Context

• The UN children’s agency chief offered a dire assessment of the chaotic situation in Haiti, suffering from serious hunger and malnutrition.

Unicef Head Says Haiti Country Situation Nears Chaos Of ‘Mad Max’

• Collapse of Basic Services: Haiti, hit by drought, natural disaster and weak government, has seen “the near-collapse of basic services.
• Attack on Welfare Shipments: The gangs looted a UNICEF shipment intended to provide relief for suffering mothers and children.

About Haiti Country

• About: It is a country in the Caribbean Sea that includes the western third of the island of Hispaniola and smaller islands as Gonave, Tortue (Tortuga), Grande Caye, and Vache. 
• Capital: Port-au-Prince
• It is positioned in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth.
• Bordering Countries: Haiti is bordered to the east by the Dominican Republic, which covers the rest of Hispaniola, to the south and west by the Caribbean, and to the north by the Atlantic Ocean. 
• Colonial History: It won independence from France in 1804, making it the second country in the Americas, after the United States, to free itself from colonial rule.
• Relief and drainage: Haiti’s irregular coastline forms a long, slender peninsula in the south and a shorter one in the north, separated by the triangular-shaped Gulf of Gonave. 
• Important Mountain Ranges: The island of Hispaniola consists of four major mountain ranges that extend from west to east:
• • Cordillera Septentrional 
  • Haiti’s Massif du Nord (“Northern Massif”)
  • Matheux Mountains 
  • Massif de la Selle 
• Ethnic Groups and Languages: Nearly all of Haiti’s population are of African origin (termed Blacks). 

News Source: The Hindu

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Children of the Singpho community are named according to the order they are born in the family, incorporating numbers into their names.

About Singphos Community

• An Ethnic Group: Singphos community is an ethnic group inhabiting 27 countries, including China’s Yunnan province. They are not as complex as other tribal societies. 
  • In India, they mostly inhabit the Changlang and Namsai districts of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Tinsukia district of Assam.
• Division: The Singpho society is divided mainly in three groups such as Sisen, N’khum and Mirip which is further divided into a number of clans each under a chief. 
  • The clan organisation is based on lineage or sub-lineage. 

Characteristic Features of Singphos Community

• Reflecting birth order Names: In a family of seven Singpho brothers, the eldest has Gam in his name followed by Nong, La, Du, Tang, Yong, and Yun. 
  • For seven Singpho sisters, the sequence is Ko, Lu, Roi, Thu, Kai, Kha, and Pi.
  • Their names may also have the name of the clan or an ancestor. 
• Chieftainship: It is an important feature of Singpho society. 
• Patriarchal System: The Singpho family system is patriarchal and lives in a joint family. 
  • But now-a-days with a changing situation the family is slowly and gradually breaking up from a joint family to a single family. 
• Expert Weavers: The Singpho women are experts in weaving and they make their own dress themselves. 
  • Up till now women are using hand-spun and prepared home-made dresses.

News Source: The Hindu

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

A case of lyme disease has come into light in Koovapady, Ernakulam district of Kerala.

About Lyme Disease 

• This disease is a bacterial infection  caused by Borrelia bacteria.
• Transmission:  When an infected tick ( infected black-legged ticks)  bites a person and sucks their blood, it can pass on the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
  • Infected black-legged ticks are also known as deer ticks.
  • The most important point is that  not every black-legged tick carries the Lyme disease bacteria.
• Naming of the disease: The disease is named after a city in the USA where it was first reported.
• Prevention:
  • Avoid Tick Habitats: Stay away from areas where ticks are commonly found,
• Treatment: Antibiotics like doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime are effective.
  • Vaccine: No human vaccine is currently available, but vaccinations for dogs exist.

News Source: Timesofindia

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

The haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test is widely used for prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes (both type 1 and type 2).

About HbA1C Test

• The HbA1C test is also known as the glycated haemoglobin or glycosylated haemoglobin test.
• Food contains sugar, which enters the bloodstream.
  • This sugar sticks to a protein called hemoglobin in your red blood cells. 
    • Hemoglobin’s job is to carry oxygen to all parts of your body. 
• The HbA1C test measures the percentage of red blood cells with sugar-coated hemoglobin.
  • It indicates the average blood sugar level over the past few months.
    • Higher levels suggest poor blood sugar control, while lower levels indicate better control.

HbA1C Measurement Units and Interpretation

• Percentage vs. mmol/mol: HbA1C levels can be reported either as a percentage or in mmol/mol (millimoles per mole).
• Interpretation by Percentage: Higher percentages indicate higher blood glucose levels. 
  • Normal levels are below 5.7%. 
  • Pre-diabetes is indicated between 5.7% and 6.4%.
  • 6.5% or higher may suggest diabetes.
• Interpretation by mmol/mol: Below 42 mmol/mol corresponds to below 6.0%. 
  • Levels between 42-47 mmol/mol indicate 6.0% to 6.4%, and 48 mmol/mol or higher corresponds to 6.5% or over.

Factors Affecting HbA1C Test Results

• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as kidney or liver failure, severe anaemia, or blood disorders like thalassemia can impact HbA1C results.
• Variations in Haemoglobin Types: Less common types of haemoglobin found in certain populations can affect HbA1C test outcomes.
• Medications: Use of medications including steroids, opiates, or dapsone (used to treat leprosy) can alter HbA1C readings.
• Pregnancy: HbA1C levels may change during early or late pregnancy.

Limitations of the HbA1C Test

• Complementary Testing Requirement: The HbA1C test does  not replace other tests for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring.
• Inaccurate result : Blood sugar levels can go up and down during the day and night, and the HbA1C test might not catch these changes.
• Variability in Acceptance:  While the HbA1C test is effective for assessing long-term diabetes control, it is not universally accepted as a diagnostic tool by all medical bodies globally because it gives  inconsistent results due to varying standards.

Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Statistics in India

• Diabetes Prevalence in India:

  • Estimated Numbers: According to a nationwide study in 2023, India has approximately 101.3 million individuals diagnosed with diabetes.
  • Pre-Diabetes Population: Additionally, there are around 136 million individuals classified as pre-diabetic in the country.

• Associated Health Conditions:

  • Hypertension Rates: Over 35% of Indians suffer from high blood pressure.
  • Abdominal Obesity: Nearly 40% of the population has abdominal obesity.
    • Risk Factors for Diabetes: Both hypertension and abdominal obesity are significant risk factors for developing diabetes.

• Global Impact:

  • Diabetes Burden: India accounts for 17% of the total global diabetes patient population.

News Source: Thehindu

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

A new study published in Journal Science linked growing consumption of processed food with declining levels of gut bacteria that help digest plant cellulose, especially in people in industrialised countries. 

Gut Microbes

• About: The human gut microbiota includes trillions of microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungus, and parasites. The gut microbiota was previously known as the gut microflora.
• Establishment of Human Gut Microbiota: The human gut microbiota is established throughout infancy through vaginal birth or breastfeeding. Later, your diet and other external factors introduce new bacteria into your biome.

Key Highlights of the Study

• Discovery of New Species:The study identified three new gut bacteria species – Candidatus Ruminococcus primaciens, Ruminococcus hominiciens, and Ruminococcus ruminiciens – which can digest cellulose, a crucial component of plant fibre.
• Prevalence of Bacteria: These bacteria were prevalent among rural populations as well as the great apes, ancient human societies and hunter-gatherer communities.
• Supply of Energy: The decline of these bacteria affects energy balance and various health aspects since these microbes transform indigestible plant compounds into short-chain fatty acids, supplying energy to the host.
• References to identify related species: Researchers analyzed samples from 75 animal species, including wild and domesticated animals and various human cohorts, using known strains Ruminococcus champanellensis and Ruminococcus flavefaciens as references to identify related species.
• Significant Differences: The study found significant differences in the prevalence of cellulose-degrading bacteria across populations, correlating these differences with dietary fiber intake.
  • Rural and ancient populations, with higher fiber diets, showed greater prevalence compared to those in industrialised countries, where processed food consumption is higher.

News Source: Down to Earth

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Model Code of Conduct comes into force for 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

About Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

• Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to regulate the behaviour of political parties and candidates during elections.
• Purpose:  To prevent misuse of power by ruling parties and curb corrupt practices.
• Coverage: The MCC covers multiple aspects such as speeches, polling booths, election manifestos, and general conduct to ensure fair and ethical election practices.

Origins of Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

• In the 1960 Kerala Assembly elections, a ‘Code of Conduct’ was introduced by the State administration for political actors.
• The leading political parties voluntarily approved and adhered to the code.
• In the Lok Sabha elections in 1962: The Election Commission of India (ECI) circulated the MCC to all recognized political parties and State governments..
• Voluntary acceptance of the Code reflected the will of the Political Parties to ensure free and fair elections.
• Changes in the compliance of MCC: 
  • Increase in corrupt electoral practices by political parties from 1967 till 1991, as political competition intensified.
  • Though the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanded that the MCC be incorporated in the law, no such law could be passed.

A turning point: 

• Role of T.N.Seshan: The then-Chief Election Commissioner, T.N. Seshan publicly rebuked prominent political actors and postponed elections, demonstrating the ECI’s authority to set election dates.
• Post 1991 Reforms: The ECI enforced the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) more rigorously.
  • As a result, political actors began to take the MCC seriously, even if they did not respect it and as a result electoral malpractices decreased dramatically.

What Falls Under the Model Code of Conduct?

• No new Projects or Schemes: When the Model Code of Conduct goes into effect, the government rarely introduces new ground for projects or public initiatives.
• Prohibition from any recruitment process: Government bodies are not permitted to participate in any recruitment procedure during the election process.
• Prohibition from Disrupting Opponents Campaign: Contesting candidates and their supporters are not permitted to disrupt the freedom of their opponents’ roadshows. The code of conduct has significant control over this.
• No disruption to Traffic or general public: Election campaign rallies and roadshows must not disrupt road traffic or the general public.

Salient Features of Model Code of Conduct

• General Conduct of Political Parties: Political party criticism should be limited to their policies and plans, as well as their track record and work. Activities such as leveraging caste and communal feelings to win votes, disparaging candidates based on unverified allegations, bribing or intimidating voters, and so on are all forbidden.
• Intimation of Meetings of Parties: Parties must notify the local police authority of the location and time of any meetings in advance so that the police can make proper security measures.
• Processions of Political parties: If two or more candidates arrange processions along the same route, planners must make contact ahead of time to avoid clashes. Carrying and burning effigies of members of other political parties is prohibited.
• Polling Day: All authorised party workers at polling stations should be issued appropriate badges or identity cards. They must provide voters with identity slips that are printed on plain (white) paper and do not include any symbols, candidate names, or party names.
• Polling Booths: Only voters and those with a valid EC pass may enter polling booths.
• Observers: The EC will designate observers to whom candidates can raise problems with the election’s conduct.
• Party in power: In 1979, the MCC imposed various rules that regulated the behaviour of the party in power.
  • Ministers must not combine official visits with election work, nor may they use official machinery for the purpose.
  • To improve its prospects of winning the elections, the party must avoid spending money on advertising or using official mass media to publicise its accomplishments.
  • Ministers and other officials must not make any financial announcements or promises on road building, drinking water availability, and so on.
  • Other parties must be allowed to utilise public venues and restrooms, and the party in power must not monopolise these resources.
• Social Media Guidelines: A party or candidate cannot post or share a remark against its rival that is insulting and below dignity. 
  • Similarly, an advertisement masquerading as news or misleading advertisements can’t be shared on social media.

Applicability of Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

• Elections to the  Lok Sabha: During general elections to the House of People (Lok Sabha), the code applies across the country.
• Elections to the Legislative Assembly of States:  During general elections to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), the code applies throughout the State.
• By elections: During bye-elections, the code applies to the entire district or districts in which the constituency falls.

Criticisms of Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

• Legally not Enforceable: The MCC is not legally enforceable, and the lack of legal underpinning calls into doubt its efficiency and the Election Commission’s ability to provide a level playing field for all candidates.
• New forms of election fraud:  With technological advancements and the rise of social media, including the use of these platforms for voter bribery and manipulation.
• Weak responses and delayed action: ECI’s ability to respond to incorrect statements by influential political actors has been limited or delayed. As a result, political actors are regaining confidence in their ability to violate the MCC without repercussions.
• No power to Disqualify: The Election Commission does not have the authority to disqualify candidates who commit electoral malpractices.

News Source: Indian Express

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently the Ministry of Education is set to conduct the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) as part of the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.

About ULLAS Scheme

• Abbreviation: ULLAS stands for Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society.
• Aim: To promote lifelong learning and close literacy gaps among those aged 15 and older.
• Foundational Knowledge: The programme seeks to provide citizens with foundational information and skills necessary for personal and national growth.
• Mobile app: The ULLAS User-Friendly Mobile Application is a digital platform that provides access to a variety of learning resources through the DIKSHA portal.
• Objective:  To teach not only Foundational Literacy and Numeracy but also other essential skills for a 21st-century citizen, such as 
  • Critical Life Skills: (financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care and awareness, child care and education, and family welfare)
  • Vocational Skills Development: (with an eye towards obtaining local employment)
  • Basic Education: (including preparatory, middle, and secondary stage equivalency)
  • Continuing Education:  (including engaging in holistic adult education courses in the arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports, and recreation, as well as other subjects of interest or utility to local learners, like more advanced material on critical life skills).

News source: PIB

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently the Patents Rules 2024 notified with several provisions to simplify Patent prosecution and maintenance.

Key Features of the New Patent Rules 2024

• Introduction of  Certificate of Inventorship: A new ‘Certificate of Inventorship‘ has been introduced to acknowledge inventors’ contributions to the patented invention.

• Incorporation of Form 31: The provision for collecting the benefits of the grace period under Section 31 has been simplified by the incorporation of new forms, namely Form 31.
• Reduction in Time frame: The time restriction for providing foreign application filing details in Form 8 has been modified from six months from the date of filing to three months from the date of issuing of the first examination report.
• Decreased Time Restriction: Given the rapid advancement of technology, the time restriction for filing a request for inspection has been decreased from 48 months to 31 months from the date of priority of application or the date of filing of application, whichever occurs first.
• Extension in Time Limit: The provision for extending the time limit and forgiving filing delays has been streamlined and made more explicit to make it easier to use. 
  • The period for performing any act or action may now be extended up to six months upon request in a regulated manner.
• Reduction in Renewal Fees: Renewal fees have been reduced by 10% if paid in advance via electronic method for at least four years.
• Reduced Frequency of filing patents: The frequency with which patent statements of works have been filed in Form 27 has been lowered from once every fiscal year to once every three fiscal years.
  • The clause allowing for a three-month delay in filing such statements upon request in the prescribed way has been incorporated.
• Streamlining of Pre-Grant representation: The procedure for filing and disposing of the Pre-grant representation by way of opposition under section 25(1) has been further streamlined and made more explicit by providing ways to dispose of the representation and establishing filing fees.

Patent System in India

• Rules Governing Patent: The patent system in India is governed by the Patents Act 1970, as revised by the Patents (Amendment) Act of 2005 and the Patents Rules 2003.
• Modifications: The Patent Rules are constantly modified to reflect the changing environment, with the most recent being in 2016.
• Conditions:
  • Novelty: To be patentable, an invention must be new and meet specific conditions.
  • It should contain imaginative steps, otherwise it must not be clear.
  • Industrial Applicability: It should be suitable for industrial applications.
  • It should not be subject to the restrictions of Sections 3 and 4 of the Patents Act 1970.
• Confidential: All patent applications are kept confidential for up to 18 months from the date of filing or priority date, whichever comes first.
• Publication in Official Journal of Patent office:  It is  then published in the Official Journal of the Patent Office, which is published weekly and also available on the Indian Patent Office (IPO) website.
• Available in Public domain: After publication, the public can see the documents and obtain a photocopy upon payment of the authorised charge.

News Source: PIB

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently, A study published in the Medical Journal ‘Lancet’ establishes a national benchmark for dialysis success rate for the first time.

Benchmark for Dialysis: Key highlights of the Study 

• Paper(study) was led by: The study was led by Medical research institute George Institute of Global Health.
• Study Overview and Findings: 
  • A Benchmark for Dialysis Survival: 

• • • In a first national benchmark for survival among dialysis patients in India, revealed an estimate of raw survival rate of 71%. 
  • Based on the examination of 23,601 patients across 193 centres in 20 states, registered with NephroPlus centres (It  is the largest dialysis network in the country) between 2014-2019. 
    • 7 out of 10 patients survive beyond six months of dialysis treatment. 
    • While, 28% receiving hemodialysis died within 10 months
  • National vs Global Average: It highlights a mortality rate twice that of global averages. 
  • Factors Contributing to Survival Rates: Survival rates were influenced by various factors including dialysis vintage, vascular access type, and presence of diabetes and hypertension. 
  • Regional Disparities and Healthcare Access: 
    • Mortality Rate in Rural Vs Urban: 32% higher mortality rate in rural dialysis centers compared to urban centers. 
    • Out of Pocket Medical Expenses Vs Government Benefits & Insurance Cover: Patients who paid for their treatment out of pocket experienced higher mortality rates compared to those whose treatment was government-subsidized or covered by private insurance. 

Government Efforts to Dialysis

• Among all procedures covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the government spends the most money on dialysis procedures. 
• Launch of National Dialysis Service: It was launched in 2016 to improve access to kidney replacement therapy and efforts to make dialysis affordable.
• Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme: To provide free dialysis services to the Below poverty line people near to their district centres across the country.

Challenges and Recommendations

• Data Advocacy: Despite the increasing burden of chronic kidney disease, there is limited data available on clinical outcomes in India. 
• Extend coverage under the National Dialysis Service: To include prevention and long-term management of complications associated with dialysis. 
• Need to address unmeasured factors:  Unmeasured factors  such as access to transportation, medication, nutrition, and social support for dialysis patients which will reduce their Out of Pocket Expenditure & they can ensure a healthy lifestyle.

News Source: DTE

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently, India Abstained On Pakistan’s Islamophobia Resolution which was introduced on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia at UNGA.

Key Highlights of UN Resolution on Islamophobia 

• About Resolution : The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution titled  ‘Measures to combat Islamophobia‘, introduced by Pakistan & co-sponsored by China.
•  Voting for Resolution : 115 nations voted in favour, none against and 44 abstentions, including India,the UK,France, Germany, Italy,  Brazil etc.
• Resolution Condemning Islamophobia: 
  • Global Concerns: 
    • UNGA resolution aims to combat discrimination against Muslims, amidst rising incidents of hate & bigotry globally.
    • Due to cited incidents such as desecration of the Quran, attacks on mosques, and religious intolerance. 
    • It highlighted negative stereotyping, hatred, and violence against Muslims. 
  • Special Envoy: It requested the UN Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia.

India’s Position on the Resolution: 

• Opposition to Special Envoy Post: 

  • India expressed opposition to creating a Special Envoy post based on a single religion. 

• Budgetary Concerns: 

  • India raised concerns about the substantial budgetary implications of establishing such a position. 

• Uniform Stand: 

  • India stands against all forms of religiophobia, be it antisemitism, Christianophobia, or Islamophobia
  • India insisted that the resolution should acknowledge the existence of religiophobia targeting Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other faiths, rather than focusing solely on one religion. 

• Highlighted Incidents of Religiophobia: 

  • Incidents of religiophobia affecting Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism which is having millions of population around the countries.
    • Attacks on religious places:  Attacks on religious places such as gurudwaras, monasteries, and temples like destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, violations of gurudwara premises, and attacks on temples were mentioned as examples contributing to contemporary forms of religiophobia. 

• India’s Concerns Regarding the Resolution: 

• • Creating Fears with specific Religion : 

    • Passing the resolution might lead to a precedent of focusing on fears associated with specific religions which could potentially divide the United Nations along religious lines. 

  • Urged for Broader Scope :

    • India urged member states to consider the broader scope of religious discrimination globally. 
    • Exclusive Resource Allocation will Perpetuate Inequality: Allocating resources exclusively to combat Islamophobia, without addressing similar challenges faced by other faiths, could inadvertently perpetuate feelings of exclusion and inequality.

News Source: Indian Express

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

This Article is based on the news “Nation’s first interstate multi-modal transport hub coming up near Delhi airport” which was published in the Indian Express. Recently the Indian Railways plans to develop multimodal transport hubs.

Indian Railways Plans to Develop Multimodal Transport Hubs

• Multi-Modal connectivity in aspirational cities: The Indian Railways will create mega railway terminals with multi-modal connectivity in aspirational cities with a population of more than 10 lakh across the country. 
• Viksit Bharat initiative: The programme is part of the infrastructure being developed for Prime Minister’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative. 

What is Multimodal Transportation and Multimodal Logistics?

• Multimodal Transportation: Multimodal transportation refers to the transport of good from one point to another via more than one mode of transport. 
• Multimodal Logistics: Multimodal Logistics can be viewed as “the chain that interconnects different links or modes of transport – air, sea, and land into one complete process that ensures an efficient and cost-effective door to-door movement of goods.

Status of Logistic Sector in India

• Logistic Cost: Broadly defined, logistics covers all aspects of trade, transport, and commerce, starting from the completion of the manufacturing process all the way to delivery for consumption.
• Transportation Costs: Currently, transportation is considered to be most crucial logistics activity which almost accounts for 50- 60% of logistics cost followed.
• Size of Logistics Industry: The Size of Logistics Industry in India is $215 billion. It provides livelihood to more than 22 million people and improving the sector will facilitate decrease in indirect logistics cost.
• Port Capacity: Port capacity is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5%
• Status of Railways: Indian Railways aims to increase its freight traffic from 1.1 billion tons in 2017 to 3.3 billion tons in 2030.
• Freight Traffic on Airports: Freight traffic on airports in India has the potential to reach 17 million tons by FY40.

Advantages of Multimodal Logistics in India

• Hinterland Connectivity: 

  • The manufacturing hubs in India are located deep in the hinterland and faraway from the gateway ports. 
    • The major manufacturing hubs are located in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and National Capital Region and they contribute a major part of exports.

• Reduce Logistics Costs: 

  • It aims to reduce India’s logistics costs from the current about 14% of GDP to less than 10% of GDP, on par with international standards.
    • For instance, the Economic Survey indicates that logistics costs in India range from 14-18% of GDP, higher than the global benchmark of 8%.

• Warehousing Cost Reduction: 

  • Shifting warehouses, currently being operated inside city limits, to logistics parks will enable reduction in warehousing cost, driven by lower rentals in logistics parks situated outside the city limits.
    • According to NITI AAYOG, India’s current reported warehousing capacity is 108.75 MMT of which the private sector makes up less than 20 per cent.

• Attracting Investment: 

  • Modern logistics infrastructure development has attracted domestic and foreign investments in India’s supply chain sector. This influx of capital supports further infrastructure development and technological advancements, fostering a favorable investment climate.

• Improved Connectivity: 

  • Logistics parks that are strategically located near major highways, railways, and ports ensure efficient connectivity to domestic and international markets. This accessibility is vital for businesses seeking to expand their reach and access new customer bases.
    • For Instance, India’s first Multimodal Logistics Parks is being set up in Mappedu village in Thiruvallur district, near Chennai.

• Enhanced Visibility and Tracking: 

  • Multi modal  Logistics parks incorporate state-of-the-art tracking and monitoring systems that offer real-time insights into the movement of goods. 
    • For Example:  Maersk’s successful use of blockchain in their logistics operations.

• Minimises Time Loss at Trans-Shipment Points: 

• • Multimodal transport, which is planned and coordinated as a single operation, minimises the loss of time and the risk of loss, pilferage and damage to cargo at trans-shipment points.

• Reduces Burden of Documentation and Formalities: 

  • The burden of issuing multiple documentation and other formalities connected with each segmented of the transport chain is reduced to a minimum.

Challenges Associated with Establishing Multimodal Logistics in India

• High Logistics Cost: 

  • The Ministry of Commerce & Industry estimates that presently the country spends about 14% of its GDP on logistics which is much higher than Japan (11%) and the USA (9-10%).

• Skewed Modal Transportation Mix: 

  • In India, 60% of freight moves by road, which is significantly larger than in many developed economies. 
  • Coastal movement and inland waterways are at a nascent stage.
  • Rail transport is marginal, despite being 45% cheaper per ton–km than road, due to adverse pricing and rake booking practices and lack of intermodal facilities to enable easy transfer. 

• Procedural Complexities: 

  • Multiplicity of government agencies involved in setting up Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) which may hamper ease of business. Numerous approvals are mandatory from several Central and State ministries for the fulfilment and carrying out of these Multimodal Logistics.
    • For Example:  In India, the logistics sector involves 20 government agencies, 40 Partner Government Agencies, 37 Export promotion Councils, 500 certifications with over 10,000 commodities, reducing Ease of Doing Business.

• Disintegrated Network: 

  • India has about 200 shipping agencies, 36 logistics services, 129 inland Container Depots, 168 Container Freight Stations, 50 IT ecosystems, banks and insurance agencies largely working in silos

• Skill Gap: 

  • Despite efforts in skill development, there could be a lack of skilled workforce proficient in managing advanced logistics operations. 
    • For instance, there might be a shortage of data analysts or AI specialists required to handle data-driven logistics operations.

• Coordination among Different Modes of Transport: 

  • Ensuring seamless integration of different modes of transport could be challenging.
    • Eg: achieving efficient multimodal transportation requires well-coordinated timetables, fares, and connectivity, which is difficult to manage.

Steps taken by the Government to Improve Multimodal Logistics in India:

• Policy and Regulatory Initiatives:

  • National Logistics Policy: National Logistics policy is a comprehensive effort to address cost and inefficiency by issues lying down an overarching interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral, and multi-jurisdictional framework for the developing entire logistics ecosystem. 
    • For Example: Integration of Digital System (IDS): There will be digital integration of different systems of seven various departments (like road transport, railways, aviation, commerce ministries and foreign trade)
  • Granting of Infrastructure Status to Logistics Sector: It helps in providing credit to the exporters at competitive rates and on a long-term basis, reducing logistics costs.
  • Introduction of GST: The integration of the multilayer goods and service tax (GST) has turned the Indian tax system into a unified one and leading to greater economies of scale for transport operators.
  • E-way bill (a document generated online) under GST regime: It helps logistics firms by improving load planning, shipment tracking, operational transparency, and the overall quality of their services.

• Institutional Measures:

  • Creation of Logistics Division: The Logistics division in the Department of Commerce was created that allocated the task of “Integrated development of the Logistics sector” to the Department of Commerce.
  • Logistics division has planned to create an IT backbone and develop a National Logistics Information Portal which will be also an online Logistics marketplace that will serve to bring together the various stakeholders on a single platform.

• Infrastructure Development:

  • Integrated Approach to Logistics Infrastructure: Significant initiatives in this direction include planned development of 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) under Bharatmala Pariyojana, a number of port connectivity projects under Sagarmala, renewed focus on national waterways with inland terminals, and a number of industrial and dedicated freight corridors being planned across key clusters in the country.
  • Dedicated Freight Corridor:  The government came with Dedicated freight corridors and Multimodal last mile connectivity projects to provide seamless connectivity.
  • PM Gati Shakti: It is a National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity, essentially a digital platform to bring 16 Ministries including Railways and Roadways together for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.
    • PM Gati Shakti will incorporate the infrastructure schemes of various Ministries and State Governments like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, UDAN etc.

• Performance Evaluation and Recognition: 

  • Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) Index: It is an attempt to establish the base line of performance in the logistics sector based on the perception of users and stakeholders at the state level.
  • National Logistics Excellence Awards: Objective of awards is to catalyze systematic transformation of the Indian logistics sector by shining the spotlight on best practices in logistics by highlighting the initiatives and achievements of top performers.

Way Forward 

• Efficient Multimodal Integration: 

  • To facilitate efficient multimodal integration, a central coordinating agency could be set up, akin to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for roadways.

• Improve Connectivity: 

  • Identify gaps in trunk and multimodal interlinkages and bridge them while developing terminals for efficient multimodal freight transfer. 
    • Increasing the share of rail transport 
    • Optimizing truck use 
    • Promoting use of fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative fuels 

• Improving Logistics Sector in India: 

  • Improving the logistics sector has huge implications on exports and it is estimated that a 10 per cent decrease in indirect logistics cost can increase 5-8 percent of exports.
    • Freight Smart Cities initiative will help in improving the efficiency of urban freight and create an opportunity for reduction in the logistics costs.

• Enhancing Hinterland Connectivity: 

  • Large scale projects such as the development of large container terminals should be integrated with hinterland connectivity projects and emphasis should be placed on last-mile connectivity networks. Privatisation of container operation by Indian Railways should be continued.

• Adopting Sustainable Technologies: 

  • Technologies that offer promise as effective means to achieve a reduced carbon footprint include alternative vehicle technologies like electric vehicles and alternative fuel technologies like LNG and bio fuels should be considered for the short- and long-term sustainability. 
    • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals successfully developed in Kochi and Dahej can serve as examples in the port sector.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

This Article is based on the news “Unstable platforms” which was published in the Business Standard. A recent survey conducted across multiple Indian cities, titled “Prisoners on Wheels”, sheds light on the challenges faced by over 10,000 cab drivers and delivery persons.

Survey on the Gig Economy in India

• Conducted by: The study is jointly conducted by the University of Pennsylvania and Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers.
• Survey Participation: Overall, 5302 cab drivers and 5028 delivery persons across eight cities — Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Indore — participated in a 50-question survey. 
  • 78% of the respondents were in the age group of 21 to 40 years.
• Challenges in India’s Growing Gig Economy: The gig economy in India is experiencing rapid growth, yet individuals employed at the  bottom of the pyramid face challenging conditions.
  • The survey revealed a picture of overwork, financial struggle, caste discrimination, and arbitrary work cultures.

Key Findings of the Survey on the Gig Economy in India

• Low Pay, Long Hours: 

  • Over 43% of participants in the study earn less than ₹500 a day or ₹15,000 a month, after deducting all their costs. 
    • They pointed out that despite working more than 10 hours a day, drivers and delivery persons cannot get full-time employee status or job security. 

• No Weekly Off: 

  • also appears to be a 24×7 problem for most, wherein 41% of the drivers and 48% of delivery persons reported that they are unable to take even a single day off in a week.
    • This lack of work-life balance translates into limited time spent with family (67% for cab drivers and 65% for delivery personnel).

• Dissatisfaction with Fares: 

  • The major reasons for low earnings are unfair fares, commission rates and arbitrary deductions by the aggregator companies. 
    • Nearly a third of the respondents reported that companies are deducting between 31 and 40 per cent of commission rate per ride, while the officially claimed figure by the companies themselves is 20 percent.

• Expenses Exceed Earnings: 

  • 68% of cab drivers’ responses show that their overall expenses exceed their earnings.

• Social Disparities:  

  • Social disparities make the situation worse, with over 60 per cent of drivers from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes work over 16 hours a day, compared to 16 per cent in the unreserved category.
    • These income disparities further exacerbate the already existing social inequalities and perpetuate cycles of poverty and distress within these communities.

• Physical Exhaustion and Road Safety Risks: 

  • The study found that drivers are physically exhausted due to the demanding work hours, and exposed to an increased risk of road traffic accidents.
    • This is especially due to the ‘10-minute delivery at the doorstep’ policy of certain e-commerce platforms which is completely unacceptable to around 86 per cent of delivery personnels.

• Deteriorating Health: 

  • The lack of time off has been leading to burnout and negatively impacts the mental and physical well-being of these workers, as 99.3 per cent drivers reported one or more forms of physical health issues like knee pain, leg pain, foot pain and back pain.
    • 98.5 percent respondents reported one or more mental health issues as a result of this work, including anxiety, stress, panic, irritability, short-temperedness and panic attacks.

• Violence at Work: 

• • Nearly half of the cab drivers (47.1%) and over 41% of delivery personnel reported experiencing violence at work.

About Gig Economy

• A gig economy is a labor market that relies on independent contractors and freelancers rather than full-time permanent employees.
• In recent years, the global job market has witnessed a transformative shift with the rise of ‘gigification’ or adoption of the gig model – reshaping how we work. They include the following:
  • freelancers who get paid per task;
  • independent contractors who perform work and get paid on a contract-to-contract basis;
  • project-based workers who get paid by the project;
  • temporary hires who are employed for a fixed amount of time; and
  • part-time workers who work less than full-time hours.

Classification of Gig Economy:

• Platform-Based: They use online apps or digital platforms to find and perform work, such as ride-hailing, food delivery, e-commerce, online freelancing, etc. 
• Non-platform-based gig workers: They work outside the traditional employer-employee relationship, such as casual wage workers and own-account workers in sectors like construction, domestic work, agriculture, etc.

Benefits of Gig Economy:

• For Workers: Gig economy can provide more flexibility, autonomy, income opportunities, skill development, and inclusion. 
• For Employers: It can enable access to a large and diverse pool of talent, lower fixed costs, higher scalability, and better customer satisfaction. 
• For Customers: It can offer more choice, convenience, quality, and affordability.

Gig Economy in India

• Current Status of Gig Workers in India: According to the NITI Aayog, 77 lakh (7.7 million) workers were engaged in the gig economy in 2020-21 and the workforce is expected to “expand to 2.35 crore (23.5 million) workers by 2029-30”.
  • About 47 percent of the gig work is in medium-skilled jobs, about 22 percent in high skilled, and about 31 percent in low-skilled jobs
• CAGR: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) reports that India’s gig economy is growing at a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR)  of 17 per cent annually.
• Growth Prospects: India’s vast talent pool of over 100 million unemployed individuals offers a compelling opportunity as businesses seek cost optimisation and enhanced productivity.
• Significance in Realisation of Demographic Dividend: With the world’s second-largest working-age population, the Indian workforce will continue to grow in size until 2049. 
  • It can help in realising the demographic dividend with 960 million potential workers.
• Examples in India: Online platforms like Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, etc.

Gig Economy Regulatory Framework in India

• Central Legislation: 

  • Code on Wages, 2019: A universal minimum wage and floor wage should be provided to all organized and unorganized sectors, including gig workers.
  • Code on Social Security 2020: Under this, the gig workers are provided with recognition as a new occupational category.
    • It has not been implemented as the government has yet to frame the rules.
  • Dedicated Social Security Fund: It extends social Security benefits to gig workers.
  • Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020:  Under this, gig workers are entitled to get a term insurance of Rs 15 lakh, and health insurance of Rs 10 lakh, with 2020-21 as the base year and with an increase of 5% each year. 
    • To curb excessive working hours of gig workers, the guidelines recommended that each driver should not be logged in for more than 12 hours in a calendar day including all aggregators apps they are integrated with. 
    • A break of 10 hours was mandatory if workers are logged in for 12 hours. 

• Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act 2023: 

• • It proposes to set up a social security fund by imposing a welfare tax of 1%-2% on every transaction made by a customer on apps that fall within its ambit, like food delivery and ride sharing. 
    • State government grants and contributions by gig workers will also be pooled into the fund.

• Karnataka Gig Workers (Conditions of Service and Welfare) Bill, 2024:  

  • The draft is modelled on Rajasthan’s legislation, but it has more provisions for the safety and welfare of workers.
    • It identified certain gaps in Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act 2023 such as ensuring income security, imposing penalties on aggregators, and making aggregators accountable for the occupational safety and health of workers, among others. 
    • It is planning to have a provision for charging aggregators gig workers’ welfare fee, which will be a percentage of the pay of the gig worker per transaction.

Concerns Associated with Gig Economy in India

• Increase in Voluntary Unemployment:  It has led to an increase in voluntary unemployment as some workers prefer the flexibility and autonomy of gig work over traditional employment.
• Disrupting Work-Life Balance: Flexibility of working gigs can actually disrupt the work-life balance, sleep patterns, and activities of daily life. 
  • It often means that workers have to make themselves available any time gigs come up, regardless of their other needs, and must always be on the hunt for the next gig.
• Job Insecurity: Gig workers in India often lack job security, as they are typically engaged on a project or assignment basis, rather than as permanent employees.
• Lack of Formalization: Many gig workers in India operate in the informal sector, which can limit their ability to access credit, government support programs, and other resources.
• Lack of Legal Protection & Social Security: Gig workers in India are not covered under India’s labor laws and do not have legal protection in case of workplace harassment, discrimination, or unfair termination. 
  • Gig workers in India do not have access to social security benefits such as health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid leave.
• Unequal Bargaining Power: Gig workers in India may lack the bargaining power to negotiate fair compensation and working conditions, particularly when they are competing against a large pool of other workers on digital platforms.
• Training and Upskilling: Many gig workers in India lack the necessary skills to perform their work effectively. Gig workers often have limited opportunities for upskilling and career advancement.
• Social Stigma: Gig work is still viewed by some in India as a temporary or low-paying option, which can result in social stigma and lack of recognition for the work done by gig workers.
• Payments, Incentives, and Growth Models: Absence of a minimum wage guarantee makes workers susceptible to financial vagaries during crises/disasters.

Way Forward Suggested by the Survey On 

• Overtime Payment Beyond Regular Hours: 

  • Considering the physically intense nature of this work, the number of hours that are ‘regular’ hours needs to be stipulated beyond which the platform must pay overtime.

• Payment of Minimum Wages to Platform workers: 

  • The gig and platform workers need to be treated as employees. 
    • They must be given daily assured earnings equivalent to the state minimum wage, insurance, and security benefits, apart from putting a cap on their working hours and the mandatory registration of the workers in government records.

• Preserving Flexibility of Work for Gig Workers in India: 

  • The design of social security for gig workers must seek to preserve the flexibility of work. 
    • The choice of participating in social security should be voluntary for gig workers. They should be able to decide if their work is a short-term or long-term commitment, and whether or not to sign up for social security.
    • Paid time-off or “unpaid” leave options shouldnt affect the eligibility of these workers. They should be allowed to adjust schedules within parameters to accommodate personal needs. This fosters well-being and avoids burnout.

• Stronger Social Security for App-based Workers: 

  • The government needs to exercise oversight on the fairness of algorithms and mechanisms used by platforms to monitor such workers.
    • It is important that the apps function transparently in terms of algorithms, incentive systems, and payment mechanisms.
    • Aggregators are required to take responsibility for their gig workers and portability of benefits like social security, health insurance of these informal workers should be ensured.
    • According to The Code on Social Security 2020, an aggregator means a digital intermediary or a market place for a buyer or user of a service to connect with the seller or the service provider.

• Welfare Board for Gig Workers in India: 

  • It needs to be set up for the welfare of gig workers and it should be mandatory for aggregators to provide details of all registered gig workers to the board.
    • The provision for auto-registration of workers with the board is important as workers often don’t know about it.

• Addressing Occupational Health Hazards: 

• • Giving essential safety training, especially for roles with inherent risks, and safety equipment and resources can go a long way in encouraging temporary workers. 

• • Sharing information on work-related injury can boost morale.

• Addressing Mental Health: 

  • Companies should offer access to wellness articles, mental health information, and employee assistance programmes (EAPs). 
    • Partnering with relevant organisations can help them give discounted services to gig workers. 
    • Leaders should also encourage open and honest conversations about mental health and support seeking, and normalise the importance of work-life balance and taking breaks.

Conclusion

As the debate on gig workers in India’ welfare intensifies, governments must craft a robust framework that imposes conditions to access social security, while retaining the hallmarks of the gig economy— flexibility and choice.

DOWNLOAD PDF