the Central Hall of Parliament, New Delhi. About Idea for a Better Tomorrow: India for the World is the theme of this edition Participation: In 150 locations across the nation, more than 2.01 lakh young people from 748 Districts of all the States and UTs took part. Objective To hear the youth's perspective…
09 March, 2023
Youth
Gender Gap in STEM Women are less likely to participate in the larger fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) due to their lack of access to technology and digital tools (STEM). In order to close the gender gap in the fields of STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—the United Nations has emphasised the importance of inclusive technology and digital education. Highlight STEM fields, which stand for science, technology, engineering, and math, continue to be dominated by men. Women's underrepresentation in STEM disciplines presents a significant concern given their ubiquitous influence in contemporary life. Recently, International Women's Day 2023 (IWD) was…
30 March, 2023
Gender issue
A Central Sector Scheme of the Integrated Program for Senior Citizens is operate by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (IPSrC). Data About Old Person The percentage of seniors in the population is expected to increase from 7.5% in 2001 to roughly 12.5% by 2026 and surpass 19.5% by 2050, according to the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister's (EAC-PM) Quality of Living for Older Index. Challanges posses by older person Spending on healthcare facilities has increased since many senior citizens in India lack health insurance, which has led to an increase in out-of-pocket medical costs. Reduced income…
29 March, 2023
Old age policy and programme
Right to protect Genetic Information Children have the right to prevent their genetic information from being disclosed in DNA tests without their permission, according to a decision by the Supreme Court of India. The Supreme Court also ruled that DNA tests on children should only be used as a last resort to prove infidelity. About the judgment: The decision was made in response to a petition that was submitted by a man who denied being the father of his second kid and accused his wife of having an extramarital affair. According to the case's facts, the top court came to…
28 February, 2023
Child rights
Anubhuti Divyang Park The foundation stone for Nagpur, Maharashtra's Anubhuti Inclusive Park, the largest and most distinctive Divyang Park in the world, was recently set by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. More On the News: On the Pardi campus of Nagpur, Anubhuti Inclusive Park is being constructed for both impaired children and regular citizens. The goal is to spread the idea of inclusiveness throughout the nation and the entire planet. Features: The park is the first of its kind for disabled people. Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The park will offer accommodations for all…
24 February, 2023
Disability
Menstrual leave Menstrual leave for workers and students across the nation was the subject of a PIL that the Supreme Court declined to consider since it was a matter of policy. During a hearing on a case about menstrual leave, the Supreme Court of India instructed the petitioner to contact the Ministry of Women and Child Development to develop a policy. Facts of the Petition: In accordance with Section 14 of the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, the petitioner asked the Supreme Court to order the government to establish guidelines for awarding menstrual pain leave to working women and students.…
03 March, 2023
Women
Marriage Laws for Minors The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, considers such marriages to be crimes, and the Supreme Court will determine whether minor girls can marry based on custom or personal law. Men who marry teenage girls would be subject to strict regulations dictating imprisonment ranging from two years to life, the Assam Cabinet has announced. Key points about Marriage Laws for Minors The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) filed a notice with the Supreme Court challenging a recent Punjab and Haryana High Court decision that stated that a girl could be married based…
04 February, 0023
Issues related to Child
Women in Command Roles of the Indian Army The Indian army elevated female commanders to commanding positions within their respective arms and services for the first time. This choice would also encourage more women to enlist in the Indian Army, which will worsen the gender pay gap and support the organization's efforts to foster diversity and inclusivity. About the news: A crucial development for the first time, the Indian Army qualified 108 women officers to lead troops in their different branches and services. In a variety of arms and services, including engineers, signals, army air defense, intelligence corps, army service…
27 January, 2023
Women
Issues faced by Women in Sports Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, head of the WFI (Wrestling Federation of India), has recently been accused of sexual harassment by some athletes. If WFI does not respond to the Sports Ministry's request for an explanation within 72 hours, the Ministry will move to take action against the Federation in accordance with the 2011 National Sports Development Code's provisions. About allegation: Between 2010 and 2020, the SAI (Sports Authority of India) received 45 complaints of sexual harassment, 29 of which were against coaches, according to RTI (Right to Information) Data. In several of these incidents that…
24 January, 2023
Women
Concerns of NCW Regarding Sexual Assault The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redress) Act, 2013, and the rules created must be strictly implemented, according to the National Commission of Women (NCW), which has expressed concern over occurrences of sexual harassment at coaching centers and educational institutions. One of the most urgent challenges impacting women worldwide in recent years is sexual harassment at the job. The NCW received about 31,000 reports of crimes against women in 2022, which was a record high compared to 2014. About Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act:…
02 January, 2023
Women
UN Report on Child Mortality Global studies on child mortality and stillbirths have been released to show if India is doing enough to ensure the health and survival of every kid. The United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) published two global studies on child mortality (Levels and Trends in Child Mortality) and stillbirths (Never Forgotten) Findings of the Report: Rate of child mortality (under-five mortality rate): It is the probability of dying between birth and the age of five expressed per 1,000 live births. In 2021, 5 million children died before reaching the age of five (under-five…
11 January, 2023
Issues related to Child
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) On January 12th, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, which was established in 2007 under the Commission for the Protection of Child Rights Act of 2005, celebrated its 18th Foundation Day. To completely devote this anniversary to children, the Commission conducted a Quiz on the occasion of National Youth Day (Swami Vivekananda Jayanti) to raise awareness about child rights among youngsters. It is a platform for children to advocate for their rights. About the National Commission for the Protection of the Rights of the Child: The Commission for the…
11 January, 2023
Child rights
Acid Attacks in India The horrible crime of acid attacks and the accessibility of corrosive substances have once again come into the spotlight following a recent attack on a 17-year-old girl in Delhi using an acid-like substance. The scenario of acid attacks in India: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports that 150 of these cases were documented in 2019, 105 in 2020, and 102 in 2021. The biggest number of these instances are consistently reported in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, which account for close to 50% of all cases in the nation on an annual basis. In 2019,…
23 December, 2022
Women
Same-sex Marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 In response to a petition filed by two gay couples seeking recognition of same-sex marriage under the Special Marriage Act of 1954, the Supreme Court has served notice to the Indian Government and Attorney General. A two-judge panel led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud issued the notice as a consequence of numerous petitions. Same-sex marriage is not recognised, which amounts to discrimination that undermines the dignity and self-actualization of LGBTQ+ couples. What are the petitioners' arguments? Insofar as it discriminates against same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples, depriving same-sex couples…
03 December, 2022
Social inclusion
Age of Adolescent Consent The Karnataka High Court (HC) recently stated that the Law Commission of India would have to reconsider the age criteria in the case of age for consent in order to take into account the ground realities. Important Points HC's Position: A case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012, was dismissed by the Karnataka High Court. It stated that if it is an offense under the Indian Penal Code and/or the POCSO Act, consent by a girl of 16 years but under the age of 18 years must be considered. The following…
11 November, 2022
Issues related to Child
Child Marriage Reduction in India The steering committee of a global program to end child marriage is visiting India to see state interventions that have helped reduce child marriage prevalence. Important Findings The Committee: The UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage team is visiting. Child brides are becoming more common: It is in response to an estimated increase in the number of child brides as a result of the pandemic. As a result of the global pandemic, 10 million children may become child brides. Annual review: Child marriage in India fell from 47.4% in 2005-06 to 26.8% in 2015-16,…
08 November, 2022
Issues related to Child
Police Officers for Child Welfare to be Appointed According to the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) advice, the Ministry of Home Affairs has requested that each state and union territory appoint a Child Welfare Police Officer (CWPO) to deal exclusively with children, whether they are the victims of crimes or the perpetrators of them. The warning comes amid a rise in crimes against children, including homicides and violations of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012. What does the NCPCR's advisory say? According to the requirements of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection…
07 November, 2022
Issues related to Child
Two-Finger Test The Supreme Court recently stated that those who perform the "two-finger test" on alleged rape victims will be held accountable for their actions. What is the Two-Finger Test? A medical practitioner will perform the two-finger test on the vagina to determine whether the women are habitual to sexual intercourse. The practice is unscientific and provides no conclusive information. Furthermore, such "information" has no bearing on a rape allegation. A woman who has been sexually assaulted is subjected to a medical examination in order to determine her health and medical needs, as well as to collect evidence. According to…
04 November, 2022
Women
Cricket Pay Parity & Gender issue In a recent announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that its centrally-contracted men's and women's players would receive equal match fees. The Global Gender Gap Index 2022 estimates that at the current rate of advancement, it will take 132 years to achieve full parity, so the action is a significant step toward achieving gender pay parity. What do we know about the rise in the fee for female players? The women's players will now receive Rs. 15 lakh for each Test match, Rs. 6 lakh for each ODI, and Rs.…
29 October, 2022
Gender issue
International Girl Child Day International Girl Child Day is observed annually on October 11th. Why International Girl Child Day is celebrated on Oct 11? For the first time in history, an action plan to improve the rights of girls was suggested in the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The International Day of the Girl Child was established by Resolution 66/170 of the United Nations General Assembly in 2011. "Our time is now—our rights, our future" is the theme for 2022. Significance: The day is commemorated to recognize the rights of girls and the particular difficulties they face globally.…
11 October, 2022
Women
International Day of the Elderly The United Nations observes October 1 as International Day for Older Persons as part of its efforts to raise awareness about healthy ageing. About A recent UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) report, "World Population Prospects 2022," predicted significant shifts in global demographic patterns in the coming decades. According to the report, people over the age of 65 will account for 16% of the global population by 2050. By 2050, India's population will have surpassed that of China to become the world's most populous country. By 2050, eight countries, including India, will account…
01 October, 2022
Old age
Abortion rights for single Women Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that all women in the country, regardless of marital status, can have an abortion up to 24 weeks into their pregnancy. What is the Supreme Court's decision? Ruled over an ancient law: It has ruled on a 51-year-old abortion law (The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971) that prohibits unmarried women from terminating pregnancies up to 24 weeks. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971 and its Rules of 2003 make it illegal for unmarried women between 20 and 24 weeks pregnant to abort with the assistance of…
30 September, 2022
Women
Operation 'Megha Chakra' on Child Sexual Abuse The "Megh Chakra" operation is being carried out in response to inputs from Interpol's Singapore special unit based on the information obtained from the New Zealand authorities. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is waging a nationwide campaign against the dissemination and sharing of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). ??????? What are the Megh Chakra Operation's Key Highlights? 20 States and one Union Territory were the sites of searches at 59 different places. Many Indian nationals are reported to have participated in the online distribution, download, and transmission of the CSAM using cloud-based…
27 September, 2022
Child abuse
Nikah Halala A recent Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed to have polygamy and halal marriage declared invalid. Details about the news The PIL: The PIL aimed to have Section 2 of the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, declared invalid and in violation of the Constitution's Articles 14, 15, 21, and 25. The claimant asked the court to make sure that all Indian nationals are subject to the requirements of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. She claimed that under IPC Section 375, nikah halala constitutes rape. What is Nikah Halala? The nikah halala law states that in order…
24 September, 2022
Women
The criminalization of Marital Rape The Supreme Court has requested the Center's response on the criminalization of marital rape. Details about the news: Petitions: Regarding the question of making marital rape a crime, the top court is now hearing several petitions. The marital rape exception under Section 375 IPC (rape) was challenged by the petitioners on the grounds that it discriminated against married women who are sexually attacked by their husbands. The appeals come after the Delhi High Court issued a divided ruling on whether or not to charge spouses with having extramarital affairs with their wives. ??????? The problem:…
19 September, 2022
Women
India Discrimination Report 2022: Oxfam India According to a recent Oxfam India Report, discrimination in India is the sole cause of the job imbalance that affects women in rural areas and 98 per cent of those in urban areas. Based on government data on employment and labour from 2004–2005 through 2019–2020, the report's conclusions. Important Points: The proportion of the working-age population that actively participates in the labour market, either by working or looking for a job, is known as the labour force participation rate (LFPR). In India, it fell from 42.7% in 2004–05 to 25.1% in 2021, indicating that…
17 September, 2022
Gender issue
Operation “Gear Box” Operation "Gear Box" was recently started by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to stop the drug cartel from smuggling illegal substances. About The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985's requirements were used to guide DRI's examination and seizure procedures. To avoid detection by law enforcement, the drug packets were delivered hidden inside the metal debris. In order to prevent discovery, the gears from the old and used gearboxes were removed once they were opened, and the plastic packets holding the narcotic drugs were then placed in the hollow created. This special method of operation has…
13 September, 2022
Drug Abuse
New Adoption Rules The new adoption regulations, which call for the transfer of adoption applications from courts to District Magistrates, have caused some difficulty in their implementation. Amendments: The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021, was approved by Parliament in July 2021. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Model Rules, 2016, were then amended and notified. According to the Rule, starting on the date that these rules go into effect, all adoption-related cases that are now pending before the Court will be moved to the District Magistrate. The goal of the bill is: The…
13 September, 2022
Child
Ban on Conversion Therapy for the LGBTQIA+ Community In a letter to all State Medical Councils, the National Medical Commission (NMC) forbade conversion therapy for the LGBTQIA+ community and referred to it as "professional misconduct." The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquettes and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, which the NMC used in its declaration that conversion treatment is unethical, were issued by the Madras High Court. The NMC also granted the State entities the authority to discipline medical practitioners who disobey the rule. The Madras High Court ruling The Madras High Court's decision outlawed any attempt to use medicine to "cure"…
07 September, 2022
Social inclusion
Sex Ratio at Birth Image Source - Newsclick In India, "son bias" is reportedly declining as the sex ratio at birth normalized from 111 boys to every 100 girls in 2011 to 108 boys to every 100 girls in 2019–21, according to a recent study. Findings of the Report National Statistics: From roughly 4.8 lakh in 2010 to 4.1 lakh in 2019, India's average annual number of infant girls reported as "lost" decreased. If there had been no female-selective abortions throughout this time, then there would have been a greater number of female births. The sex ratio at birth in…
26 August, 2022
Social issues
Healthcare for Transgender Individuals The Union government has announced that under the Ayushman Bharat program, transgender people will receive yearly health insurance of Rs. 5 lakhs. About the recent decision There are 4.8 lakh transgender people in India who are eligible for the program's benefits. Memorandum of understanding A memorandum of agreement on this program was signed between the Social Justice Ministry and the National Health Authority, which is part of the Health Ministry. Coverage: Surgery for sex reassignment will also be covered by the insurance. There will be more hospitals on board to perform sex reassignment procedures. Services would…
26 August, 2022
Social inclusion
Women Scientists in India Recently, Dr N. Kalaiselvi was appointed as director of the country's main organization for research and development i.e. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, becoming the organization's first female director general (CSIR). Statistics on women in R&D: Growing Trend Over the past 20 years, women have increasingly participated in scientific research across the nation. Women participated in 28% more extramural R&D projects in 2018–19 than they did in 2000–01, a rise from 13% as a result of various policies adopted by succeeding governments. A fourfold increase From 232 in 2000-01 to 941 in 2016-17, there were…
23 August, 2022
Women
Period Poverty Scotland has become the first nation in the world to legally protect the right to access free period products and has made period products free for all by passing the Period Products Act. One of its central objectives is to “end the silence and stigma” that surrounds menstruation and also aims to remove “gendered barriers”. The bill aims to ensure that those who menstruate have “reasonably convenient” access to period products free of charge. Period poverty is when those on low incomes can't afford, or access, suitable period products. Development in Scotland Period poverty is defined as a circumstance…
18 August, 2022
Women
Validity of Child Gang-Rape Law A 29-year-old man who is currently serving a life sentence for the gang rape of a nine-year-old in Maharashtra has filed a petition in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will review the constitutionality of a statute that sentences a convicted man to death or life in prison for gang raping a child under the age of 12 without giving him the opportunity to repent or change. The issue highlighted in the petition: Limit the trial judge's options: It was argued that Section 376DB of the Indian Penal Code (gang rape of a child under…
18 August, 2022
Issues related to Child
WOMEN IN INDIAN POLITICS “Performance of Women in Parliament” A Quantitative Study of Questions by Women Members in Lok Sabha (1999-2019) is a recent study that was published. The author of this article is Sadia Hussain Highlights: Through a quantitative examination of the inquiries made by female lawmakers on the floor, the study highlights the performance of women in the Lok Sabha. It asserts that they only serve as flimsy forms of representation in political arenas. Access to power: Over the past 20 years, India has not seen a single women's movement that questioned gender and patriarchal conventions. To gain power,…
11 August, 2022
Women
National Commission on Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) About National Commission on Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) The NCSK was established in the year 1993 as per the provisions of the NCSK Act 1993 initially for the period upto 31.3.1997. Later the validity of the Act was initially extended up to 31.3.2002 and thereafter up to 29.2.2004. The NCSK Act ceased to have effect from 29.2.2004. After that, the tenure of the NCSK has been extended as a non-statutory body from time to time through resolutions. The tenure of the present Commission was up to 31.3.2022. Now the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister…
20 January, 2022
Manual Scavenging
Drug Abuse in India Although the use of various psychoactive substances such as alcohol, cannabis and opioids has been observed in India for centuries, the current dimension of the extent and pattern of psychoactive substance use and the problems associated with their use are not well documented. The National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the technical and scientific aspects of the National Survey on Extent and Pattern for Substance Use in India which was conducted in all the 36 states and UTs of the…
23 August, 2021
Drug Abuse
TAPAS Initiative TAPAS (Training for Augmenting Productivity and Services) is the initiative of the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to provide access to lectures by subject experts, study material and more, but in a manner that it supplements the physical classroom without compromising on the quality of teaching. The main objective of introducing the course modules is to impart training and enhance the knowledge and skills for the capacity building of the participants. It can be taken up by anyone who wishes to enhance his or her knowledge on the topics and there…
15 August, 2021
Social issues
National Commission for Minorities Why in news? The Delhi High Court on Thursday extended the deadline given to the Centre to nominate persons to all the vacant positions in the National Commission for Minorities by two months. The High Court had earlier directed that the nomination of all the vacant positions be filled on or before July 31 in order to ensure that the commission functions efficiently and the purpose of the commission as envisaged under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 is also fully given effect to. The Centre had sought the extension on the account of the…
13 August, 2021
Social issues
Digital Literacy among Women -Under PMGDISHA Program The onset of the pandemic brought to the surface – uncertainties, gaps in technology, and most importantly, further disruptions to the existing lacunae in our systems. These critical times exposed the digital divide that exists for the unprivileged, specifically for women and children. Only 17% of women across India are connected. Internet users in rural India are “almost exclusively” men who make up 98% of the total connected users. Even in urban India, Internet use tends to be male-dominated, with 79% of users being male (Boston Consulting Group survey, 2016). High levels of gendered…
05 August, 2021
Women
Overcrowding of Childcare Institutions Children in distress situations merit care and protection under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The Act mandate a safety net of service delivery structures along with institutional and non-institutional care for these children. The Ministry is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely Child Protection Services (CPS) in partnership with the State Governments/UT Administrations for delivering institutional and non-institutional care as stipulated under the JJ Act. As per the scheme, A maintenance grant of Rs.2000/- per child per month is…
06 August, 2021
Issues related to Child
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 The Act seeks to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children as ratified by India on December 11, 1992. It specifies procedural safeguards in cases of children in conflict with the law. It seeks to address challenges in the existing Activities such as delays in adoption processes, high pendency of cases, accountability of institutions, etc. The Act further seeks to address children in the 16-18 age group, in conflict with law, as an increased incidence of crimes committed by them has been reported over the past few…
28 October, 2021
Issues related to Child
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh to be discontinued The Government had set up Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK). It was established in 1993 as a national-level autonomous body for socio-economic empowerment of women, especially those in the rural and unorganized sector, by providing them concessional, collateral free micro-credit. The operating model followed by RMK has been of extending loans to Intermediary Micro-Finance Organizations (IMOs) which further on lend for entrepreneurial activities of women. However, as per recommendations in the report on ‘Rationalisation of Government Bodies’, prepared by the Principal Economic Adviser to the Government of India in November 2020, the Government has decided…
06 August, 2021
Women
Suicides in India- NCRB 2019 Report Each suicide is a personal tragedy that prematurely takes the life of an individual and has a continuing ripple effect, dramatically affecting the lives of families, friends and communities. Every year, more than 1,00,000 people commit suicide in our country. There are various causes of suicides like professional/career problems, sense of isolation, abuse, violence, family problems, mental disorders, addiction to alcohol, financial loss, chronic pain etc. Suicide Rates in Youth A total of 1,39,123 suicides were reported in the country during 2019 showing an increase of 3.4% in comparison to 2018 and the rate…
01 August, 2021
Disability
Homeless Children Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act) is the primary law for children in the country. As per Section 2 (14) (vi) of the JJ Act, a child who does not have parents and no one is willing to take care of, or whose parents have abandoned or surrendered him is included as a “child in need of care and protection.” The Act provides a security net of service delivery structures including measures for institutional and non-institutional care to ensure the comprehensive well-being of children in distress situations. Child Protection Services (CPS) Scheme The…
31 July, 2021
Issues related to Child
Minorities in India Introduction The Government has made every section of the society an equal partner of progress with the commitment to “Development with Dignity” “Empowerment without Appeasement” and “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” ensuring equal benefits to all sections of the society. Irrespective of his or her caste, religion, region and community are at the centre of welfare schemes of the Government. The Government has been treating all sections of the society including the Muslims as an equal partner in the development process. Hence the Minorities in India are flourishing equally with all the other sections of the…
30 July, 2021
Social issues
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill 2021 The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015. The amendments include authorizing District Magistrates including Additional District Magistrates to issue adoption orders under Section 61 of the JJ Act, in order to ensure speedy disposal of cases and enhance accountability. The District Magistrates have been further empowered under the Act, to ensure its smooth implementation, as well as garner synergized efforts in favour of children in distress conditions. As per the amended provisions of the Act, any Child Care Institutions shall be…
29 July, 2021
Issues related to Child
Everything about Transgender rights and schemes in India Introduction Indian Census never recognized third gender i.e. Transgender while collecting census data. But in 2011, data on Transgender was collected with details related to their employment, literacy and caste. As per the 2011 Census, the total population of Transgender is 4.88 lakhs, the highest being in Uttar Pradesh followed by Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar. In the National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India case (2014), the Supreme Court of India declared transgender people to be a 'third gender'. It also affirmed that the fundamental rights granted under the Constitution…
04 February, 2022
Tribal problems and solutions
Denotified, Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic Tribes Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DNCs) are hard to reach, less visible, and therefore frequently left out. While most DNTs are spread across the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories, some DNTs are not covered in any of the SC. ST or OBC categories. Who are DNTs? The term 'De-notified Tribes' stands for all those communities which were once notified under the Criminal Tribes Acts, enforced by the British Raj between l87l and I947. These Acts were repealed by the Independent Indian Government in l952, and these communities were "De-Notified". A few of…
28 July, 2021
Tribes
Policies for Child Beggars The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme “SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”, which includes a sub-scheme - ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’. This scheme covers several comprehensive measures including welfare measures for persons who are engaged in the act of begging. The focus of the scheme is extensively on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, basic documentation, education, skill development, economic linkages and so on. The scheme would be implemented with the support of State/UT Governments/Local Urban Roadies,…
15 December, 2021
Issues related to Child
Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) Scheme, 1975 The Scheme has been renamed Anganwadi Services. It is 1 of the World's largest programmes providing an integrated package of services for the holistic development of the child. Funding: Centrally Sponsored Scheme. All components of ICDS except the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) are financed through a 60:40 ratio. For SNP = 50:50. The North East states have a 90:10 ratio. Coverage: The scheme is universal covering all the districts of the country. Both Urban and Rural India. Objectives To improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group 0-6 years; To lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child; To reduce the incidence…
24 July, 2021
Programme and policies related to child
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act, 2006 For restitution of deprived forest rights across India. It provides for Integrated conservation & livelihood rights of people. It is a tool to empower local self-governance; address livelihood security of ppl & issues of conservation & Management of natural resources & conservation governance. For the 1st time, it recognises & secures Community rights + Individual rights; the Right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resources, the right to IPR & traditional knowledge with respect to biodiversity. Mo Tribal Affairs = nodal agency. Applicable to Tribal & OTFD Communities. It recognises forest rights of OTFD provided they have…
23 January, 2022
Tribes
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana and ADIP Scheme Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is a scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to the BPL category. This is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Central Government. The expenditure for implementation of the scheme is being met by the "Senior Citizens' Welfare Fund". The Scheme is being implemented by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a PSU under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Importance of the scheme As per the Census figures of 2011, the population of senior citizens in India is 10.38…
06 July, 2021
Old age policy and programme
Initiatives for the welfare of the Transgender community The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is the nodal ministry for Transgender Welfare has decided to provide a subsistence allowance of Rs.1500 to each Transgender person as immediate support to meet their basic requirements. This financial assistance will help the Transgender community to meet their day-to-day needs. NGOs and Community-based Organisations(CBOs) working for Transgender Persons have been asked to spread awareness about this step. How to apply? Any Transgender Person or CBOs on behalf of the Transgender Person can apply for financial assistance after providing basic details, Aadhar, and Bank Account…
24 May, 2021
Social issues
One Stop Centre Scheme One Stop Centre Scheme (OSCs) is a centrally sponsored scheme for addressing the problem of violence against women. One Stop Centre Scheme (OSCs) is being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It is a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme for the National Mission for Empowerment of Women including the Indira Gandhi Mattritav Sahyaog Yojana. The scheme is being implemented across the country since 1st April 2015 through State Governments/ Union Territory (UT) Administrations to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and in distress, both in private and public spaces,…
22 May, 2021
Women
Digital Divide in Schools and UDISE Report A Union government survey of 15 lakh schools from across the country has revealed that only 22% of schools in India had internet facilities in the academic year 2019-20, indicating the vast majority of schools for which, imparting digital education, is necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has proved an uphill task. UDISE Report The survey is part of an annual exercise carried out by the Union government for the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE ) report that collates data from schools across the country on various parameters, such as…
02 July, 2021
Child rights
Tele Counselling through SAMVEDNA for Children impacted by COVID-19 With the objective of providing psychological first-aid and emotional support to children affected during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is providing Tele-Counselling to children through SAMVEDNA(Sensitizing Action on Mental Health Vulnerability through Emotional Development and Necessary Acceptance) - a Toll-Free Helpline launched to provide psycho-social mental support for Children affected during COVID 19 Pandemic. Tele-counselling is being provided through a network of qualified Experts/Counselors/Psychologists trained under the guidance of Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, Professor, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and his team from NIMHANS,…
17 May, 2021
Issues related to Child
Adoption issues in COVID The Supreme Court has directed the States and the Union Territories to take stringent action against private individuals and NGOs who invite people to illegally adopt children orphaned by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministry asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to add a column in hospital admission forms asking patients to specify in whose custody their children could be left in case of any eventuality. Only the district-level child welfare committee can decide the future of children who have lost both parents to the infection A Bench of Justices L. Nageswara Rao and Aniruddha Bose,…
17 May, 2021
Issues related to Child
Illegal adoption in COVID What is the issue? The Supreme Court has directed the States and the Union Territories to take stringent action against private individuals and NGOs who invite people to illegally adopt children orphaned by the COVID-19 pandemic. A Bench of Justices L. Nageswara Rao and Aniruddha Bose, in an 18-page order published, directed the government to step in and prevent private entities from revealing the identities of affected children, usually on social media and inviting people to adopt them. The State Governments/Union Territories are directed to prevent any NGO from collecting funds in the names of the…
09 June, 2021
Issues related to Child
SAGE portal for the Elderly The SAGE ( Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine) initiative portal will be a “one-stop access” to elderly care products and services by credible start-ups. The SAGE portal will be opened for applications from 5th June 2021 onwards. The start-ups will be selected on the basis of innovative products and services, which they should be able to provide across sectors such as health, housing, and care centres, apart from technological access linked to finances, food and wealth management, and legal guidance. The SAGE project aims to identify, evaluate, verify, aggregate, and deliver products, solutions and services directly…
05 June, 2021
Old age
National policy on Older persons and LASI Report LASI Report Longitudinal Aging Study of India has collected information on chronic conditions in elderly above 60 years of age, the study findings are given below: Self-reported prevalence of chronic conditions S.N. Condition Percentage 1 Hypertension 32% 2 Stroke 2.7 % 3 Diabetes & High blood sugar 14.2 % 4 Chronic Lung Disease 8.3 % National Policy for Older Person (NPOP)-1999 was formulated by MoSJ with the goal of ensuring the well-being of older persons. There are 14 Principle Areas of Intervention Under NPOP-1999, of which one of the principal areas of intervention is Health Care & Nutrition. The Ministry of…
20 June, 2021
Old age
A Bullet Train to Hunger The monthly report from the Finance Ministry in October stated, “From a trickle in not so distant past to now a sea of humanity coming out on the streets, the people of India have embraced the new normal where self-protection is inseparable from economic activity.” It attempts to poetically celebrate the spirit of resilience among the people by alluding to “self-protection shying away from the government’s responsibility of social protection. The experience for the poor is a kind of syndemic: a juxtaposition of the healthcare crisis due to the pandemic and the daily precarity of…
13 May, 2021
Social issues
Status of women in India According to the WEF report, raising women’s participation in the labour force can increase India’s GDP significantly. A working woman creates a lot more employment in the economy thus providing a source of livelihood for others. The declining women’s labour force participation, gender pay gap, and high rates of informal work with a lack of social security are seen as impediments to the goal of gender equality and the empowerment of women in India. Factors for Low Workforce Participation of Women There are multiple factors responsible for low women's participation in the workforce ranging from…
06 June, 2021
Women
Widened Scope Of Section-304B The Supreme Court indicated in a judgment on Friday that a straitjacket and literal interpretation of a penal provision on dowry death may have blunted the battle against the "long-standing social evil". India reports the highest total number of dowry deaths with 8,391 such deaths reported in 2010, meaning there are 1.4 deaths per 100,000 women. Adjusted for population, Pakistan, with 2,000 per year, has the highest rate of dowry death at 2.45 per 100,000 women. Cruelty by a husband or his relatives (31.9%) followed by an assault on a woman with intent to outrage her…
29 May, 2021
Women
The Ills of Patriarchy Patriarchy generally refers to the hierarchical power relation in which men are dominant and women are subordinate. The subordination of women is explicit in many ways, in both private and public spheres, where women are denied rights and access to many things that are easily available to men. Patriarchy as a concept/tool helps in the critical understanding of the status of women in any society. In India, this nexus between patriarchy and the caste system has been found to be historically exploitative and mutually feeding off each other. Caste in India Caste divisions in India dictate…
08 June, 2021
Social issues
UNFPA Study on Bodily Autonomy The United Nations Population Fund recently released a report "My Body is My Own". The report is about women's power to make decisions about their bodies. It also reported on the laws in different countries that Support women's rights in this matter. Findings of the report: Nearly half of the women in the world cannot make their own decisions on controlling their bodies. This mainly includes using contraception and also decisions about physical intercourse. According to the report, in 57 developing countries where the data was available, 45% of women were not fully empowered to make…
16 May, 2021
Women
Disability identity and COVID-19 GS-Paper-1: Social issues and inclusion– UPSC PRELIMS – Mains Application Persons with disabilities (PWD) are those who have long-term impairment in terms of physical, mental, sensory and psychological conditions which can stop their equal participation in all aspects of society if met with various barriers. As per Census 2011, in India, out of the total population of 121 crores, about 2.68 Cr persons are ‘Disabled’ (2.21% of the total population) Out of 2.68 crores, 1.5 crores are males and 1.18 crore are females Majority (69%) of the disabled population resided in rural areas Constitutional Frameworks for Disabled…
11 May, 2021
Disability
World Economic Forum’s: Global Gender Gap Report 2021 GS-Paper-1: Social issue and Sociology Optional – UPSC PRELIMS – Mains Application Context: World Economic Forum report is providing essential insight about Gender and its empowerment and status which UPSC candidates can utilize in PT for facts and in Sociology optional and ESSAY writing as a reference of Women's status. WEF AIMS and Objective: https://www.weforum.org/ Facts: It was first published in 2006 by the WEF. It benchmarks 156 countries on their progress towards gender parity in four dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival and Political Empowerment. Over the Index, the highest possible score is…
01 April, 2021
Gender issue
Impact of CoVID on Women and Adolescent girls The study is titled ‘COVID In Her Voice: A Girl-led and Centred Participatory Research Study It was conducted by girls aged 13-24 from Ahmedabad, Alwar, Bareilly, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune within their communities. The study was supported by the U.K. government and conducted by EMpower, global philanthropy focused on at-risk youth in emerging markets. It adopted a unique methodology where girls were trained as researchers to conduct interviews with a total of 153 girls from their respective communities. Findings of the study 25 girls from seven cities set out to interview…
17 April, 2021
Women
Manual Scavenging in India Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Prelims and Mains focus: about the problem of manual scavenging in India; reasons and govt’s efforts in curbing it. Background While civil society started a movement in the 1990s to abolish dry latrines, the focus now is on manhole deaths and provision of safety equipment to sanitation workers. The movement has been demanding the abolition of the dehumanising practice of the manual removal…
20 January, 2022
Manual Scavenging
Pallid state of reservation in some of India’s elite institutions. Some of the striking data show 62% unfilled vacancies for SC in the IIMs and 90% for OBC in the IISc, while vacant positions are on average about 38% to 52%, taking Central Universities, IISERs, IIT (non-faculty), IGNOU, and Sanskrit Central Universities into account. The data confirm that the trend seen earlier in the IIT system extends to many more institutions, highlighting a serious mismatch between the government’s equity-building goals and actual recruitment outcomes
19 March, 2021
Discrimination
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2020 What is the news? The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 which increases the time period within which an abortion may be carried out. Opposition MPs said the Bill still did not give women the freedom to decide since they would need a nod from a medical board in the case of pregnancies beyond 24 weeks. Currently, abortion requires the opinion of one doctor if it is done within 12 weeks of conception, and two doctors if it is done between 12 and 20 weeks. The Bill…
17 March, 2021
Women
Stages of Communalism What is communalism? Bipan Chandra, in his book, “Communalism in Modern India”, defines as “Communalism is an ideology based on the belief that Indian society is divided into religious communities, whose economic, political, social and cultural interests diverge and are even hostile to each other because of their religious differences.” 3 stages of communalism In this context, it is important to be aware of the three important phrases which the great historian, Bipan Chandra, mentioned in his book, “Communalism in Modern India”. 1. First Stage-Communal Consciousness The 1st stage of communalism, according to Bipan Chandra, originated mainly…
16 March, 2021
Social issues
National Social Assistance Programme NSAP stands for National Social Assistance Programme. NSAP was launched on 15th August 1995. It is under the Ministry of Rural Development. The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) represents a significant step toward the fulfilment of the Directive Principles in Articles 41 and 42 of the Constitution recognizing the concurrent responsibility of the Central and State Governments in the matter. In particular, Article 41 of the Constitution of India directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want within the…
10 March, 2021
Social inclusion
International Women’s Day Background Among the many “international days” initiated by the United Nations, the best known is the one for women. Given its widespread institutionalisation by nation-states as well as private corporations targeting the woman consumer, many may now know something about its history. It began over a century ago as a commemoration of the struggles of women factory workers and was first organised by socialist movements as “international women’s day”. From the 1920s onwards, it began to be celebrated annually by communist parties, first in the Soviet Union and then in China. Much later, the United Nations “established”…
08 March, 2021
Women
Initiatives for Transgender persons This is the first-of-its-kind gender-inclusive community policing initiative in the country, the Cyberabad police inaugurated a ‘Transgender Community Desk’ at Gachibowli Police Station. The desk will be managed by a police liaison officer and a transgender person who is designated as a community coordinator. It will be the focal point for all grievance redressal among the transgender community in the Cyberabad Commissionerate. The desk will provide support to file cases in offences related to violence or discrimination against any transgender person. Among other services, the desk will also provide counselling, legal aid, life skills, soft skills…
07 March, 2021
Social issues
Data on Higher education in marginalised communities. RTI data showed that SC students constituted only 7.6% and STs were just 1.2%. The reservation policy requires that 15% of seats be allocated to SCs and 7.5% to STs. The Acceptance Rate (refers to the number of students admitted for every 100 applicants) is very low . While General Category (GC) students, which in the case of the IITs predominantly refers to those from privileged, communities, had an acceptance rate of 4.4%, it was 2.9% for SCs and 2.7% for STs. Only 167 of the 5,855 SC applicants and 27 of the…
24 February, 2021
Discrimination
Data on Disability Disability Less than 7% of public buses in the country were fully accessible to wheelchair users as of December 2020, with the target of 25% of buses being accessible by June 2022 under the Accessible India Campaign. Only 0.2% of 1.02 lakh intercity buses are when chair accessible. Upto 45000 buses operating in urban areas, only 22.3% are fully wheelchair accessible. Data by: The Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities(DEPwD) via a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways report in January,2021.
21 February, 2021
Disability
Indian Sign Language Dictionary Launched Prepared by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. To give deaf people the constitutional right to speech and opportunity of freedom of expression.
18 February, 2021
Disability
Education Data: Gender issues Each year in December, the prestigious Nobel Prize is awarded to scientists who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind. However, since its inception in 1901, only 25 women have won a Nobel Prize in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine and Economics — a distressing disparity that reflects deeply ingrained gender stereotypes, biases and male-dominated cultures. Worldwide, women are not encouraged to pursue educations and careers in science and technology. Biases, both conscious and unconscious, limit girls’ and women’s progress within these fields. Not only are people more likely to associate science and technology…
01 February, 2021
Women
Impact of COVID-19 on adolescent girls and Education Prelims Pointers: Education is in the Concurrent List. It was put into the Concurrent list (List III under Article 246) after the 42nd Constitution Amendment Act, 1976. Like the rest of the population, as many as 120 million adolescent girls (data for Mains) — roughly one-tenth of the nation — are experiencing a never-before situation. However, the disruption they are facing is likely to push back the gains made in the previous decades. Adolescent girls’ welfare and entitlements are linked to a host of development indicators, including women’s workforce participation, morbidity rates…
25 January, 2021
Issues related to Child
Tribal issues For almost two decades now, Chellapan and his family have been forced to lead a nomadic life after being ‘banished’ from their tribal colony. The punishment came after Chellappan, who belongs to the Muthuvan tribe, married his maternal cousin, which is prohibited in the community. He and his wife Yasodha were ostracised from the Adichilthotty tribal colony in Athirappilly panchayat in the Edamalayar forest range, straddling Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. Since then the couple lived on the banks of the Edamalayar reservoir scrounging a living by fishing. Their two sons, who study at a tribal hostel at Vazhachal,…
23 January, 2021
Tribes
All woman cockpit crew The first non-stop flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru, flown by four women pilots, landed at Kempegowda International airport in Bengaluru at 3.07 am on Monday, flying over the North Pole and covering a distance of about 16,000 kilometers. The flight was operated by an all-women cockpit crew of Captain Zoya Aggarwal (P1), Captain Papagari Thanmai (P1), Captain Akansha Sonaware (P2) and Captain Shivani Manhas (P2), who responded to the cheers and clapping by showing the thumbs-up sign. Woman power Captain Zoya Aggarwal, who headed the all-woman cockpit crew of the first Air India flight from…
12 January, 2021
Women
Status of Gender Inequality in India Is the electoral promise of paying women for carrying out domestic work and care work a progressive public policy? The proposal, put forth by Kamal Haasan’s political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, has generated curiosity and reopened the old but unsettled academic debate. On the face of it, the proposal might appear progressive. However, closer scrutiny suggests otherwise. A disproportionate burden of work Women bear a disproportionately high burden of unpaid domestic work and care work in India. It would be instructive here to examine how Tamil Nadu, where the electoral promise is being made,…
12 January, 2021
Women
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2020 What is the news? The Delhi High Court has directed the Medical Superintendent of All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) to constitute a medical board to examine the condition of a 25-week pregnant woman, whose foetus is suffering from serious abnormalities. The court’s direction came while hearing a petition by a woman seeking permission to undergo medical termination of her 25-week pregnancy on the ground that the foetus was suffering from Bilateral Agenesis and Anlyaramni. In India, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act stipulates a ceiling of 20 weeks, for termination of…
01 January, 2021
Women
Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADIP) Camp GS-Paper-1 Social Issue (Mains-essay) Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment has virtually inaugurated an Assistance to Disabled Persons Camp for free distribution of assistive aids and devices to Divyangjan or Divyang. These are Hindi word meaning the ‘one with a divine body’. The Prime Minister decided that persons with disabilities should no longer be referred to as disabled persons or viklang (someone with non-functional body parts). Facts: The camp was organized by the **Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Kanpur. ALIMCO is a not-for-profit Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) established in 1972 and it works under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Person with Disability (DEPwD). Assistance to Disabled Persons Scheme: It is in…
01 December, 2020
Disability
Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill The Scottish parliament passed landmark legislation that has made period products such as sanitary pads and tampons free of cost to those people who need them. Features Scotland is the first country to take such a step. The bill was passed with the aim of tackling “period poverty”, which is when some people who need period products struggle to afford them. Central objective: To end the silence and stigma that surrounds menstruation. Aim: (1) To remove gendered barriers; (2) To ensure that those who menstruate have reasonably convenient access to period products free of…
28 November, 2020
Women
Abortion Laws in Poland Recently, women in Poland have been protesting a court ruling that drastically restricts their right to access safe and legal abortions. The existing 1993 abortion law of Poland permits the termination of pregnancy on the grounds of foetal defects. These are already considered some of the strictest laws in Europe and after the enactment of the court’s decision, abortions will only be permitted in cases of rape, incest, or if there is a threat to the mother’s life. Abortion Law = Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill, 2020 amends MTP Act, 1971 It is related to abortion,…
25 October, 2020
Women
Single Male Parent Male Government employees who are single parents will now be eligible for childcare leave. Single male parents include unmarried employees, widowers and divorcees, who may be expected to take up the responsibility of caring for a child single-handedly. Features: Child care leave can be granted at 100% of leave salary for the first 365 days and 80% of leave salary for the next 365 days. In the case of a disabled child, the condition of availing child care leave up to the age of 22 years of the child has been removed and now child care leave…
28 October, 2020
Child
National Council for Transgender Persons Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment constituted the National Council for Transgender Persons, under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Background Indian Census never recognized third gender i.e. Transgender while collecting census data. But in 2011, data on Transgender was collected with details related to their employment, literacy and caste. As per the 2011 Census, the total population of Transgender is 4.88 lakhs, the highest being in Uttar Pradesh followed by Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar. In the National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India case (2014), the Supreme Court of India…
24 August, 2020
Ministry of Social Justice
YuWaah UNICEF launched Generation Unlimited India (YuWaah) in 2019. It is a multi-stakeholder alliance which aims to facilitate youth to gain relevant skills for productive lives and the future of work. The target age group includes adolescent girls and boys. Its key mission is to promote among youth foundational skills, life skills and flexible learning and to identify and scale impactful delivery models. Union Ministry of Youth Affairs has recently signed a Statement of Intent with YuWaah. The partnership aims to promote volunteerism among the youth of India as well as to help them transition from education and learning to…
28 July, 2020
Youth
Maternal Mortality Ratio Paper-3 Health/Women (Mains-Optional) Recently, the Office of the Registrar General’s Sample Registration System (SRS) released a special bulletin on Maternal Mortality in India 2016-18. As per the World Health Organization, maternal death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management. Maternal Mortality Ratio of the Country: MMR has declined to 113 in 2016-18 from 122 in 2015-17 and 130 in 2014-2016. MMR is defined as the number of maternal deaths during a given time period per 1,00,000 live births during the same time period. Target 3.1 of Sustainable Development Goals…
19 July, 2020
Women
Reservations for Divyangjan- Persons with Disability GS-PAPER-1 Social issue (MAINS- IV) The Supreme Court, in a significant decision, confirmed that persons with disabilities are also socially backward. The decision highlighted that Divyangjan are entitled to the same benefits of relaxation as Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates in public employment and education. SC upheld a 2012 judgment of the Delhi High Court in Anamol Bhandari vs. Delhi Technological University. Constitutional provisions on reservations Article 15 (4) empowers the State to make special provisions for the advancement of the SCs and the STs. E.g. providing fee concession in admission to any educational institution, building…
18 July, 2020
Disability
Issue of Caste in America and Elsewhere GS-PAPER-2 Governance – Caste (Mains and I.V) What is the issue? A lawsuit has been filed in California against Cisco Systems for allowing caste discrimination against a Dalit Indian-origin employee. In this context, here is an overview of the issue of caste in America and elsewhere, outside the Indian subcontinent. Earlier references to 'caste' in America? In 1913, A K Mozumdar, an immigrant from Bengal to Washington, applied to become an American citizen. US citizenship at the time was determined by race, and given only to whites. Mozumdar argued that as a “high-caste Hindu”…
10 July, 2020
Discrimination
Anthropause Period Recently, researchers have coined the term ‘anthropause’ to refer to the Covid-19 induced lockdown period and they will study its impact on other species. Etymology: The shortened form of prefix ‘anthropo-’ (for ‘human’) and ‘pause’. It is a more precise term for the lockdown period which is also being referred to as the ‘Great Pause’. It refers specifically to a considerable global slowing of modern human activities and notably travel. Impact: As a result of the lockdown, nature appears to have changed especially in urban environments. The unprecedented curbs led to reports of unusual animal behaviour and unexpected animals are being spotted more frequently. For example, reported sightings of pumas in downtown Santiago, Chile, of…
28 June, 2020
Ministry of Social Justice
Anti-Drug Action Plan Part of: GS-I- Social issue- Drug Abuse (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Recently, on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, an annual Anti-Drug Action Plan for 2020-21 for 272 districts was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The plan includes awareness generation programmes, identification of drug-dependent populations, focus on treatment facilities and capacity-building for service providers to curb drug abuse and alcoholism. Drug abuse or substance abuse is the use of illegal drugs (Heroin, Morphine, Opium etc), or the use of prescription drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used. Imp Points Action Plan for 2020-21 De-addiction Facilities: These would…
28 June, 2020
Drug Abuse
Senior Citizen’s Welfare Fund Insurance regulator IRDA has asked all insurers to transfer the deposits of policyholders that have been laying unclaimed for over 10 years to the Senior citizen’s welfare fund. The corpus of the Senior Citizens Welfare Fund comprises any credit balance in any of the accounts under the small savings like Post Office Saving Schemes, Banks, etc. remaining unclaimed for 7 years from the date of declaration as an inoperative account. The nodal Ministry for the administration of the Fund shall be the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Fund shall be utilized for such schemes…
18 June, 2020
Old age
PM Van Dhan Yojana Part of: GS-I- Social issue (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Coverage of PM Van Dhan Yojana proposed to be expanded from the current 18,000 SHGS to 50,000 Van Dhan SHGS, coverage of tribal gathers to be increased threefold to 10 lakh Tackling an unprecedented crisis of the nature and combating the challenges thrown by the Covid-19 Pandemic require different and innovative approaches. One segment that has been severely impacted during the ongoing crisis has been the tribal population. In such a scenario, the Van Dhan Start-ups, established under the scheme initiated by TRIFED, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have…
16 June, 2020
Social exclusion
Pradhan Mantri VayaVandhanaYojana This scheme deals with a senior citizen insurance scheme which promises the assured annual return of 8% for 10 years. The insurance is sold by Life Insurance of India for the citizens. The Minimum age of entry is 60 years of age with no maximum limit. Recent news The Union Cabinet has extended Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) for a period of three years. This social security scheme for senior citizens will now be valid till March 2023. Earlier, the scheme was open till 31st March 2020. Initially, an assured rate of return of 7.40% per annum for the year 2020-21 per annum…
11 June, 2020
Old age
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the ‘RashtriyaVayoshri Yojana (RVY)'. Its objective is to provide senior citizens belonging to the BPL category, who suffer from age-related disabilities, with physical aids and assisted living devices which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions. The Scheme is entirely funded by the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund (SCWF). Under the Scheme, assisted living devices such as walking sticks, elbow crutches, walkers/ crutches, tripods/ quadpods, hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial dentures, and spectacles are distributed to the beneficiary senior citizen.
11 June, 2020
Old age policy and programme
Stree Swabhiman Stree Swabhiman is an initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for women’s health and hygiene. It aims to create a sustainable model for providing adolescent girls and women access to affordable sanitary products by leveraging Common Service Centres (CSCs) established under digital India. The initiative is driven by awareness and personalised outreach by women entrepreneurs who produce and market sanitary napkins themselves.
01 June, 2020
Women
Hansa Jivraj Mehta Hansa Jivraj Mehta a social activist who served in the constituent assembly from 1946-1949, was a Padma Bhushan awardee. She was a member of the Fundamental rights sub-committee, the advisory committee and the provincial constitutional committee. Hansa Mehta’s most significant contribution to the constituent assembly debates was in trying to make the Uniform Civil Code(UCC) a justiciable part of the constitution. She also served as a member of the UN sub-committee on the United National Declaration of Human Rights committee. She successfully championed her cause changing the phrase in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, from “All…
29 May, 2020
personalities
About Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana - PMVVY PMVVY is a social security scheme for senior citizens intended to give an assured minimum pension to them based on an assured return on the purchase price/subscription amount. Extension of Pradhan MantriVayaVandanaYojana (PMVVY) up to 31st March 2023 for a further period of three years beyond 31st March, 2020. To allow initially an assured rate of return of 7.40 % per annum for the year 2020-21 per annum and thereafter to be reset every year. Annual reset of assured rate of interest with effect from April 1st of financial year in…
29 September, 2021
Old age policy and programme
Odisha Helpline “Bharosa’’ Part of: GS-I- Social issue (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) To relieve the distress of the student community during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government has launched the Central University of Odisha Helpline “Bharosa’’. Aim: To provide Cognitive Emotional Rehabilitation Services to all University Students of Odisha. Need Social distancing and self-isolation because of Covid-19, has led to declining in social interactions which further impacts mental and physical health. It is being called the ‘social recession’ i.e. a collapse in our social contacts. Benefit: This app would provide mental and psychological assistance to the students. Mental Health Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in…
13 May, 2020
Social exclusion
Children in South Asia could face health crisis amid COVID-19: UNICEF Part of: GS-I- Child issue (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Almost a quarter of the world’s unimmunised or partially immunised children – about 4.5 million children – live in South Asia. Expressing concern over the disruptions caused by immunisations due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned that South Asia could face yet another health emergency if children across the region did not receive their life-saving vaccine shots. Important Points Almost a quarter of the world’s unimmunised or partially immunised children – about 4.5 million children…
29 April, 2020
Issues related to Child
Child abuse and violence - Criminal law amendment bill - NCPCR (National commission for the protection of Child Rights) Part of: GS-I- Social issue (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) 336% increase in child rape cases from 2001 to 2011. Figures are underreported as the majority of child rape cases are not reported to the police. 9/10 rapes and sexual assaults are carried out by people known to the victim. Insensitivity and unhelpful attitude of the police, lawyers and untrained hospital staff makes prosecution and conviction difficult. NOTE: 1 in 6 BOYS experience some form of sexual abuse/ 1 in 4 GIRLS experience some…
22 April, 2020
Issues related to Child
PCPNDT Act: AIDWA Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) has asked the government to withdraw an order that could weaken the implementation of the law banning pre-natal sex determination. Important Points AIDWA referred to the gazette notification issued by the Health Ministry on 4th April 2020, which suspended Rule 8, Rule 9(8) and Rule 18A(6) of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994. The suspended clauses deal with: Process for renewal of registration of genetic and ultrasound clinics. Responsibilities of labs and clinics in maintaining and preserving records of all tests, techniques and procedures and sending a…
11 April, 2020
Women
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