Circular Migration

Why in News?

Recently India and Israel have signed a circular migration labour agreement.

What is Circular Migration?

• Circular Migration – It is a repetitive form of migration wherein people move to another place (the destination country) and back (country of origin) according to the availability of employment.
• It means that people move to different locations for a brief period of time when work is available.
• It is a phenomenon mostly among low-income groups who migrate to avail of seasonally available jobs in another country, city, place etc.
• Circular Migrant - As per the report on measuring circular migration by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Task Force, one is called a circular migrant if you have completed at least ‘two loops’ between two countries.
• Circular migration became quite popular in the 60s and 70s with the advent of globalisation and development.
• Characteristics of Circular Migration
  • Temporary residence in the destination location
  • Multiple entries into the destination country
  • Freedom of movement between the country of origin and the country of destination during the period of residence
  • Legal right to stay in the destination country
  • Protection of migrants’ rights
• Driving factors of Circular Migration
  • Increased access to modern forms of transport and communication.
  • Social networks
  • Growth of multinational corporations
  • Ageing population in developed countries such as Western Europe and Japan.

What is Circular Migration within India?

• Internal Migration - In India, internal migration, which is migration within a particular country or State, has almost always been circular.
• Rural to Urban - With the advent of jobs in the manufacturing, construction and services sector, there has been a huge flow of migrants from rural areas to urban cities.
• Between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012, the construction sector witnessed one of the largest net increases in employment for all workers, specifically for rural males.
• Rural Urban Collapse – Due to this migration Rural populations and their economy dwindled and urban spaces witnessed infrastructural collapse as they are unable to properly house incoming populations.
• Uneven development post-liberalisation - It led to a lot of inter-State migration, with States like West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar having some of the highest rates of out-migration.
• Initially, while most of the migration was to Delhi, nowadays it has increased to southern States as well.
• Most of the rural migrants were occupied in agricultural jobs in their origin States and when they migrated a majority of them were engaged in low-skill jobs.
• Positive Outcomes - Higher paying jobs when compared to origin States, better household welfare due to remittances, ease of mobility etc.
• Women get more autonomy and decision-making power in the family due to the absence of men who migrate.
• Issues – As Language barrier is a big obstacle, Rural circular migrants are often at the mercy of middlemen or brokers.
• They are made to work in unhygienic and unsafe conditions with little to no protective equipment.
• They are routinely exploited and suffer significant ‘unfreedoms’ in host States.
• Indigenous wage groups and unions resent these migrants as they are seen as taking away their jobs by agreeing to work for lower wages.
• Bare Minimum - The migrants are able to barely provide for themselves and their families, with no scope for further asset creation or savings.
• Uncertainty - There is also a certain precarity associated with these jobs as they are seasonal and often irregular.

What are the Benefits of circular migration?

• Balanced migration - It looks at migration not only from the point of view of the receiving country but also of the sending nation.
• Human Capital Development - Enhanced experience of working with sophisticated construction machinery and advanced management protocols
• Prevent Brain Drain – The negative effects of brain drain will reduce and a sort of brain circulation will be encouraged, wherein the migrants can use their talents in both countries and still contribute to remittances.

Brain drain is the permanent out migration from home country to foreign country of highly-qualified human resources like doctors and engineers.

• Improving Quality of Life - The ageing demography of the developed world has created the greatest opportunity for India to enhance the quality of life of many Indians in a single generation.
• Win Win solution - Government-to-government agreements safeguard the wages and social security of migrant workers in destination countries and their guaranteed return.

What are the challenges?

• Even though India has the requisite numbers, fulfilling the global skills gap is not an easy proposition.
• Language barriers – Communication becomes challenging, since since moving across different countries with short period stay doesn’t let learning the language.
• Legal compliance challenges - G-to-G agreements for circular migration require exact skill-matching and many legal compliances.
• Procedural challenges - Acquiring a passport and the ability to demonstrate skills in a format required by the receiving country are challenges for rural people.
• Though Indian workers may have the requisite skills, they may not be able to demonstrate them in the pre-defined manner with the use of specific tools.
• Identifying the resources – It is a challenge to identify, at scale, youth with the exact required skills.

What are the government initiatives?

• Demand Aggregation - National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has aggregated the skill gap demand for many of India’s partner countries.
• State level SOPs - Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) worked closely with the NSDC to evolve SOPs and policy norms so that skilled youth could access higher wage markets.
• Skill Development - Launched in 2015, this mission aims to provide vocational training and skill development to Indian youth, making them more attractive to employers abroad.
• Booster Training - NSDC has developed a four-day course on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to upgrade the existing skills.
• International Cooperation Agreements - India has signed bilateral and multilateral agreements with various countries to facilitate labor migration and protect the rights of Indian workers.
• Overseas Employment Cell (OEC) - The Ministry of Labor and Employment has established Overseas Employment Cells in various states to provide assistance to migrants and their families.

What lies ahead?

• Establish comprehensive bilateral agreements that outline the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both migrants and host countries.
• Simplify visa processes, reduce costs, and increase the efficiency of obtaining work permits.
• Offer vocational training and skill development programs to migrants, equipping them with the necessary qualifications for specific job roles.
• ensure secure and affordable remittance channels to encourage migrants to send money back to their home countries.
• Collaborate with employers in both countries to identify skill gaps and develop tailored training programs.

References

1. The Indian Express | Circular Migration to Meet Global Skill Gap
2. The Hindu | Circular Migration

Circular Migration

Why in News?

Recently India and Israel have signed a circular migration labour agreement.

What is Circular Migration?

• Circular Migration – It is a repetitive form of migration wherein people move to another place (the destination country) and back (country of origin) according to the availability of employment.
• It means that people move to different locations for a brief period of time when work is available.
• It is a phenomenon mostly among low-income groups who migrate to avail of seasonally available jobs in another country, city, place etc.
• Circular Migrant - As per the report on measuring circular migration by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Task Force, one is called a circular migrant if you have completed at least ‘two loops’ between two countries.
• Circular migration became quite popular in the 60s and 70s with the advent of globalisation and development.
• Characteristics of Circular Migration
  • Temporary residence in the destination location
  • Multiple entries into the destination country
  • Freedom of movement between the country of origin and the country of destination during the period of residence
  • Legal right to stay in the destination country
  • Protection of migrants’ rights
• Driving factors of Circular Migration
  • Increased access to modern forms of transport and communication.
  • Social networks
  • Growth of multinational corporations
  • Ageing population in developed countries such as Western Europe and Japan.

What is Circular Migration within India?

• Internal Migration - In India, internal migration, which is migration within a particular country or State, has almost always been circular.
• Rural to Urban - With the advent of jobs in the manufacturing, construction and services sector, there has been a huge flow of migrants from rural areas to urban cities.
• Between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012, the construction sector witnessed one of the largest net increases in employment for all workers, specifically for rural males.
• Rural Urban Collapse – Due to this migration Rural populations and their economy dwindled and urban spaces witnessed infrastructural collapse as they are unable to properly house incoming populations.
• Uneven development post-liberalisation - It led to a lot of inter-State migration, with States like West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar having some of the highest rates of out-migration.
• Initially, while most of the migration was to Delhi, nowadays it has increased to southern States as well.
• Most of the rural migrants were occupied in agricultural jobs in their origin States and when they migrated a majority of them were engaged in low-skill jobs.
• Positive Outcomes - Higher paying jobs when compared to origin States, better household welfare due to remittances, ease of mobility etc.
• Women get more autonomy and decision-making power in the family due to the absence of men who migrate.
• Issues – As Language barrier is a big obstacle, Rural circular migrants are often at the mercy of middlemen or brokers.
• They are made to work in unhygienic and unsafe conditions with little to no protective equipment.
• They are routinely exploited and suffer significant ‘unfreedoms’ in host States.
• Indigenous wage groups and unions resent these migrants as they are seen as taking away their jobs by agreeing to work for lower wages.
• Bare Minimum - The migrants are able to barely provide for themselves and their families, with no scope for further asset creation or savings.
• Uncertainty - There is also a certain precarity associated with these jobs as they are seasonal and often irregular.

What are the Benefits of circular migration?

• Balanced migration - It looks at migration not only from the point of view of the receiving country but also of the sending nation.
• Human Capital Development - Enhanced experience of working with sophisticated construction machinery and advanced management protocols
• Prevent Brain Drain – The negative effects of brain drain will reduce and a sort of brain circulation will be encouraged, wherein the migrants can use their talents in both countries and still contribute to remittances.

Brain drain is the permanent out migration from home country to foreign country of highly-qualified human resources like doctors and engineers.

• Improving Quality of Life - The ageing demography of the developed world has created the greatest opportunity for India to enhance the quality of life of many Indians in a single generation.
• Win Win solution - Government-to-government agreements safeguard the wages and social security of migrant workers in destination countries and their guaranteed return.

What are the challenges?

• Even though India has the requisite numbers, fulfilling the global skills gap is not an easy proposition.
• Language barriers – Communication becomes challenging, since since moving across different countries with short period stay doesn’t let learning the language.
• Legal compliance challenges - G-to-G agreements for circular migration require exact skill-matching and many legal compliances.
• Procedural challenges - Acquiring a passport and the ability to demonstrate skills in a format required by the receiving country are challenges for rural people.
• Though Indian workers may have the requisite skills, they may not be able to demonstrate them in the pre-defined manner with the use of specific tools.
• Identifying the resources – It is a challenge to identify, at scale, youth with the exact required skills.

What are the government initiatives?

• Demand Aggregation - National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has aggregated the skill gap demand for many of India’s partner countries.
• State level SOPs - Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) worked closely with the NSDC to evolve SOPs and policy norms so that skilled youth could access higher wage markets.
• Skill Development - Launched in 2015, this mission aims to provide vocational training and skill development to Indian youth, making them more attractive to employers abroad.
• Booster Training - NSDC has developed a four-day course on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to upgrade the existing skills.
• International Cooperation Agreements - India has signed bilateral and multilateral agreements with various countries to facilitate labor migration and protect the rights of Indian workers.
• Overseas Employment Cell (OEC) - The Ministry of Labor and Employment has established Overseas Employment Cells in various states to provide assistance to migrants and their families.

What lies ahead?

• Establish comprehensive bilateral agreements that outline the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both migrants and host countries.
• Simplify visa processes, reduce costs, and increase the efficiency of obtaining work permits.
• Offer vocational training and skill development programs to migrants, equipping them with the necessary qualifications for specific job roles.
• ensure secure and affordable remittance channels to encourage migrants to send money back to their home countries.
• Collaborate with employers in both countries to identify skill gaps and develop tailored training programs.

References

1. The Indian Express | Circular Migration to Meet Global Skill Gap
2. The Hindu | Circular Migration

National Agriculture Code

Why in News?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has begun the process of formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC), on the lines of the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

What is National Agriculture Code (NAC)?

The BIS is the national body which sets standards for different products across various economic sectors.

• NAC – It is a standard for agriculture practices like preparation of fields, micro irrigation and water use.
• It will cover the entire agriculture cycle, and will also contain a guidance note for future standardisation.
• It will incorporate emerging agricultural technologies, novel farming practices, and varying regional conditions across India.
• Nodal Authority - Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
• Objectives - The NAC will serve as a guide for farmers, agriculture universities, and officials involved in the field.
• To promote quality and best practices in the agriculture sector.
• To create an implementable national code covering recommendations for agriculture practices taking agroclimatic zones, crop type, till agrifood value chain into consideration.
• To act as an enabler of quality culture in Indian agriculture by providing the required reference to policy makers.
• To create a comprehensive guide for the farming community to ensure effective decision making in agricultural practices.
• To integrate relevant Indian Standards with recommended agricultural practices.
• To address the horizontal aspects of agriculture such as SMART farming, sustainability, traceability and documentation.
• To aid in the capacity building program organized by agriculture extension services and civil society organisations.
• Features – It will incorporate emerging agricultural technologies, novel farming practices, and varying regional conditions across India.
• Two Parts of NAC
  • The first will contain general principles for all crops.
  • The second will deal with crop-specific standards for the likes of paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
• Coverage of NAC - It will cover all agriculture processes and post-harvest operations from Crop selection, Land preparation to Harvesting/threshing and Record maintenance
• Input Management Standards - Use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and weedicides, as well as standards for crop storage and traceability.
• Emerging areas - Natural farming, organic farming, as well as the use of Internet-of-Things in the field of agriculture.
• Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms- These are experimental sites for testing and implementing various agricultural practices and new technologies in accordance with Indian Standards.
• They will be created in selected agriculture institutes in the country.
• Developed by - Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

What are the benefits of NAC?

• Improve Agri Processes -It will ensure best practices from crop selection to the storage of agricultural produce.
• Enhance Efficiency - Optimum utilization of resources & latest technologies.
• Better Standardization - Areas which are lacking standardization will be identified and standards will be developed for them.
• Improve Quality – It would act as an enabler of quality culture in Indian agriculture by providing the required reference to policy makers and guidance to the farming community.
• Agricultural Transformation - It holds immense potential to transform India's agricultural sector by creating a more conducive environment for farmers to thrive.
• Improve Rural Livelihood - By addressing the challenges faced by farmers and promoting efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, the NAC can significantly improve the livelihoods of millions of people in rural India.
• Environmental Impact - Development of new and innovative methods of crop production will reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.

What are the challenges in implementing NAC?

• State-Level Autonomy – Since Agriculture is a state subject, implementing a national level code for agriculture might have resistance from states.
• Diverse Regulations - Harmonizing diverse state agricultural regulations with the NAC can be challenging.
• Limited Warehousing and Cold Storage –A lack of adequate warehousing and cold storage infrastructure can hinder the implementation of the NAC.
• Poor Transportation Networks - Inefficient transportation networks can increase the cost of transporting agricultural produce, affecting farmers' profitability.
• Farmer’s Illiteracy - Many farmers may not be aware of the NAC's provisions or how they can benefit from it.
• Digital Divide - Many farmers, especially in rural areas, lack access to modern technology and this can hinder the adoption of digital tools and platforms that are essential for the NAC's success.

What lies ahead?

• Promote collaborative effort among central government, state governments, farmers, and other stakeholders.
• Provide training to farmers on the NAC and its standards.
• Giving financial assistance to institutes for providing training to farmers.

References

1. The Indian Express | National Agricultural Code
2. PIB | National Agricultural Code

UPSC Daily Current Affairs | Prelim Bits 05-10-2024

National Agriculture Code

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has begun the process of formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC), on the lines of the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

• The NAC will cover the entire agriculture cycle, and will also contain a guidance note for future standardization.
• The NAC will serve as a guide for farmers, agriculture universities, and officials involved in the field.
• The first part will contain general principles for all crops, and the second will deal with crop-specific standards for paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
• The NAC will also cover all agriculture processes and post-harvest operations, such as
  • Crop selection,
  • Land preparation,
  • Sowing/transplanting,
  • Irrigation/drainage,
  • Soil health management,
  • Plant health management,
  • Harvesting/threshing,
  • Primary processing,
  • Post-harvest, sustainability, and
  • Record maintenance.
• It will also include standards for input management, like use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and weedicides, as well as standards for crop storage and traceability.
• The NAC will cover all new and emerging areas like natural farming and organic farming, as well as the use of Internet-of-Things in the field of agriculture.
• Objectives - To create a code covering recommendations for agriculture practices taking agro-climatic zones, crop type, socio economic diversity of the country and all aspects of agrifood value chain into consideration.
• To act as an enabler of quality culture in agriculture by providing the required reference to policy makers, agriculture departments and regulators for incorporating the provisions of NAC.
• To create a comprehensive guide for the farming community to ensure effective decision making in agricultural practices;
• To integrate relevant Indian Standards with recommended agricultural practices.
• To address the horizontal aspects of agriculture such as SMART farming, sustainability, traceability and documentation; and
• To aid in the capacity building program organized by agriculture extension services and civil society organisations.
• Deadline - The panels will draft the code, with a tentative deadline for the NAC set as October 2025.

Reference

The Indian Express | What is the National Agriculture Code?

World Animal Day

World Animal Day is celebrated worldwide recently.

• World Animal Day is observed annually on October 4^th.
• Theme, 2024 - "The world is their home too".
• It was first celebrated on 24th March 1925 by Heinrich Zimmermann, a German writer and animal welfare activist.
• The day is later celebrated yearly on October 4^th to align with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and animals.
• It is a global celebration that shines a light on animal rights, welfare, and conservation.
• This special day, dedicated to raising awareness about the protection and care of animals, encourages people to take action in safeguarding the creatures we share this planet with.
• It is a reminder of the vital role animals play in our world and our responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Significance- Raising Awareness - World Animal Day draws attention to the plight of animals across the world, especially those affected by habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change.
• It encourages people to learn about the challenges animals face and take steps to protect them.
• Promoting Animal Rights - The day advocates for the fair treatment of animals, pushing for stronger laws and regulations to prevent cruelty and exploitation.
• It also emphasises the importance of recognising animals as sentient beings deserving of respect and compassion.
• Encouraging Positive Action - From grassroots campaigns to high-level initiatives, World Animal Day inspires everyone to take concrete steps in improving animal welfare.
• Fostering Compassion- World Animal Day promotes the message that humans have a responsibility to care for the creatures with whom we share the planet.

References

1. Money Control | World Animal Day 2024
2. Business Standard | World Animal Day 2024

Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme

Union Finance Minister recently launched the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme.

• Aim - The PM Internship Scheme will enhance youth employability in India by offering them hands-on exposure to real-world business environments.
• The scheme represents a transformative opportunity to bridge the skills gap and drive sustainable growth in India.
• It will be implemented through an online portal developed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Target - The PM Internship Scheme aims to provide internship opportunities to one crore youth in the top 500 companies over the next 5 years.
• The ministry has partnered with government-owned BISAG-N to run the project.
• Duration - The internship will be for 12 months.
• Financial Assistance - The interns will be provided financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month and out of the total amount,
  • Rs 4,500 will be disbursed by the government and
  • Rs 500 will be paid by the company from its CSR funds.
• Also, a one-time grant of Rs 6,000 for incidentals will be disbursed by the ministry to each intern, upon joining the place of internship.
• The participation of companies in the scheme is voluntary and an internship will be offered for 12 months, with at least half of the period to be spent in the actual job environment and not in the classroom.
• Existing reservations will be applicable in selecting the candidates under the scheme, the sources said and emphasised that the scheme is only for providing internships and not for jobs.
• Eligibility - Candidates aged between 21 and 24 years who are not engaged in full-time employment are eligible for the one-year internship programme.
• Internships are available to those who have passed class 10 or higher.
• Individuals from families with government jobs are excluded.
• The scheme is not open to post-graduates.
• A candidate who graduated from premier institutes such as IIT, IIM, or IISER, and those who have CA, or CMA qualification would not be eligible to apply for this internship.
• Anyone from a household that includes a person who earned an income of Rs. 8 lakh or more in 2023-24, will not be eligible.

References

1. The Hindu | PM Internship Scheme
2. Hindustan Times | Centre launches internship scheme
3. Economic Times | Govt rolls out internship scheme

Charon

Researchers recently discovered that Carbon dioxide, hydrogen peroxide detected on Pluto's largest moon 'Charon'.

• Charon is the largest of the 5 known moons of Pluto.
• Discovered by - Charon was discovered in June 1978 by James Christy and Robert Harrington at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.
• This moon is remarkably similar to Pluto, earning it the nickname "Pluto's smaller twin."
• Size - Half the size of Pluto, Charon is the largest known satellite relative to its parent body.
• The same surfaces of Charon and Pluto always face each other, a phenomenon called mutual tidal locking.
• Orbit - Charon's orbit around Pluto takes 6.4 Earth days, and one Pluto rotation (a Pluto day) takes 6.4 Earth days.
• Charon neither rises nor sets, but hovers over the same spot on Pluto's surface, and the same side of Charon always faces Pluto.
• Compared with most of the planets and moons, the Pluto-Charon system is tipped on its side, like Uranus.
• Rotation - Pluto's rotation is retrograde - it rotates backward, from east to west (Uranus and Venus also have retrograde rotations).
• Possibility of life - Being extremely cold, there's practically no chance for life to exist on Pluto and water, essential for life, is present as ice.

Recent Findings

• The study explains that hydrogen peroxide forms when ice is broken down by charged particles, releasing hydrogen and oxygen atoms that combine.
• The presence of the chemical suggests Charon's icy surface is altered by ultra-violet light and solar wind from the distant Sun.
• The discovery sheds new light on Charon's composition and chemical processes, offering valuable insights into the Pluto system's mysterious and icy landscape.

References

1. Business Standard | Pluto's largest moon 'Charon'
2. NASA | Charon

Indian Wolf

Indian wolves are sacred beings for Koppal’s Kuruba shepherds by removing diseased sheep, prevent spread of infection, saving most of the flock.

• Scientific Name - Canis lupus pallipes.
• It is a subspecies of Grey wolf.
• They are also relatively less vocal and have rarely been known to howl.
• Indian wolves are territorial and hunt during the night. One wolf usually is acting as a decoy while the other attacks from behind.
• Habitat - lives in semi-arid and arid areas.
• Size - The Indian wolf is intermediate in size between the Arabian and Himalayan wolves.
• It lacks the Himalayan wolf's thick winter coat because it lives in warmer conditions.
• Distribution – Found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and Syria.
• Population – There are approximately 400-1,100 wolves living in the Himalayan Region and 4,000-6,000 wolves in the Peninsular Region.
• Diet - Indian wolves are carnivores and prey mainly on antelopes, rodents, hares, and raccoons.
• Indian wolves are monogamous and mate for life.
• Conservation status  
  • Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 - Schedule I.
  • IUCN - Endangered.
  • Threats - Habitat loss, unregulated hunting, and loss of prey.

Reference

Down to Earth | Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes)