What did the ILO report state about international migrants?

Mains Paper 2

Context: According to the Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers published by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva, the worldwide number of international migrants stood at 284.5 million in 2022. Among them, 255.7 million were of working age, defined as 15 years and older.

Why are there more male international migrants in the global labour force than women?

• Gender Roles and Norms: Traditional societal expectations and gender roles often hinder women’s ability to migrate independently. They are typically expected to prioritize family obligations, which can restrict their chances for international migration and participation in the labor market. 
• Labour Market Segmentation: Women tend to be concentrated in specific fields such as domestic work, caregiving, and low-skilled service jobs. These roles are often undervalued and receive little recognition. In contrast, men are more prevalent in higher-paying industries like construction and agriculture, which offer greater opportunities for international migrants. 

• Barriers to Employment: According to the ILO, migrant women experience higher unemployment rates (8.7%) compared to migrant men (6.2%). This disparity is due to various challenges, including language barriers, unrecognized qualifications, inadequate childcare support, and gender-based discrimination in host countries. 
• Economic and Social Independence: Women’s decisions regarding migration are often shaped by their access to financial resources and social connections. Limited financial independence or autonomy can pose challenges to their ability to migrate for employment. In many instances, women migrate as dependents or spouses of male workers, which can restrict their access to legal work opportunities in the destination country.

Which are the countries that have absorbed the most international migrant workers?

• Around 68.4% of international migrants reside in high-income countries, while 17.4% (29.2 million) are found in upper-middle-income countries. 
• United States: As a long-standing top destination for migrants, the U.S. remains home to a significant number of international workers, although recent years have seen a decline in inflows. 
• Germany: With one of the strongest economies in Europe, Germany has witnessed a consistent rise in migrant workers, particularly in industries experiencing labor shortages. 
• United Kingdom: Since Brexit, the UK has seen a notable increase in migrant labor, with a significant surge recorded in 2023. 
• Canada: Renowned for its immigrant-friendly policies, Canada continues to welcome a large number of migrants, addressing labor demands across various sectors. 
• Australia: Due to its robust economy and high standard of living, Australia remains an attractive destination for migrants, with recent trends showing a considerable rise in their numbers.

Which economic sectors attract IMs?

• Construction: The construction sector employs a large number of male migrants, especially in areas experiencing rapid urbanization and large-scale infrastructure development. Contributing to the 35.6% of male migrant employment within the industrial sector, construction plays a crucial role in driving economic growth. 
• Agriculture: On a global scale, 7.1% of international migrants work in agriculture, with significantly higher employment rates in regions such as Africa, where 27.5% of migrants are engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Migrant workers are essential in addressing seasonal labor shortages in this sector. 
• Manufacturing: Industrialized countries heavily depend on migrant labor in manufacturing, where migrants take on both manual labor and specialized skill-based roles. This industry underscores the critical connection between migrant labor and economic development objectives. 
• Services Sector: Around 68.4% of international migrants are employed in the services sector, compared to 51.5% of the non-migrant workforce. This diverse sector encompasses various occupations, with notable concentrations in: 
• Care Work: A considerable proportion of migrant women are employed in caregiving roles, spanning healthcare and domestic services. Approximately 28.8% of female migrants are engaged in the care economy. 
• Hospitality and Retail: Many migrants secure jobs in hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses, particularly in regions with high tourism demand.

Which are the main host countries?

• Regional Distribution of Migrant Workers (2022): In 2022, the majority of international migrant workers were found in Europe and Central Asia, accounting for 34.5% (57.8 million), followed by the Americas with 27.3% (45.8 million). Asia and the Pacific hosted 16.2% (27.2 million), while the Arab States accounted for 13.5% (22.6 million), and Africa represented 8.5% (14.3 million). Most migrant workers were concentrated in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe (23.3%), Northern America (22.6%), and the Arab States (13.5%), which together accommodated 59.4% of the global migrant workforce. 
• Significant Contributions to Labor Markets: Migrants made up over one-third (37.2%) of the workforce in the Arab States, reflecting their crucial role in the region’s economy. Similarly, notable proportions of migrant workers were observed in Europe and Central Asia (12.9%) and the Americas (9%), demonstrating their significant contribution to these regions’ labor markets.

Conclusion:

• Governments and international organizations should adopt migration policies that are responsive to gender-specific challenges faced by women. These policies should focus on removing obstacles by providing childcare support, acknowledging foreign qualifications, and guaranteeing equal access to lawful employment opportunities in destination countries.

Why are fertility levels declining in India?

Mains Paper 1

Context: According to the Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) 2021, India’s fertility rate has seen a substantial decline, decreasing from 6.18 children per woman in the 1950s to 1.9 children per woman by 2021.

What has a GBD Report shown about the total fertility rate in India?

• Declining Fertility Rates: India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has significantly fallen from 6.18 in the 1950s to 1.9 in 2021, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population. 
• Future Projections: Estimates suggest that India’s TFR could drop further to 1.04 by 2100, potentially leading to an average of fewer than one child per woman. 
• Socio-Economic Concerns: The sharp decline in fertility rates has sparked concerns about political and socio-economic implications, particularly in the southern states, where demographic changes could impact parliamentary representation following the 2026 delimitation.

Why are fertility levels declining in India?

• Early Implementation of Family Planning Policies: Southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh were proactive in enforcing family planning initiatives introduced in the 1950s, resulting in a considerable reduction in fertility rates. Andhra Pradesh, for instance, currently has a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5, which is comparable to that of Nordic countries like Sweden. 
• Increased Female Literacy and Workforce Participation: Greater access to education has empowered women to postpone marriage and childbirth. Kerala serves as a prime example, where high literacy levels enabled the state to achieve replacement-level fertility as early as 1988. 
• Evolving Societal Norms: Cultural changes have led to trends such as delayed marriages and smaller family sizes. In southern states, more women are prioritizing their careers and financial independence over traditional roles, contributing to lower fertility rates. 
• Urbanization and Economic Challenges: The pressures of urban living and increasing expenses discourage larger families. In states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, fertility rates have declined to 1.4 and 1.6, respectively, driven by urbanization and changing lifestyle aspirations.

Why are the southern States worried?

• Ageing Population: Southern states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have experienced fertility rates dropping below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. This decline is leading to a growing elderly population, which is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
• For example, the proportion of Kerala’s population aged 60 and above is projected to increase from 13% in 2011 to 23% by 2036. This demographic transition may result in a shrinking working-age population, potentially impacting economic productivity and increasing the demand for pensions and healthcare services. 
• Political Representation: The upcoming parliamentary seat delimitation, based on the 2031 Census, has raised concerns that slower population growth in southern states could lead to a reduction in their parliamentary seats. This shift may weaken their political influence at the national level, particularly in comparison to northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which have higher population growth rates. 
• Economic Challenges: A shrinking workforce contributing less to tax revenues and social security systems could place financial strain on southern states. These challenges mirror those faced by ageing societies in countries such as Japan and China. 
• Migration Dynamics: With declining birth rates, southern states may increasingly depend on internal migration from northern regions to address labor shortages. However, this dependency could exacerbate socio-economic inequalities between different parts of the country.

Way forward:

• Fair Resource Distribution: Establish policies that guarantee fair representation and resource allocation in parliamentary seats after delimitation, addressing regional imbalances without penalizing states that have successfully implemented population control measures. 
• Support for Ageing Populations: Create comprehensive social security systems, enhance healthcare infrastructure, and offer incentives for elder care. Additionally, encourage skill development and migration-friendly policies to help alleviate workforce shortages in southern states.

Can Bhopal waste be safely disposed of?

Mains Paper 3

Context:  The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted authorities four weeks to manage the disposal of the waste, nearly 40 years after the gas tragedy that claimed over 4,000 lives and caused injuries or disabilities to thousands more.

What are the plans for the hazardous gas leak waste?

• Waste Transportation: Following a court order, the Madhya Pradesh government has successfully moved 358 tonnes of hazardous waste from the Union Carbide facility in Bhopal to the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) in Pithampur, Dhar district. 
• Incineration Process: The waste will undergo incineration at the Pithampur facility, with a projected disposal timeline of three to nine months, depending on emissions and safety evaluations during the process. 
• Emission Controls: To reduce air pollution, the incinerator will be equipped with four layers of special filters to ensure that the smoke released does not contaminate the surrounding area. 
• Post-Incineration Measures: After incineration, the resulting ash will be sealed with a two-layer membrane and disposed of in a landfill to prevent contamination of soil and water sources. 
• Expert Supervision: The entire disposal operation will be monitored by officials from both the Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution Control Board to ensure adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations.

How much has been allocated to incinerate the waste and deposit the residue at a landfill in Pithampur?

• The Central government has allocated ₹126 crore (around $15 million) to support the incineration of this waste and ensure that any remaining residue is securely disposed of in a landfill at the Pithampur facility.

Why have there been protests?

• Health and Environmental Concerns: Local residents fear that the incineration of toxic waste could pose serious health risks and environmental dangers to both the community and surrounding areas, with concerns that harmful emissions may degrade air quality. 
• Historical Context: These protests are driven by the legacy of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, which caused thousands of deaths and ongoing health issues. This history has increased the community’s sensitivity to any activities involving hazardous substances in the area. 
• Community Mobilization: Local groups, including the ‘Pithampur Bachao Samiti,’ have organized bandhs (shutdowns) and protests, with significant participation from residents who are demanding that the waste be returned to Bhopal rather than being incinerated locally.

What is the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy? The Bhopal gas tragedy, also known as the Bhopal disaster, took place during the night of December 2-3, 1984, at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.    Chemical Leak: The catastrophe was caused by the release of approximately 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC), a highly toxic gas used in pesticide production. This gas leaked from a storage tank due to a combination of operational failures and inadequate safety measures at the plant.  Immediate Impact: The gas cloud spread across densely populated areas surrounding the plant, causing widespread panic and confusion. Official reports estimate that around 3,787 people died instantly from the gas exposure, while other estimates suggest that the death toll could have reached between 15,000 and 20,000 over the years due to related health complications.    Injuries and Long-Term Effects: Over 558,000 people sustained injuries ranging from respiratory issues to permanent disabilities. Many survivors continue to suffer from ongoing health problems related to their exposure to the toxic gas.

Way forward:

• Improve Public Engagement and Transparency: Launch detailed awareness campaigns with the involvement of scientific experts to address community concerns, ensuring clear communication about safety protocols, emission controls, and environmental protection measures throughout the incineration process. 
• Strengthen Monitoring and Compliance: Establish rigorous real-time monitoring of emissions and groundwater quality during and after the waste disposal process, overseen by independent experts and regulatory agencies to maintain high standards of environmental protection and public health.

Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

Mains Paper 3

Context: A recent wildlife survey in the Munnar Wildlife Division has recorded 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates, adding to its biodiversity checklist.

Which are the surveyed sites? All the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries surveyed are situated in Kerala, India, specifically in the Idukki district:   Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP): A biodiversity hotspot and part of the Western Ghats.Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP): The smallest national park in Kerala, home to distinct flora and fauna.Anamudi Shola National Park (ANP): Named after Anamudi, the tallest peak in South India.Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS): Located in Idukki, it protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms once every 12 years.Eravikulam National Park (ENP): Known for its population of Nilgiri Tahr.Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS): Positioned in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki.

Key Highlights of the Survey

• New Species Added: 24 new species documented, including 11 birds, 8 butterflies, and 5 odonates. 

Total Documentation: 

• Birds: 217 species recorded, with the checklist now updated to 258. 
• Butterflies: 166 species recorded, with the checklist updated to 246. 
• Odonates: 5 new species recorded, bringing the checklist total to 58 species. 
• Notable Wildlife Observed: Mammals such as Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, and elephants; 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.

About the Added Species

Birds:

• New Additions: Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owlet, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch. 
• Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.

Butterflies:

• Endemic Species: Red-disc Bushbrown, Palni Fritillary, Nilgiri Tiger, Nilgiri Four-ring. 
• Unique Sightings: Grass Jewel (the smallest butterfly in Kerala), Southern Birdwing (the largest butterfly in India).

Odonates (flying insects):

• New Records: Cratilla lineata calverti, Macrodiplax cora, Palpopleura sexmaculata, Tholymis tillarga, Lestes elatus.

Third launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota

Mains Paper 3

Context: The Union Cabinet has authorized the construction of a third launchpad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. In 2024, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for ISRO’s second rocket launchport in Kulasekarapattinam, located in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. (The first launchport is at Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.)

Who was Satish Dhawan? Born in Srinagar, Satish Dhawan was a distinguished Indian rocket scientist and is recognized as the ‘Father of Experimental Fluid Dynamics Research’ in India.  He succeeded Vikram Sarabhai as the Chairman of ISRO in 1972.  During his tenure, he oversaw a remarkable expansion of India’s space program, including the development of:  – INSAT: India’s telecommunications satellite system.  – IRS: The Indian Remote Sensing satellite program.  – PSLV: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, which established India as a significant player in space exploration.  Legacy: Satish Dhawan passed away in 2002, after which the Sriharikota space center was renamed the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in his memory.

About the New Launchpad

• The new launchpad at Sriharikota is designed to strengthen India’s space capabilities. 
• It will facilitate Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) missions and increase ISRO’s ability to launch advanced satellites and spacecraft. 

Significance: 

• This is India’s only active spaceport, acting as the central hub for spacecraft and satellite launches since its establishment.

How and why was Sriharikota selected as the Launch Site?

• 1960s Search: India’s quest for an optimal launch site began in the 1960s when the country decided to develop its own satellites and launch vehicles. 
• Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the father of India’s space program, assigned EV Chitnis with the responsibility of finding a suitable location on the east coast. 
• Survey and Acquisition: By October 1968, around 40,000 acres of land had been acquired in Sriharikota.

Reasons for Choosing Sriharikota:

• East Coast Location: Launching rockets eastward utilizes the Earth’s rotational speed, providing an additional velocity boost of 450 m/s, which is particularly advantageous for geostationary satellite launches. 
• Proximity to the Equator: Launching near the equator reduces the energy required to reach geostationary orbits, making it an ideal location for such missions. 
• Uninhabited Area: The site’s low population density reduces risks associated with rocket launches and component re-entry. 
• Access to the Sea: Being close to the Bay of Bengal allows rocket debris to fall into the sea, minimizing the risk to land or human settlements. 
• Strategic Accessibility: The location benefits from sufficient access to resources, infrastructure, and government support, enabling the establishment of a robust launch facility.