Aspirant's Corner

 Roadmap for Combating Cervical Cancer  This year, in 2024, Union Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitaraman announced the government’s plans to focus on vaccination against cervical cancer for girls aged 9 to 14 as part of her Interim Budget 2024. So in this article we will talk about cervical cancer, and understand why this is an important issue. What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, the gateway to the uterus. Caused by persistent infection with certain human papillomavirus (HPV) strains, it's largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening. Early stages often have no symptoms, but later might include abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain. Thankfully, cervical cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Regular Pap tests and HPV screenings are crucial for early detection and successful treatment, making prevention and awareness key in the fight against this disease. How common is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd mos...

Importance of Higher Education   As India dreams of becoming a knowledge superpower, its young people yearn for the launchpad that higher education can provide. But to fuel this ascent, India's educational system must transform itself. It needs to move beyond rote learning and ignite curiosity, creativity, and the drive to adapt. Only then can it empower a generation to build a vibrant, knowledge-driven future for India.  Thus, higher education system in a country must be suitably equipped in providing high-quality education to successfully transform the country into a global knowledge superpower. In this backdrop, it is important to understand what is higher education and why is it important?  What is higher education?  Higher education, also called post-secondary education, third-level or tertiary education, is an optional final stage of formal learning that occurs after completion of secondary education. In India, Higher Education is usually defined as ...

  Why Digital Literacy is Important for an Individual's Development ? Digital literacy is a cornerstone of a country's development in the 21st century as it empowers individuals, drives economic progress, enhances educational systems, and fosters a globally connected and informed citizenry, contributing to the overall advancement and competitiveness of a nation. The ability of individuals to navigate, comprehend, and utilize digital technologies has profound implications across various facets of societal growth. From transforming education and fostering innovation to enhancing employability and connecting citizens globally, digital literacy stands as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development. What is the meaning of digital literacy ? Digital literacy refers to the ability to navigate, understand, and utilize digital technologies effectively. It encompasses a range of skills that empower individuals to engage with digital devices, applications, and information sourc...

  Secondary Agriculture: Its Contribution to Country's Growth Secondary agriculture holds significant importance in India as it represents the crucial phase of value addition and processing in the agricultural value chain. This stage not only enhances the economic viability of the agricultural sector by providing additional income sources but also plays a pivotal role in rural development. The growth of agro-processing industries, gives India an opportunity to capitalize on the value inherent in its agricultural output, leading to increased employment opportunities and the development of ancillary services.  What is Secondary Agriculture?   Secondary agriculture refers to the value addition and processing activities that occur after the primary cultivation of crops. In this stage, raw agricultural products undergo various processes to transform into finished goods, creating a diverse range of products such as processed foods, beverages, textiles, biofuels, and more....

  Abortion Rights in India: Associated Issues and Ways to Address Them  In India, women's right over her bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom is recognised by Supreme Court of India under Article 21 of Indian constitution, and the abortion right is guaranteed under Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021. However various conditionalities of laws and the societal stigma associated with women's reproductive freedom act as an impediment to women's access to safe and legal abortion in India.  Issues Associated with the Right to Safe and Legal Abortion in India   1) Issues with Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act: There are some issues with India's MTP act which restricts its effectiveness to give women the required autonomy, and these issues are  M TP act doesn't recognise situation of transgenders. This act doesn't have any provision for abortion at will or socio-economic situation. This act doesn't mention any time lim...

 Hunger Crisis in India: Causes and Solutions  India is a food surplus country, however India's 111st rank out of 125 countries in Global Hunger Index 2023 highlights that the food resources of this country are not effectively managed and distributed to ensure food security in the country.  Causes for Hunger Crisis in India  1. Errors in Government Policies : Inefficient supply chains, lack of proper storage, and inadequate transportation contribute to food wastage at various stages of the supply chain. While food is wasted, many people still struggle with hunger. Other errors like inefficient targeting, crop monoculture, corruption and limited focus on nutrition can also contribute to hunger crisis. 2. Unequal Distribution of Resources : Disparities in wealth and resources result in unequal access to food. Wealthier regions or communities have better access to food, while marginalized groups may struggle to meet their basic nutritional needs. Overcrowding of citie...

 Caste Census: Advantages and Concerns  The practice of caste system in India has impacted the functioning of Indian society in the past, and it still influences the social, political and economical discourse of our country. In order to address the caste based discrimination in our country, several provisions for affirmative action are given under article 15 and 16 of the Indian constitution, and caste census helps the authority to get the relevant information about status of different caste in the society and help them formulate their policies better. Advantages of Caste Census in India  Better Policy Planning: Based on the latest data from a caste census, policymakers are better equipped with updated information to formulate tailor made policies as per the needs of the people and work for their welfare. Updated Data: Caste census provides latest data about socio-economic conditions of various castes in the society. Highlights the Shortcomings: Data from caste census ...

  Ageing India: Concerns and Solutions  Currently India is enjoying demographic dividend which will eventually turn into an ageing population , as highlighted by the “ India Ageing Report 2023 ”, which shows 1/5th of India's population in 2050 will comprise people aged above 60 years. This will pose certain challenges which need to be addressed.  Challenges Posed by India's Ageing Population Low Labour Force: With the aging population surpassing the working age and children population, a decline will be observed in the availability of the labour force which will impact the country's development. Strain on Healthcare Services : Ageing population faces various ailments ranging from cardiovascular and lifestyle diseases to dementia and cancer, this will put a burden on healthcare resources. Less Consumption in Economy : Less population by the ageing population will hamper the country's growth as it will reduce demand for more production, invention, technological advanceme...

  Negative Impacts of Urbanization in India  With the undergoing economic development, modernization and industrialization in India, there is a shift of population from rural areas to urban cities, leading to urbanization. Urbanization promises many opportunities for human development and progress with wealth and social mobility, good infrastructures, technological advancements, etc.  However due to poor urban planning and unequal distribution of resources, there are some associated issues which needs to be addressed for sustainable and holistic development of urban areas.  Negative Impacts 1. Slum Formation: Income inequality, lack of affordable housing facilities and lack of enough land space to accommodate urban population, are some of the reasons leading to slum formation which further leads to various socio economic and health problems.  2. Unequal Distribution of Resources : The demand and supply mismatch of resources available in an urban setting lea...

  Impacts of Uniform Civil Code on Indian Society  Uniform Civil Code (UCC) refers to a set of laws which are implemented universally on every citizen, irrespective of their religious beliefs, in matters of personal laws like marriage, adoption, divorce and inheritance. UCC has the potential to transform the society and establish gender equality and social harmony, however there are some concerns associated with it.  Concerns Regarding Impacts of Uniform Civil Code (UCC)  1. Threat to Diversity: India is a diverse country where people practice various kinds of religious beliefs and customs which is threatened by UCC as it'll bring homogeneity.   2. Threat to Religious Freedom: Some consider UCC is against positive secularism promised by the constitution and fears that this is a way of imposing majoritarian culture and practices on minorities .  3. Practical Difficulties: Given the diversity in personal laws, lack of consensus and sensitivity of the issue,...

  Reasons for Increasing Cases of Suicides Among Women in India The 2021 NCRB data shows an alarming situation of India where cases of suicides among women has increased to 64.5% in 2021 and around 45,000 women committed suicide. This has happened due to several complex and interconnected factors.  Reasons for Suicides Among Women   1. Domestic Abuse: According to 2021 NCRB data, over 50% cases of female suicides were of housewives which indicates mental stress among housewives due to domestic violence, financial dependency, restrictions on movement and taunts due to impotency, dowry, etc.  2. Educational Pressure: Suicides cases among students have also increased due to increased competition, high expectations, ragging, failure in exams or societal pressure to drop out. 3. Societal Pressure: Societal pressure to suppress mental health issues, continue suffering in an unhappy or abusive marriage, restrictions on choices and stigmatisation of victims of sexual abus...

Challenges Faced By India in her Transition to Renewable Sources of Energy    Enthusiasm regarding India's transition to renewable sources of energy is well placed as it offers numerous opportunities and will play a vital role in fulfilling India's target of meeting 50% of electricity requirements from non fossil fuel sources by 2030. However, there are some associated challenges which need to be addressed.  Challenges that can Impede Progress  • Economic Factors : The huge economic burden on government due to the expensive installation process, operation cost, high transmission and distribution loss, and adoption of expensive technologies and safe waste disposal measures, will pose a challenge which needs to be addressed by attracting private investments through green bond, CSR contributions, etc and through international collaborations like One Sun One World One Grid.  • Political Factors : Many challenges can also arise from issues regarding land acquisition,...

  Human Development Failed to Keep Pace with Economic Development in India Owing to the economic progress made in key areas like IT, agriculture, etc, India is ranked 5th in the world as per it's GDP in 2023. However, India's ranking in Human Development Index in 132nd position in 2021-2022 shows that human development has failed to keep pace with the economic development of the country, which can be due to various reasons. Reasons for Slow Human Development in India 1. Social Discrimination: Discrimination based on caste, class, ethnicity, gender or religion stuns the growth and development of the marginalized. 2. Outdated Curriculum: The curriculum followed in educational institutions and the current demand of industries are not in sync with each other which forces people to opt for low paying jobs which further hampers their standard of living and their development. 3. Expensive Services: Basic amenities like electricity, clean water, education institutions, internet s...