Data Story For UPSC CSE- 10 Dec 2021 to 9 Jan 2022

3. 1 5 TRILLION ECONOMY BY 2024-25 India is aiming to be a $5 trillion economy by 2024-25. Annual growth rate of 9 percent is needed for the next five years to be a $5 trillion economy. By achieving this feat, India will become the 3rd largest economy. USA with a rank 1 is a $20 trillion economy and China with a rank 2 is around $12.5 trillion economy. CHALLENGES IN BECOMING $5 TRILLION ECONOMY: PRIMARY SECTOR One of the major problems that this sector faces is under-employment and disguised employment. The slow-down in agricultural growth has become a major cause for concern.

4. 2 MANUFACTURING SECTOR Poor networks of roads, inadequate air & seaport capacities along with undeveloped railway networks are hindering the growth of this sector. This leads to slow & inefficient delivery of the product to the customers. The transportation industry is also severely unorganised. The employees of this sector have inadequate skills which lead to inefficient supply of goods. Low level of technology and poor maintenance of the tools are also responsible for inefficiency of the transportation industry. SERVICE SECTOR The main problem with this sector is that the jobs which involve lower salaries do not attract much employment. And this remains the future dilemma as India is looking for double-digit growth in the near future. COMMON CHALLENGES Depressing pace in carrying out land and labour reforms: This has been a major turn-off for investors looking at setting shop in the country. Budget talks about narrowing labour laws. This is a step in the right direction but quick execution is important. Funding Problem: India does not have powerful institutions that can fund long-gestation infrastructure projects. Banks do not have enough long-term liabilities to match such loans. Lenders have gone terribly wrong in the past by not following healthy lending practices. SUGGESTIVE MEASURES: There is a need to place India’s official statistics on a firmer footing, so that we can be sure that economic policy-making is based on reality. However, getting the numbers right will not ideally end the task. Government alone would not be able to meet the target of achieving the $ 5 trillion economy. Private sector would have to take the lead. Budget 2018-19 included a hike in the disinvestment target, governmental support to NBFCs and a long-term plan to deepen the corporate bond markets. Structural reforms in the agriculture sector would also have to be carried out. There is a need to modernise the farm sector. **********

5. 3 FOOD WASTE INDEX According to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021, around 931 million tonnes of food waste was generated in 2019. The report covers three sectors-Food retail, Households and Food service. India produces household waste at 50 kg /capita /year respectively. Due to the food waste, 690 million people had to go hungry in 2019. ISSUES/ CHALLENGES: SDG 12 Target 3 would be missed: If we do not increase the investment significantly in tackling food wastes in the home globally, we will definitely not achieve the SDG 12.3. Environmental Impact: Around 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food that is not consumed. Social Impact: Wasting food also raises social questions, particularly given the current global financial crisis, rising food prices and international food shortages. Economic Impact: Food loss and waste cause about $940 billion per year in economic losses.

6. 4 Non-inclusion in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): As of now, none of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement mention food waste. Lack of proper data: Global estimates of food waste have relied on the extrapolation of data from a small number of countries, often using old data. Most countries do not have robust data on food waste. Highest burden: As environmental impacts accrue across the life cycle of food products, food waste at the consumer level presents the highest burden. Limited Parameters: This estimation is based on only three studies, all of which had a sample size or length that was either small or unclear. SUGGESTIVE MEASURES: Inclusion of food systems in NDC’s: Countries can raise climate ambition by including food systems in their NDCs. Community Awareness: The governments, civil societies and businesses have to sync with each other and generate community awareness regarding the importance of reducing food wastage. Innovative ideas: The UN Food Systems Summit will provide an opportunity to launch bold new actions to tackle food waste globally. Saving money: Food waste reductions can save money for farmers, companies, and households. Need to work on SDG targets: SDG target 12.3 aims at halving per-capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reducing food losses along production and supply chains. **********

7. 5 TOTAL FERTILITY RATE (TFR) According to MOSPI, Total fertility rate (TFR) is defined as the average number of children that would be born to a woman if she experiences the current fertility pattern throughout her reproductive span (15-49 years). The fertility rate has declined across the majority of the states. All states MP, Rajasthan, UP, Jharkhand, Bihar, Manipur and Meghalaya have attained a replacement level of 2.1 REASONS FOR DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION: Introduction of initiatives like contraception Government health and family welfare schemes Special emphasis on education of the girl child

8. 6 Exponential growth of institutional births Overall improvement in health and nutrition FUTURE OF INDIA: Will India not overtake China to become the most populous nation globally? It depends on too many variables to make that prediction, including how China handles its declining population. India has achieved the critical step of stabilising growth by pegging the replacement level fertility at 2.1. But experts believe that India may still be on the path to becoming the most populous nation. Suggestive Measures: India should prioritise educating the girl child as the first priority. Family’s overall well-being depends upon the education (especially female education) and only education can lead to the healthy nation Education gives young people, especially girls, a greater sense of awareness and well-being that prevents early marriages and pregnancies which is critical in checking the population. Capacity Building through Awareness; alongside family planning and reproductive health awareness need to be imparted to adults, and they need to be encouraged to adopt family planning measures. **********

9. 7 MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE (MSP) It is the minimum price at which government agencies procure particular crops from the farmer at MSP. It is an- nounced by the government on 23 commodities including 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane. WHO ANNOUNCED MSP? The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs announces MSP based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The CACP takes into account demand and supply, the cost of production and price trends in the market among other things when fixing MSPs.

10. 8 The price is announced at the beginning of the sowing season. WHY IS MSP IMPORTANT? Though prices of agro commodities may soar while in short supply, during years of bumper production, prices of the very same commodities plummet. MSPs ensure that farmers get a minimum price for their produce in adverse markets. MSPs have also been used as a tool by the Government to incentivize farmers to grow crops that are in short supply. CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH MSP: Policy issue: Farmers across the country have been facing problems of selling their produce at the minimum support price. Procedural delay: Problems like delay in the setting up of procurement centers, exploitation by commission agents defeat the purpose of MSP. Involvement of Middlemen: Taking advantage of the complexities in the supply chain, middlemen appear to be causing disparities in the price. **********

11. 9 THE PERFORMANCE OF DISTRICT HOSPITALS REPORT It is released by NITI Aayog. It is first ever performance assessment of district hospitals undertaken across the country. The framework classifies hospitals in three categories: Small Hospitals (less than or equal to 200 beds), Mid-sized Hospitals (between 201–300 beds) and Large Hospitals (more than 300 beds). ASSESSMENT INDICATORS: Number of functional hospital beds per 1,00,000 population Ratio of doctors, nursing staffs and paramedical staff in position to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norm; Proportion of support services available

12. 10 Proportion of core health care services available Proportion of diagnostic services available Bed occupancy rate C-section rate Surgical productivity index OPD per doctor Blood bank replacement rate KEY FINDINGS: Beds per Population: On an average, a district hospital had 24 beds for 1, 00,000 people. For the assessment, it was set that a hospital should have 22 beds for that many people (IPHS 2012 guidelines). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends five hospital beds for every 1,000 people. Doctor-to-Bed Ratio: Only 27% of the total 707 districts assessed met the doctor-to-bed ratio of 29 doctors per 100 beds in a hospital. 88 hospitals out of 707 had the required ratio of staff nurses. Ratio of Paramedical Staff: Only 399 hospitals were found to have a ratio of paramedical staff in position as IPHS norms laid down (100 paramedical staff for 500-bed hospital). Support Services: On an average, every district hospital in India had 11 support services, compared to the required 14. Diagnostic Testing Services: Only 21 hospitals fulfilled the criteria of having all diagnostic testing services available. Bed Occupancy: 182 hospitals out of the 707 had bed occupancy of 90% or more. SUGGESTIVE MEASURES: Affordability: Provide effective, affordable health care services (curative including specialist services, preventive, and promotive) for a defined population. Accessibility: At least one district hospital for every district providing advanced secondary care. Extensive coverage; Service coverage encompassing both urban (district headquarter town) and the rural population in the district. Broad scope: Provide wide-ranging technical and administrative support and education and training for primary health care. Substantial infrastructure: The district hospital, having beds ranging from 100 to 1200, provides out and inpatient critical services including surgical interventions such as cesarean sections; care for sick new-borns, infants, and children; management of NCDs and infectious diseases; and blood storage facility on a 24-hour basis. Contribution to society: District hospitals have a lot to contribute towards meeting the country’s global and national goals and targets, including the SDGs, and thus improving health outcomes. **********

13. 11 THE GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX (GII) 2021 Global Innovation Index (GII) Launched by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized agency of UN. The theme of the year 2021 is, ‘Tracking Innovation through the COVID-19 Crisis’. The index ranks 132 world economies on roughly 80 indicators grouped into innovation inputs and outputs. In Overall segment, India is ranked at 46th position in the year 2021. **********

14. 12 INDIA ENERGY OUTLOOK WHAT IS INDIA ENERGY OUTLOOK 2021? The India Energy Outlook 2021 is a new special report from the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Out- look series. The report explores the opportunities and challenges ahead for India as it seeks to ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to a growing population. India Energy Outlook provides a coherent framework in which India’s options can be assessed. It explores the key factors that will drive energy demand in India, including urbanisation, buildings, transport and industries. It looks at aspects of energy supply, including transformations in the power sector, the potential for natural gas in India’s economy, and the role of bioenergy and coal in a rapidly changing energy system.

15. 13 It also explores the implications of developments in energy on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). INDIA’S ENERGY STATUS ACCORDING TO THE OUTLOOK India is the world’s third largest energy consuming country, thanks to rising incomes and improving standards of living. Energy consumption has more than doubled since 2000, propelled upwards by a growing population – soon to be the world’s largest – and a period of rapid economic growth. Near-universal household access to electricity was achieved in 2019, meaning that over 900 million citizens have gained an electrical connection in less than two decades. MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE ENERGY OUTLOOK 2021 Prior to the global pandemic, India’s energy demand was projected to increase by almost 50% between 2019 and 2030, but growth over this period is now closer to 35% in the STEPS, and 25% in the Delayed Recovery. An expanding economy, population, urbanisation and industrialisation mean that India sees the largest increase in energy demand of any country, across all of our scenarios to Solar power is set for explosive growth in India, matching coal’s share in the Indian power generation mix within two decades in the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) or even sooner in the Sustainable Development Scenario. India’s electricity demand is set to increase much more rapidly than its overall energy Energy demand for road transport in the STEPS is projected to more than double over the next two decades, although this growth is cut dramatically in the Sustainable Development In the STEPS, India exceeds the goals set out in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The market for natural gas is growing fast in India, but its role varies by sector, by scenario and over time. The 6% share of natural gas in India’s current energy mix is among the lowest in the world. India’s combined import bill for fossil fuels triples over the next two decades in the STEPS, with oil by far the largest component, pointing to continued risks to India’s energy security. A 50% rise in India’s CO2 emissions to 2040 is the largest of any country in the STEPS, even though India’s per capita CO2 emissions remain well below the global average **********

16. 14 FIVE YEARS OF PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA WHAT IS PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA? It is a crop Insurance Scheme launched in 2016. It is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture It replaced previous insurance schemes National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) as well as the Modified NAIS. OBJECTIVES:

17. 15 To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of crop failure To stabilize the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming. To encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices. To ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SCHEME Premium under the scheme- The premium paid by farmers- It is 2% for all Kharif crops, 1.5% for all Rabi crops and 5% for annual commercial and horticultural crops Remaining premium- The balance premium is to be paid by the central and state government collectively. Use of technology- Smart phones will be used to capture and upload data of crop cutting to reduce the delays in claim payment to farmers. Farmers to be covered- All farmers growing notified crops in a notified area during the season who have insurable interest in the crop are eligible. As per revised provisions, the scheme is voluntary for all farmers. Crops covered: The Scheme cover all the Crops for which past yield data is available and grown during the notified season, in a Notified Area and for which yield estimation at the Notified Area level will be available. Risks covered under the scheme- Yield Losses (standing crops, on notified area basis)- Risk insurance is provided to cover yield losses due to non-preventable risks, such as Natural Fire and Lightning, Storm, Hailstorm and cyclone etc. Adverse weather conditions- In case where majority of the insured farmers of a notified area are prevented from sowing/planting the insured crop due to adverse weather conditions, shall be eligible for indemnity claims upto a certain limit. Post-harvest loss- Coverage will be available up to a maximum period of 14 days from harvesting for those crops which are kept in “cut & spread” condition to dry in the field. Localized problems- For certain localized problems, loss /damage resulting from occurrence of identified localized risks like hailstorm, and Inundation affecting isolated farms would also be covered. Revised provisions of the scheme- Greater flexibility- States/ UTs have been given more flexibility to implement the scheme. Investing in ICE Activities: Insurance companies have to now spend 0.5% of the total premium collected on information, education and communication (IEC) activities. PERFORMANCE REPORT: According to the Union agriculture ministry Claims worth Rs 90,000 crore have been disbursed to farmers in 5 years of scheme. 29 crore number of farmers have insured their crops under this scheme. Annually, around 5.5 crores number of farmers registered for the scheme. **********

18. 16 DIGITAL PAYMENTS INDEX WHAT IS DIGITAL PAYMENTS INDEX? It is a semiannual index published by RBI with an aim to capture the extent of digitization of payments across the country. The index consists of 5 broad parameters which have sub-parameters which, in turn, consist of various measurable indicators. The major 5 broad parameters are - Payment Enablers- 25% Payment Infrastructure: Demand-side factors (10%) Payment Infrastructure: Supply-side factors (15%)

19. 17 Each indicator has various sub-parameters as listed in table below- Payment Performance- (45%) Consumer Centricity- (5%) Payment Infrastruc- ture- Demand-side factors Payment Infrastruc- ture- Supply-side factors Payment Perfor- mance Consumer Centric- ity Payment Enablers 25% 10% 15% 45% 5% Digital Payments Systems-Volume Awareness and education Internet Debit cards Bank Branches Business Corre- spondents Digital Payments System-Value Mobile Credit cards Declines Prepaid Payment Instruments Aadhar ATMs Unique Users Complaints Customers regis- tered-Mobile and Internet Banking Bank Accounts PoS terminals Paper Clearing Frauds Currency in Circu- lation Particpants FASTag QR Codes System Downtime Merhants Intermediaries Cash withdrawals KEY FINDINGS FROM THE LATEST DPI- The base period for the index is March 2018 e. DPI score for March 2018 is set at 100. The score for succeeding years are- March 2018 – 100 March 2019 - 153.47 March 2020 - 207.84 March 2021 - 270.59 The significant growth in the index represents the rapid adoption and deepening of digital payments across the country in recent years. **********

20. 18 DIGITAL DIVIDE IN INDIA E-GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT INDEX (EDGI) The E-Government Development Index 2020 measures e-government performance of countries relative to one another as opposed to being an absolute measurement. The report is published by United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). It serves as a benchmarking and development tool for countries to learn from each other, identify areas of strength and challenges in e-government and shape their policies and strategies in this area. Mathematically, EGDI is the weighted average of normalized scores on the three most important dimensions of e-Government, namely The Scope and quality of online services as online Service Index (OSI)

21. 19 The Status of the development of telecommunication infrastructure or the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII) The inherent human capital or the Human Capital Index (HCI). India came at a position of 100 with an EGDI Composite Score of 0.5964 as against a rank of 96 with an EGDI Composite Score of 0.5669 in 2018. DIGITAL DIVIDE IN INDIA- Digital divide in India is measured by comparing accessibility to internet and ability to use internet across rural and urban region, and among men and women. The data is largely taken from E-Government Development Index 2020 and GSMA’s 2021 mobile gender gap report Issues- The prevailing digital divide also leads to divide in access to education, health, economic and governance facilities and thus, impacting overall inclusive growth in India. Measures- Though the union government is taking several steps in line with the ‘Digital India Mission’, some more measures can be providing incentives to buy smartphones and promoting digital literacy with the support of non-state associations. **********

22. 20 WOMEN IN BUREAUCRACY Women represent half of the population of the country. As per latest NFHS (National family health survey), female to male ratio is 1020 in India. In comparison to this data, Labor force participation rate of women (LFPR) is mere 21% and only 31% women are presently serving as IAS officers in India. This not only creates inequality in admin- istration but also hampers gender sensitive policy framing and implementation in India. In line with that, there is a need to assess past trends and present data regarding the representation of women at all India level, at state level and monitor state wise trends. The Gross enrollment ratio (GER) of women in higher education reflects that the need to promote education and create awareness the facilities for participation in bu- reaucracy. Some steps to improve female representation in bureaucracy: Reservation- Some states has taken this step, but is missing in many states and at central level. Awareness, free coaching and residential facilities- This will remove entry barriers and promote their participation and preparation for civil services exams. Reducing drop out in higher education- Education is the first step to promote their participation in bureaucracy. **********

23. 21 SCHEDULED TRIBES IN INDIA “Scheduled Tribes” means such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal com- munities as are deemed under article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of the Indian Constitution. STs are spread across various states and UTs and constitute around 8.2% of total population of India as per Census 2011. It is well known that Scheduled tribes are behind the mainstream society in education, health as well as other social and economic indicators. Thus, using data from Census 2011 and annual report by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, this data story aims to understand tribal demography and educational indicators. Some schemes for development of STs include Tribal sub plan, MGNREGA, Eklavya school and Stand up India. STEPS NEEDED FOR STS- Development of education and health indicators. Creating awareness about constitutional and legal rights, existing schemes and plans for STs. Conservation of tribal values, knowledge, languages and culture for an inclusive society. **********

24. 22 RISE IN SEA LEVEL Sea level rise is one of the visible impacts of climate change caused by global warming. As the temperature in- creases, it leads to the increase in water level along the coasts. The data story uses data from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Ministry of Earth Science and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report to highlight the rise in sea level. According to a report, if the world warmed by two degree Celsius by 2100 then there could be a 5 % increase in maximum cyclonic wind speeds and cyclonic wind speeds can peak at more than 300 kilometers per hour and cause damage to public infrastructure like electric poles, houses and vegetation. To stop the rise in sea level, efforts are being made by the countries to limit the increase in temperature to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels. Some steps that can be taken in this direction are- Switch to less carbon intensive and further zero carbon fuels like natural gas and hydrogen. Pushing for early achieving zero carbon neutrality at global level. Increasing efforts to reduce deforestation and push for afforestation especially in urban areas. **********

25. 23 TRANSGENDER IN INDIA Transgenders constitute one of the vulnerable communities in India as well as globally. They face issues of identity, denial of adequate education and economic opportunities that are necessary for their well being and a safe life. Considering the vulnerabilities, this data story aims to highlight the issues faced by transgenders in their homes, and in society and the steps taken by the government tozz protect their rights. The data is used from the Census 2011, study by NHRC, World bank report and the transgender persons (Protec- tion of Rights) Bill. What more is needed ? There is a need for a robust legal mechanism to safeguard the interest of transgenders and World bank report and the transgender persons (Protection impose huge penalties on the violators.

26. 24 Equal opportunity to education and livelihood needs to be ensured. As a society, change has to begin from the family level by educating children on how trans people are just people, like others. Workplaces need to be more transgender-inclusive with initiatives like equal opportunity hiring, providing infrastructure such as restrooms for the third gender, action against misconduct/ harassment, medical insurance and policies, health care. **********

27. 25 INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND DIASPORA International migration has been historic in nature. The prime reason is economic and so, most migrants move from developing to developed countries in recent times. It is also evident from the fact that the USA is the top destination for migrants and India has the largest diaspora in the world. The diaspora is beneficial for the des- tination country as they receive workforce at affordable prices and source country benefits from remittances as well the soft power it gains from its diaspora. COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the flow of migrants as well as remittances as per recent report. The data used in the data story is largely taken from the report ‘International Migration 2020 Highlights’, by the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and a report from the World Bank. **********

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