Current Affairs for UPSC IAS

In the recent past, States like Uttar Pradesh and Assam, and Union Territories like Lakshadweep, have proposed to implement a two-child norm as a pre-condition for getting government jobs or to get nominated or elected to Panchayat elections. This brings our focus to population and associated issues.

In a latest development, the Supreme Court directed States to nominate a Nodal Officer at level of Secretary/Joint Sec of concerned department to interact with the Amicus Curiae and provide all necessary information relating to identification of orphans/Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) and the schemes enforced.

It’s 2021. It seems redundant to state this fact, but a reminder is needed considering the state of political representation in the country.  In the recent assembly elections, 70 women made it to their state legislatures. But out of all winners, they made up less than 9 per cent; their male colleagues will be an astounding 752 in number.

Recently, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill (MTP), 2020 received the President’s assent and has become law.

Recently the Global Gender Gap Index was released by the World Economic Forum. India has been one of the worst performers in South Asia and has fallen 28 places in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021.

The debate of the marriageable age of women began after the Independence Day speech of Prime Minister in which he announced that the government will soon decide on the age of marriage of women.

With reference to sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030, India needs to achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

The principled pluralism in India upon which Indian democracy depends may not be dead, but it is ailing badly. As a consequence, India’s future as a liberal democracy appears to be at some risk.

Indian being a land of diverse culture and heritage does have a very complex society.