5th March 2025-Current Affairs

by Raman Academy | Mar 5, 2025 | Current Affairs

1. Impact of LPG Access on Rural Women’s Employment and Time Allocation – Economy

Why in News?

Recent Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) data highlights an increase in rural women’s employment, particularly in self-employment, since 2017-18. However, despite access to LPG through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) reducing cooking and fuel collection time, there has been no significant rise in income-generating activities among women.

Key Issues & Findings

1. Women’s Domestic Work and Time Use Patterns

According to the 2019 Time Use Survey, women in rural areas spend over 60 hours per week on household chores.
In a rural Indore survey:
- Women spent 40+ hours per week on cooking and cleaning.
- 75% of households used firewood and cow dung, exposing women to harmful smoke, leading to health risks like respiratory diseases.

2. LPG Access and Time Savings

LPG significantly reduces time spent on cooking and fuel collection, saving around 30 minutes daily per household.
This reduction improves women’s health by decreasing exposure to indoor air pollution.

3. Impact on Women’s Labour Force Participation

Despite time savings, there is no major increase in women’s participation in paid work.
Many women redirect saved time to leisure or unpaid domestic tasks rather than employment.
Structural barriers such as lack of job opportunities, social norms, and inadequate skills limit women’s entry into the workforce.

4. Challenges in Regular LPG Usage

While PMUY has increased LPG connections, many households continue mixed-fuel usage due to:
- High refill costs (financial burden).
- Male-dominated decision-making on LPG refills, reducing women’s autonomy.
- Limited awareness of long-term health benefits, leading to inconsistent LPG adoption.

5. Recent Trends in Women’s Employment

The 2024 Time Use Survey shows a 1.5 percentage point increase in women’s employment since 2019.
However, the rise in self-employment lacks clarity, with concerns about whether it results from economic empowerment or necessity-based work.

Conclusion & Policy Implications

LPG access improves women’s welfare by reducing time spent on household work and enhancing health.
However, it does not significantly increase economic participation due to social, economic, and structural barriers.

What Needs to Be Done?

Skill Development Programs – Training in income-generating activities such as digital skills, handicrafts, and self-employment opportunities.
Financial Inclusion – Encouraging direct benefit transfers (DBT) for LPG refills to empower women financially.
Flexible Job Opportunities – Promoting work-from-home options, rural entrepreneurship, and SHGs (Self-Help Groups) to facilitate income generation.
Behavioral Change Campaigns – Educating families on long-term benefits of LPG usage and the importance of women’s economic contribution.
Policy Support – Expanding micro-financing, employment schemes, and rural business incentives for women.

Relevance for Exam

Governance & Social Welfare: Link to PMUY and gender-sensitive policies.
Rural Development & Economy: Role of LPG in improving quality of life but not significantly increasing economic participation.
Women Empowerment: Highlights the need for holistic policy approaches beyond providing LPG access.

2. Virtual Digital Assets: Income Tax Bill 2025 – Economy

Why in News?

The Income Tax Bill, 2025 introduces a major shift in India’s taxation framework by formally categorizing Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs)—including cryptocurrencies and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)—as property and capital assets.

Key changes include:

VDAs classified as capital assets (similar to real estate and stocks).
30% flat tax on income from VDA transactions.
No deductions allowed except for the cost of acquisition.
Undisclosed VDA holdings will be treated as black money, subject to tax and seizure.

This move aligns India with global taxation standards and strengthens financial regulations to prevent crypto-related tax evasion and misuse.

Key Provisions of the Tax Bill

1. VDAs as Capital Assets

VDAs will be treated like stocks, bonds, and real estate, meaning profits from their sale will be taxed as capital gains.
Example:
- If someone buys Bitcoin for ₹10 lakh and sells it for ₹20 lakh, the ₹10 lakh profit will be taxed under capital gains tax provisions.

2. 30% Flat Tax on VDA Transactions

All profits from crypto transactions will be taxed at a flat 30% rate, regardless of income level.
No deductions allowed except for the original purchase cost.
Example:
- If someone buys Ethereum for ₹5 lakh and sells it for ₹7 lakh, the ₹2 lakh profit is taxed at 30%, meaning ₹60,000 tax is payable.
- Transaction fees, gas fees, or other costs cannot be deducted.

3. Regulations on Undisclosed VDA Income

Failure to report crypto holdings can lead to classification as undisclosed income, attracting additional penalties and scrutiny.
Tax authorities can seize VDAs, just like they do with cash, gold, or real estate in tax evasion cases.

4. Mandatory Transaction Reporting

Crypto exchanges and wallet providers must report all transactions to authorities.
This aims to track VDA movement, prevent illegal activities, and ensure tax compliance.

Impact and Significance

Positive Aspects

Regulatory Clarity – The bill defines crypto as a taxable asset, reducing uncertainty.
Prevention of Tax Evasion – Stricter monitoring discourages black money in crypto.
Global Alignment – India’s approach now resembles US, UK, and EU taxation norms.

Challenges & Concerns

High Tax Burden – A 30% tax without deductions may discourage crypto adoption.
Regulatory Hurdles – Crypto industry players may struggle with compliance and transaction tracking.
Risk of Capital Flight – Investors may shift to overseas platforms with lower taxes.

Relevance for Exam

This topic is crucial for economic policies, financial regulations, and emerging technologies in India. Possible exam questions:

“Discuss the implications of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, on Virtual Digital Assets and the Indian economy.”
“How does India’s taxation policy on VDAs compare with global practices?”

3. MISHTI Scheme: A Step Towards Mangrove Restoration – Environment

Why in News?

Gujarat has emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation, restoring 19,020 hectares (190 sq. km) in just two years under the MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme.
The MISHTI scheme was launched on June 5, 2023, aiming to restore 540 sq. km of mangroves over five years (2023–2028).
It aligns with India’s commitment to the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (COP27, 2022, Egypt), focusing on coastal conservation and climate resilience.

Key Features of the MISHTI Scheme

1. Objective & Focus Areas

Mangrove Restoration & Expansion – Enhancing 540 sq. km of mangrove cover across 9 states and 3 union territories.
Climate Resilience – Mangroves act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, cyclones, and rising sea levels.
Biodiversity Protection – Provides habitats for marine and coastal species.

Key Restoration Regions:

Sundarbans (West Bengal)
Hooghly Estuary
Gulf of Kutch & Khambhat (Gujarat)
Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala

2. Gujarat’s Leadership in Mangrove Afforestation

Gujarat leads in mangrove afforestation, adding 19,020 hectares (190 sq. km) under MISHTI.
Existing Mangrove Cover in Gujarat:
- Gulf of Kutch – 799 sq. km (highest in India)
- Gulf of Khambhat & Dumas-Ubhrat belt – 134 sq. km
Future Expansion: Gujarat aims to increase mangrove cover by another 350 sq. km.

3. Funding & Implementation

Funding Sources:

MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme)
CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) Fund
Community Participation

Implementation:

Local community engagement ensures sustainable afforestation and income generation.
Collaboration with NGOs and forest departments for conservation efforts.

Significance of the MISHTI Scheme

Environmental & Ecological Benefits

Protects coastal communities from cyclones, tsunamis, and storm surges.
Increases carbon sequestration, helping India meet its climate goals.
Enhances fishery resources, supporting livelihoods of coastal communities.

Socio-Economic Impact

Generates employment through mangrove plantation activities (MGNREGS).
Strengthens eco-tourism potential in coastal areas.
Supports blue economy initiatives by sustaining fisheries and marine biodiversity.

Relevance for Exam

Environment & Ecology: Link to coastal conservation efforts, biodiversity, and climate action.
Governance & Policy: Alignment with MGNREGS, CAMPA, and international commitments (COP27).
Himachal Pradesh Connection: While HP is not a coastal state, afforestation and conservation policies can be applied to wetland restoration and river ecosystems.

4. India’s Burden of Rising Obesity, the Hefty Cost to Pay – Economy

Why in News?

India is experiencing a rapid rise in obesity, with one in four adults classified as overweight or obese.
The World Obesity Federation has identified India as one of the fastest-growing nations for childhood obesity.
Economic costs of obesity in India were $28.95 billion in 2019 and are projected to rise significantly by 2030.
Obesity is linked to severe health risks, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and even certain cancers.

Key Issues & Findings

1. Rising Prevalence of Obesity in India

State-wise variation – Obesity rates range from 8% in some states to over 50% in others.
Urban areas are more affected due to lifestyle changes, fast food consumption, and reduced physical activity.
Childhood obesity is a major concern, driven by junk food consumption, lack of exercise, and excessive screen time.

2. Health Consequences of Obesity

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):

Diabetes – Increased insulin resistance leads to higher Type 2 diabetes cases.
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) – Obesity raises the risk of heart attacks, hypertension, and stroke.
Certain Cancers – Links to breast, colon, and liver cancers.
Mental Health Issues – Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

3. Economic Impact of Obesity

High Healthcare Costs – More spending on treating obesity-related diseases.
Loss of Productivity – Obesity-related illnesses reduce workforce efficiency and lead to absenteeism.
Projected Economic Burden: Expected to rise exponentially by 2030 without intervention.

4. Causes of Rising Obesity in India

Poor Dietary Habits – Increased intake of high-fat, high-sugar, and ultra-processed foods.
Sedentary Lifestyle – Less physical activity due to work culture, urbanization, and technology dependence.
Lack of Awareness – Limited education on healthy eating and lifestyle choices.
Urbanization & Changing Food Environment – Fast food availability and limited access to fresh, healthy food.

Way Forward: Strategies to Combat Obesity

Government & Policy Interventions

Regulation of Ultra-Processed Foods – Taxation on sugary drinks and junk food (similar to ‘fat tax’ in other countries).
Public Health Campaigns – Raising awareness through nutrition education and healthy lifestyle promotion.
Better Urban Planning – More parks, cycling tracks, and fitness spaces in cities.
Stronger School Policies – Ban on unhealthy food in schools and promoting mandatory physical activity.

Individual & Community Efforts

Healthy Eating Habits – Encouraging home-cooked meals, balanced diets, and mindful eating.
Regular Exercise & Lifestyle Changes – Promoting daily physical activity and reducing screen time.
Workplace Wellness Programs – Encouraging corporate health initiatives and fitness incentives.

Relevance for Exam

Public Health & Governance: Policy measures to tackle obesity and its impact on India’s healthcare system.
Economy & Development: Rising healthcare costs and productivity loss due to NCDs linked to obesity.
Social Issues & Urbanization: The role of changing lifestyles, food habits, and urban planning in obesity trends.

5. SC Seeks Measures Against ‘Vulgarity’ Online – Governance

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to propose a regulatory framework for curbing vulgarity in online programs while maintaining a balance with freedom of speech and expression.
The Court emphasized that public content must adhere to societal moral standards and should not disguise indecency as humor.

Key Issues & Court Observations

1. Public Decency & Morality

The SC underscored the importance of maintaining social and moral values in digital content.
Example: The Court remarked that humor should remain family-friendly and should not rely on vulgarity to showcase talent.

2. Freedom of Speech vs. Regulation of Vulgarity

The right to free speech (Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution) is fundamental, but it is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2), including public morality and decency.
Case Example: The Court modified restrictions on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, allowing him to continue broadcasting but under the condition of adhering to decency norms.

3. Protection of Vulnerable Audiences

Minors and impressionable audiences need protection from offensive and inappropriate content.
Example: The Solicitor General flagged “India Got Latent” as a show unsuitable for public viewing due to its perverse nature.

4. Creativity vs. Responsibility

Justice Surya Kant noted that talented comedians can create humor without vulgarity and should use responsible language in content creation.

5. Accountability of Online Platforms

The SC called for stronger oversight to ensure streaming platforms, YouTube, and social media are held accountable for the content they promote.

Impact of Online Vulgarity on Society

Negative Effects:

Erosion of social and moral values
Negative influence on youth – encouraging inappropriate language and behavior
Public backlash and social division
Undermining respect for institutions
Legal consequences under decency and IT laws

Possible Regulatory Measures & Way Forward

Government & Legal Interventions

Strengthening IT Laws – Revising the Information Technology Act, 2000 to introduce stricter penalties for explicit content.
Age-Based Content Ratings – Mandatory labeling of digital content with age restrictions (similar to movie certifications).
Stricter OTT Regulations – Reforms in the 2021 IT Rules to enhance accountability of streaming platforms.

Platform & Community Responsibilities

Content Moderation – AI-based content filtering mechanisms on YouTube, Instagram, and OTT platforms.
Parental Controls – Strengthening user-based restrictions for minors.
Ethical Guidelines for Content Creators – Encouraging self-regulation and responsible content creation.

Relevance for Exam

Governance & Law: Connection to IT regulations, media laws, and freedom of speech.
Ethics & Morality: Examines the role of public morality in digital spaces.
Social Issues: Impact of online content on cultural values and youth behavior.