Ensuring a proper social safety net for the gig worker
Why in News?
Defining ‘employment relation’ in gig work is the key.
Introduction
The rise in gig workers in India has highlighted the absence of social security. The Ministry of Labour is drafting legislation to extend benefits like health insurance and retirement savings, addressing their exclusion from traditional employer-employee protections.
Gig Workers
These are individuals who work on a temporary, flexible basis, often for multiple clients or companies, performing tasks or providing services. They are typically independent contractors rather than traditional employees, which means they have more control over when, where, and how they work.
Issues in Social Security for Gig Workers
| Issue | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Exclusion from Traditional Employment | Gig workers are not part of the employer-employee relationship, which limits their access to labor protections. |
| Lack of Institutional Social Security | The current system provides only limited benefits (e.g., cash maternity benefits) compared to formal workers. |
| Ambiguous Employment Relations | Gig workers are often labeled as “independent contractors,” preventing them from accessing full labor rights. |
| Insufficient Wage and Safety Protections | Gig workers are not covered by minimum wage or occupational safety regulations. |
Provisions of Proposed Legislation
- Aggregator Contributions: 1-2% of their revenue to a Social Security Fund for gig workers.
- Health and Insurance Benefits: To be provided for gig workers.
- Welfare Board: Establishment for gig workers.
- Registration and Protections: On the Labour Ministry’s e-Shram portal to avail benefits, including life and accidental insurance.
- Termination Safeguards: Provide a 14-day notice before terminating workers, with valid reasons.
Labour Codes and Gig Workers
| Labour Code | Gig Workers’ Coverage |
|---|---|
| Social Security Code 2020 | Gig workers are eligible for social security schemes, but not institutional protections. |
| Wage Code | Minimum wage protections do not extend to gig workers. |
| Industrial Relations Code 2020 | Gig workers are excluded from dispute resolution mechanisms. |
| Occupational Safety Code 2020 | Gig workers are not protected under occupational safety and health regulations. |
Proposed Solutions and Challenges
- Explicit Definition of Employment Relations: Including gig workers under existing labor laws.
- Welfare Board Limitations: Welfare boards for gig workers need rethinking due to limited success.
- Formalization: By employment relationship, the formalization of gig workers can be accelerated, eliminating the need for separate legislation.
Conclusion
Excluding gig workers from traditional employment limits their social security. Recognizing aggregators as employers ensures wage protection, safety, and dispute resolution.
A blueprint for safeguarding children
Why in News?
A recent Supreme Court ruling reframes the watching and downloading of child porn as a serious crime, rather than an adult indulgence.
Recent Judgement
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | Madras High Court ruled that downloading or viewing child pornography is not a crime, quashing a case against an accused. |
| Recent Ruling | Supreme Court redefined “child pornography” to “Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM),” emphasizing the serious nature of the crime. |
CSEAM
CSEAM includes child pornography, grooming, and any material that involves the sexual exploitation of minors. It also encompasses the production, distribution, and possession of such materials.
Legal Framework in India
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
- Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: Contains provisions to prevent the dissemination of child pornography online.
- Indian Penal Code (IPC): Sections related to child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The Implications of the Ruling
- Redefinition of Terminology: The term CSEAM shifts the focus from adult indulgence to serious criminality, highlighting that searching for or downloading such material contributes to the demand-supply chain of child exploitation.
- Perpetual Nature of Abuse: CSEAM creates a persistent cycle of victimization, as images circulate online, often without the victims’ knowledge. Children may remain unaware that they have been exploited.
Proposed Measures
- Explicit Definition of Cybercrime: Indian laws should clearly define cybercrime to include CSEAM as a form of economic and organized crime.
- Accountability for Social Media Platforms: Intermediaries must report CSEAM to law enforcement agencies in real-time, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
- Institutional Framework: Establish a forensic lab with advanced technology to handle the rising reports of CSEAM.
- National Database on Sexual Offenders: Maintain records of individuals prosecuted for CSEAM, barring them from employment in child-related sectors.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition of a Child | Any person below the age of 18 years. |
| Gender-Neutral Nature | Recognizes that both genders can be victims of sexual abuse. |
| Confidentiality of Victim’s Identity | Mandates confidentiality to protect the identity of child victims. |
| Mandatory Reporting | Requires individuals to report any knowledge of child abuse. |
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling strengthens protections against child sexual exploitation, committing to uphold children’s rights.
How did the Haber-Bosch process change the world?
Why in News?
The Haber-Bosch method boosted global food production through synthetic fertilizers, but environmentalists warn about the harmful effects of nitrogen fertilizers on ecosystems.
Introduction
The Haber-Bosch process, developed in the early 20th century, revolutionized agriculture by enabling the large-scale production of synthetic fertilizers. This innovation has played a pivotal role in significantly increasing global food production, addressing hunger, and transforming agricultural practices.
Haber-Bosch
The Haber-Bosch process is a method of synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen under high pressure and temperature, using a catalyst.
Key Components of the Haber-Bosch Process
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Raw Materials | Nitrogen (N₂) from the atmosphere and hydrogen (H₂) from natural gas |
| Reaction | N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃ (Ammonia) |
| Catalyst | Initially osmium and uranium; later iron oxides proved effective |
| Conditions | High pressure (200 atm) and high temperature (around 450°C) |
| Output | Approximately 100 million tonnes of ammonia produced annually |
Nitrogen in Nature
| Natural Sources | Description |
|---|---|
| Lightning | Converts atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates via high energy |
| Biological Fixation | Certain bacteria (e.g., Rhizobia, Azotobacter) convert N₂ to reactive nitrogen |
| Soil Absorption | Plants absorb nitrogen primarily in the form of ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻) |
Impacts of the Haber-Bosch Process:
| Aspect | Positive Impact | Negative Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Enabled mass production of synthetic fertilizers, contributing to the Green Revolution and global food security. | Excessive fertilizer use leads to nutrient imbalance, affecting plant quality. |
| Environment | Higher agricultural output reduced deforestation and land degradation by allowing intensive farming on existing land. | Runoff from nitrogen fertilizers leads to water pollution, eutrophication, and acid rain formation. |
| Human Health | Improved food production extended lifespans and reduced malnutrition. | Overuse of nitrogen fertilizers has been linked to respiratory issues and groundwater contamination, harming health. |
| Global Population | The process supports around 2 billion people, or one-third of the global population, by preventing food shortages. | Disparities in food distribution persist, with hunger and malnutrition existing even in surplus-producing regions. |
Conclusion
The Haber-Bosch process was groundbreaking for food production but raises critical questions about sustainability and environmental impact. Future approaches must integrate technological advancements with political action and community engagement to ensure food security while protecting ecological health.
Studies zero in on biology TB bacteria use to evade immune response
Why in News?
Scientists are intrigued by whatever allows the bacteria to survive in a macrophage’s hostile environment and are on the lookout for proteins that shield it.
Introduction
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in countries like India. With growing antimicrobial resistance, researchers are exploring the biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to develop new strategies to combat this pathogen, focusing on its unique survival mechanisms in hostile environments like human macrophages.
Key Insights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pathogen | Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) |
| Genome Size | 4.4 million base pairs (large genome compared to other respiratory bacteria) |
| Immune Evasion | Survives in macrophages, which are typically designed to destroy pathogens. |
| Mechanism | Mtb grows in tubercles (clusters surrounded by lipids) and can remain dormant for decades. |
| Key Enzymes | Cysteine synthase enzymes help Mtb survive oxidative stress in macrophages. |
Survival Mechanisms of Mtb
Macrophage Evasion: Macrophages use oxidative stress and nutrient deprivation to kill pathogens. However, Mtb thrives in this environment by using its large genome to produce proteins that protect it. The bacteria remain protected in tubercles and can spread beyond the lungs, staying dormant for years without causing symptoms.
Enzymes: Cysteine Synthase
Researchers at CSIR-CCMB (India) identified three cysteine synthase enzymes that help Mtb survive oxidative stress: CysK2 and CysM.
| Enzyme | Role in Survival |
|---|---|
| CysK2, CysM | Critical for cysteine production and oxidative stress survival |
Inhibitors: Inhibit cysteine synthases, enhancing the potency of antibiotics like isoniazid.
Additional Research Avenues:
Researchers are also studying how Mtb:
- Modifies phosphate and carbon metabolism.
- Builds a strong cell wall to resist stress.
- Avoids triggering macrophage immune responses.
- Interferes with the epigenetic memory of macrophages, reducing their ability to respond to subsequent infections.
Facts and Data
- TB Prevalence in India: India contributes to about 27% of the global TB burden.
- Antibiotic Resistance: Multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is an emerging concern, reducing the effectiveness of first-line treatments.
- Genomic Size Comparison:
- Mtb: 4.4 million base pairs
- Staphylococcus aureus: 2.8 million base pairs
Conclusion:
The insights gained from studying Mtb’s survival mechanisms, especially cysteine synthase enzymes, offer promising pathways for developing new TB treatments. By targeting these enzymes, researchers can potentially enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and create new therapeutic strategies.
NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft will scour Jupiter moon for the ingredients for life
Why in News?
One of Jupiter’s 95 known moons, Europa is almost the size of our own moon.
Introduction
NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, launching on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, will explore Jupiter’s moon Europa to determine if its subsurface ocean can support life, costing $5.2 billion.
Europa Clipper Mission
| Key Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Target | Jupiter’s moon Europa |
| Mission Objective | Investigate Europa’s subsurface ocean for potential habitability |
| Launch Vehicle | SpaceX Falcon Heavy |
| Launch Year | 2024 |
| Journey Time | 5.5 years to reach Jupiter (arrival in 2030) |
| End of Mission | Planned crash into Ganymede in 2034 |
| Radiation Protection | Electronics housed in dense aluminum-zinc vaults |
Why Europa?
Europa’s Attributes
| Details | Attribute |
|---|---|
| Size | Comparable to Earth’s moon |
| Ice Thickness | 15-24 km |
| Subsurface Ocean Depth | 80-120 km |
| Surface Geysers | Hubble detected potential geysers |
| Radiation Exposure | High radiation from Jupiter’s magnetosphere |
Mission Goals and Challenges
The Europa Clipper will not directly search for life but will assess whether Europa’s environment could support life.
Key instruments will include radar to penetrate the ice, cameras to map the moon, and sensors to analyze Europa’s surface and atmosphere.
The spacecraft faces significant challenges, primarily the high radiation around Jupiter, which could potentially harm its electronics.
Challenges
- Radiation Exposure: Europa’s proximity to Jupiter subjects it to intense radiation.
- Spacecraft Protection: Clipper’s electronics are shielded with thick aluminum and zinc to withstand radiation.
Other Missions to Jupiter
Previous missions that have flown by or orbited Jupiter include:
- Pioneer 10 and 11 (1970s)
- Voyager 1 and 2 (1979) – Provided the first detailed images of Europa.
- Galileo (1990s) – Multiple flybys of Europa.
- Juno (currently orbiting Jupiter) – Additional insights into Europa.
- ESA’s Juice Mission (launched 2023) – Set to arrive a year after Clipper.
Ocean Worlds Beyond Europa
Several other moons in the solar system are considered potential ocean worlds:
- Ganymede: Europa’s larger sibling also believed to harbor a subsurface ocean.
- Enceladus: Saturn’s moon known for its geysers, possibly ejecting material from an underground ocean.
- Titan: Saturn’s moon and another candidate for having a subterranean ocean.
Why nations fail or succeed: what this year’s Economics Nobel winners worked on
Why in News?
Nobel laureates emphasize strong institutions for prosperity; societies with weak rule of law struggle. India’s fit within this framework is crucial to examine.
Introduction
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded to Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson for their research on how inclusive institutions foster prosperity, addressing why some nations thrive while others remain poor.
Institutional Framework and Economic Growth
Two types of institutional frameworks:
- Inclusive Institutions: These systems encourage economic participation and growth by providing safeguards like democracy, law and order, and property rights. Countries with inclusive institutions tend to enjoy sustained economic growth because citizens have an incentive to invest in long-term prosperity.
- Extractive Institutions: In contrast, extractive systems often feature autocratic governance, lack of accountability, and high levels of corruption. These setups deter long-term investments and lead to underdevelopment.
Colonial Strategy
Countries Affected:
| Type of Institution | Characteristics | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Extractive Institutions | High mortality, exploitation | India, Congo, Latin America |
| Inclusive Institutions | Low mortality, settlement | United States, Canada, Australia |
India’s Institutional Evolution
India’s inclusive institutions, like its Constitution and judiciary, ensured democracy, yet economic growth lags behind China, raising questions about the role of institutions versus non-democratic models in development.
Key Insights from the Research
- Institutions Matter: Countries with strong, inclusive institutions experience sustainable growth, while those with extractive institutions struggle.
- Colonial Impact: The institutions set up during colonization have a lasting effect on the economic trajectory of nations.
Current Global Trends
Even today, institutions globally are weakening, with rising concerns over authoritarianism and democracy’s declining appeal.
India’s Development Path
The research suggests that India, with its inclusive institutions, has potential for sustained long-term growth if it can overcome current challenges in governance and inequality.
Surge in food prices drives September retail inflation to 9-month high of 5.49%
Why in News?
Food and beverages, which account for 45.86% of the total weight of the Consumer Price Index (Combined), registered an inflation rate of 8.36% in September, up from 5.30% in August.
Current Scenario
Retail inflation in India hit a 9-month high of 5.49% in September 2024, driven by a sharp increase in food prices, particularly perishables like fruits and vegetables. This comes after a relatively lower inflation rate of 3.65% in August 2024. Data was released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), and inflation remains a significant concern for economic stability.
Food and Beverage Inflation
This category, which holds a 45.86% weight in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), registered an inflation rate of 8.36% in September, rising from 5.30% in August.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Perishables like vegetables showed the steepest increase, with inflation soaring to a 14-month high of 35.99%, compared to 10.71% in August. Fruit inflation rose to 7.65% in September from 6.45% in August.
- Other Categories:
- Cereals: 6.8% inflation in September.
- Pulses: Inflation remained high at 9.8%.
- Edible Oils: Inflation rose to 2.47% after 19 months of deflation.
Global Factors Impacting Inflation
Disruptions in global edible oil prices, uneven monsoons, and pre-harvest rainfall have exacerbated inflationary pressures. The Middle East conflict and China’s economic stimulus have led to higher global commodity prices, which could impact India’s inflation rates in the coming months.
Rural and Urban Inflation
- Rural Inflation: Increased to 5.87% from 4.16% in August.
- Urban Inflation: Saw a rise to 5.05% from 3.14%.
Conclusion
The rise in food prices, particularly perishables like vegetables and fruits, has driven India’s retail inflation to a 9-month high in September. This could compel the RBI to adopt a cautious monetary stance, delaying any rate cuts. Factors such as global commodity prices and weather disruptions pose further risks to inflation stability, necessitating close monitoring in the months ahead.
India decides to withdraw High Commissioner and other diplomats and officials from Canada
Why in News?
The government expelled six Canadian diplomats and asked them to leave India.
Current Scenario
India’s decision to withdraw its High Commissioner and expel Canadian diplomats in October 2024 marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries. This diplomatic spat stems from the Canadian government’s accusations involving the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Key Developments
- India’s Diplomatic Retaliation: After the Canadian accusations, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, citing concerns over the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada.
- Reciprocal Measures: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that the measures adhered to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.
- Historical Context: India and Canada have a long-standing relationship dating back to 1947, with both countries sharing a similar federal structure.
Geopolitical Implications
International Involvement: The U.S.-led Five Eyes intelligence network has reportedly played a role in Canada’s decision to accuse India, adding a global dimension to the crisis.
Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance
The Five Eyes is a multilateral intelligence-sharing network involving more than 20 agencies from five English-speaking nations: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It focuses on both surveillance and signals intelligence (SIGINT).
Classified intelligence shared among these nations is labeled as ‘Secret—AUS/CAN/NZ/UK/US Eyes Only,’ which is where the name ‘Five Eyes’ originates.
Historical Background of the Alliance
Founded in WWII when the U.S. and U.K. partnered to counter the Soviet threat during the Cold War. Both nations decided to collaborate in sharing signals intelligence, such as radio, satellite, and internet communications.
In 1946, this collaboration was formalized through a signals intelligence cooperation agreement. Initially called the British-U.S. Communication Intelligence Agreement (BRUSA), it is now known as the UKUSA Agreement. This treaty was signed between the U.S. State-Army-Navy Communication Intelligence Board (STANCIB) and the London Signal Intelligence Board (SIGINT) of the U.K. Its focus was solely on communication intelligence and allowed the unrestricted sharing of intelligence in six specific areas: traffic collection, acquisition of communication documents and equipment, traffic analysis, cryptanalysis, decryption and translation, and gathering information on communication systems.
Later, the alliance expanded to include additional members, with Canada joining in 1948, followed by Australia and New Zealand in 1956.
Conclusion
India-Canada relations face heightened tensions due to diplomatic expulsions, diaspora issues, and political challenges impacting bilateral ties.
India’s response to the Gaza war is a reflection of the ‘new India’s’ collective anti-colonial amnesia
Overview
In October 2024, the world marked one year of Israel’s war on Gaza. This war has been catastrophic, with civilians, women, and children being the main victims. The conflict has prompted massive global protests, but India has remained largely silent. India’s shift in foreign policy, particularly its muted response to the Gaza crisis, contrasts with its historical solidarity with Palestine and its growing ties with Israel.
Analysis of India’s Shift in Stance
- India’s earlier strong pro-Palestinian stance was rooted in its own anti-colonial struggle and solidarity with liberation movements.
- However, with growing geopolitical concerns, India’s stance has evolved to favor Israel, particularly in the realms of defense, technology, and intelligence.
- India’s silence on the ongoing violence in Gaza highlights the influence of Hindu nationalism, which views the Palestinian cause through a religious lens, sidelining its anti-colonial context.
- India’s foreign policy is increasingly shaped by its elite, aligning with U.S. interests in the region while distancing itself from historical alliances with the developing world.
- This reflects a significant shift in how India engages with global conflicts and human rights issues.
Factors Influencing India’s Foreign Policy Shift
- Geopolitical Interests: India’s growing economic and strategic ties with the U.S. and Israel.
- Hindu Nationalism: The prevailing ideology shaping public perception and foreign policy decisions.
- Changing Global Dynamics: The rise of new power structures and the diminishing role of traditional alliances.
Conclusion
India’s foreign policy shift towards Israel reveals changing strategic priorities influenced by geopolitical and ideological factors, moving away from its historical solidarity with Palestine and emphasizing defense ties with Israel and the U.S.