13 May | Daily Current Affairs : India marks a relative decline in gender parity, ranks 131 worldwide And More

GS PAPER 1

Social Justice

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, ranking India 131 out of 148 countries. Despite minor gains in certain areas, India continues to lag in overall gender parity, particularly in comparison to other South Asian nations.

Key Highlights and Analysis:

• India’s Overall Ranking and Score:
  • India’s rank has slipped from 129 in 2024 to 131 in 2025, indicating a relative decline in global gender parity performance, even though its overall parity score improved marginally to 64.1%.
  • This places India among the lowest-ranked countries in South Asia, surpassing only Maldives and Pakistan in the region.
• Global Trends:
  • The global gender gap has narrowed to 68.8%, representing the best annual improvement since the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • At the current pace, the global gender parity will take 123 more years to be achieved, highlighting the deep-rooted structural and institutional challenges across nations.
• Performance Across Four Dimensions:

1. Economic Participation and Opportunity:
   • India recorded a positive gain of 0.9 percentage points, improving the score to 40.7%.
   • The parity in estimated earned income rose slightly from 28.6% to 29.9%.
   • However, the female labour force participation rate remains stagnant at 45.9%, reflecting persistent barriers in job access and workplace inclusivity.
2. Educational Attainment:
   • India scored 97.1%, indicating near parity.
   • Improvements were seen in female literacy rates and tertiary education enrolment, suggesting long-term potential for social and economic upliftment through education.
3. Health and Survival:
   • India showed improvement in sex ratio at birth and healthy life expectancy, contributing to a better score.
   • However, overall life expectancy has declined for both men and women, likely due to post-pandemic health challenges and systemic healthcare gaps.
4. Political Empowerment:
   • A continued decline for the second year in a row, with female representation in Parliament decreasing from 14.7% to 13.8%.
   • This trend signals a regression in women’s presence in decision-making roles and policy spaces.

Regional Context:

• Bangladesh emerged as a regional leader, jumping to 24th rank globally due to significant improvements in political and economic dimensions.
• Other South Asian rankings include:
  • Nepal (125)
  • Sri Lanka (130)
  • Bhutan (119)
  • Maldives (138)
  • Pakistan (148 – the lowest globally)

Implications for India:

• Socio-Economic Impact:
  • Persistent economic under-participation of women limits India’s growth potential.
  • Educated but unemployed women reflect a waste of human capital.
• Political Representation:
  • Declining participation in Parliament calls for urgent policy interventions such as the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill.
• Structural Inequalities:
  • While education and health indicators are improving, institutional and cultural barriers continue to obstruct real empowerment and equality.
• Need for Gender-Sensitive Governance:
  • Effective implementation of gender budgeting, targeted skilling, workplace safety, and leadership promotion policies are crucial.

Conclusion:

• India’s minor progress in certain gender parity dimensions is overshadowed by its poor overall ranking and continuing decline in political empowerment. The report serves as a wake-up call for holistic, data-driven, and gender-sensitive policymaking to ensure that half the population is not left behind in the development narrative. Only with sustained efforts in representation, participation, and opportunity can India hope to bridge its gender gap meaningfully.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques : India’s decline in gender parity ranking highlights deep-rooted structural barriers to women’s empowerment.” Discuss with reference to the Global Gender Gap Report 2025. (250 words)

 GS PAPER 2

 Governance

The Union Finance Ministry has issued a directive mandating all central and centrally sponsored schemes to pass an “effectiveness” evaluation before being extended beyond March 2026. This is part of a broader fiscal rationalisation initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of public expenditure.

Key Highlights of the Directive:

• Mandatory Evaluation and Sunset Clause:
  • Every centrally funded scheme must undergo a third-party evaluation to assess whether it has achieved its intended objectives.
  • Only those schemes showing positive outcomes and a continued relevance will be extended.
  • The government has proposed that each scheme must have a ‘sunset date’, i.e., a fixed timeline for review, termination, or restructuring.
• Scope of Review:
  • The move affects 54 Central Sector schemes and 260 Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) whose approvals expire by March 31, 2026.
  • These schemes span critical sectors: healthcare, education, tribal welfare, agriculture, water, infrastructure, sanitation, and environment.
• Financial Restrictions Proposed:
  • The total outlay for a scheme in the 16th Finance Commission cycle (2026–31) is to be capped at 5.5 times the average annual expenditure from 2021–22 to 2024–25.
  • All schemes are to be treated as fund-limited, preventing open-ended fiscal commitments.
  • Ministries have been asked to propose new schemes with lower expenditure, if necessary, and justify any increase by reducing allocations from other schemes.
• Implications for Demand-Driven Schemes (e.g., MGNREGS):
  • Even demand-based flagship schemes like MGNREGS are now subject to budgetary ceilings.
  • Future outlays will be determined based on projected beneficiaries, and any increase will require specific approval from the Department of Expenditure.
  • Sanctions must remain within the approved envelope, with flexibility to carry forward committed but unused expenditures.

Implications for Governance and Public Policy:

• Enhanced Fiscal Discipline:
  • This move seeks to institutionalise accountability in public spending and limit wasteful expenditure.
  • By tying funding to performance and outcomes, the government aims to maximize impact per rupee spent.
• Shift Towards Evidence-Based Policy Making:
  • The directive signals a growing emphasis on data-driven governance, where evaluation replaces entitlement as the basis for continuation.
  • Ministries and departments will need to focus on monitoring, outcome reporting, and mid-course corrections.
• Impact on Welfare Delivery:
  • Social sector schemes, particularly in health, education, and rural development, may face budget constraints if not evaluated positively.
  • There is a risk of disruption in service delivery if effective schemes are discontinued due to bureaucratic delays or poor documentation.
• Political and Social Ramifications:
  • Schemes like MGNREGS, which have high political and social utility, may face public pushback if perceived as being restricted or defunded.
  • There is also the possibility of regional disparity if states fail to effectively advocate for centrally sponsored schemes.

Conclusion:

The Finance Ministry’s directive marks a significant shift in the governance of welfare schemes, emphasizing efficiency, outcome orientation, and fiscal prudence. While the focus on accountability is welcome, the challenge lies in ensuring that the evaluation process is fair, transparent, and does not compromise the core developmental and redistributive objectives of the welfare state. The move calls for capacity building in impact assessment and a balanced approach to fiscal management and inclusive growth.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques:“Institutionalising sunset clauses and outcome-based evaluation in welfare schemes marks a shift towards data-driven governance.” Discuss the implications of this approach for public service delivery in India. (250 words)

GS PAPER 3

Governance

The Union Ministry of Power is considering a policy to mandate a fixed temperature range (20°C to 28°C) for new air conditioners in India. The move is being proposed not just for energy savings, but also due to public health concerns associated with excessively low temperatures.

Why This Policy is Being Considered

• Energy Efficiency:
  • According to the Ministry, every 1°C increase in AC temperature setting leads to 6% electricity savings.
  • A 24°C default temperature, if widely adopted, could help India save nearly 20 billion units of electricity annually.
  • Given that ACs are projected to account for a 200 GW connected load by 2030, reducing power demand through temperature regulation is both necessary and cost-effective.
• Environmental and Climate Responsibility:
  • With rising AC usage and growing energy demand, efficient cooling solutions are critical for sustainable development and climate action.
  • A restricted temperature range helps mitigate the rising burden on fossil fuel-based power generation and curbs carbon emissions.

Scientific Basis for the Optimum Temperature Range

• Thermodynamics of Air Conditioners:
  • ACs work via a vapour-compression cycle, transferring heat using refrigerants.
  • The compressor, which consumes the most power, works harder at lower settings (e.g., 18°C), increasing energy consumption.
  • ACs are most efficient when operating within the 20–28°C range, where heat absorption and dissipation occur with lower power use.
• Human Thermal Comfort Standards:
  • International standards (ASHRAE-55 and ISO 7730) define thermal comfort as a condition where occupants do not feel too hot or cold and maintain core body temperature without sweating or shivering.
  • For lightly clothed people at rest, 20–24°C allows heat dissipation without stressing the body.
  • Above 30°C, even this balance is disturbed, hence the proposed cap at 28°C.

Public Health Considerations

• Risk of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Strain:
  • Indoor temperatures below 18°C cause vasoconstriction and sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to spikes in blood pressure (6–8 mmHg).
  • Prolonged exposure has been linked to higher incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular disorders, especially in elderly individuals.
• Impact on Respiratory Health:
  • Studies have found that children exposed to temperatures below 16°C show decreased lung function.
  • Cold indoor air can increase vulnerability to asthma, infections, and poor respiratory outcomes.
• Mental Health Implications:
  • UK-based studies found a doubling of depression and anxiety risks among people living in persistently cold homes, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors.

Challenges and Considerations for Implementation

• Cultural and Climatic Variation:
  • India experiences diverse climatic conditions, and a fixed range may not suit all regions.
  • Customisation based on local thermal comfort thresholds may be necessary.
• Industry Compliance and Consumer Awareness:
  • AC manufacturers would need to reprogram default settings and adjust labeling.
  • Awareness campaigns will be crucial to educate the public about health and environmental benefits.
• Demand vs. Right to Comfort:
  • While promoting energy efficiency, the policy must not restrict individual thermal comfort, especially for medically vulnerable groups.

Conclusion

• The proposal to regulate AC temperature settings is a well-founded step rooted in science, sustainability, and public health. It reflects a proactive approach to balancing comfort with responsibility, ensuring long-term gains in energy conservation and population well-being. However, effective implementation will require behavioural change, regulatory push, and technological adaptability to accommodate India’s diverse climate and usage patterns.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques: The proposal to fix air conditioner temperature settings in India is a step towards ensuring public health and energy efficiency. Examine the rationale behind this move and its implications for citizens and policymakers. (250 )

GS PAPER 4

Economy

The recent ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) against former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs has once again brought into focus the complexities of unilateral trade actions and their global ramifications. For India, this development underlines the strategic risks of engaging with an increasingly unpredictable trade partner, and the urgent need to negotiate trade agreements that protect its sovereign and economic interests.

Background: The Trump Tariffs and Legal Challenge

• During his first term, President Trump imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 135% on imports from over 100 countries, citing a “national emergency” due to U.S. trade deficits.
• This unilateral action bypassed traditional legislative and multilateral trade frameworks, raising concerns about constitutional checks and balances in the U.S.
• A group of five small American businesses challenged the tariffs in the U.S. Court of International Trade, which ruled on May 28, 2025, that the tariffs exceeded legal authority and violated trade commitments.
• However, the decision was immediately stayed by a U.S. appellate court, and tariffs remain in force, including those affecting Indian exports.

Trade Deficit Fallacy and India’s Position

• The Trump administration cited a $44.4 billion trade deficit with India, justifying tariffs as a corrective measure.
• However, this calculation excluded trade in services and defence exports, where the U.S. enjoys a surplus of $35–40 billion with India, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative.
• The misleading narrative of deficit-led national emergencies undermines factual economic analysis and global trust.

India’s Challenges and Strategic Dilemmas

• Unpredictable Trade Policy:
  • India had resolved a WTO dispute with the U.S. in 2023, expecting tariff relaxation — but the U.S. extended 50% tariffs on Indian steel and aluminium in 2025.
  • Even Apple’s manufacturing in India faces retaliatory tariff threats, showcasing a transactional and protectionist U.S. approach.
• WTO Undermined:
  • Despite WTO rulings that these tariffs do not qualify as national security measures, the U.S. continues to impose them.
  • India, while relying on WTO mechanisms, must strengthen multilateralism and protect its trade interests through collective forums like G20.
• Vulnerability of Indian Exports:
  • Sectors like IT services, steel, aluminium, and pharmaceuticals face disproportionate impact.
  • H-1B visa restrictions, cross-border data concerns, and retaliatory taxes on digital services add further pressure on bilateral negotiations.

Strategic Priorities for India in a Trade Agreement:

• Tariff Relief and Legal Protections:
  • Ensure removal of all additional tariffs imposed since 2018.
  • Seek commitments against retaliatory taxes on Indian companies, including Apple’s investments and digital services.
• Safeguards on Remittances:
  • The proposed 3.5% tax on U.S. outbound remittances under the Trump One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) must exclude Indian workers and diaspora.
• Services Trade and Visas:
  • India must protect its interest in services trade, especially H-1B visa access, a key channel for IT and professional services.
• Cross-Border Data and Regulatory Framework:
  • Ensure data flow policies are fair, transparent, and do not create non-tariff barriers to India’s growing digital economy.
• WTO Consistency:
  • All provisions must comply with WTO norms to preserve India’s credibility and long-term strategic leverage in the global trading system.

Conclusion: India’s Strategic Autonomy in Trade Policy

• The ongoing tariff tensions with the U.S. are a reminder that national interest must guide India’s trade negotiations, not external pressure or artificial deadlines. India must be prepared to walk away from sub-optimal deals, assert its rights within the WTO framework, and build resilience in its export economy through diversification and strategic alliances. The Trump-era tariffs, though painful, may be temporary — but the lessons in institutional preparedness, legal clarity, and global coordination must be long-lasting.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques: “The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the U.S. challenges the spirit of multilateralism in global trade.” Examine this statement in light of the recent U.S. Court of International Trade ruling on Trump-era tariffs and its implications for India.(250 words)

GS PAPER 5

Economy

Moody’s recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating may not have triggered global panic, but it reflects a deep and gradual erosion of fiscal trust in even the most powerful economies. For India, this event is not just about external shifts — it serves as a mirror to our own fiscal vulnerabilities, calling for urgent introspection, restraint, and reform in economic governance.

Key Takeaways from the U.S. Downgrade:

• A Symbolic but Significant Moment:
  • Moody’s downgrade marks the end of a long era of unquestioned U.S. fiscal supremacy.
  • It underscores declining global confidence in the sustainability of U.S. debt levels, which now exceed 120% of GDP.
  • Though markets reacted with calm, the event signals a long-building pressure point, a shift from trust-based borrowing to risk-based assessments.
• Global Financial Realignment:
  • Central banks are increasingly diversifying reserves — reducing dependence on U.S. treasuries and turning to gold and digital currencies.
  • The dollar’s supremacy is being quietly re-evaluated, and this recalibration of confidence may have long-term implications on global capital flows.

Lessons and Implications for India:

• India’s Fiscal Position – A Vulnerable Mirror:
  • India’s general government debt is near 80% of GDP (IMF, 2025).
  • Rising global interest rates and re-pricing of emerging market risk could make India’s borrowing more expensive.
  • India’s past experiences — such as the 2013 taper tantrum — showed how quickly global developments can trigger capital flight, rupee depreciation, and policy stress.
• Structural Fiscal Weaknesses:
  • Persistent fiscal populism undermines India’s macroeconomic credibility — from loan waivers to free power, pre-election handouts distort fiscal planning.
  • High fiscal deficits crowd out private investment and leave little fiscal space for productive, job-creating spending.
  • Low tax base, underperforming public institutions, and inefficient implementation of reforms remain chronic issues.
• Global Context – Everyone Under Scrutiny:
  • Emerging markets like Brazil and South Africa are facing rising borrowing costs due to similar fiscal imbalances.
  • Even developed economies like Germany and Canada are under closer scrutiny, showing that prestige no longer ensures market protection.

The Path Ahead for India:

• Fiscal Prudence as a Policy Imperative:
  • Caution does not mean austerity, but strategic clarity: strengthening infrastructure, improving education, and enabling job creation.
  • Focus must shift from headline welfare schemes to sustainable economic foundations that outlast electoral cycles.
• Reform and Responsibility:
  • India needs fiscal rules with teeth, not vague targets.
  • Credibility must be earned, through transparent budgeting, disinvestment discipline, and reduction in off-budget liabilities.
  • Reform must shift from committee recommendations to actual, timed implementation.
• Lead, Don’t Follow:
  • India should not wait for market forces to enforce change.
  • The choice is between proactive fiscal leadership or forced correction under pressure — the latter is always costlier.

Conclusion:

• Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. is not just a commentary on America — it is a warning for all economies dependent on debt and external capital. For India, the lesson is clear: credibility is the new currency, and fiscal restraint, far from being a luxury, is now a necessity. The time to shift from populist politics to prudent economics is now — before the markets force that decision upon us.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques: Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating signals a deeper crisis of fiscal trust. Examine its global implications and highlight what lessons it holds for India’s own fiscal policy and debt management. (250 words)

GS PAPER 6

Editorial Analysis

Context :

• As India prepares for its transformation into a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the role of urban mobility and public transport systems becomes crucial. With more than 60% of India’s population expected to shift to urban areas by the 2060s, ensuring cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient transit solutions is central to economic productivity, environmental goals, and urban resilience.

Current Urban Transit Challenges

• Inadequate Public Transport Infrastructure:
  • India requires over 2,00,000 urban buses, but only 35,000 are operational, creating a vast deficit.
  • Only 37% of urban residents have convenient access to mass transit, compared to over 50% in countries like Brazil and China.
• Metro Projects – Costly but Underutilised:
  • Metro rail development receives substantial Central funding, yet projected ridership remains unmet in most cities.
  • High construction and operational costs, along with fare sensitivity and poor last-mile connectivity, hinder financial recovery.
• Unviable Subsidy-Based Models:
  • Unlike developed countries, India cannot afford large recurring subsidies to keep urban mass transit cheap.
  • Rising fares reduce ridership, triggering a vicious cycle of underuse and financial strain.
• Recent Government Initiatives
  • PM e-Bus Sewa and PM e-Drive schemes aim to boost electric public transport, supporting the procurement of e-buses, e-rickshaws, and other vehicles.
  • Budget allocations favour a shift from CNG to electric buses, aligned with climate goals, but questions remain on long-term cost efficiency.

Alternative Transit Modes:

• Trams:
  • Based on life cycle cost analysis, trams show 45% long-term profitability over 70 years.
  • Environment-friendly, scalable, and less dependent on subsidies.
  • Reviving tram systems (e.g., proposed in Kochi) could be a strategic urban planning breakthrough.
• Trolleybuses:
  • More viable than e-buses, but still less profitable than trams.
  • Face infrastructural challenges in Indian urban layouts.
• E-Buses:
  • Currently the focus of government policy, yet incur 82% net loss over their lifetime due to high replacement and operating costs.
• Structural Issues:
  • Last-mile connectivity remains a weak link in mass transit adoption.
  • Private investment is limited due to uncertain returns and policy inconsistency.
  • Lack of integrated, multimodal planning leads to fragmented transport ecosystems in cities.

Way Forward:

• Re-evaluate Urban Transit Priorities:
  • Shift from trend-based policies to data-driven, life cycle analysis in transport decisions.
  • Include trams and trolleybuses in long-term planning, not just electric buses.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
  • Create viable financial models to attract private investment in buses and alternative transit modes.
• Integrated Urban Mobility:
  • Ensure multimodal connectivity with seamless integration between metro, buses, e-rickshaws, and pedestrian routes.
• Strengthen Governance and Planning:
  • Empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with greater funds and capacity for transport infrastructure planning and operation.

Conclusion:

• India’s urban transport strategy must transition from piecemeal electrification and metro expansion to a holistic, sustainable, and economically sound public mobility ecosystem. A thoughtful embrace of cost-effective legacy systems like trams, improved last-mile solutions, and scalable innovation can make urbanisation not only a growth engine but a model of resilience and equity in Viksit Bharat 2047.