UPSC CSAT

Friday, 6 June 2025

AASHA Workers in India

ASHA Workers in India

Why in the News?

ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) in Kerala have recently staged protests, demanding higher wages and retirement benefits.

Who Are ASHA Workers?

About:
ASHAs are community health volunteers introduced under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005 to provide essential healthcare services in rural areas. In 2013, NRHM merged with the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) to form the National Health Mission (NHM).
ASHAs work alongside Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) to improve healthcare access.
An ASHA is typically a local woman (aged 25-45), preferably married, widowed, or divorced, with at least a Class 10 education. They are considered volunteers under NHM, receiving only task-based incentives, limiting their earnings.
There is one ASHA per 1,000 people, with 9.2 lakh ASHAs in rural areas and 79,900 in urban areas (as of 2022-23).

Key Responsibilities of ASHAs:

Ensure antenatal check-ups and postnatal care, and educate mothers on breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
Support immunization, tuberculosis (TB) treatment, malaria screenings, and disease prevention.
Provide basic healthcare services, essential medicines, first aid, and report births and deaths.

Concerns of ASHA Workers:

ASHAs receive low and irregular payments, ranging from approximately Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000, with honorariums and task-based incentives that vary by state and are often delayed due to funding issues and Centre-State disputes.
Despite their vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, which earned them the WHO’s World Health Leaders Award in 2022, ASHAs continue to face challenges.
ASHAs are not classified as government employees, so they are denied fixed wages, pensions, gratuity, provident funds, and medical insurance, although some states, like Andhra Pradesh, offer gratuity.
The 2020 Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour recommended formalizing their roles, but no action has been taken yet.
ASHAs, largely women from marginalized backgrounds, also face gender-based discrimination in the workforce.

How Can ASHA Workers Be Empowered?

Formalization: Recognizing ASHAs as government employees or at least contractual workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020, would ensure they receive essential labor rights and protections.
Skill Development: Offering training programs would help ASHAs enhance their skills and transition into higher healthcare roles, such as Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs).
Financial Security: In light of rising inflation, ASHA workers need financial security. A fixed salary, along with incentives, would ensure stability. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) could prevent payment delays, empowering them to focus on healthcare without financial strain.

National Health Mission (NHM)

The NHM aims to ensure universal access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Extended until 2026, NHM is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and assists States/UTs in providing accessible and affordable healthcare, with a focus on rural infrastructure, workforce, and service delivery.

Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss how ASHA workers contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 in India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims
Q. With reference to the National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of an ‘ASHA’, a trained community health worker? (2012)

Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkup
Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
Providing information on nutrition and immunization
Conducting the delivery of a baby

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

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Thursday, 5 June 2025

Indian History

Indian History

Indian National Army's Legacy

For Prelims: Indian National Army (INA), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Kartavya Path, Indian Independence League, Provisional Government of Free India, Royal Indian Navy Mutiny, INA Trials

Why in the News?

A veteran of the Indian National Army (INA) recently marked his 99th birthday by laying a wreath at the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Kartavya Path. This veteran joined the INA on November 1, 1943, at the age of 17.

What Was the Indian National Army (INA)?

About INA:
The Indian National Army was a military force formed during World War II to challenge British rule in India. It played a significant role in India’s fight for independence.

Formation:

Mohan Singh proposed the formation of an army from Indian prisoners of war (POWs) and secured support from Japan. Initially, he led the INA, recruiting around 40,000 soldiers, but was later removed due to conflicts over troop numbers.
Rashbehari Bose, a revolutionary, mobilized support for the INA and established the Indian Independence League in Tokyo (1942).
Subhas Chandra Bose became the Supreme Commander of the INA on August 25, 1943, and established the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore on October 21, 1943. The government was recognized by nine countries, including Japan, Germany, Italy, and China (under Wang Jingwei).
Under the Chalo Delhi campaign, the INA hoisted its flag on Indian soil at Moirang, Manipur, although their progress ended at Imphal due to Japan's defeat in World War II.
Collapse: The retreat of Japanese forces (1944-45) weakened the INA. After Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, the INA followed suit and surrendered. Subhas Bose reportedly died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, leading to the disbandment of the INA.

INA Trials:
Following the INA’s defeat, many of its soldiers were court-martialed as POWs, leading to widespread protests that fueled the independence movement. The first trial, held at the Red Fort in November 1945, involved three officers: Prem Kumar Sehgal (a Hindu), Shah Nawaz Khan (a Muslim), and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon (a Sikh). Their unity represented the strength of the INA.
At the Bombay Congress session in September 1945, a resolution was passed in support of INA prisoners, with eminent leaders like Bhulabhai Desai, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Asaf Ali defending them.

Major Nationalist Uprisings (1945–46):
Three key confrontations took place during this period:

November 21, 1945: Student protests in Calcutta against the INA trials led to police violence.
February 11, 1946: Demonstrations erupted in Calcutta in response to the sentencing of INA officer Rashid Ali.
February 18, 1946: The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) ratings mutinied in Bombay.

What is the Significance of the Indian National Army (INA)?

Direct Challenge to British Authority: The INA’s formation and military operations directly challenged British rule, aiming to liberate India with the support of Axis powers (Japan and Germany).
Nationalist Unity: The INA trials united Indians from various religious and political backgrounds, sparking nationwide protests and rallying different factions like Congress, the Muslim League, the Hindu Mahasabha, and Communists against British policies.
Impact on the Indian Armed Forces: The INA inspired Indian troops, contributing to the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny of 1946, where 20,000 sailors revolted—marking a pivotal moment in the weakening of British control.
Forced British Withdrawal: In 1956, British Prime Minister admitted that the INA played a critical role in accelerating Britain’s exit from India, as fears grew that Indian forces would no longer remain loyal to the British Crown.
Legacy and Symbolism: The INA became a symbol of armed resistance, inspiring future generations in India’s defense and military outlook. Its slogan "Jai Hind" continues to resonate as a rallying cry for national unity.

Conclusion

The Indian National Army (INA) was instrumental in India’s independence struggle. By directly confronting British rule, fostering nationalist unity, and inspiring revolts within the armed forces, the INA played a crucial role in hastening British withdrawal from India. Its legacy continues to influence India's military ethos, strategic outlook, and national identity.

Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the role of the Indian National Army (INA) in India’s struggle for independence.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims
Q. In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon are remembered as (2021)
(a) Leaders of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
(b) Members of the Interim Government in 1946
(c) Members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly
(d) Officers of the Indian National Army

Ans: (d)

Q. During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following raised an army called the 'Free Indian Legion'? (2008)
(a) Lala Hardayal
(b) Rashbehari Bose
(c) Subhas Chandra Bose
(d) V.D. Savarkar

Ans: (c)

Mains
Q. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian Phase. Elaborate. (2019)

Q. Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (2016)

Q. How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (2015)

Q. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (2014)

Wednesday, 4 June 2025

Mangroves in India

Mangroves in India

For Prelims: Mangroves, Indian State Forest Report 2023, Sundarbans, MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes), Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME) Initiative
Why in the News?

A recent report by Anna University reveals a significant expansion of mangrove coverage in Tamil Nadu, with the area increasing from 4,500 hectares in 2021 to 9,039 hectares in 2024. This has brought mangroves back into public discussion.

What are Mangroves?
Overview:
Mangroves are coastal ecosystems made up of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones in tropical and subtropical regions. These plants are uniquely adapted to saline, low-oxygen environments with slow-moving waters, where fine sediments accumulate.
Common mangrove species include Red mangrove, Grey mangrove, and Rhizophora.

Key Characteristics:

Habitat & Growth Conditions: Mangroves flourish in tidal flats, estuaries, and deltas with high silt deposition, undergoing bi-daily tidal flooding. They adapt to intense solar radiation, anaerobic mud, and can extract freshwater from saline water.
Physiological Adaptations: Mangroves develop pneumatophores (in Avicennia) for respiration, prop roots (in Rhizophora) for stability, and lenticellated bark to prevent water loss and secrete salt. Their salt-secreting glands aid in excreting excess salt, and their roots trap sediments, stabilizing coastlines.
Reproductive Adaptations: Mangroves exhibit viviparity, where seeds germinate while still on the tree, ensuring survival in the harsh saline environment.
Distribution: Mangroves are found only in tropical and subtropical regions, as they cannot survive in freezing temperatures. According to the FAO (2023), global mangrove cover stood at 14.8 million hectares in 2020, covering less than 1% of all tropical forests. The largest mangrove areas are found in South and Southeast Asia, followed by South America, Africa, and Oceania. Countries like Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico, and Australia account for 47% of the global mangrove cover.

Mangrove Coverage in India:
India’s mangrove cover, according to the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, is around 4,992 sq. km, which is 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area. Major mangrove ecosystems are found in Odisha (Bhitarkanika), Andhra Pradesh (Godavari-Krishna delta), Gujarat, Kerala, and the Andaman Islands.
The Sundarbans, the largest contiguous mangrove forest globally, and Bhitarkanika, the second-largest in India, are notable ecosystems.

Sundarbans:
The Sundarbans derive their name from the sundari tree (Heritiera fomes). This region extends from the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India, to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh, spanning the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna delta.
The Sundarbans are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising four protected areas: Sundarbans National Park (India), and Sundarbans West, South, and East Wildlife Sanctuaries (Bangladesh). The region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to species like the Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, Indian python, and over 260 bird species.

Significance of Mangroves:

Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves store an average of 394 tonnes of carbon per hectare, making them efficient blue carbon sinks. Their unique environment slows decomposition, enabling effective carbon storage.
Coastal Protection: Mangroves serve as natural barriers, reducing storm surges, tsunamis, and coastal erosion. They can reduce wave energy by 5-35% and flood depths by up to 20% in some areas, playing a vital role in disaster risk reduction.
Biodiversity Hotspots: Mangroves support over 5,700 species across 21 phyla in India, including endangered species like Bengal tigers, estuarine crocodiles, and over 260 bird species.
Food Security & Livelihoods: Mangroves contribute to global fisheries, supporting 800 billion aquatic species annually. They also provide honey, fruits, and leaves, helping sustain coastal communities.

Major Threats to Mangroves:

Land Conversion: A significant cause of mangrove loss is land conversion for activities like aquaculture (26%), oil palm plantations, and rice cultivation (43%). Timber extraction and charcoal production also lead to mangrove degradation.
Pollution: Oil spills, especially in regions like the Niger Delta, threaten the health and regeneration of mangrove ecosystems.
Invasive Species: The spread of Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species, disrupts mangrove ecosystems in places like Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It competes with native species, alters soil salinity, reduces freshwater availability, and hampers mangrove regeneration.

India’s Initiatives for Mangrove Conservation:

MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) and SAIME (Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem) initiatives aim to conserve and enhance mangrove habitats while supporting local economies.

Way Forward:

Strengthen Legal Framework: Implement stricter laws to curb deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable coastal development.
Community Involvement: Engage local communities in mangrove conservation, offering sustainable livelihood opportunities linked to the protection and restoration of mangroves.
Research & Technology: Support research into phytoremediation, medicinal uses, and sustainable practices. Use drone surveillance and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time monitoring and protection against illegal activities.
Bio-Restoration: Employ bio-restoration methods to rehabilitate degraded mangrove areas, enhancing biodiversity and resilience against climate change.
Sustainable Coastal Development: Encourage eco-friendly infrastructure, regulate aquaculture, and integrate mangrove conservation into urban planning.
International Cooperation: Strengthen global initiatives like the Ramsar Convention and the Blue Carbon Initiative for effective mangrove conservation.

Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the ecological and economic importance of mangroves in India. Suggest a holistic strategy for their conservation and sustainable management.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims
Q. Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest, and deciduous forest? (2015)
(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Ans: (d)

Mains
Q. Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (2019)

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Friday, 6 June 2025

AASHA Workers in India

Who Are ASHA Workers?

Key Responsibilities of ASHAs:

Concerns of ASHA Workers:

How Can ASHA Workers Be Empowered?

National Health Mission (NHM)

Thursday, 5 June 2025

Indian History

What Was the Indian National Army (INA)?

What is the Significance of the Indian National Army (INA)?

Conclusion

Wednesday, 4 June 2025

Mangroves in India

Followers

AASHA Workers in India