11-March-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES: OVERCOMING BARRIERS WITH TECHNOLOGY

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Women in India’s agriculture and fisheries sectors face deep-rooted inequalities due to limited access to resources and decision-making. However, targeted technological interventions are helping them overcome these challenges and improve their economic contributions.

Women’s Role in India’s Agri-Food Systems

• Women play a crucial role in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and agroforestry, contributing through both paid and unpaid labor.
• Institutional barriers restrict their access to land, credit, technology, and scientific knowledge, lowering their productivity.
• Gender, caste, and class-based discrimination result in women being assigned physically demanding and low-paying roles.
• Mechanization in farming has largely benefited men, while women’s employment has been reduced due to increased automation.
• However, technologies designed to ease women’s workload have proven effective in enhancing their efficiency and incomes.

Bridging the Gender Gap in Agriculture

• Initiatives like the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) are working to empower women by providing them with access to technology and skills.
• In Odisha’s Koraput district, MSSRF has promoted small millet cultivation, a sector traditionally dominated by men.
• Women, when given equal access to technology and financial support, can significantly improve their productivity and economic independence.

Gender Inequality in Agricultural Machinery

• Farm equipment like tractors and harvesters are often associated with male dominance in farming.
• Men usually control mechanized farming tools, leaving women with more labor-intensive tasks.
• Jobs such as weeding, threshing, and de-hulling are largely assigned to women, making their work physically exhausting.
• Training women in the use of farm equipment and technology can challenge traditional gender roles and enable them to take charge of agricultural operations.

Challenges for Women in Fisheries

• The shift toward large-scale mechanized fishing has led to men gaining access to higher-income jobs, while women remain engaged in low-paying tasks like processing and selling fish.
• The dominance of big seafood buyers and exporters has further marginalized women vendors, limiting their access to quality fish and profitable markets.
• Women fish vendors, who often earn less than ₹800 per day, struggle with high transportation costs and increasing debt.
• Lack of access to market information and financial support has made women in fisheries more vulnerable to economic hardships.

Empowering Women Fish Workers with Digital Technology

• MSSRF has introduced digital solutions to assist low-income women in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu.
• Women have been trained to use mobile phones, online payment systems, inventory management tools, and digital marketing platforms to improve their businesses.
• These digital interventions have helped women overcome structural challenges and become more economically independent.

Need for Gender-Responsive Technologies

• Gender-sensitive technological advancements can bridge the gap in productivity and earnings between men and women.
• However, deeply ingrained patriarchal norms continue to restrict women’s progress in agriculture and fisheries.
• Policies must ensure that families, communities, markets, and the state provide a supportive environment for women’s empowerment.

Conclusion

Empowering women in agriculture and fisheries through targeted technological interventions can enhance their productivity and income. However, sustainable change requires systemic reforms that promote equal access to resources, education, and financial opportunities.

INDIA-U.S. TRADE AGREEMENT AND WTO REGULATIONS

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

India and the United States have agreed to negotiate a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by late 2025. The agreement must comply with the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, particularly the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle and exceptions under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

Understanding WTO Rules and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

• The Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle mandates that no WTO member should discriminate between trading partners.
• FTAs serve as exceptions to MFN rules, but they must cover a significant portion of trade as per Article XXIV.8(b) of GATT.
• The proposed India-U.S. BTA must eliminate or reduce tariffs and trade barriers on a broad scale to be WTO-compliant.
• If the agreement lowers tariffs only for selective products, without extending the same to all WTO members, it will violate WTO regulations.

Interim Agreements: A Legal Approach

• WTO allows nations to sign an ‘interim agreement’ before implementing a full FTA.
• As per Article XXIV.5 of GATT, an interim agreement must:
  • Be necessary for forming an FTA.
  • Have a definite timeline (usually within 10 years) for full FTA implementation.
• If India and the U.S. classify the BTA as an interim agreement, it must eventually transition into a comprehensive FTA.
• If used only to bypass WTO rules without a genuine commitment, it would be considered non-compliant with WTO regulations.

The ‘Enabling Clause’ and Its Applicability

• The WTO permits deviations from the MFN principle under the ‘Enabling Clause’, allowing preferential trade access for developing nations.
• However, the India-U.S. BTA does not qualify under this clause because:
  • It focuses on reducing tariffs on U.S. goods rather than assisting developing economies.
  • India’s commitment to tariff reductions specifically benefits U.S. trade interests.

WTO Compliance Challenges

• The U.S. has previously adopted ‘reciprocal tariffs’, which contradict WTO principles by retaliating with equal tariffs.
• WTO allows Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) for developing nations, granting them greater flexibility in trade policies.
• WTO bound tariff rates limit how high tariffs can be set, and reciprocal tariffs could breach these commitments.
• India must adhere to WTO guidelines and avoid any trade deal that conflicts with global trade norms.

Conclusion

The India-U.S. BTA presents a major opportunity for enhancing bilateral economic ties. However, if not structured properly, it could face legal disputes at WTO. India must ensure the agreement aligns with global trade principles and maintains a transparent, rules-based system.

Practice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the World Trade Organization (WTO):

1. The WTO was established under the Marrakesh Agreement in 1995.
2. The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the WTO resolves trade disputes between member nations.
3. All decisions in the WTO are made by a simple majority vote of its members.
4. India is a founding member of the WTO.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2, and 4 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: B

Explanation:

The WTO was established in 1995 under the Marrakesh Agreement, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) plays a crucial role in resolving trade disputes among members.

The WTO follows the principle of consensus-based decision-making, not a simple majority vote.

India is a founding member of the WTO.

HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE SURVEY (HCES) 2023-24

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has conducted the HCES 2023-24 survey to analyse household spending patterns in India. The survey was conducted between August 2023 and July 2024, with findings published in January 2025.

• The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) helps assess the spending behaviour of Indian households on essential and non-essential items.
• It plays a key role in formulating government policies on poverty estimation, inflation trends, and economic planning.

Data Collection and Accuracy Measures

• Technology-Based Data Collection: Uses Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) and web-based applications for better accuracy.
• Validation Checks: Automated systems detect errors or inconsistencies in responses.
• Multi-Level Scrutiny: Ensures data reliability and minimizes mistakes in reporting.

Types of Data Collected

• The survey covered 405 items, classified into food and non-food expenditures:

Category	Examples
Food Items	Rice, wheat, pulses, vegetables, fruits, milk, edible oils, spices, beverages, processed foods
Non-Food Items	Education, healthcare, fuel, rent, clothing, entertainment, durable goods

Survey Coverage and Sampling Methodology

• Conducted across all States and Union Territories, except some remote villages in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Sampling Method: Uses random selection of households through Statistical Sampling (SRSWOR).
• In rural areas, villages are the primary survey units, while in urban areas, blocks are used.

Household Classification

• Rural Households: Categorized based on land ownership.
• Urban Households: Classified based on ownership of four-wheelers:
  • High-Income Group: Owns cars worth more than ₹10 lakh.
  • Middle-Income Group: Owns cars worth ₹10 lakh or less.
  • General Category: Households without high-value cars.

Conclusion

The HCES 2023-24 provides valuable insights into the spending habits of Indian households. The findings will help policymakers improve poverty alleviation programs, economic planning, and social welfare policies.

Practice Question:

1. Which of the following reports are released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)?

1. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
2. Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)
3. Consumer Price Index (CPI)
4. Global Hunger Index (GHI)

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1 and 2 only
1, 2, and 3 only
2 and 4 only
1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: B

Explanation:

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Released by NSO to provide estimates on employment and unemployment in India.

Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) – Conducted by NSO to assess the performance of industries.

Consumer Price Index (CPI) – NSO compiles CPI to track inflation trends in the economy.

Global Hunger Index (GHI) – Incorrect, as it is released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, not NSO.

FIVE YEARS ON: LINGERING ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

Even after five years, the economic effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt worldwide. The pandemic reshaped global debt, inflation, employment, travel, and digital commerce.

• The COVID-19 pandemic brought long-lasting economic disruptions, affecting growth, financial stability, and consumer behaviour.
• While economies have recovered in some aspects, challenges like higher debt, inflation, and labour market shifts persist.

Impact on Debt and Inflation

• Rising Global Debt: Governments increased spending on welfare, healthcare, and economic relief, leading to a 12% rise in global debt since 2020.
• Emerging Markets Hit Harder: Developing countries saw steeper debt growth, making economic recovery more difficult.
• Surging Inflation: Inflation peaked in 2022 due to stimulus spending, supply chain disruptions, and rising demand after lockdowns.
• Central Bank Policies: Governments raised interest rates to control inflation, but strategies differed across nations.
• Lower Credit Ratings: Due to economic slowdowns and rising debt, global credit scores declined, especially in emerging markets.

Changes in Employment and Travel

• Job Losses: Millions lost jobs, with low-income workers and women being most affected.
• Shift in Workforce: Employment rebounded but moved towards hospitality, logistics, and retail delivery sectors.
• Decline in Women’s Workforce Participation: Many women left jobs due to childcare responsibilities and job losses in female-dominated industries.
• Transformation in Travel Patterns:
  • Work-from-home reduced daily commutes, even though overall travel demand recovered.
  • The airline industry faced $175 billion in losses in 2020 but is projected to serve 5.2 billion passengers by 2025.
  • Hotel prices remain above 2019 levels, especially in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Oceania.
  • Higher Office Vacancies: With remote and hybrid work models, commercial office spaces remain underutilized.

Growth of the Digital Economy

• Rise in Online Shopping: E-commerce saw massive growth during lockdowns and remains stable today.
• Expansion of Retail Spaces: Businesses adapted by increasing both online and offline presence, with physical stores in Europe growing by nearly 1% from 2022-23.
• Digital Services Boom: Companies focused on delivery, digital transactions, and online trading flourished during the pandemic.
• Rise in Retail Stock Trading: In December 2020, retail investors contributed 27% of stock market trading, driven by the popularity of online trading platforms.

Conclusion

The economic aftershocks of COVID-19 still shape global markets, from inflation and debt to labour and digital transformations. Policymakers must balance growth, financial stability, and employment strategies to ensure long-term economic resilience.

END OF CHEAP PALM OIL? RISING BIODIESEL DEMAND IMPACTS SUPPLY

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The price of palm oil is rising due to sluggish production and increased use in biodiesel, particularly in Indonesia. As a result, global vegetable oil prices are increasing, impacting food costs and inflation.

• Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils, found in food, cosmetics, and industrial products.
• However, higher demand for biodiesel and production challenges are leading to supply shortages and price surges.

Impact of Indonesia’s Biodiesel Policy

• Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, increased its mandatory palm oil blend in biodiesel to 40% in 2024, with plans to reach 50% by 2026.
• Palm oil exports from Indonesia could drop to 20 million metric tons by 2030, down from 29.5 million in 2024.
• Limited exports and floods in Malaysia have led to palm oil prices surpassing soybean oil, causing buyers to reduce purchases.

Rising Costs for Consumers

• In India, the largest importer of vegetable oils, palm oil prices have remained higher than soybean oil for the past six months.
• Palm oil prices have more than doubled, rising from $500 per ton in 2019 to $1,185 per ton.
• Higher vegetable oil costs contribute to inflation, increasing food expenses for consumers.

Declining Palm Oil Production

• Indonesia and Malaysia, the top producers, are expanding cultivation at a slower pace due to deforestation concerns, limited land, and aging plantations.
• Over the past four years, global palm oil production growth has dropped to just 1% annually.
• Labour shortages, low rates of replanting, and tree diseases are further affecting yields.

India’s Dependence on Palm Oil Imports

Need for Imports

• India imports over 60% of its vegetable oils, with palm oil as the dominant import.
• Domestic edible oil production meets only 30-40% of demand, making imports necessary.
• Palm oil is preferred due to its high yield, cost-effectiveness, and versatility.
• Indonesia and Malaysia supply over 90% of India’s palm oil needs.
• Fluctuations in global palm oil prices impact food costs and inflation in India.

Challenges in Achieving Self-Sufficiency

• India struggles with low domestic production due to limited oil palm cultivation.
• Oil palm is grown only in select states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the Northeast.
• Farmers prefer traditional oilseeds (mustard, soybean) due to longer oil palm growth cycles (4-5 years).
• Land and water constraints, environmental concerns, and lack of processing infrastructure hinder large-scale expansion.
• India’s climate is not ideal for oil palm cultivation, leading to lower yields compared to Indonesia and Malaysia.

Government Initiatives and Future Steps

• National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) launched in 2021 with ₹11,040 crore investment to boost domestic production.
• Target to expand oil palm cultivation to 10 lakh hectares by 2025-26.
• Incentives for farmers and palm oil processing industries to promote cultivation.
• Import duty modifications to stabilize domestic prices and manage supply.
• Focus on the Northeast and Andaman & Nicobar Islands for palm oil expansion.
• Research and development on high-yield palm varieties to enhance productivity.
• Encouraging private sector participation and contract farming for large-scale production.

Conclusion

The rising use of palm oil for biodiesel and stagnant production are making global palm oil more expensive. India needs to reduce dependency on imports by boosting domestic palm oil production through policy support and research.

Practice Question

1. Which of the following statements about Biodiesel is/are correct?

1. Biodiesel is produced from renewable sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats.
2. It can be used directly in diesel engines without any modifications.
3. The Government of India allows blending of biodiesel with conventional diesel under the National Bio-Energy Policy.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Biodiesel is derived from renewable sources like vegetable oils (soybean, palm, and jatropha oil) and animal fats.

Most diesel engines require slight modifications to run on pure biodiesel (B100), though lower blends like B5 (5% biodiesel) can be used without modification.

The Government of India promotes biodiesel blending under initiatives like the National Bio-Energy Policy and Biofuel Policy, 2018.

INTEGRATION OF AI IN JUDICIARY

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Justice B.R. Gavai has raised concerns about using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, questioning its ability to handle complex legal issues and ethical considerations. Speaking at a conference in Nairobi, he emphasized that AI should only assist judges and not replace human decision-making.

Role of AI in the Judiciary

How AI Can Benefit the Judiciary

• Efficient Legal Research – AI can analyse legal precedents and judgments quickly, saving time for legal professionals.
• Case Management – AI tools can streamline case scheduling, documentation, and record-keeping.
• Predicting Case Outcomes – AI can analyse past judgments to provide insights into possible verdicts.
• Language Assistance – AI can translate legal documents, improving accessibility in multilingual regions.
• Reducing Backlog – AI-based automation can speed up case resolution and improve efficiency.
• Legal Assistance – AI chatbots can guide individuals seeking legal information, reducing dependency on lawyers.
• Enhancing Transparency – AI can help detect biases in judgments, promoting fairness in legal proceedings.

Challenges of AI in Judiciary

• Absence of Human Judgment – AI lacks emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and empathy, which are crucial in legal decisions.
• Privacy and Security Issues – Handling legal data through AI may risk information leaks or misuse.
• Algorithmic Bias – AI may develop biases if trained on flawed or limited data, leading to unfair judgments.
• Fake Legal References – AI models have sometimes generated incorrect case citations, creating misinformation risks.
• Accountability Issues – AI-generated decisions lack clear responsibility, making it difficult to address legal errors.
• Overdependence on Technology – Excessive reliance on AI may weaken human expertise in legal interpretation.
• High Costs – Implementing AI in courts requires significant investment in technology and training.

Conclusion

AI can improve judicial efficiency but must be implemented cautiously to avoid ethical and legal risks. A balanced approach, where AI supports but does not replace human judgment, is necessary for a fair justice system.

HONOURING TRADITIONS: JADAYASWAMY FESTIVAL OF THE BADAGAS

TOPIC: (GS1) CULTURE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Badaga community in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, recently celebrated the Jadayaswamy festival with traditional rituals, including a grand procession and firewalking ceremony.

Jadayaswamy Festival: A Cultural and Religious Celebration

About the Festival

• The Jadayaswamy festival is an annual event celebrated by the Badaga community in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.
• The main celebrations take place in Jackanarai village near Kotagiri, with participation from eight villages in the region.

Religious and Spiritual Significance

• The festival is dedicated to Jadayaswamy, a revered deity of the Badagas.
• It represents faith, devotion, and ancestral customs passed down through generations.

Key Rituals and Traditions

• A grand procession is conducted, where devotees walk to the Jadayaswamy temple to offer prayers.
• The firewalking ceremony is the main attraction, where devotees walk barefoot over burning embers to show devotion and seek blessings.

Cultural Importance

• The festival preserves the heritage and traditional practices of the Badaga community.
• It strengthens community bonds and reinforces shared cultural identity.
• It highlights the rich customs and religious beliefs of the indigenous people of the Nilgiris.

Conclusion

The Jadayaswamy festival reflects the deep-rooted traditions and spiritual values of the Badagas. Such festivals play a vital role in preserving India’s cultural diversity and keeping indigenous customs alive for future generations.

GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS RAIL SAFETY MEASURES

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, informed the Rajya Sabha about the various steps taken to enhance railway safety, modernize infrastructure, and expand electrification across the country.

Key Safety and Infrastructure Measures

Budget Allocation for Safety

• ₹1.14 lakh crore has been allocated to improve railway safety and infrastructure.

Digital and Technological Advancements

• 3,213 railway stations are now equipped with digital control systems for better monitoring.
• CCTV cameras have been installed at railway stations to improve passenger security.

Enhancing Rail Infrastructure

• 24,000 km of new railway tracks have been constructed to boost connectivity.
• 9,000 unmanned level crossings have been eliminated by constructing underpasses and flyovers.

Electrification and Sustainable Operations

• 45,000 km of rail lines have been electrified to reduce diesel dependency.
• Old diesel locomotives are being retained only for emergencies, ensuring smoother operations.

Manpower and Workforce Efficiency

• 5.02 lakh railway personnel have been recruited through a transparent process to improve efficiency.

Conclusion

The government’s focus on railway safety, digital monitoring, electrification, and recruitment is aimed at making India’s railway network safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable.