Nov 2nd to 4th 2024 Current Affairs

Index:

1. International Labour Organization (ILO) Report on Women's Labour Participation and Care Responsibilities

CONTEXT: Report Title: The Impact of Care Responsibilities on Women’s Labour Participation. Released by: International Labour Organization (ILO). Global Context: The report highlights the disproportionate burden of unpaid care on women globally, affecting their participation in the labour force.

Key Statistics:

India’s Labour Force Participation: 8% of women and 91.4% of men in India are outside the labour force due to personal or family reasons (not necessarily related to caregiving).

Time Use Survey 2019 (by NSO):
- 81% of females aged 6+ spend over five hours daily on unpaid domestic services.
- 2% of females aged 6+ spend over two hours daily on unpaid caregiving, compared to 12.4% of men.

Global Context: 708 million women globally are outside the labour force due to unpaid care responsibilities in 2023 (out of a total 748 million).

Regional Data:

Northern Africa: Highest percentage of women outside the labour force due to care (63%).
Eastern Europe: Lowest (11%).
Arab States: 59% of women outside the labour force due to care responsibilities.
Asia and the Pacific: 52%.
Latin America and the Caribbean: 47%.
Northern America: 19%.
Europe and Central Asia: 21%.

Challenges Identified in India:

Barriers to Women’s Workforce Participation:
- Disproportionate Care Responsibilities: Women face a greater burden of caregiving, especially in rural areas and among those with lower education.
- Societal Norms: Traditional gender roles restrict women’s labour force participation.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Poor early childhood care and education (ECCE) facilities limit women’s ability to work.
Gender Inequality in Unpaid Work:
- Women spend significantly more time on unpaid domestic work than men.
- This leads to reduced participation in the paid economy and limits women’s economic empowerment.

Recommendations:

Invest in the Care Economy:
- Particularly in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) to support unpaid caregivers.
- Increase investment to enable women’s participation in the labour force and promote gender equality.
Countries with Low Female Caregiving Burden:
- Nations like Belarus, Bulgaria, Latvia, and Sweden have less than 10% of women outside the workforce due to care responsibilities, largely because of investing 1% of GDP in care services.

Implications for India:

Policy Actions Needed:
- Increase investment in ECCE and care infrastructure.
- Promote gender-sensitive labour policies.
- Address social norms and provide support for unpaid caregivers, especially in rural areas.

Quote:

“Women shoulder a disproportionate share of care responsibilities, preventing their participation in the labour force due to factors such as low education levels, limited job opportunities, poor infrastructure, rural residence, and inadequate care and support systems.” — Sukti Dasgupta, Director, Conditions of Work and Equality Department, ILO.

2. Verification Patrolling Begins in Depsang

CONTEXT: Event: India commenced verification patrolling in Depsang, a key friction point in eastern Ladakh, as part of the disengagement process with China.

Significance: This marks an important step towards de-escalation of the four-year standoff between India and China, which began in 2020.

Disengagement and Patrolling:

Friction Points: Two major friction points — Depsang and Demchok — in eastern Ladakh were involved in the disengagement process.
Verification Patrolling: Indian Army began patrolling in Demchok on Friday, and Depsang on Saturday, following mutually agreed terms with China.
Pre-April 2020 Status: The disengagement agreement is expected to bring patrolling in these areas back to the pre-April 2020 status.

Sino-Indian Relations:

Troop Disengagement: Completion of troop disengagement at Depsang and Demchok is a significant step towards reducing tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Sweets Exchange on Deepavali: Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets at several border locations, symbolizing a positive gesture post-disengagement.
Previous Clashes: The June 2020 Galwan Valley clash was the most serious military conflict between India and China in decades, leading to a sharp deterioration in relations.

Strategic Importance:

Depsang Plains: Depsang is strategically crucial due to its proximity to the Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) airstrip and access routes to the Karakoram Pass.
Demchok: Another sensitive point along the LAC, important for its geographical location near major routes.

Implications for India-China Relations:

Thaw in Ties: The disengagement marks a thaw in bilateral relations, potentially reducing the risk of further confrontations.

Long-Term Strategy: India and China may work towards a more stable and peaceful resolution of border disputes through continued dialogue and de-escalation efforts.

3. The Collegium System for Judicial Appointments in India

CONTEXT: Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, during his tenure, led the Collegium with an aim to promote diversity, free speech, and dignity, especially for the LGBTQ+ community and those from marginalized backgrounds.

Challenges Faced:
- Despite efforts, no women were recommended for the Supreme Court Bench during his tenure, though one of his goals was to ensure a diverse judiciary.
- The Collegium’s recommendations supporting LGBTQ+ representation, such as the elevation of Saurabh Kirpal, an openly gay advocate, to the Delhi High Court, were stalled by the government.
- Other recommendations for judges like R. John Sathyan (Madras High Court) and Amitesh Banerjee & Sakya Sen (Calcutta High Court) also remained pending.

Delays and Government Inaction:
- The government’s delay in processing recommendations led to significant issues:
  - The Collegium’s recommendation to transfer Justice S. Muralidhar from Orissa High Court to Madras High Court was not cleared, leading to his retirement without transfer.
  - Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi was appointed as Jharkhand Chief Justice but was delayed by the government, resulting in a very short tenure of only 15 days before his retirement.
  - The Collegium had to retract a recommendation from September 2022 due to prolonged delays by the government.

Composition of the Collegium:

Supreme Court Collegium: Consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
High Court Collegium: Composed of the Chief Justice of the respective High Court and its two senior-most judges.

Historical Evolution:

First Judges Case (1981): Established that the executive held primacy in judicial appointments.
Second Judges Case (1993): Shifted primacy to the judiciary by introducing the Collegium system.
Third Judges Case (1998): Expanded the Collegium to include the CJI and four senior-most SC judges for Supreme Court appointments.

Collegium System vs. National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC): The NJAC was introduced to replace the Collegium with a more transparent appointment system involving both the executive and judiciary. However, it was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015 as it was seen to compromise judicial independence.

Criticisms of the Collegium System:

Lack of Transparency: Decisions made by the Collegium are often criticized for their opacity, as reasons for appointments or transfers are rarely disclosed publicly.
Limited Accountability: The Collegium’s decisions are largely internal, with little oversight or accountability to the public or other branches of government.
Diversity Issues: The Collegium has faced criticism for insufficient diversity in appointments, with limited representation for women and marginalized communities.

Government Delays: Repeated delays by the executive in approving Collegium recommendations have impacted judicial vacancies, as observed during CJI Chandrachud’s tenure.

4. Major Challenges Faced by Indian Cities

World Cities Day 2024 Theme:

Date: October 31 (observed every year)
Theme: “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability”
Context: Highlighting rapid urbanization and the pressing need for sustainable urban development.

Global Urbanization Trends and Challenges:	The world’s urban population is approximately 4.7 billion, or 57.5% of the total, projected to double by 2050. · Cities globally face unique challenges due to rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and vulnerability to climate-related events. · Despite progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), issues like inequality, infrastructure gaps, and climate risks persist.
Indian Urbanization and its Unique Path:	· Unlike the Global North, India’s urbanization was driven by industrialization, creating jobs that absorbed rural labor. · Factors such as colonial land revenue policies, emphasis on urban sectors for resource extraction, and green revolution-led rural distress accelerated migration from rural to urban areas.
Key Urban Challenges in India:	· Spatial Planning Deficiency: Lack of a structured urban planning framework. · Climate Change Vulnerability: Increased urban flooding, heat island effects, and extreme pollution, especially in cities like Delhi. · Infrastructure Gaps: Rapid, unplanned urban growth has strained urban infrastructure, resulting in poor housing, limited water access, and inadequate waste management. · Social Segregation and Inequality: Wealth-focused development leaves millions without basic services; approximately 40% of India’s urban population resides in slums. · Governance Issues: Despite the 74th Constitutional Amendment (aimed at decentralization), city governance remains under state control with limited powers and finances for local bodies.
Impact of COVID-19 on Urban Planning:	The pandemic highlighted weaknesses in urban infrastructure, especially in addressing healthcare, migration management, and basic services for displaced populations
Role of Climate Change in Urban Challenges:	· Indian cities are increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts, with rising instances of urban flooding, heatwaves, and air pollution. · Out of the 10 most polluted cities globally, 8 are located in the National Capital Region (NCR) around Delhi.
Structural Challenges in Urban Governance:	· Limited Local Autonomy: Urban governance is controlled by state governments despite elected representatives at the municipal level. · Low Budget Allocation: Less than 1% of the GDP is allocated for urban development, with limited funding and authority transferred to city-level governance. · Inadequate Implementation of 74th Amendment: Although urban functions are listed in the 12th Schedule, only a fraction of these powers are devolved to urban local bodies.
Urban Planning Issues:	· Planning agencies struggle with short-term solutions due to limited financial and administrative autonomy. · Long-term issues, such as sustainable housing, transport, and job loss management, remain unresolved, exacerbated by the uncoordinated growth of cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Key Takeaways for Policy and Governance:	· Addressing urban challenges in India requires decentralization, improved spatial planning, climate adaptation measures, and financial empowerment for local bodies. · Policies must focus on inclusive development, enhancing basic services, and building resilience against climate change to make Indian cities sustainable for the future.

5. India-Sri Lanka Fisheries Dispute in the Palk Bay

Background of the Palk Bay Dispute:

The Palk Bay, a narrow strait between Tamil Nadu in India and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing ground.
The dispute primarily involves fishermen from Tamil Nadu allegedly transgressing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and engaging in “bottom trawling,” which is destructive to marine ecosystems.
Frequent arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy have led to tensions between both countries, often requiring diplomatic intervention.

Recent Developments:

Sixth Meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries: Held in Colombo on October 29, 2024. India used the opportunity to advocate for a meeting between fishermen from both sides to address the dispute collaboratively.
Commitment to Long-Term Solutions: India’s High Commissioner, Santosh Jha, and Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Minister, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, emphasized the need for a long-term resolution that balances fishermen’s needs and promotes cooperation.

Proposed Measures and Ongoing Efforts:

Dialogues between Fishermen: India has proposed direct meetings between fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province to facilitate mutual understanding. Fishermen in Tamil Nadu demonstrated in favor of talks on October 25.
Humanitarian and Livelihood Concerns: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reported that as of October 27, 2024, 140 Indian fishermen and 200 boats were detained by Sri Lanka, underscoring the human and economic impact.
Marine Conservation Needs: Both nations recognize the ecological damage caused by bottom trawling, stressing sustainable fishing practices.

India’s Long-standing Position:

Release of Detained Fishermen: India regularly intervenes to secure the release of arrested Indian fishermen.
Deep-Sea Fishing Project: India launched a project in 2017 to promote sustainable deep-sea fishing as an alternative, specifically for Tamil Nadu’s fishermen, to reduce their reliance on Palk Bay resources.
Assistance for Sri Lankan Fishermen: New Delhi is encouraged to support schemes for fishermen in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, particularly those affected by the civil war, to foster goodwill and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Expected Next Steps:

Role of Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary Polls: The ongoing political process in Sri Lanka could influence future negotiations. India anticipates Sri Lanka’s political leadership to create favorable conditions for an agreement.
Collaboration on Sustainable Fishing Practices: India and Sri Lanka may revisit the 2010 understanding, focusing on shared fishing rights, reasonable transition periods for Tamil Nadu’s fishermen, and ecological preservation.

Diplomatic Push by India: India is expected to encourage the Sri Lankan government to provide a safe environment for negotiations and mutual cooperation.

6. Paradox of Stagnant Rural Wages

Context:

Despite strong GDP growth in recent years, rural wages in India have stagnated or even declined in real inflation-adjusted terms.
This paradox is attributed to a combination of factors such as increased female labour force participation and capital-intensive economic growth.

Key Economic Trends:

GDP Growth: India’s economy grew at an annual rate of 6% (2019-2024) and 7.8% in the last three years. The farm sector also saw growth, averaging 4.2% and 3.6% during these periods.
Wage Growth:
- Nominal wages: Rural wages grew by 2% annually, while agricultural wages grew by 5.8% in nominal terms.
- Real wages: Adjusted for inflation, rural wages declined by 4% per year, and agricultural wages grew by only 0.2%.

Rising Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):

Female LFPR Increase: The female LFPR in rural India surged from 4% (2018-19) to 47.6% (2023-24).
Government schemes such as Ujjwala, Har Ghar Jal, Saubhagya, and Swachh Bharat have freed up time for women by improving access to clean cooking fuel, water, and electricity, enabling them to engage in more productive work outside the household.
Impact on Wages: The sharp rise in women entering the workforce has led to an increased labour supply, which exerted downward pressure on wages.

Labour Demand:

Agricultural Sector: Most of the newly entered rural female workers have been absorbed into agriculture, which is characterized by low marginal productivity. This further depresses wages.
Capital-Intensive Growth: India’s economic growth has become increasingly capital-intensive and labour-saving, reducing the demand for labour, especially in non-agricultural sectors.

Nature of Economic Growth:

Labour-Displacing Growth: Growth in sectors like infrastructure, steel, and cement is capital-intensive and does not create proportionate jobs for the rural population.
Non-Agricultural Wages: Real wages in non-agricultural rural occupations have fallen, showing weak demand for rural non-farm labour.

Income Transfer Schemes:

Government Schemes: Income transfer schemes by the Centre and states (e.g., PM-KISAN, free grain schemes) have provided some relief to rural households.
State Schemes: States like Maharashtra (Ladki Bahin Yojana) and others have launched women-targeted income transfer schemes, which help mitigate the adverse impact of wage stagnation.

Key Takeaways:

Supply-Side Impact: Increased female workforce participation has enlarged the rural labour pool, contributing to stagnant wages.
Demand-Side Factors: Growth is capital-intensive, reducing job creation and wage growth, especially in non-agricultural sectors.

Income Transfers: Schemes like Ladki Bahin Yojana offer financial support to rural women, softening the blow of stagnant wages.

7. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been bringing back its gold assets from the Bank of England

Increased Domestic Storage Capacity:

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das noted that India now has the capacity to store more gold domestically. Previously, much of the RBI’s gold was stored overseas, but with improved infrastructure, the RBI feels more confident in holding a larger portion of its reserves within the country. This is a symbolic step toward asserting India’s sovereign capacity to manage its assets.

Reduced Need for Foreign Storage:

In the past, central banks like the RBI kept their gold in global financial centers, such as the Bank of England, due to concerns over security and storage capacity. However, with improved domestic storage capabilities, there is less need to rely on foreign institutions for safe-keeping, and storing gold at home reduces costs associated with overseas storage.

Increasing Gold Reserves:

The RBI has been purchasing significant amounts of gold over the last few years as part of its reserves management strategy. Gold holdings increased by 31 metric tonnes between March 2022 and September 2024, with total reserves reaching 854.73 metric tonnes. A larger share of these reserves is now being stored domestically, with 510.46 metric tonnes held within India as of September 2024.

Hedge Against Inflation and Economic Uncertainty:

Like many central banks globally, the RBI views gold as a reliable hedge against inflation and economic instability. Central banks have been increasing their gold holdings, particularly after the U.S. sanctions on Russia in 2022. This has been driven by a desire to diversify away from the U.S. dollar and invest in gold, which has seen price increases in recent years.

Geopolitical and Strategic Considerations:

In the current global financial landscape, many central banks are looking to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar by increasing gold reserves. This global trend of “de-dollarisation” is influenced by geopolitical events and concerns about over-reliance on one currency, particularly given the U.S.’s use of sanctions as an economic weapon.

Historical Context:

In 1991, during India’s balance of payments crisis, India shipped 47 tonnes of gold to the Bank of England as collateral to secure international loans. Since then, India’s financial position has strengthened, and there is less need to store large portions of its gold reserves abroad for credibility or security reasons.

8. The Global Tuberculosis Report 2024

Global Burden: India accounted for 26% of global TB cases in 2023, leading in both total cases and deaths. Four other countries—Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan—made up a substantial part of the global burden, with a combined total of 55.9% of TB cases (Chart 1).

Declining Deaths: TB-related deaths in India have been steadily decreasing over the last decade, from 580,661 in 2010 to 323,009 in 2023. Despite this improvement, India still accounted for 16% of global TB deaths in 2023 (Chart 2).
Incidence Rate: India’s TB incidence rate (cases per 100,000 population) dropped from 275.7 in 2010 to 194.9 in 2023 (Chart 3). However, the incidence of notified relapse TB cases reached a high in 2023, indicating a need for improved treatment strategies and follow-up care.

Gender Disparities: The disease predominantly affects males, but within the 5-24 age group, females showed a higher rate of TB incidence (Chart 4). This points to possible socioeconomic or biological factors affecting younger women.

Risk Factors: TB cases in India are closely associated with several risk factors, including undernutrition, smoking, HIV, diabetes, and alcohol use disorders (Chart 5). Among these, undernutrition remains a major driver of the TB burden in the country.

6. Funding: While domestic funding for TB prevention, diagnostics, and treatment services increased by 38% in 2023 to $253 million, it still lags behind pre-COVID figures. Simultaneously, international funding has declined in recent years, which poses challenges to sustaining TB control measures (Chart 6).