19-March-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

THE DYSTOPIAN SIDE OF INSTA-COMMERCE

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The rise of gig economy platforms in India has led to insecure, low-paying jobs where digital companies control employment conditions while workers lack job security, fair wages, and social protections. A recent controversy over ‘Insta Maids’ highlights the exploitation of domestic workers through digital platforms.

Impact on Urban Labourers

• In many cities, daily wage workers gather early in the morning, waiting for employers or contractors to hire them.
• Due to high unemployment, workers are forced to accept extremely low wages out of desperation.
• Job markets function like auctions where the lowest wage wins, making financial stability impossible for these workers.

Gig Economy: A Digital Labour Market

• Digital platforms have taken over the role of middlemen by providing jobs through apps, removing direct human negotiation.
• Gig jobs follow a task-based model, where workers are paid per task rather than earning a stable salary.
• These platforms misrepresent their system as providing ‘freedom of choice,’ while in reality, workers have no bargaining power.
• Instead of physically competing for jobs in a market, workers now check their phones for job listings, often agreeing to unfair wages.

Who is a Gig Worker?

• A gig worker is someone who takes up short-term or freelance jobs rather than a full-time permanent role.
• They often work in ride-sharing, food delivery, home cleaning, or service-based industries through digital platforms.
• Gig workers do not receive benefits like health insurance, paid leave, or job security.
• Their earnings depend on demand, making their livelihood highly unpredictable and unstable.

Exploitation Through Ratings and Low Pay

• Gig workers are isolated and unable to form unions or collectively bargain for better conditions.
• Digital platforms set terms without worker input, making job acceptance compulsory for survival.
• Customers interact with gig workers briefly but do not recognize their difficult working conditions.
• Ratings have replaced wages, forcing workers to seek customer approval instead of demanding fair pay.

New Forms of Exploitation: Insta Maids

• Digital platforms now offer domestic workers at extremely low wages, such as ₹49 per hour, further devaluing their labour.
• Many workers, desperate for employment, accept these terms despite lacking job security or fair treatment.
• Protests have emerged, with workers demanding rights, fair pay, and respect rather than being judged by customer ratings.

Challenges in Implementing Worker Protection Laws

• In some states, workers have successfully pushed for protective legislation to ensure:
  • A social security system for gig workers.
  • Access to their work-related data.
  • A grievance redress mechanism.
  • A tripartite board for discussions on industry-related concerns.
• However, many of these laws remain unimplemented due to political delays and opposition from businesses.
• Industry bodies argue that gig workers are “partners” rather than employees, denying them legal protections.

Corporate Contradictions and the Way Forward

• Business leaders publicly support worker welfare but privately resist legal protections.
• Claims of “financial security and dignity” are contradicted by efforts to block fair wages and better working conditions.
• Without proper legal protections, gig workers continue to be exploited under a digital system.
• Strengthening laws, ethical platform policies, and fair wage regulations are essential to ensuring justice for gig workers.

Conclusion

The gig economy should not only focus on customer convenience but must also ensure fair wages and dignity for workers. Implementing legal safeguards, ethical algorithms, and social protections can transform the digital labour market into a fair and just system.

Mains Practice Question:

1. Analyse the difficulties encountered by gig workers in India and assess the necessity of legal reforms to guarantee fair wages, employment stability, and social security. (150 WORDS / 10 MARKS).

INDIA’S MARITIME DIPLOMACY AND STRATEGIC ROLE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

India is actively strengthening its maritime influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through naval cooperation, regional partnerships, and strategic diplomacy. The recent Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat emphasized India’s growing role in regional security.

K M Panikkar’s Vision of the Indian Ocean

• K M Panikkar, a historian and strategist, highlighted the Indian Ocean’s importance for India in a 1945 essay.
• He stressed that while the ocean is crucial for many nations, for India, it is a lifeline for security and trade.
• Despite his insights, Indian policies have not fully integrated the concept of an Indian Ocean identity, except within the Navy.
• His vision suggests that India’s foreign policy must give greater importance to maritime affairs.

Absence of a Strong Regional Security Structure

• Unlike other regions, the Indian Ocean lacks a unified security framework for coordination and stability.
• Regional organizations like IORA, SAARC, and BIMSTEC have struggled to create effective policies due to conflicting national interests.
• The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is an exception, but its impact is limited.
• The increasing focus on the Indo-Pacific concept has further diverted attention from Indian Ocean-centric strategies.

Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) and the SAGAR Initiative

• The IOC, started in 2016, has become a key platform for discussing regional challenges and cooperation.
• It aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, launched in 2015.
• At the IOC 2024 in Muscat, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed issues like:
  • Middle East conflicts,
  • Threats to international shipping, and
  • Unilateral actions in the South China Sea.
• India showcased ten key maritime contributions, from disaster relief to security assistance.

Maritime Diplomacy and the Indian Navy’s Role

• India is using naval power to enhance foreign relations and ensure regional stability.
• The 2007 Indian Maritime Strategy stated that modern navies must support foreign policy goals.
• Maritime diplomacy allows India to use:
  • Humanitarian aid,
  • Joint naval exercises, and
  • Security partnerships to strengthen ties and deter threats.
• The Indian Navy’s quick disaster responses have boosted its global reputation.

Challenges in Using Military Power for Diplomacy

• India’s foreign policy has often relied on soft power (e.g., culture, diplomacy).
• Some experts argue that India must integrate military power, especially naval strength, into its diplomacy.
• Challenges include:
  • Bureaucratic delays,
  • Weak coordination between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• A well-funded security assistance program, including hospital ships and amphibious transport, could enhance India’s regional presence.

Enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

• MDA involves monitoring and securing maritime regions using real-time data and intelligence sharing.
• India collaborates with nations like Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka to protect trade routes and exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
• Indian Navy patrols deter illegal activities like poaching, smuggling, and piracy, reinforcing India’s position as a security leader in the region.

Conclusion

Maritime diplomacy is crucial for India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean. Naval strength can help India prevent conflicts, protect trade, and project influence globally. To maximize its maritime power, India needs stronger coordination between its Navy, diplomats, and policymakers.

Mains Practice Question:

Examine the role of maritime diplomacy in shaping India’s foreign policy, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and analyze the challenges in creating a unified regional security framework. (250 WORDS / 15 MARKS)

CHANDRAYAAN-3 FINDINGS ON MOON’S WATER ICE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has provided crucial insights into temperature variations on the Moon, revealing that water ice may be more accessible than earlier estimates. This discovery could play a significant role in future lunar exploration and space missions.

Significance of Water on the Moon

• Water is essential for astronauts’ survival and future space missions.
• It can be used for drinking, oxygen production, and as fuel for deep-space travel.
• Countries like the US, China, Russia, and India are focusing on long-term lunar exploration, making water availability a key resource.

Chandrayaan-3’s Temperature Study

• The Vikram lander, which successfully landed in August 2023, conducted temperature measurements.
• Scientists studied temperature variations up to 10 cm below the Moon’s surface to assess its thermal behaviour.

Use of Advanced Sensors

• The Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) onboard Vikram carried out temperature analysis.
• A probe with 10 high-precision sensors recorded temperature changes over 10 Earth days (August 24 – September 2, 2023).

Key Temperature Findings

• The lunar surface temperature reached 82°C in the daytime.
• At night, it dropped drastically to -181°C.
• These extreme variations suggest unique thermal properties of lunar soil, affecting water ice stability.

New Discoveries About Water Ice

• Earlier, scientists believed stable water ice existed only at the Moon’s poles.
• The study found that high-latitude regions may also support shallow water ice deposits.
• This expands potential landing sites for future lunar missions.

Implications for Future Missions

• Helps in planning future human settlements and resource extraction on the Moon.
• Enhances understanding of lunar thermophysics, improving water ice mapping.
• Supports long-term space goals, such as using the Moon as a launchpad for deep-space exploration.

CHANDRAYAAN MISSIONS 1. Chandrayaan-1 (2008) India’s first lunar mission launched by ISRO on October 22, 2008. Discovered water molecules on the moon using the Moon Impact Probe (MIP). Carried 11 scientific instruments from India, the US, and Europe. Mission lasted 312 days before losing communication in August 2009. 2. Chandrayaan-2 (2019) Launched on July 22, 2019, aimed at landing near the lunar south pole. Consisted of three components: Orbiter, Vikram Lander, and Pragyan Rover. The Orbiter continues to function and sends valuable data. Vikram Lander crashed during landing, failing to achieve a soft landing. 3. Chandrayaan-3 (2023) Launched on July 14, 2023, with only a lander (Vikram) and rover (Pragyan). Achieved India’s first successful soft landing near the lunar south pole on August 23, 2023. Made India the fourth country (after the US, USSR, and China) to land on the moon. Conducted temperature studies and confirmed the presence of sulfur and other minerals. Vikram and Pragyan operated for 14 days before lunar night set in.

Conclusion

The findings from Chandrayaan-3 mark a major advancement in lunar research. Identifying accessible water ice will make future Moon missions more feasible, strengthening India’s role in space exploration.

WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Women’s political participation in India has seen a significant rise in voter turnout, especially since the 2010s. However, their involvement in other forms of political engagement, such as rallies and campaigns, remains low, and their voting choices are influenced by caste, class, and regional factors rather than gender alone.

Paradox of Women’s Political Engagement

• Influential Leaders vs. Low Participation: India has had prominent women leaders like Indira Gandhi, but overall political participation among women remains limited.
• The gender gap in political participation narrowed globally in the 1990s, but in India, this shift occurred only in the 2010s.
• Homogenization of Women Voters: Women are often treated as a single group, ignoring differences based on caste, class, religion, and region.

Rising Voter Turnout Among Women

• Increased Turnout: Women’s voter turnout rose significantly in the 2010s, prompting political parties to introduce women-centric welfare schemes.
• Passive Beneficiaries: These schemes often portray women as passive recipients of benefits rather than active political participants.
• Limited Political Power: Despite higher turnout, women’s votes are often seen as influenced by welfare benefits rather than independent decision-making.

Beyond Voting: Political Engagement

• Limited Engagement: Women lag behind men in deeper political activities like rallies, campaigns, and advocacy.
• Decision-Making Independence: Only 14% of women seek advice from their spouses before voting, showing some independence, though this is still higher than men.

Impact of Caste, Class, and Region on Voting

• Diverse Influences: Women’s voting choices are shaped by regional, caste, and class factors, not just gender identity.
• Regional Party Influence: In states with strong regional parties, women’s preferences align more with local movements than national trends.
• Socioeconomic Variations: Voting behaviour varies based on community interests rather than a shared gender perspective.

Women’s Support for Different Political Parties

• Historical Trends: One national party has traditionally received more support from women, except in 2014.
• Another party has narrowed its gender gap but relies heavily on welfare beneficiaries for women’s support.
• Regional Variations: Women’s support for parties varies significantly across different states.

Key Takeaways

• Women’s voter turnout has increased, but their overall political engagement remains lower than men’s.
• Voting behavior is influenced by caste, class, and regional politics, not just gender.
• No distinct women’s voting bloc has emerged, as electoral choices are shaped by broader socio-political factors.

WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS

Women in the Lok Sabha (House of the People):

• 1952 (1st Lok Sabha): Women constituted approximately 4.4% of the total members, with 24 women MPs out of 543 seats.
• 1984: The number of women MPs increased to 8.1%, with 44 women elected.
• 2009 (15th Lok Sabha): For the first time, women’s representation reached double digits, with 58 women MPs, accounting for 10.7% of the house.
• 2014 (16th Lok Sabha): The number rose to 12.6%, with 68 women MPs.
• 2019 (17th Lok Sabha): The highest representation to date, with 78 women MPs, making up 14.4% of the total seats.

Women in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States):

• 1952: Women held 6.9% of the seats.
• 1970: Representation slightly decreased to 5.8%.
• 2014: Women occupied 12.7% of the seats.
• 2020: The percentage stood at 10.2%.
• 2022: Women constituted 12% of the Rajya Sabha members.

Women in State Legislative Assemblies:

Overall Representation: As of recent data, women constitute approximately 9% of all Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) across India.

State-wise Highlights:

• Chhattisgarh: Has the highest representation, with 14.4% women MLAs.
• Bihar: Women make up 10.7% of the assembly.
• Rajasthan: Women constitute 14% of the assembly.
• West Bengal: Women account for 12.5% of the assembly.
• Himachal Pradesh: Notably low representation, with only one woman MLA, accounting for 1.2% of the assembly.
• Mizoram: Currently has no women MLAs.

Global Comparison:

• Despite the gradual improvements, women’s representation in India’s Parliament remains below the global average of 25%.

Recent Developments:

• In September 2023, the Indian Parliament passed the Women’s Reservation Bill, aiming to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
• This landmark legislation seeks to enhance women’s participation in legislative bodies, addressing the longstanding gender disparity in political representation.

Way forward:

• Reservation for Women in Legislatures: Implement the Women’s Reservation Bill (pending since 2010) to reserve 33% of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies for women.
• Encourage Women in Leadership Roles: Political parties should field more women candidates in elections and promote them to leadership positions. Example: Parties like TMC and BJD have actively promoted women candidates, leading to higher representation in states like West Bengal and Odisha.
• Awareness and Education Campaigns: Conduct campaigns to educate women about their political rights and the importance of participation.
• Address Socio-Cultural Barriers: Tackle societal norms that discourage women from participating in politics, such as patriarchal attitudes and gender stereotypes.
• Provide Financial Support: The Election Commission can create a dedicated fund for women candidates to cover campaign expenses.
• Skill Development and Trainin: Offer training programs to build women’s leadership, public speaking, and campaign management skills.

Conclusion

While women’s voter turnout in India has improved, their political participation remains limited to voting. To enhance their role in politics, efforts must focus on addressing socio-economic barriers and promoting deeper engagement in political processes.

STANDING STONES OF MUDUMAL IN TELANGANA ON UNESCO’S TENTATIVE LIST

TOPIC: (GS1) INDIAN HISTORY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Menhirs of Mudumal in Narayanpet, Telangana, have been added to UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. This recognition highlights the site’s archaeological, cultural, and astronomical significance.

• The Mudumal Menhirs are ancient standing stones, believed to be over 3,000 years old.
• They were likely used for astronomical observations and represent a significant part of India’s Megalithic culture.

Key Features of Mudumal Menhirs

• Located near the Krishna River, which separates Telangana from Karnataka.
• Around 1,200 large standing stones arranged systematically.
• These stones served as astronomical markers, aligning with constellations like Leo, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Virgo, and Taurus.
• The site provides insights into ancient civilizations, particularly their scientific and cultural knowledge.

Historical and Cultural Importance

• Demonstrates the early use of astronomy in India.
• Offers evidence of Megalithic burial and ritual practices.
• Highlights the scientific advancements of prehistoric societies.

Significance of UNESCO Recognition

• Enhances global awareness about India’s rich heritage.
• Promotes archaeological research and conservation efforts.
• Could boost tourism and local economy in Telangana.

Conclusion

The Mudumal Menhirs represent an important part of India’s ancient heritage. Their potential recognition as a World Heritage Site would help in preserving and promoting India’s archaeological and scientific legacy.

KERALA PROTESTS AGAINST OFFSHORE MINING OVER ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIVELIHOOD CONCERNS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The offshore mining plan near Kerala’s coast has triggered protests due to concerns over marine ecosystem damage and threats to fishermen’s livelihoods. The Centre argues that mining in these areas will be regulated, but Kerala demands its withdrawal.

Background and Legal Aspects

• The protests are linked to the amendments to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act).
• The 2023 amendment allowed private sector participation in offshore mining through competitive bidding.
• In November 2024, the Union Government auctioned 13 offshore mining blocks, including three near Kerala’s Kollam coast.

Proposed Mining Project Near Kollam

• A Geological Survey of India (GSI) study identified 745 million tonnes of construction-grade sand off Kerala’s coast.
• Out of this, 300 million tonnes were found in the three mining blocks near Kollam.
• Mining is planned at depths of 48 to 62 meters.
• Since the area lies beyond 12 nautical miles, it falls under Central Government jurisdiction as per the OAMDR Act.

Concerns Raised by Fishermen and Environmentalists

Impact on Marine Ecosystem

• Threat to Fisheries – The Kollam Parappu (Quilon Bank) is a key fishing ground. Mining could reduce fish population by disturbing water clarity and sunlight penetration.
• Sediment Plumes – Mining may create clouds of sediment, spreading over a large area and affecting marine life and coral reefs.
• Toxic Release – Extracting minerals may release harmful substances, impacting aquatic species.

Socioeconomic and Safety Issues

• Safety Risk – The presence of large mining vessels could interfere with fishing operations and endanger fishermen’s lives.
• Loss of State Revenue – All mining royalties will go to the Centre, leaving Kerala without financial benefits.

Centre’s Justification for the Project

• The Union Government claims that the mining areas are outside the state’s jurisdiction.
• 130 marine protected zones have been excluded from the mining plan.
• An Offshore Areas Mineral Trust has been established to address environmental and livelihood concerns, with coastal states as stakeholders.

Political and Environmental Fallout

• The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the mining project, citing serious ecological risks.
• MPs and state leaders protested in Delhi, demanding the project’s cancellation.

Conclusion

The offshore mining project has sparked significant opposition in Kerala due to concerns over marine biodiversity and fishermen’s livelihoods. While the Centre assures regulatory safeguards, Kerala insists that the project should be scrapped to protect its coastal ecosystem.

SUNITA WILLIAMS AND BUTCH WILMORE’S DELAYED RETURN FROM ISS DUE TO BOEING STARLINER ISSUES

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after a nine-month delay due to technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. They were originally supposed to return within a week of reaching the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024.

Prolonged Stay at the ISS

• The astronauts were supposed to return within a week, but safety concerns with the Starliner postponed their journey back to Earth.
• They stayed on the ISS for 286 days, making it one of the longest U.S. space missions.

Rescue by SpaceX Dragon

• The Boeing Starliner managed to return safely to Earth in September 2024, but NASA did not allow the astronauts to board it for the return trip.
• Instead, a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which arrived on a separate mission, brought them back along with two other astronauts, Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov.

Record-Breaking Space Missions

• Though 286 days is a long stay in space, it is not the longest.
• Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest continuous spaceflight at 438 days.
• Frank Rubio (U.S.) recently completed 371 days, while Oleg Kononenko (Russia) holds the total time record with 1,111 days over multiple missions.

Boeing’s Starliner Issues

• The mission was Boeing’s first attempt at carrying humans under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to involve private companies in astronaut transport.
• Despite helium leaks and in-flight malfunctions, Starliner safely docked at the ISS but was deemed unsafe for re-entry.

Significance for NASA

• The delay helped NASA study the effects of extended space stays on astronauts who were not originally trained for long missions.
• The data will support future deep-space exploration, including permanent Moon and Mars missions.
• The experience of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will contribute to research on human adaptation to space environments.

Conclusion

The unexpected delay of Williams and Wilmore’s return from the ISS revealed challenges in commercial spaceflight while providing valuable research on long-term human space travel. The incident underscores the need for reliable spacecraft in NASA’s future missions.

INDIA RANKS 24TH IN GLOBAL FREE SPEECH SURVEY

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

A U.S.-based think tank, The Future of Free Speech, released a report titled “Who in the World Supports Free Speech?” in October 2024. The report ranked India 24th out of 33 surveyed countries, reflecting concerns over declining support for free expression.

Key Findings of the Survey

Global Trends in Free Speech

• The survey highlights a declining trend in support for controversial speech, even in established democracies.
• Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) ranked highest in supporting free speech.
• Countries like Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) showed improvement, despite ranking lower overall.

India’s Performance

• India ranked 24th with a score of 62.6, positioned between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).
• 37% of Indian respondents supported government control over critical speech, the highest among surveyed nations.
• Despite public perception of improvement, global rankings suggest India’s freedom of expression is declining.

Contradictions in Free Speech and Governance

• Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) had high public support for free speech, despite government restrictions.
• India, Hungary, and Venezuela are experiencing democratic backsliding, where public support exists, but actual protection of free speech is weak.

Concerns and Implications

• The findings raise concerns about shrinking democratic spaces in India.
• The high percentage of Indians favoring government control over criticism indicates growing intolerance towards dissent.
• Ensuring constitutional safeguards for free speech remains a crucial challenge for India’s democracy.

Conclusion

The survey highlights the complex relationship between public opinion, governance, and free speech in India. While some perceive an improvement, global indicators suggest a declining trend, raising concerns for democratic values.