WOMEN-CENTRIC NUTRITION IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS1) INDIAN SOCIETY: THE HINDU
India’s ongoing free foodgrain scheme highlights that hunger and malnutrition remain major challenges. Despite flagship schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan, nutritional inequality among women and girls persists, pointing to deep-rooted social and economic barriers.
Women and Malnutrition in India
- Women, especially from poor households, face the worst nutrition outcomes.
- NFHS-5 data shows: 57% of women aged 15–49 are anaemic (compared to 26% of men). Nearly 1 in 5 women is underweight.
- These stats show that nutrition-related schemes haven’t benefited women as expected.
What is Malnutrition?
- Malnutrition refers to a condition where a person’s diet lacks essential nutrients — such as calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals — or where nutrients are not absorbed properly.
- It includes both:
- Undernutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight)
- Overnutrition (obesity, excessive intake of fats/sugars)
Definition as per Indian Context / Official Sources
- According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) and UNICEF, malnutrition is:
“The outcome of insufficient food intake and repeated infectious diseases, leading to impaired growth, development, and health outcomes.”
Indicators of Malnutrition in India
- Stunting: Low height-for-age — indicates chronic malnutrition.
- Wasting: Low weight-for-height — indicates acute malnutrition.
- Underweight: Low weight-for-age — a composite of stunting and wasting.
- Anaemia: Deficiency in iron levels, especially among women and children.
Issues with POSHAN Abhiyaan
- Launched in 2018, aimed at improving nutrition for pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children.
- In 2022–23, nearly ₹24,000 crore was allocated for Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0, but only 69% of the funds were used by December 2022.
- Despite increased funding, anaemia among women rose from 53% to 57%.
- Root cause: gender bias in food access within families — women often eat last and least.
Nutrition as a Social Justice Issue
- Lack of control over income and decision-making leads to poor dietary intake among women.
- 49% of women lack say over how their earnings are spent (NFHS-5).
- Without economic independence, even awareness or free food schemes can’t guarantee better health.
The Link Between Empowerment and Nutrition
- Research shows that financial empowerment improves women’s nutrition.
- Studies reveal women with income or spending control are less likely to be malnourished.
- Esther Duflo’s research confirms: women tend to invest more in food and children’s well-being when they manage money.
Employment Gaps and Limitations
- Female labour participation rose to 33% (2021–22), but:
- Only 5% have salaried jobs.
- About 20% are self-employed, often in low-paying, informal work.
- Wage gap: self-employed women earn 53% less than men.
- Employment hasn’t translated into better nutrition or independence.
Societal Reasons for Less Nutrition Among Women
- Gender Inequality: Women often eat last and least in many Indian households. Their nutritional needs are not prioritized, especially during pregnancy or menstruation.
- Lack of Awareness: Many women, especially in rural areas, lack knowledge about balanced diets, iron and folic acid needs. Low education levels affect health and nutrition choices.
- Early Marriage and Pregnancy: Early motherhood increases the risk of under-nutrition and anemia, as the mother’s body is still growing and competing for nutrients.
- Poor Access to Health Services: Women have limited access to antenatal care, nutrition counselling, and iron supplements.
- Cultural Food Practices: Some traditional beliefs restrict women from eating certain nutritious foods during pregnancy. Taboos around food (like avoiding eggs, meat, or certain vegetables) worsen nutrition
- Work Burden: Women work long hours (household chores + unpaid labor) with little rest or food.
What Needs to Be Done
- Increase female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) from around 25% (PLFS 2022-23) to 40% by 2030.Example: As per MoRD, over 87 million women are part of SHGs — a vast resource base for empowerment.
- Ensure Collaboration Across Departments: promote convergence between Health, Women & Child Development (WCD), Rural Development, and Education ministries. Example: POSHAN Abhiyaan is a convergent platform but needs stronger execution across departments.
- Transform Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) into multi-purpose empowerment hubs: Currently, there are 14 lakh+ AWCs in India under ICDS scheme.
- Skill Training: Link AWCs with Skill India Mission and PMKVY to provide job-ready skills (tailoring, food processing, digital literacy).
- Financial Literacy: Use them to conduct workshops on banking, saving, insurance (PMJDY, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana)
Conclusion
To truly tackle malnutrition, India must combine nutrition schemes with gender empowerment, ensuring women have the resources, knowledge, and freedom to make healthy choices.
SC’S 3-MONTH TIMELINE FOR PRESIDENT ON STATE BILLS
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Supreme Court has clarified that its recent decision to fix a 3-month deadline for the President to decide on State Bills under Article 201 is based on existing guidelines issued by the Centre in 2016, not a new judicial rule. The Centre has now questioned this timeline via a Presidential Reference.
Background of the Issue:
- Under Article 201, when a State Bill is reserved by the Governor for the President’s consideration, there is no time limit in the Constitution for a decision.
- Delays by Governors and the Centre have caused significant legislative backlogs, especially highlighted by recent issues in Tamil Nadu where several State Bills were pending.
- To ensure accountability, the Supreme Court in April 2024 ruled that the President should decide on such Bills within three months.
SC Judgment:
- The April 8, 2024 judgment clarified that the three-month deadline is not a new mandate, but based on 2016 Office Memorandums (OMs) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- The OMs directed that:
- The President must decide on State Bills within 3 months of receiving them.
- Substantive issues in the Bill should be examined by the relevant Central Ministry and responded to within 15 days to 1 month.
- Delays must be justified, else it will be presumed that the Ministry has no objection.
- The Law Ministry should handle constitutional or legal aspects; other Ministries handle subject-matter concerns.
- The State Government must respond to objections within one month, to avoid delays in the final decision.
Constitutional & Legal Context:
- Article 201: Deals with the process when a State Bill is reserved by the Governor for the President’s assent.
- The Sarkaria Commission and Punchhi Commission had earlier recommended time-bound action to prevent misuse of this provision.
- The SC highlighted that setting timelines is not against constitutional practices, especially since such internal guidelines already exist.
Significance of the Verdict:
- Ensures greater accountability and transparency in the legislative process.
- Reduces unreasonable delays in enacting State laws.
- Reinforces cooperative federalism by respecting the State Legislature’s role.
Centre’s Concern:
- Through a Presidential Reference, the Centre has asked whether the judiciary can impose timelines when none exist in the Constitution.
- It raises questions about the separation of powers and judicial overreach.
Way Forward:
- Clear constitutional amendments or legislation may be needed to define timeframes explicitly.
- Strengthening inter-governmental coordination between the State and Centre is essential.
- Institutionalising time-bound protocols for constitutional functions can prevent such conflicts in future.
GOVERNOR’S ROLE IN BILL APPROVAL PROCESS
The Governor is the constitutional head of a state, functioning under Article 153 of the Constitution. While the Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, they have certain discretionary powers in legislative matters.
- under Article 200, the Governor is to grant assent to Bills passed by the State Legislature
What Can the Governor Do When a Bill Is Presented? (Under Article 200 & 201)
Once a Bill (other than a Money Bill) is passed by the State Legislature, the Governor has the following options:
Give Assent to the Bill
- The Bill becomes a law.
- This is the normal course if the Bill aligns with constitutional and legal requirements.
Withhold Assent
- The Governor may refuse to sign the Bill (also called veto).
- However, the Constitution does not mention a deadline to act, leading to concerns about indefinite delay.
Return the Bill for Reconsideration
- If it’s not a Money Bill, the Governor may return it once to the Legislature with suggestions.
- If the Legislature passes it again with or without changes, the Governor must give assent.
Reserve the Bill for the President’s Consideration (Article 200 & 201)
- Used when the Bill may:
- Conflict with Union laws,
- Involve national importance,
- Affect the powers of the High Court.
- Once reserved, the President has no time limit to act unless specified (recently addressed by Supreme Court with a 3-month suggested timeline).
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s use of existing executive guidelines to ensure timely Presidential decisions under Article 201 promotes efficiency and strengthens democratic processes, but it also brings to light unresolved tensions between the judiciary and executive powers.
INDIAN GIG ECONOMY
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Gig Workers Association recently held a meeting on “Current Developments, Challenges, and the Way Forward” to address critical issues faced by gig workers in India. They demanded minimum wages, social security, and better legal protections for gig and platform workers.
What is the Gig Economy?
- Defined under the 2019 Labour Codes, a gig worker is someone who works independently and earns by completing tasks outside traditional employer-employee relationships.
- It consists of short-term, flexible jobs often managed through digital platforms.
- Gig workers include freelancers, delivery personnel, and digital service providers paid per task, not by fixed contracts.
Current Status and Growth in India
- A NITI Aayog report estimated about 7.7 million gig workers in 2020–21, expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029–30.
- Key drivers of growth:
- Digital Access: Over 936 million internet users and 650 million smartphone users, especially in rural India.
- E-commerce Expansion: Startups and online shopping platforms increase demand for gig services in logistics, marketing, and content creation.
- Convenience Demand: Urban customers prefer fast services like food delivery and ride-hailing.
- Labor Market: High unemployment and lack of social security push many to gig jobs for survival.
- Changing Work Preferences: Young workers value flexible and remote work options.
Significance of the Gig Economy
- Offers flexible work options, helping balance life and work, especially benefiting women.
- Helps businesses hire cost-effective, skilled labor for short-term tasks without permanent commitments.
- Expected to support 90 million jobs by 2030, contribute 1.25% to India’s GDP, and make up over 4% of the workforce.
- Encourages inclusive growth by providing opportunities to freshers and entry-level workers in smaller cities.
- Technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics is improving efficiency and expanding gig work.
Challenges Faced by Gig Workers
- No legal protections: Classified as independent contractors, gig workers lack minimum wage, paid leave, and health benefits.
- Job insecurity: Earnings depend on opaque algorithms and customer ratings, causing unpredictable income.
- Low income and savings: Reports show 90% of gig workers have no savings; average earnings range between Rs 15,000–20,000 monthly.
- Slow government action: The Code on Social Security, 2020, proposes a welfare board, but implementation is weak.
- Gender inequality: Women face harassment, underpayment, and unsafe work conditions.
- Delayed payments: Over 25% suffer from payment delays causing financial stress.
- Algorithmic control: Lack of transparency in platform management leads to unfair treatment and arbitrary account suspensions.
Government Initiatives
- Code on Social Security, 2020
- e-Shram Portal for worker registration
- Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana
- Rajasthan’s Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Act, 2023
Way Forward
- Implement clear labour laws with tripartite welfare boards involving workers, employers, and the government.
- Introduce portable benefits like health insurance and retirement plans transferable across platforms.
- Enforce transparent grievance redressal mechanisms for fair treatment.
- Promote skill development and digital literacy to enhance worker capabilities and reduce exploitation.
- Strengthen the formalization of gig work through platforms like e-Shram to link workers with social security and job opportunities.
Conclusion
India’s gig economy plays a vital role in job creation and economic growth, especially for youth and women. To sustain this sector, urgent legal reforms, social security, and transparent platform governance are necessary alongside continuous skill development and policy support.
INDIA’S RESPONSE POST-PAHALGAM ATTACK & THE ‘NEW NORMAL’
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
India launched “Operation Sindoor” in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. The operation marked a shift in India’s counter-terror approach, highlighting a more assertive military stance under nuclear shadow.
Background of the Pahalgam Attack
- On April 22, 2025, a major terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
- In response, India launched multiple diplomatic and military measures aimed at deterring future terror actions.
India’s Multi-Level Response
- Diplomatic Actions:
- Cut down Pakistan’s diplomatic presence in India.
- Suspended trade and people-to-people links (e.g., Wagah-Attari border crossing).
- Put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold.
- Military Planning:
- India finalized nine high-value terrorist-related targets across Pakistan.
- Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 with precision strikes.
Operation Sindoor: Key Details
- Precision Strikes:
- Targets included infrastructure used by terror outfits like LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
- India informed Pakistan’s DGMO post-strike, clarifying it was anti-terror, not anti-military.
- Pakistan’s Response:
- Claimed downing Indian aircraft (denied by India).
- Carried out drone and missile intrusions to test India’s defences.
Escalation and Ceasefire
- On May 9–10, Pakistan attacked 26 Indian sites, causing minor damage.
- India retaliated strongly with advanced missiles targeting Pakistani military airbases.
- A ceasefire was declared at 5 p.m. on May 10 after back-channel talks and international diplomatic pressure.
U.S. Role in De-escalation
- Initially stayed neutral but grew concerned about potential nuclear escalation.
- High-level calls took place between U.S. leaders and both India and Pakistan.
- Helped facilitate ceasefire talks, though India maintained it was not mediation.
India’s ‘New Normal’ Doctrine
- Prime Minister Modi declared India would respond militarily to all major terror attacks.
- Stated that Pakistan’s “nuclear bluff” will not deter Indian retaliation.
- Signaled future responses may not differentiate between terror groups and their state sponsors.
Strategic Implications
- India’s stance widens the scope of conventional military response.
- Calls for modernization in air defence, intelligence, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
- Emphasis on preventing future attacks through better intelligence coordination.
Conclusion:
Operation Sindoor signals a bold shift in India’s security strategy. By redefining the rules of engagement, India aims to establish credible deterrence against state-backed terrorism.
PRELIMS POINTERS
NOTA
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU
The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court asking for mandatory inclusion of NOTA in all elections, even in those where only one candidate is contesting.
The PIL aims to strengthen voters’ right to reject candidates and ensure democratic choice is available in every election.
What is NOTA?
- NOTA stands for “None of the Above”, a voting option to let citizens reject all listed candidates in an election.
- It helps voters express dissatisfaction with the candidates while keeping their vote confidential.
- Introduced after a 2013 Supreme Court verdict in the case PUCL vs Union of India, which upheld the right to reject as part of voter freedom.
History and Implementation
- First used in the 2013 State Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Mizoram, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Became available in 2014 Lok Sabha elections across India.
Current Status of NOTA
- NOTA votes are counted separately, but they are not considered valid for deciding the winner.
- Even if NOTA gets the maximum votes, the candidate with the next highest valid votes wins.
- NOTA does not lead to re-election or cancellation of results.
Stand of the Election Commission (EC)
- The EC is against making NOTA compulsory in all elections.
- It argues that uncontested elections are rare in India:
- Only 6 such cases in Lok Sabha polls since 1971.
- 9 unopposed wins in Assembly elections since 1952.
- The EC also states that changes in law are needed:
- Representation of the People Act, 1951
- Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
Conclusion
NOTA serves as a symbol of voter dissatisfaction, but currently does not impact election results. The recent PIL seeks to give it stronger legal standing by including it even in single-candidate polls.
EOS-09 & CHANDRAYAAN-5
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
ISRO is set to launch the EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite using PSLV-C61 on May 18 from Sriharikota, marking its 101st mission. ISRO also held a joint meeting with Japan’s space agency JAXA on the Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX lunar mission, planned for deep exploration of the Moon’s South Pole.
About EOS-09 Satellite
- EOS-09 is a remote sensing satellite developed to improve India’s day-night, all-weather imaging abilities.
- It enhances the country’s monitoring capacity for disaster management, agriculture, and national security.
Key Features of EOS-09
- Fitted with C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which allows:
- Imaging through clouds and darkness.
- High-resolution pictures of the Earth’s surface.
- Useful for:
- Flood mapping, urban development, and border security.
- Supporting climate adaptation and environmental assessments.
- Strengthens India’s space-based surveillance and environmental monitoring systems.
Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX Mission
- A joint lunar mission by ISRO and JAXA (Japan), building on India’s previous lunar programs.
- Focus: Explore water ice and volatiles in Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) at the Moon’s south pole.
Chandrayaan Series Highlights
- Chandrayaan-1: Found water molecules on the Moon.
- Chandrayaan-2: Orbiter successful, but lander crash-landed.
- Chandrayaan-3: Achieved soft landing and rover deployment.
- Chandrayaan-4: Future mission planned for sample return.
- Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX: Will study lunar resources for future habitation.
Mission Details of LUPEX
- To be launched on Japan’s H3-24L rocket.
- ISRO will make the lander; MHI (Japan) will build the rover.
- Scientific tools from ISRO, JAXA, ESA, and NASA.
- Focus on on-site analysis of lunar materials to assess the Moon’s potential for human missions.
Conclusion
EOS-09 enhances India’s Earth observation capabilities, while the LUPEX mission reflects global collaboration in space exploration, aiming to uncover the Moon’s hidden resources and pave the way for future lunar bases.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Every year on May 16, the International Day of Light is observed. It was started by UNESCO in 2017 to highlight the importance of light in our daily lives and its role in science and development.
Why May 16?
This date marks the anniversary of the first successful laser operation in 1960 by physicist Theodore Maiman. The laser is a major invention in light technology that benefits society in many ways.
Theme 2025: The theme for this year is “Light, Innovation, Society.” It focuses on how light-based technologies improve life and boost innovation.
- Key Objectives:
- Show the importance of light in healthcare, communication, energy, and art.
- Promote education and scientific collaboration.
- Encourage progress in optics and photonics.
- Inspire youth and researchers to explore light sciences.
INDIAN YAK GENOME SEQUENCED
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INIDAN EXPRESS
Indian scientists at ICAR-NRC on Yak have successfully assembled the first chromosome-level genome of the Indian yak (Bos grunniens). This is a major step in conserving and improving this important high-altitude animal.
About the Yak:
-
- Known as the ‘ship of the Himalayas’, yaks belong to the Bovini tribe.
- They live above 14,000 feet, mainly in the Himalayan and northeastern regions of India.
- Adapted to extreme cold (up to -40°C) with thick fur and unique digestion systems.
Economic & Cultural Role:
-
- Yaks are vital for milk, meat, wool, fuel, and transport.
- Support nomadic communities and traditional transhumance practices.
Significance of Genome Mapping:
-
- Helps in climate-resilient breeding and disease resistance.
- Supports sustainable livestock development and biodiversity conservation.
Conclusion: This genome sequencing will boost breeding, research, and conservation of yaks, ensuring their long-term survival and benefits to mountain communities.
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