AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (15^th August 2024)

Release of Publication “Women and Men in India 2023”

GS 1: Society: Progress of Women and Men across sectors

Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) of the Government of India has released the 25th edition of its publication, “Women and Men in India 2023.”
• This comprehensive document provides an in-depth look at gender-related issues across various domains such as population, education, health, economic participation, and decision-making.
• It features data disaggregated by gender, urban-rural divide, and geographical region, helping to highlight disparities and progress in gender equality.
• The publication includes key indicators derived from official data from various Ministries and organizations, offering valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and the public.

Some of the significant findings

• By 2036, India’s population is expected to reach 152.2 crore, with a slight increase in the female percentage from 48.5% in 2011 to 48.8%.
• The proportion of individuals under 15 years is projected to decrease due to declining fertility rates, while the proportion of those aged 60 and above is expected to rise.

• Additionally, the sex ratio is forecasted to improve from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, reflecting a positive trend towards gender equality.

• The publication also highlights trends in fertility rates, showing a reduction in the Age Specific Fertility Rate (ASFR) for women aged 20-24 and 25-29 from 2016 to 2020, although the ASFR for women aged 35-39 has increased. This suggests a shift towards family planning later in life.
• The Adolescent Fertility Rate was notably higher among illiterate women compared to literate women, underscoring the importance of education in reducing fertility rates.

• Significant progress has been made in reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), achieving a milestone of 97 per lakh live births for 2018-20, with a target of reaching 70 by 2030 as per the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

• Similarly, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has decreased, with gender disparities narrowing. Both male and female IMR were equal at 28 per 1000 live births in 2020, and the Under-5 Mortality Rate has dropped from 43 in 2015 to 32 in 2020.
• Labour Force Participation Rates (LFPR) have increased for both genders, with male LFPR rising from 75.8% to 78.5% and female LFPR from 23.3% to 37% between 2017-18 and 2022-23.
• Voter participation among women has also improved significantly, with turnout increasing from 65.6% in 2014 to 67.2% in 2019, surpassing men’s turnout for the first time.

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized a total of 1,17,254 start-ups since January 2016, with 55,816 led by women, representing 47.6% of the total. This indicates a growing influence of women in India’s start-up ecosystem and highlights their increasing contribution to the economy.
• The report also reveals that women continue to be underrepresented in senior corporate roles. In 2023, there were only 34,879 women in senior management positions compared to 1,86,946 men, and 7,62,712 women on Boards of Directors versus 19,75,487 men.
• Despite a rise from 23,685 women in senior roles in 2017 to 34,879 in 2023, the increase for men during the same period was significantly higher.
• Further, women’s representation in the judiciary remains low, with only 14% of High Court judges and around 9% of Supreme Court judges being women.
• The report underscores the need for greater female representation in decision-making roles across sectors to foster more equitable governance. It argues that increasing women’s presence in leadership positions can drive improvements in areas like healthcare, education, and social welfare, benefiting broader communities.

Additional Information:

• Understanding the Key Terms
• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): IMF refers to the number of deaths of children under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given year, commonly used to assess a country’s health status.
• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): MMR refers to the number of maternal deaths due to pregnancy-related causes or termination per 100,000 live births during a specified time period, regardless of the duration or site of the pregnancy.
• The term “maternal mortality” refers to a woman dying while pregnant or within 42 days after having given birth.
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR is defined as the percentage of persons (15-64 years’ age group) in labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population.
• It estimates the active workforce and, combined with unemployment figures, offers insight into economic conditions.
• Under-Five Mortality Rate: The under-five mortality rate refers to the probability a newborn would die before reaching exactly 5 years of age, expressed per 1,000 live births.
• Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR): It is defined as the ‘number of deaths during the first 28 completed days of life per 1,000 live births in a given year or period’.

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President approves four Kirti Chakras, 18 Shaurya Chakras

GS 2: Miscellaneous: Gallantry Awards

About the news

• President Droupadi Murmu has approved 103 gallantry awards for armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on the eve of Independence Day.
• This includes four Kirti Chakras, three awarded posthumously, and 18 Shaurya Chakras, with four posthumous.
• Among the Kirti Chakra recipients are Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu, Colonel Manpreet Singh, Rifleman Ravi Kumar, and Deputy Superintendent Humayun Muzammil Bhat. Two Shaurya Chakras were awarded to Navy personnel and two to Air Force personnel, with five Shaurya Chakras given to CAPF personnel, including two posthumously.
• The President also approved 64 Sena Medals (Gallantry), including two posthumous, 11 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and six Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). Additionally, 39 Mention-in-Despatches were granted, including one posthumously to Army dog Kent.
• The Coast Guard received a President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service), one Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry), and two Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service) for exceptional bravery and service.
• Colonel Manpreet Singh was honoured for his leadership and bravery during an operation in Anantnag, where he led his team in a fierce gunfight, resulting in the elimination of a terrorist despite sustaining severe injuries.
• Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu was recognized for his courageous ambush operation along the Line of Control, where his decisive actions led to the elimination of terrorists.
• Rifleman Ravi Kumar received the Kirti Chakra posthumously for his bravery in engaging terrorists despite severe injuries, ultimately sacrificing his life to prevent their escape.

Additional Information:

About Gallantry Awards:

• The Government of India has established Gallantry Awards to recognize and honor the acts of bravery and sacrifice performed by officers and personnel of the Armed Forces, other lawfully constituted forces, and civilians.
• The tradition of awarding bravery honours began during wartime and colonial rule, with the British Crown instituting awards like the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Indian Order of Merit (IOM) to recognize acts of valour by soldiers in the British Indian Army.
• Following independence, the Government of India established the first three gallantry awards—the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra—on January 26, 1950, with retrospective effect from August 15, 1947.
• Subsequently, on January 4, 1952, three additional awards were introduced: Ashoka Chakra Class-I, Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and Ashoka Chakra Class-III, also backdated to August 15, 1947.
• In January 1967, these awards were renamed to Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra respectively.
• These gallantry awards are announced twice in a year, first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day.
• Each year, the Ministry of Defence solicits gallantry award recommendations from the Armed Forces and Ministry of Home Affairs (for civilians), with the Union Home Ministry subsequently publishing the list.
• Gallantry awards are categorized into two types:
• Wartime Gallantry Awards: These awards are given for bravery in the face of the enemy.
• Peacetime Gallantry Awards: These awards are given for bravery other than in the face of the enemy.

Three more Ramsar wetland sites now in India, taking total to 85

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Ramsar Sites

Why is it in the news?

• The Environment Ministry has announced the inclusion of three new Ramsar wetland sites in India, bringing the total number of such sites to 85.

More about the news

• The newly designated sites are the Nanjarayan and Kazhuveli bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, and the Tawa reservoir in Madhya Pradesh.
• This addition increases the total Ramsar site area in India to 1,358,068 hectares.
• India, a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 1982, has significantly expanded its Ramsar site list over recent years. From 1982 to 2013, 26 sites were added, while from 2014 to 2024, 59 additional wetlands have been designated.
• Tamil Nadu now has the highest number of Ramsar sites with 18, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10.
• The Ramsar designation, while not necessarily bringing additional international funds, helps in conservation efforts, enhances tourism potential, and increases international visibility for these wetlands.
• To be designated as a Ramsar site, a wetland must meet at least one of nine criteria set by the Ramsar Convention, such as supporting endangered species, serving as critical habitats for waterbirds, or providing essential food sources and breeding grounds for fish.

Additional Information:

Characteristics of newly designated Ramsar Sites:

1. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):
2. Area: The sanctuary encompasses Nanjarayan Lake, a large shallow wetland, covering an area of 125.865 hectares situated in the north-eastern region of Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu.
3. Biodiversity: The sanctuary hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna with around 191 bird species, 87 butterflies, 7 amphibians, 21 reptiles, 11 small mammals, and 77 plant species.
4. Ecological Importance:
5. Avifaunal Diversity: Acts as a crucial feeding and nesting habitat for resident bird species and provides essential feeding grounds for migratory birds during their migratory season.
6. Water Resource: Serves as an important water source for agricultural activities in the region.
7. Ground Water Recharge: Plays a vital role in recharging the groundwater table.

• Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):
• Area:
• Encompasses 5,151.6 hectares, located on the Coromandel Coast in Villupuram district, North of Pondicherry, and is one of the largest brackish shallow wetlands in peninsular India.
• The lake comprises three distinct parts: the brackish estuarine section, the Uppukali creek with sea water, and the Kazuveli basin with fresh water.
• Biodiversity:
• Flora and Fauna: Features a significant variety of habitats including estuarine, brackish, and freshwater areas, supporting a wide range of migratory and resident bird species, fish breeding grounds, and reed beds (Typha angustata).
• Ecological Importance:
• Avifaunal Diversity: Serves as a key stopover site on the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds and a breeding ground for resident species.
• Mangroves: Hosts degraded mangrove patches with Avicennia species and previously supported Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests.

• Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh):
• Area: The Tawa Reservoir, situated near Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh, spans 20,050 hectares with a catchment area of 598,290 hectares.
• Hydrological Features: The reservoir is formed at the confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers, with major tributaries including Malani, Sonbhadra, and Nagdwari.
• The Tawa River, a key left-bank tributary of the Narmada, is the longest at 172 km.
• Purpose: Originally constructed for irrigation, the reservoir now also supports power generation and aquaculture.
• Ecological Importance:

Habitat: The reservoir is a vital habitat within the Satpura Tiger Reserve, forming the western boundary of Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.

Biodiversity: It supports a rich diversity of aquatic flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species of plants, reptiles, and insects.

Avifaunal Diversity: Serves as an important habitat for both local and migratory birds, enhancing regional avian biodiversity.

Initiatives for Wetland Conservation:

• Global Initiatives:
• Montreux Record: A register maintained under the Ramsar Convention to identify wetlands that are in danger due to human activity.
• World Wetlands Day: Celebrated annually on February 2nd to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands.
• National Initiatives:
• Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: Regulations aimed at conserving and managing wetlands in India.
• National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): A comprehensive plan for the conservation of various aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands.
• Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme: A scheme designed to enhance the management and conservation capacities of wetland areas.
• National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP): Launched in 1985 to address threats to vulnerable wetland ecosystems and promote their conservation.

UPSC Civil Services PYQ’s

Prelims:

Q. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply? (2014)

(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.

(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland.

(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed.

(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site.’

Answer: A

Mains:

Q. What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. (2018)

The status of Hindus in Bangladesh

GS 2: International Relations: Bangladesh hindus

Why is it in the news?Top of Form

• In Bangladesh, the Hindu minority has faced significant challenges recently. Since Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government fell on August 5, over 200 attacks on Hindus have been reported across 50 districts.
• The collapse of policing during this period has resulted in at least five deaths among Hindu families, institutions, and temples.
• In response, Muhammad Yunus, head of the caretaker government, assured Hindu leaders at the Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka that “we are all one people” and that “justice will be given to all.”

More about the news:

• The 2022 census shows that Hindus number about 13.1 million, comprising 7.96% of Bangladesh’s population. Other minority groups, including Buddhists and Christians, make up less than 1%. Muslims are the majority at 91.08% of the 165.16 million population.
• Hindu proportions vary widely across divisions, from 3.94% in Mymensingh to 13.51% in Sylhet. In four districts—Gopalganj, Moulvibazar, Thakurgaon, and Khulna—Hindus exceed 20% of the population, while they are over 15% in 13 districts and over 10% in 21 districts.
• Historically, Hindus comprised about a third of the Bengali-speaking region that is now Bangladesh at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, their share has significantly declined, with every census from 1901 showing a decrease.

• The sharpest decline occurred between 1941 and 1974, during the East Pakistan period. The 1951 census recorded a drop in absolute Hindu numbers from 11.8 million to around 9.2 million, but this figure gradually recovered to 11.8 million by 2001.
• Meanwhile, the Muslim population grew from 29.5 million in 1941 to 110.4 million in 2001. The Muslim proportion increased from about 66.1% in 1901 to over 91% today, mirroring the decline in the Hindu population.
• This change is partly due to higher fertility rates among Muslims compared to Hindus, driven by socio-economic and educational factors.
• Partition and migration also significantly impacted demographic shifts. In 1947, around 11.4 million Hindus stayed in East Bengal, with only 344,000 moving to West Bengal.
• Despite ongoing tensions, significant migration continued, especially during the 1971 Liberation War, when approximately 9.7 million Bengalis, 70% of whom were Hindus, sought refuge in India.
• Since Bangladesh’s formation, the migration of Hindus into India has decreased, though factors such as border dynamics and periodic tensions continue to influence this trend.

INS Arighat

GS 3: Science and technology-Defence

Why is it in the news?

• India is set to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, which will be equipped with nuclear missiles to enhance strategic deterrence.

More about the news

• Commissioned into the Indian Navy on March 10, 2023, INS Arighat is India’s second indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
• Built at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, it complements the earlier INS Arihant in India’s pursuit of a credible nuclear triad comprising land-based, air-based, and sea-based nuclear delivery systems.

Key Features:

• The submarine has a submerged displacement of around 6,000 tons, is about 111 meters long and 11 meters wide, and is powered by a nuclear reactor {Pressurized water reactor (PWR)}, providing it with nearly unlimited range and endurance.
• It is equipped with ballistic missiles, including the K-15 Sagarika with a range of around 750 km and potentially the K-4 with a range of over 3500 km, to enhance its strategic strike capability.
• With advanced stealth technology for reduced detectability, INS Arighat incorporates lessons from INS Arihant to improve operational effectiveness and survivability.
• Strategically, it plays a crucial role in India’s nuclear triad by ensuring a credible second-strike capability, maintaining a strong deterrent posture, and contributing to regional security through its continuous presence in the Indian Ocean.
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Additional Information:

About INS Arihant:

• The Arihant class, India’s first indigenous SSBNs developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project with initial assistance from Russia, has been operational since 2016.
• INS Arihant and its class of submarines are classified as ‘SSBN’, which is the hull classification symbol for nuclear powered ballistic missile carrying submarines.
• While the Navy operates the vessel, the operations of the SLBMs from the SSBN are under the purview of India’s Strategic Forces Command, which is part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority.
• INS Arihant is presently armed with K-15 SLBM with a range of 750 km.

About SSBN:

• SSBN stands for Submarine-Launched Ballistic Nuclear, referring to submarines equipped to launch ballistic missiles.
• Features:
• These vessels are designed to carry and deploy Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) and are larger with advanced missile systems compared to other submarines.
• Like Submersible Ship Nuclear Attack Submarine (SSNs), SSBNs use nuclear reactors for propulsion and powering missile systems.
• Significance:
• They primarily serve as a strategic nuclear deterrent, forming a vital component of a nation’s nuclear triad with a secure second-strike capability.
• In India’s defence strategy, SSBNs offer a reliable and survivable nuclear deterrent, ensuring the capability to launch nuclear missiles from beneath the ocean, thus maintaining a secure second-strike option.