Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 08 March 2025

Content:

1. Inclusion in public spaces — from fear to freedom
2. An equitable future for women in science, in India
3. Diversify now
4. Himalayan tragedy

Inclusion in public spaces — from fear to freedom

Context:

• India ranked 128 out of 177 countries in the Women, Peace and Security Index 2023.
• Women’s accessibility to public spaces is a critical but often-ignored issue.
• Despite academic research, little practical change has occurred.
• Visibility of women in public spaces remains significantly lower than men.

Relevance : GS 1(Society) ,GS 2(Social Issues)

Practice Question : Discuss the role of gendered spatial control in restricting women’s mobility in public spaces. How can urban design modifications help create safer and more inclusive public areas? (250 words)

Gendered Spatial Control

• Public spaces are arenas where socio-economic life thrives, shaping identities and participation.
• Presence of women in public spaces is a key indicator of safety.
• Women’s mobility is restricted due to deeply ingrained patriarchal norms.
• NFHS-4 (2015-16) Data:
  • 54% of women could visit markets alone.
  • 50% could access healthcare independently.
  • 48% were allowed to travel outside their village unaccompanied.
• PLFS 2023-24:
  • Female LFPR is at 35.6%, showing improvement but highlighting restricted economic participation.
• Public spaces for working women are transitional zones, used for commuting rather than leisure.

Reclaiming Public Spaces

• Key Idea from ‘Why Loiter?’ (Phadke, Ranade, Khan, 2011):
  • Women should use public spaces without purpose or urgency to assert their right to belong.
  • True inclusion means unrestricted access, not just necessity-driven presence.
• Women’s engagement in public spaces remains purpose-driven and time-bound, reinforcing restrictions.
• Curated spaces like malls, cafes, and theatres are more welcoming, but everyday spaces (footpaths, streets, parks) remain unwelcoming.

The Issue of Safety

• Violence against women is not confined to public spaces; it also occurs in homes.
• Public space risks:
  • Gendered violence from multiple strangers is high.
  • Perceived need for protection leads to further mobility restrictions.
• Social paradox:
  • Public spaces represent freedom, yet families see this as a loss of control over women’s mobility.
  • Risk is inevitable, but exclusion is not the solution.
• Men face street violence too, but their vulnerability is different.
• Reclaiming spaces involves women normalizing leisure and unrestricted presence in public places.

Policy-Level Interventions

• Urban design modifications:
  • Better street lighting to enhance safety.
  • Safe and accessible public toilets.
  • Street furniture (benches, rest areas) to encourage casual presence.
  • More recreational spaces for women beyond workplaces and markets.

• Strengthening legal frameworks:
  • Low conviction rates for gender-based crimes in public spaces must be addressed.
  • Need for stricter enforcement of laws against harassment and assault.
  • End impunity for offenders—many secure bail and repeat offenses.
  • Shift focus from victim-blaming to perpetrator accountability.

Social and Cultural Shifts

• Public space design should challenge patriarchal control rather than reinforce fear.
• Conversations about women’s freedom in public spaces should be normalized.
• Women must reclaim spaces with confidence, fostering autonomy over restriction.
• Encouraging social acceptance of women using public spaces for leisure, not just necessity.

An equitable future for women in science, in India

Despite progress, women in India face persistent challenges in STEM fields due to societal norms, workplace biases, and structural barriers. Addressing these inequities is crucial for fostering innovation, ensuring diversity, and strengthening India’s scientific progress.

Relevance : GS 1(Society), GS 2(Social Issue)

Practice Question :Why do women face higher attrition rates in STEM fields despite policy interventions? Suggest measures to improve women’s retention in science and technology careers. (250 words)

Persistent Barriers for Women in STEM

• Early Educational Challenges:
  • Limited access to quality education, particularly in rural areas.
  • Societal norms discouraging girls from pursuing STEM fields.
  • Gender bias in school curricula and classroom dynamics.

• Workplace Discrimination & Cultural Expectations:
  • Women are expected to prioritize family responsibilities over careers.
  • Bias in hiring, promotions, and access to research funding.
  • Harassment and discrimination in academic and research settings.

• Higher Attrition Rates:
  • A global study across 38 countries reveals that women drop out of STEM careers at higher rates due to:
    • Non-inclusive work environments.
    • Struggles with work-life balance.
    • Limited access to leadership roles and professional networks.

• The postdoc-to-faculty transition is particularly challenging for women due to:Lack of female role models.Familial responsibilities and career interruptions.Confidence gaps and imposter syndrome.

Why Women’s Retention in STEM Matters

• Enhancing Innovation & Diversity:
  • Diverse teams bring multiple perspectives, fostering creativity and innovation.
  • Inclusion of women leads to more holistic scientific advancements.

• Breaking the Cycle of Exclusion:
  • More women in STEM create role models for younger generations.
  • Greater representation challenges deep-seated gender stereotypes.

• Historical Struggles & Continued Challenges:
  • Matilda Effect: Women’s scientific contributions have historically been overshadowed by male colleagues.
  • Leaky Pipeline Metaphor: Women drop out at various career stages due to biased systems, lack of mentorship, and hostile work environments.
  • Chutes and Ladders Model: Highlights systemic barriers, including lack of access to influential networks and knowledge.

Gender Inequities in Indian STEM

• Data from an Indian Survey (2020-21) Across 98 Institutions:
  • Women faculty members constitute only 17% of all fields.
  • Representation varies by discipline:
    • Biology: 23%
    • Engineering: 8%
  • Lower representation in senior faculty roles and prestigious institutions.
  • Women are underrepresented in conferences and key research collaborations.
• Conservative Attitudes & Structural Barriers:
  • Societal expectations limit career aspirations and opportunities.
  • Gendered division of labor affects work-life balance.
  • Unconscious biases in hiring, research funding, and leadership roles.

Recommendations for Change

1. Institutional Reforms:
   1. Flexible work policies (remote work, part-time options).
   1. Affordable childcare and maternity leave policies.
   1. Equal pay and unbiased hiring/promotion policies.

• Increased Visibility & Recognition:
  • Public acknowledgment of women’s achievements in science.
  • Showcasing successful women in STEM to inspire future generations.
  • Addressing biases in academia through platforms like BiasWatchIndia.

• Career Support & Re-Entry Programs:
  • Removing age restrictions on research grants.
  • Strengthening mentorship programs for women in STEM.
  • Supporting women returning to research after career breaks.
  • Promoting women’s leadership roles in decision-making bodies.

Government Initiatives for Women in STEM

• Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) (2020): Aims to create an inclusive research environment.
• WISE-KIRAN & Women Scientists Scheme (WOS): Supports women’s participation in STEM research.
• Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe): Helps women re-enter research careers after breaks.
• ICMR Initiatives: Focus on training and capacity-building for women scientists.

The Road Ahead

• Scaling Up Reforms: Government initiatives must be expanded to reach more women.
• Cultural Shifts: Challenging stereotypes and encouraging gender-neutral career aspirations from an early age.
• Global Leadership: India must set an example by prioritizing gender equity in science as a key driver of its scientific progress.

Diversify Now

Economic Indicators: Resilience Amidst Global Challenges

• Services PMI Surge: Jump to 59 in February from 56.5 in January (25-month low), indicating strong expansion.
• Manufacturing PMI Decline: Fell to 56.3 (14-month low), signaling concerns in the industrial sector.
• GDP Growth (Q3FY25): 6.2% real GDP growth reported by NSO, showing economic momentum despite global uncertainties.
• Sensex Performance: Solid net profit growth across major companies highlights robust corporate earnings.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) ,GS 3(Trade , Economy)

Practice Question : How does global protectionism impact India’s economic growth and trade policies? Suggest measures to enhance India’s trade competitiveness. (250 words)

Key Challenges for Indian Economy

• Global Protectionism:
  • US Tariffs: Reciprocal tariffs by the U.S. (effective April 2) threaten Indian manufacturing exports.
  • Geopolitical Uncertainties: NASSCOM identifies rising trade restrictions and supply chain disruptions as key risks.

• Technological Disruptions:
  • AI Transformation: Impacting India’s IT sector, slowing revenue growth and altering hiring patterns.
  • Growth Slowdown: IT sector expected to grow 5.1% in FY25 (up from 3.8% in FY24), a sharp decline from past 16% CAGR.

• Risk of U.S. Recession:
  • U.S. as Largest Trade Partner: Any slowdown in the U.S. could dampen India’s exports, especially in services and tech.
  • Capital Outflows: Rising U.S. interest rates and global uncertainties leading to fund withdrawals from Indian markets.

Strategic Need for Trade Diversification

• Reducing Overdependence on the U.S.:
  • Expanding trade partnerships with Europe, ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America.
  • Strengthening regional agreements like India-EU FTA and Indo-Pacific trade collaborations.

• Boosting Domestic Manufacturing & Exports:
  • PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) Schemes to enhance self-reliance in key sectors like electronics, pharma, and defense.
  • Encouraging export-driven MSMEs to penetrate emerging markets.

• Enhancing Competitiveness in Services & IT:
  • Investing in AI and emerging technologies to remain globally competitive.
  • Skilling workforce to adapt to AI-driven industry shifts.

• Strengthening Trade Infrastructure:
  • Upgrading port connectivity, logistics, and supply chains to improve export efficiency.

Conclusion:

• India’s economic fundamentals remain strong, but global trade headwinds demand proactive measures.
• Diversification of trading partners, technological upgradation, and policy support are crucial for long-term resilience.
• Policymakers must adopt a balanced strategy—protecting domestic industries while expanding global market access.

Himalayan tragedy

Context :

• A severe avalanche struck Mana village, Uttarakhand, affecting a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) construction site.
• Casualties: 8 workers lost their lives; 23 were rescued by Indian Army and ITBP.
• The rescue operation lasted 60 hours in extreme conditions at 10,500 feet AMSL.
• Helicopters and drone-based detection were employed due to road blockages from heavy snowfall.

Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management)

Practice Question :Evaluate the role of technology in improving disaster management in remote and high-altitude regions. How can India enhance its disaster response capabilities? (250 words)

Vulnerability of the Himalayan Region

• Avalanches, landslides, and flash floods are frequent hazards in the Himalayan states.
• High seismic activity and glacial retreat due to climate change exacerbate risks.
• Traditional wisdom dictates seasonal migration during winter months to safer regions.
• Increasing human activity, military presence, infrastructure projects, and tourism, escalates risk.

Challenges in Disaster Management

• Limited predictability: Avalanches are hard to forecast with high precision.
• Harsh terrain and extreme weather slow down rescue and relief efforts.
• Inadequate infrastructure: Shelters and worker accommodations may not be designed to withstand disasters.
• Lack of risk awareness: Migrant workers might not be adequately briefed on local hazards.

Rescue Operation: Strengths and Shortcomings

Strengths:

• Quick mobilization: Indian Army, ITBP, IAF, and civilian helicopters coordinated effectively.
• Use of technology: Drones helped locate buried containers.
• Efficient evacuation: Patients were airlifted to Joshimath Army Hospital.

Shortcomings:

• Delayed response due to weather constraints.
• No prior warning systems in place for predicting avalanche risk.
• Workers’ shelters were not disaster-resistant.

Need for a Shift in Disaster Preparedness

• Infrastructure Planning: Worker shelters must be modeled on bomb shelters or Antarctic research stations to withstand extreme conditions.
• Early Warning Systems: Deploying AI-based avalanche forecasting and glacier monitoring sensors.
• Mandatory Training: Migrant laborers should receive disaster preparedness drills before deployment.
• Resilient Road Networks: Engineering solutions like snow tunnels and climate–adaptive road construction.
• Permanent Disaster Response Units: Pre-deployed rapid-response teams with air rescue capacity in high-risk zones.

Long-Term Strategic Considerations

• Balancing Development and Ecology: Unregulated construction and deforestation worsen the impact of disasters.
• Integrating Indigenous Knowledge: Local communities have historical wisdom about migration patterns and safe zones.
• Strengthening Inter-agency Coordination: Army, BRO, NDRF, and meteorological agencies must work proactively rather than reactively.

Conclusion: Rethinking ‘Inevitable’ Disasters

• Natural disasters may not be fully predictable, but their impact can be minimized.
• Proactive planning, technological intervention, and policy reforms are essential to prevent tragedies like Mana from recurring.
• A worker-first approach in disaster-prone areas is not just humane but also strategically vital for India’s border security and infrastructure development.