Recognising the Economic Value of Unpaid Work in India    
India-Algeria Strengthen Defence Ties    
IUCN’s First Global Tree Assessment    
Civil Registration System (CRS) Mobile Application    

1. Recognising the Economic Value of Unpaid Work in India
Why in News?
Recently, a research paper highlighted the significant economic value of unpaid work in India, particularly by women. This underscores the need to incorporate unpaid work into productivity measures to address gender inequality and support economic policy.
What is Unpaid Work?
•    Definition: Unpaid work involves activities individuals perform without receiving monetary compensation. This includes tasks that support households and communities, such as care work, parenting, and domestic responsibilities.
•    Types of Activities:
o    Domestic Tasks: Cleaning, cooking, and childcare.
o    Care Work: Looking after family members, including the elderly and sick.
o    Community Services: Volunteering in community-based activities.
o    Subsistence Production: Farming or crafting for personal use.

•    Economic Contribution:
o    Unpaid work significantly contributes to the economy by supporting the workforce and enabling paid work by providing essential services at home.
o    However, unpaid work often remains unrecognized in GDP and economic policy discussions.
•    Gender Disparity:
o    Women disproportionately bear the burden of unpaid work, limiting their access to education, skill development, and paid employment. This reinforces cycles of inequality and hinders their economic independence.
Importance of Recognising Unpaid Work
•    Aligning with SDGs: Recognising unpaid work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5, which promotes gender equality and aims to value unpaid care and domestic work by 2030.
•    Reducing Gender Inequality: Valuing unpaid work is essential for promoting equitable distribution of responsibilities and reducing gender disparities.
Key Highlights of the Research on Unpaid Work
1.    Data Source:
o    Based on data from the Consumer Pyramids Household Survey (CPHS) by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) for individuals aged 15 and above.
o    The study covers data from
September 2019 to March 2023.
2.    Findings:
o    Women outside the labour force spend over 7 hours daily on unpaid domestic tasks, while

OASHUB

employed women spend around
5.8 hours.
o    Men contribute significantly less: under 4 hours daily for unemployed men and 2.7 hours for employed men.
3.    Valuation Methods:
o    Opportunity Cost Method (GOC): Calculates unpaid labour's value based on the income individuals forgo by not engaging in paid work.
o    Replacement Cost Method (RCM): Estimates the value by assuming the tasks could be performed by paid market workers.
4.    Economic Value:
o    Unpaid work was valued at Rs 49.5 lakh crore using GOC and Rs 65.1 lakh crore using RCM for 2019-20, equating to 24.6% and 32.4% of GDP, respectively.
5.    Policy Recommendations:
o    The authors urge policies to recognize and value unpaid work, improve methodologies for measuring unpaid work, and promote equitable caregiving responsibilities.
Key Statistics on Unpaid Work in India
•    Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24: Reports that 36.7% of women and 19.4% of the workforce engage in unpaid work within household enterprises.
•    Time Use Survey 2019 (NSO):
o    81% of females aged 6+ spend over 5 hours daily on unpaid domestic work.
o    26.2% of women aged 6+ dedicate over 2 hours daily to caregiving, compared to 12.4% of men.

Why Are Women More Involved in Unpaid Work?
1.    Cultural Norms and Gender Roles: Societal expectations view household and caregiving duties as primarily women’s responsibilities.
o 53% of women in India remain outside the labour force due to care responsibilities, compared to only 1.1% of men.
2.    Economic Constraints: Many households rely on women’s unpaid work as a cost- saving measure.
3.    Limited Employment Opportunities: Job opportunities are fewer for women, especially in rural areas.
4.    Policy Gaps: Lack of family-friendly policies, such as paid parental leave and flexible work options, further reinforces gender roles.
Policy Measures to Address Inequity in Unpaid Work
1.    Investment in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE):
o    Increase government expenditure on accessible childcare services to reduce the unpaid care burden.
o    Financial assistance and community-based childcare centers can enable more women to participate in the workforce.
2.    Flexible Work Policies:
o    Encourage flexible work arrangements to allow both men and women to balance paid and unpaid work.
o    Extend paid family leave to cover caregiving for older adults and family members with special needs.
3.    Legal Recognition and Labour Rights:

OASHUB

o    Implement laws that recognize         

unpaid work as a valuable
economic contribution.
o    Promote gender equality in the workplace by enforcing anti- discrimination and equal pay laws.
4.    Awareness Campaigns for Shared Responsibility:
o    Launch national campaigns challenging traditional roles and encouraging shared domestic responsibilities.
5.    Developing a Framework for Valuing Unpaid Work:
o    Incorporate unpaid work in national economic metrics to reflect the actual economic contribution of unpaid domestic and care work.
Conclusion
Recognising and valuing unpaid work, especially by women, is essential to foster gender equality and enhance economic productivity. By integrating unpaid work into economic metrics and implementing supportive policies, India can address gender disparities and empower women to participate meaningfully in the workforce, promoting sustainable economic growth.

Prelims Question
Which of the following methods is used to calculate the economic value of unpaid work?
1.    Opportunity Cost Method
2.    Capital Accumulation Method
3.    Replacement Cost Method
4.    Consumption Multiplier Method Select the correct answer:
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 4 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    3 and 4 only
Answer: C) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question
Discuss the impact of unpaid work on India’s economy and gender equality. How can incorporating unpaid work into economic metrics address gender disparities? Suggest policy measures to support equitable sharing of unpaid work.

2. India-Algeria Strengthen Defence Ties
Why in News?
India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) recently visited Algeria, marking a significant step in India- Algeria defence relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation. This MoU is aimed at building a long-term partnership and reinforcing military ties between the two countries.
Recent Developments in India-Algeria Relations
•    Significant Visit:
o    The visit coincided with Algeria’s 70th anniversary of independence on 1st November, celebrated through military parades and public events.
o    Emphasizing the role of India as a “Vishwa Bandhu” or global partner, CDS highlighted India’s commitment to share defence expertise and experience.
•    Strategic Cooperation:
o    India re-established its defence wing in Algeria and expressed support for Algeria to open a similar wing in India.
o    The MoU lays the foundation for long-term collaboration in defence and military training, emphasizing mutual interests in

OASHUB

defence manufacturing under
‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’.
•    Integrated Defence Statement:
o    The Integrated Defence Staff remarked that the MoU would help in enhancing mutual understanding, supporting peaceful conflict resolution and bolstering strategic ties.
Significant Areas of India-Algeria Relationship
1.    Diplomatic Relations:
o    Diplomatic ties were established in 1962, the same year Algeria gained independence. Both countries have historically aligned under the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), reflecting solidarity in international forums.
2.    Bilateral Trade:
o    Bilateral trade peaked at USD 2.9 billion in 2018, but dropped to USD 1.5 billion in 2021 due to the pandemic and Algeria's import restrictions.
o    Trade grew again in 2022, with India’s exports at USD 848 million and imports at USD 885 million (2023-24).
o    Major exports: rice, pharmaceuticals, granite. Imports: petroleum oils, LNG, calcium phosphates.
3.    Bilateral Agreements:
o    Several agreements have been signed, such as:
    MoU between All India Radio and Algerian National Radio (2015).
    Space Cooperation Agreement (2018) for satellite applications in

crop forecasting and
disaster management.
    Visa Waiver Agreement for diplomatic and official passports (2021).
4.    Cultural Engagement:
o    The 10th International Day of Yoga was celebrated in Algeria in June 2024, drawing over 300 participants, highlighting cultural connections.
5.    Space Cooperation:
o    The 2018 Space Cooperation Agreement allows Algeria to leverage Indian satellite technology for crop forecasting and disaster management.
o    Algeria and ISRO held discussions in 2022 for satellite capacity building support.
6.    Indian Community in Algeria:
o    Around 3,800 Indians reside in Algeria, working in technical and skilled roles across remote projects.
o    The community includes 13 OCI cardholders, 10 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and 15 Indian students.
Why Does Algeria Matter to India?
•    Strategic Partnership: Algeria’s location in the Maghreb region and its alignment with India in NAM make it a valuable partner for strategic collaboration.
•    Energy Security: Algeria’s significant hydrocarbon reserves provide India with an alternative energy source, diversifying its import dependencies.
•    Economic Collaboration: Algeria’s recent economic reforms offer new opportunities for Indian investments in infrastructure and trade.

OASHUB

•    Healthcare Cooperation: India’s
pharmaceutical sector can support
Algeria’s healthcare through medical tourism and telemedicine programs.
•    Security Cooperation: Joint initiatives in
counter-terrorism and regional stability

Select the correct answer:
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1, 2, and 4 only
C)    1, 2, and 3 only
D)    All of the above
Answer: B) 1, 2, and 4 only

will enhance security cooperation and         

diplomatic relations.
Major Challenges in India-Algeria Relations
•    Political and Socioeconomic Instability: Algeria’s domestic issues may impact bilateral engagements and mutual initiatives.
•    Limited Regional Cooperation: The Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) is inactive, limiting Algeria’s regional cooperation and India’s engagement strategies.
•    Knowledge Deficit: Limited awareness about each other’s cultural and political landscapes can hinder deeper diplomatic relations.
Way Forward
•    Enhanced High-Level Engagements: Increased political visits and exchanges will strengthen mutual understanding and collaboration on global issues.
•    Economic Diversification: Joint ventures in non-hydrocarbon sectors can reduce
Algeria’s economic vulnerability and offer
new avenues for Indian businesses.
•    Cultural Exchange Programs: Programs promoting cultural and educational exchanges can bridge gaps, fostering goodwill and building trust.

Prelims Question
Which of the following countries are members of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU)?
1.    Algeria
2.    Tunisia
3.    Saudi Arabia
4.    Morocco

Mains Question
Discuss the strategic significance of the recent defence cooperation MoU between India and Algeria. How can this partnership contribute to India’s energy security, economic collaboration, and regional stability?

3. IUCN’s First Global Tree Assessment
Why in News?
The first Global Tree Assessment (GTA) has been released as an update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its findings were presented at the UN Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (CBD COP16) held in Cali, Colombia. This conference assesses progress towards the 2022 Montreal goal to protect 30% of the planet’s land and marine areas by 2030.
What is the Global Tree Assessment Report?
•    Purpose:
o    The GTA aims to evaluate all known tree species globally for inclusion in the IUCN Red List. Its primary goal is to improve conservation information, enabling better decision-making for threatened species.
o    Launched in 2015, it helps prioritize conservation action, research, and funding for tree species most at risk of extinction.
•    Partnerships:
o    The GTA collaborates with over 60 botanical organizations, 25 IUCN

OASHUB

groups, and numerous tree experts worldwide, making it a comprehensive effort in global tree conservation.
Key Findings of the Report
•    Species at Risk:
o    Out of 47,282 tree species assessed, 16,425 are threatened with extinction. Iconic species like magnolias, oaks, maples, and ebonies are among the most endangered.
o    The number of threatened tree species exceeds the combined total of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, highlighting trees' unique vulnerability.
o    In India’s Western Ghats, Buchanania barberi is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts, including germination trials showing high seed viability, have been initiated for this species.
•    Main Threats:
o    Deforestation: Land clearing for agriculture and livestock is a leading cause of tree species extinction, particularly in tropical regions such as South America.
o    Logging: Over 5,000 tree species are harvested for timber, and more than 2,000 for food, medicine, and fuel.
o    Invasive Species and Diseases: Non-native species and pathogens are increasingly threatening tree health, especially in temperate zones.
o    Climate Change: Rising temperatures, sea levels, and

severe storms disproportionately impact trees in tropical and island ecosystems.
•    Ongoing Conservation Efforts:
o    Effective conservation programs in Juan Fernández Islands, Cuba, Madagascar, and Fiji have provided protection for endangered trees.
o    Nations like Ghana, Colombia, Chile, and Kenya have developed national tree conservation strategies. Gabon has also designated key areas specifically for tree conservation.
What is the IUCN Red List?
•    About:
o    The IUCN Red List is the world’s primary source for assessing the risk of extinction among animal, fungi, and plant species. It categorizes species into levels of extinction risk, from Not Evaluated (NE) to Extinct (EX), with Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), and Vulnerable (VU) marking species at high risk.
o    The Red List serves as an essential indicator for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Aichi Targets.
•    Green Status of Species:
o    The IUCN includes a Green Status assessment to measure species recovery and conservation success. Species are classified across eight Green Status Categories, from Critically Depleted to Fully Recovered, which provides a progress check on the effectiveness of conservation actions.

OASHUB
 

Prelims Question
Consider the following statements about the IUCN Red List:
1.    It includes an assessment called the Green Status to measure the recovery and conservation success of species.
2.    The IUCN Red List categorizes species' risk of extinction from Not Evaluated (NE) to Extinct (EX).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    Both 1 and 2
D)    Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C) Both 1 and 2

Mains Question
Discuss the significance of the Global Tree Assessment by IUCN in addressing global biodiversity loss. Highlight the main threats to tree species as revealed by the assessment and suggest conservation strategies that could be adopted by nations.

4. Civil Registration System (CRS) Mobile Application
Why in News?
The Union Home Minister recently launched the
Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile

anytime, anywhere, in the state’s official language, making it more accessible.
o It ensures a hassle-free experience by allowing individuals to register vital events without physical visits to registration offices.
About Civil Registration System (CRS)
•    Legal Backing:
o    The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023 mandates digital registration for all births and deaths across India, effective from 1st October 2023.
o    Registration on the central portal serves as a single document for verifying date of birth for services like school admissions, government jobs, and marriage registration.
•    Centralized Database:
o    The CRS database will update critical records in the National Population Register (NPR), ration cards, property registration, and electoral rolls automatically.
o    NPR Data: First collected in 2010 and updated in 2015, NPR data includes 119 crore residents and serves as a precursor to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) under the Citizenship Act, 2019.

application to enhance governance through         

technology by simplifying the registration process for vital events such as births and deaths.
Key Features of the CRS Mobile Application
•    Developed by: The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGCCI),
responsible for India’s decadal census.
•    User-Friendly Registration:
o    The app enables digital registration of births and deaths

Prelims Question
Consider the following statements about the Civil Registration System (CRS) Mobile Application:
1.    It is developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
2.    The CRS mobile application allows citizens to register only births through a digital portal.
 

OASHUB

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    Both 1 and 2
D)    Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A) 1 only

Mains Question
Discuss the significance of the Civil Registration System (CRS) Mobile Application launched by the Government of India. How will it transform the management of vital statistics and benefit citizens?