Indian Society & Social Justice - 5 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

UNDP and DAY-NULM for Women Entrepreneurs

Context

Recently, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) have joined hands to empower women entrepreneurs in India.

What are the Key Highlights of the Partnership?

• Aim:
  • The partnership aims to provide support for women looking to start or expand their own enterprises in various sectors, such as care economy, digital economy, electric mobility, waste management, food packaging and more.
  • To enhance the implementation of national-level schemes for urban poverty alleviation and livelihood promotion by providing capacity building support to DAY-NULM.
  • To pilot innovative solutions, particularly in the care economy domain, to address the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs.
• Coverage and Time Span:
  • The project will cover eight cities in the initial phase and will span over three years, with the possibility of extension beyond 2025.
• Role of UNDP:
  • UNDP will offer national-level capacity building support to DAY-NULM, focusing on knowledge generation and management, such as compiling compendiums of best practices related to urban poverty.
  • UNDP and DAY-NULM will jointly engage in on-ground mobilization activities that involve identifying pockets of urban poverty and potential entrepreneurs, as well as facilitating access to business development services.
  • UNDP will also contribute to the initiative by developing community business mentors called Biz-Sakhis in selected project locations.
    • These mentors can support new and existing enterprises and serve as a resource for DAY-NULM at a later stage.
• Importance:
  • Women entrepreneurship is a proven strategy for poverty alleviation, financial independence, and reshaping gender norms.
    • Today, women account for only 15% of the total entrepreneurs in India. By increasing this number, the partnership not only empowers women, but also accelerates economic growth and ensures a happy and healthy society.
  • The partnership leverages UNDP’s experience in linking over 200,000 women with better employment opportunities, and DAY-NULM’s mandate of uplifting urban communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

What is Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission?

• The mission was launched in 2014 and is being implemented by the Urban Ministry of Housing & Poverty Alleviation.
• It aims to uplift urban poor by enhancing sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development.
• It is Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Funding will be shared between the Centre and the States in the ratio of 75:25. For North eastern and Special Category – the ratio will be 90:10.
• DAY-NULM has mobilized more than 8.4 million urban poor women across India, forming over 8,31,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in over 4,000 towns till 2023.

What Challenges do Women Entrepreneurs Face?

• Lack of female mentors and role models.
• Difficulty in maximizing the value of business networks traditionally dominated by men.
• Gender stereotypes and biases regarding logical and empathetic capabilities.
• Societal barriers imposed by patriarchal constructs and familial constraints.
• Challenges in raising finance and lack of creditworthiness.
• Limited avenues for financial management and reliance on others.

What are the Initiatives Related to Women Entrepreneurship in India?

• The Government of India and many state governments are running schemes to improve financial inclusivity for women. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana is one such high-potential scheme for women because it offers collateral free loans.
• The Dena Shakti Scheme provides loans up to ₹20 lakh for women entrepreneurs in agriculture, manufacturing, micro-credit, retail stores, or small enterprises.
  • The scheme also provides a concession of 0.25% on the rate of interest.
• The Government of India also launched the Stand Up India Scheme to leverage the institutional credit structure to reach out to the underserved sector of people such as SCs, STs and Women Entrepreneurs.
• Stree Shakti Yojana and Orient Mahila Vikas Yojana support women who have majority of ownership in the business.
• Women who want to enroll themselves in catering business can attain loan via the Annapurna Yojana.

Diabetes Mellitus and Tuberculosis

Context

India is grappling with a dual healthcare crisis characterized by two widespread and severe epidemics, namely, type 2 diabetes (referred to as diabetes mellitus, DM) and tuberculosis (TB). The prevalence of both these conditions in the country is alarmingly high.

Current Status

1. India is currently home to approximately 74.2 million individuals living with diabetes.
2. TB afflicts 2.6 million people in India annually.

Link between DM and TB: Relationship Description

1. DM and Respiratory Infections:

   • DM heightens the susceptibility to respiratory infections.

2. DM as a Risk Factor for TB:

   • DM is a significant risk factor that escalates the incidence and severity of TB.

3. DM and TB Co-Infections:

   • Co-infections of DM and TB adversely affect the outcomes of TB treatment in patients.

4. Prevalence of DM and Pre-Diabetes in TB Patients:

   • A 2012 study conducted in tuberculosis units in Chennai revealed that among individuals with TB, the prevalence of DM stood at 25.3%.
   • Additionally, 24.5% of individuals were found to be pre-diabetic.

5. Delayed Conversion:

   • DM delays the sputum smear and culture conversion in individuals with both DM and TB, extending the time required for TB bacteria to decrease below the healing threshold.

6. Impaired Immunity:

   • DM impairs cell-mediated immunity and disrupts cytokine responses, compromising immune function and elevating the risk of TB infection.

7. Altered Defenses:

   • DM alters the defenses in alveolar macrophages and small blood vessels in the lungs, facilitating the invasion and establishment of TB.

8. Higher Bacterial Load:

   • Individuals afflicted with both DM and TB tend to exhibit a higher bacterial load, resulting in more severe symptoms.

9. Radiological Findings:

   • Individuals with TB and DM are more likely to exhibit cavitary lesions in the lower lung fields.

10. Lung Function:

    • TB-DM patients display reduced lung function after TB treatment compared to TB patients without DM.

11. Treatment Outcomes:

    • DM increases the likelihood of unfavorable TB treatment outcomes, including treatment failure, relapse/reinfection, and death.

Impact: The co-occurrence of DM and TB has profound repercussions on patients, healthcare systems, families, and communities.

Way Forward

1. Integrated and Patient-Centered Care:

   • Implement integrated care strategies tailored to the unique needs of TB and DM patients, addressing their comorbidities.
   • Establish coordinated mechanisms for the diagnosis and treatment of both TB and DM, encompassing bidirectional screening, patient education and support, and DM treatment in newly diagnosed TB cases.

2. High-Quality Care for Comorbidities:

   • Enhance the provision of high-quality care for TB, DM, and associated comorbidities by incorporating them into comprehensive treatment plans.

3. Building Resilient and Integrated Health Systems:

   • Encourage increased commitment from stakeholders to develop and scale up robust and integrated health systems that effectively address TB, DM, and related conditions.
   • Advocate for stronger policy guidance and mobilize additional resources to bolster the development of integrated healthcare systems.

4. Enhancing Research and Data:

   • Expand on existing TB-DM research to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between these two diseases.
   • Promote research that investigates the nature of their interactions and devises appropriate response strategies.
   • Improved access to data will enable informed decision-making and enhance patient outcomes.

Additional Information:

• About Type 2 Diabetes:

  • Type 2 diabetes affects glucose utilization for energy in the body.
  • It hinders insulin utilization, potentially leading to elevated blood sugar levels and causing severe damage to nerves and blood vessels over time.

• About TB:

  • TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which belongs to the Mycobacteriaceae family comprising approximately 200 members.

• India’s Initiatives to Eliminate TB:

  • India aims to eliminate TB from the country by 2025, which is five years ahead of the global target set for 2030, under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

UNAIDS Report: Progress & Challenges in HIV/AIDS Fight 

Context

A recent report titled "The Path That Ends AIDS" by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) sheds light on the progress made in combating reveals the ongoing challenges and progress in the global fight against Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

• The report emphasizes the need for continued efforts to ensure access to treatment, address inequalities, combat stigma and discrimination, and secure adequate funding.

What are the Key Highlights of the UNAIDS Report?

• AIDS-Related Deaths and Access to Treatment:
  • AIDS claimed a life every minute in 2022.
  • Approximately 9.2 million people living with HIV worldwide lacked access to treatment in 2022.
  • Out of the 2.1 million people receiving treatment, many were not virally suppressed.
• Treatment Progress and Global Targets:
  • 29.8 million out of 39 million people living with HIV globally are receiving life-saving treatment.
  • Between 2020 and 2022, 1.6 million additional people received HIV treatment each year.
  • The global target of 35 million people receiving HIV treatment by 2025 is within reach if the progress is sustained.
• Slow Treatment Progress in Certain Regions:
  • Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa exhibited slower treatment progress.
  • Only around half of the over two million people living with HIV in these regions received antiretroviral therapy in 2022.
• Gender Discrimination and Treatment Rates:
  • Men living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia are less likely to receive treatment compared to women.
  • Gender discrimination needs to be addressed to ensure equal access to treatment.
• Impact on Children:
  • AIDS-related deaths among children reduced by 64% from 2010 to 2022.
    • However, approximately 84,000 children lost their lives to HIV in 2022.
  • Around 43% of the 1.5 million children living with HIV did not receive treatment in 2022.
• Challenges in HIV Prevention:
  • Women and girls accounted for 63% of all new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Only about 42% of districts with high HIV incidence in the region have dedicated prevention programs.
  • Enhanced prevention efforts are needed to address this gap.
• Funding Gaps:
  • HIV incidence has declined in regions with increased prevention funding.
  • Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa face challenges in their HIV epidemics due to a lack of funding.
  • In 2022, only USD 20.8 billion was available for HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries, falling short of the USD 29.3 billion required by 2025.
  • Fluctuating Funding Levels:
    • In the early 2010s, funding substantially increased, but it has since fallen back to 2013 levels.
    • In 2022, there was a 2.6% drop in funding compared to the previous year, with only USD 20.8 billion available for HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries.
    • The funding gap remains significant, as the required amount by 2025 is USD 29.3 billion.

What is AIDS Disease?

• About:
  • AIDS is a chronic, potentially life-threatening health condition caused by HIV that interferes with the body's ability to fight infections.
  • HIV attacks CD4, a type of White Blood Cell (T cells) in the body’s immune system.
    • T cells are those cells that move around the body detecting anomalies and infections in cells.
  • After entering the body, HIV multiplies itself and destroys CD4 cells, thus severely damaging the human immune system. Once this virus enters the body, it can never be removed.
  • The CD4 count of a person infected with HIV reduces significantly. In a healthy body, CD4 count is between 500- 1600, but in an infected body, it can go as low as 200.
• Transmission:
  • HIV spreads through contact with certain body fluids (blood, semen, etc.) from an infected person.
  • Transmission routes include unprotected sex, sharing contaminated needles, and mother-to-child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Symptoms:
  • Initial symptoms include fatigue, fever, and sores.
  • Progression to AIDS may lead to severe symptoms like pneumonia and certain cancers.
• Prevention:
  • Precautions can be taken to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment should be sought.
  • Pre-marital testing can be considered, including an HIV test, for overall safety.
  • Protective techniques should be used to ensure safety from Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

What are India’s Initiatives to Curb AIDS Disease?

• HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017:
  • According to this act, the central and state governments shall take measures to prevent the spread of HIV or AIDS.
• Access to ART:
  • India has made Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) affordable and accessible to over 90 per cent of people living with HIV in the world.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
  • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare signed a MoU with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2019 for enhanced HIV/AIDS outreach and to reduce the incidence of social stigma and discrimination against victims of drug abuse and Children and People Living with HIV/AIDS.
• Project Sunrise :
  • Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2016, to tackle the rising HIV prevalence in north-eastern states in India, especially among people injecting drugs.

Empowering the Tribal Society

Context

Recently, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North-Eastern Region in Rajya Sabha has pointed out various schemes and programmes that are introduced by the government with an aim of protecting, preserving, and promoting the country's tribal cultural heritage.

What are the Recent Steps Taken for Empowerment of Tribes in India?

• Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs): The Government of India has established seven ZCCs which are responsible for organising a wide range of cultural activities and programs across the nation on a regular basis, which will help in conserving tribal languages and culture across the country as well.
  • The councils are set up with headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur.
• Regional Festivals: Under the Ministry of Culture, several Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavas and a minimum of 42 regional festivals are organised through the ZCCs every year.
  • To support these activities, the Government provides Grant-in-aid to all ZCCs.
• Promotion of Tribal Languages: The government also provides grants to State Tribal Research Institutes for the promotion of tribal languages, the development of bilingual primers for the preservation of tribal languages and the promotion of tribal literature.
• Tribal Research Information, Education, Communication and Events (TRU-ECE) Scheme: Under this, financial assistance is provided to reputed Institutions for TRU-ECE scheme with the aim to promote tribal culture, artifacts, customs and traditions of tribal communities.
• Eklavya Model & Museums: Under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has resolved to establish nearly 750 Eklavya Model Residential Schools to support the education of tribal students.
  • The government has also sanctioned ten tribal freedom fighter museums in order to acknowledge the heroic and patriotic deeds of tribal people.
• Adivasi Grants Management System (ADIGRAMS): It monitors the physical and financial progress of the grants given by the Ministry to States and can track the actual utilisation of funds.
• Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: In 2021, it was decided to celebrate 15^th November of every year as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to mark the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.

What are the Constitutional Provisions Related to Scheduled Tribes?

• The Constitution of India does not endeavor to define the term 'tribe', however, the term Scheduled Tribe' was inserted in the Constitution through Article 342 (i).
  • It lays down that 'the President may, by public notification, specify the tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within the tribes or tribal communities or parts which shall, for the purposes of this Constitution, be deemed to be Scheduled Tribes.
  • The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution provides for the setting up a Tribes’ Advisory Council in each of the States having Scheduled Areas.
• Educational & Cultural Safeguards:
  • Article 15(4): Special provisions for the advancement of other backward classes (it includes STs).
  • Article 29: Protection of the Interests of Minorities (it includes STs).
  • Article 46: The State shall promote, with special care, the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and in particular, of the Scheduled Castes, and the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
  • Article 350: Right to conserve a distinct Language, Script or Culture.
• Political Safeguards:
  • Article 330: Reservation of seats for STs in the Lok Sabha,
  • Article 332: Reservation of seats for STs in State Legislatures.
  • Article 243: Reservation of seats in Panchayats.
  • Administrative Safeguard:
  • Article 275: It provides for the grant of special funds by the Union Government to the State Government for promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes and providing them with a better administration.

What Issues Are Faced by the Tribes in India?

• Land Rights: One of the most significant issues faced by tribal communities is the lack of secure land rights. Many tribes live in forest areas or remote regions where their traditional rights to land and resources are often not recognized, leading to displacement and land alienation.
• Socio-economic Marginalisation: Tribal populations often experience socio-economic marginalisation, including poverty, lack of access to quality education, healthcare, and basic amenities like clean water and sanitation facilities.
• Education Gap: Education levels among tribal populations are generally lower than the national average. Lack of access to quality education, cultural barriers, and language differences can hinder the educational development of tribal children.
• Exploitation and Bonded Labor: Some tribal communities are vulnerable to exploitation, bonded labor, and human trafficking, especially in remote regions where law enforcement is weak.
• Cultural Erosion: Rapid urbanisation and modernisation can lead to the erosion of tribal cultures, languages, and traditional practices. The younger generation may face challenges preserving their cultural identity.
• Lack of Representation: Despite protective measures, tribal communities often face inadequate political representation and lack a strong voice in decision-making processes that concern their welfare and rights.

Way Forward

• Land and Resource Rights: Recognising and securing land and resource rights for tribal communities is crucial to their well-being. Displacement and land alienation have been significant issues faced by tribes, and addressing these concerns is essential for their sustenance.
• Education and Skill Development: Providing quality education and skill development programs tailored to the needs and cultural context of tribal communities can enable them to access better livelihood opportunities and participate more actively in the mainstream economy.
• Healthcare and Sanitation: Ensuring access to proper healthcare facilities and sanitation is essential to improving the overall health and well-being of tribal communities, who often face unique health challenges due to geographical isolation and limited access to services.
• Empowerment of Women: Recognising the crucial role of women in tribal societies and promoting their active participation in decision-making processes, economic activities, and community development.
• Promotion of Indigenous Culture: Preserving and promoting tribal languages, art, traditions, and cultural practices are vital to maintaining the rich diversity of India's heritage.
• Participation and Inclusion: Encouraging tribal representation and participation in local governance and policy-making bodies, which will help ensure their voices are heard in matters that directly affect their lives.

World Drowning Prevention Day

Context

July 25 has been designated to be observed every year as the World Drowning Prevention day as per the 2023,76th World Health Assembly.

 About

• Drowning has caused over 2.5 million deaths in the last decade. The overwhelming majority of the deaths (90%) happen in low and middle-income countries.
• Globally the highest drowning rates occur among children aged 1-4 years,followed by children aged 5-9 years.
• The human,social and economic toll of these losses is intolerably high and entirely preventable.
•  The day shall help promote the prevention of drowning related deaths.
• The resolution in 2023, World health assembly is the first ever resolution on drawing prevention.
• To mark the day, the WHO’s PAHO-Pan American Health organization shall continue to focus on raising awareness on drowning as a public health issue,reminding people that “anyone can drown but no one should.” theme of the day
• The awareness is based on six evidence-based,low cost drowning prevention interventions that centers and organizations can use to drastically reduce the risk of drowning.
• The death of passengers onboard Titan killing all five , the fishing boat that sank off the Greek coast  with 500 people all migrants from Pakistan,Syria and Egypt and many more such disasters have made headlines from time to time on drowning related deaths. Of the major and many drownings children are at the largest at the risk of drowning.
• As per the National Crime Records Bureau’s statistics for 2021, there were 36,362 drowning deaths. The children in the age group of 1-6 years and 6-14 years  in India are the most vulnerable groups.
•   Apart from that “selfie-deaths”- death caused by taking selfies , multiple cases of young people and families going for pleasure dip and bathe and attempts to cross rivers, boat capsizes are some of the global causes of drowning deaths.
•  The key aspects of children drowning are the lack of supervision and the lack of physical barriers on the waterbodies.
•  As per experts, in order to curb drowning deaths rescue and resuscitation efforts may not always be timely and feasible and hence, safe behavioral and infrastructural measures should be the priority.

Quick-Fix Water Management

Context

Recently, India's increasing water stress has been met with a growing inclination towards quick-fix solutions by non-profits and civil society organizations.

• However, these quick fixes may not be sustainable in the long run. It's essential to examine these quick fixes carefully and ensure we adopt strategies that can last for the future.

What are Quick-fix Water Solutions?

• About:
  • Quick-fix water solutions refer to immediate and often temporary measures implemented to address water-related issues, particularly in regions facing water scarcity or challenges in water management.
• Various Interventions:
  • River Widening, Deepening, and Straightening: Modifying natural watercourses to increase water-carrying capacity.
  • Water Harvesting Competitions: Encouraging communities to harvest rainwater and adopt water-saving practices.
    • Limited impact without comprehensive water management strategies.
  • Tree Planting Along Riverbanks: Stabilizes soil and prevents erosion.
    • May not fully address larger water management issues.
  • Quick Infrastructure Development: Rapid construction of water facilities like sewage treatment plants and water grids.
  • Artificial Recharge of Aquifers: Injecting water into underground aquifers to replenish groundwater levels.
    • Requires sustainable management to combat depletion.
  • Desalination Plants: Converting seawater into freshwater to meet coastal water needs.
    • Energy-intensive and expensive, making it less viable in some areas.
• Quick-fix Water Solutions Initiatives:
  • Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan:
    • Maharashtra government initiative (2014) aimed to make the state drought-free by 2019 through river widening, deepening, and straightening, check dams, and desilting.
    • Experts criticize it for being unscientific, ecologically damaging, leading to erosion, biodiversity loss, and increased flood risk.
  • Water Cups:
    • A competition initiated by a non-profit organization in 2016 incentivized Maharashtra villages to harvest water for drought-proofing.
    • Critics question the validity and sustainability, as it overlooked water quality, groundwater impact, social equity, and maintenance mechanisms.

What are the Challenges in Quick-Fix Solutions in Water Management?

• Environmental Impacts:
  • Rapid interventions like river widening and deepening can lead to ecological damage.
  • Erosion, sedimentation, and loss of biodiversity can result from hasty projects.
• Limited Community Engagement:
  • Quick-fix approaches may lack adequate participation and consultation with stakeholders.
  • Neglecting the social dimension can lead to resistance and conflicts.
• Funding Dependency:
  • Relying on corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding can limit decision-making freedom.
  • Prioritization of projects influenced by donor interests rather than community needs.
• Neglecting Groundwater Management:
  • Focus on surface water solutions may overlook the critical role of groundwater.
  • Groundwater recharge and management are crucial for sustainable water supply.
• Conflicting Programs:
  • Some state projects may not align with community and environmental interests.
  • Examples: riverfront development, centralized sewage treatment, massive water grids.
• Shift from Critical Engagement:
  • A shift in mindset from in-depth analysis and understanding to a "techno-managerial approach."
    • This means placing too much emphasis on technical knowledge and problem-solving, which can lead to overlooking important socio-economic and ecological aspects related to water management.

What are the Government Initiatives Tackle India's Water Crisis?

• Amrit Sarovar Mission:
  • Amrit Sarovar Mission launched on April 24, 2022, the mission aims to develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration.
  • The mission seeks to improve water storage and quality in local water bodies, contributing to better water availability and ecosystem health.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana:
  • This scheme targets certain water-stressed areas in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • The primary objective of Atal Bhujal Yojana is to manage demand for groundwater through scientific means, involving local communities for sustainable groundwater management.
• Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA):
  • CGWA regulates and controls groundwater usage by industries, mining projects, and infrastructure projects across the country.
  • CGWA and States issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for groundwater extraction in line with guidelines, ensuring responsible water usage.
• National Aquifer Mapping Program (NAQUIM):
  • Central Ground Water Board is implementing NAQUIM to map aquifers in the country, covering an area of 25.15 lakh sq km.
  • The study reports and management plans are shared with States/UTs to facilitate informed interventions.
• Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater- 2020:
  • Prepared in collaboration with States/UTs, the Master Plan outlines the construction of about 1.42 crore Rain Water Harvesting and artificial recharge structures.
  • The plan targets harnessing 185 billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of water, promoting water conservation and recharge.

Way Forward

• Embrace comprehensive and sustainable water management strategies that address both immediate needs and long-term challenges.
• Foster meaningful engagement with local communities, incorporating their perspectives and knowledge in water management decisions.
• Prioritize investments in water infrastructure and capacity-building programs to build resilience against future water crises.
• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of water management initiatives.
• Promote responsible groundwater management and conservation practices to ensure water availability for future generations.