Fostering a Commitment to Stop Maternal Deaths
1. Full Forms Used
| Short Form | Full Form |
|---|---|
| MMR | Maternal Mortality Ratio |
| SRS | Sample Registration System |
| EAG | Empowered Action Group |
| ASHA | Accredited Social Health Activist |
| ANM | Auxiliary Nurse Midwife |
| NHRM | National Rural Health Mission |
| NHM | National Health Mission |
| FRU | First Referral Unit |
| CHC | Community Health Centre |
| OT | Operation Theatre |
| DIC | Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation |
| UT | Union Territory |
2. Vocabulary (Simple Meanings)
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Maternal Mortality | Death of a woman during pregnancy or soon after |
| MMR | Number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births |
| Institutional Delivery | Childbirth in a hospital/clinic with trained staff |
| Postpartum | After childbirth |
| Sepsis | Dangerous infection in the body |
| Anaemia | Weakness from low iron in blood |
| Obstructed Labour | Baby cannot come out due to narrow pelvis |
| Convulsions | Uncontrolled shaking of the body |
| Antenatal | Before birth (during pregnancy) |
| Hypertension | High blood pressure |
| Quacks | People who give medical treatment without proper training |
| Malnourished | Weak due to poor or little food |
| Uterine Atonicity | Uterus does not tighten after childbirth |
| Embolism | Blockage in a blood vessel |
| Audit | Careful checking of records or activities |
3. Relevance for CBSE Syllabus
Class 10
Science (Biology): Reproductive health, diseases in women
Social Science: Public health schemes (NHM), inequality in healthcare
Class 11
Biology: Human reproduction, maternal care
Political Science & Sociology: Government schemes, health inequality
Geography: Population and health distribution
Class 12
Biology: Pregnancy complications, childbirth issues
Political Science: Role of government policies
Sociology: Social issues related to women’s health
Geography: Regional differences in health indicators (Kerala vs EAG states)
What is Maternal Death?
A woman dying during pregnancy or within 42 days after it due to health reasons related to pregnancy (not by accidents).
MMR in India (Maternal Mortality Ratio)
2019–21: 93 deaths per 1,00,000 live births.
Earlier: 103 (2017–19), 97 (2018–20).
State-wise MMR Comparison
EAG States (Backward States Needing Help)
Include Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, UP, Uttarakhand, Assam
Highest: MP (175), Assam (167)
Moderate: Most between 100–151
Jharkhand: 51 (lowest in this group)
Southern States (More Developed)
Include Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Lowest: Kerala (20)
Highest: Karnataka (63)
Other States/UTs
Maharashtra: 38
Gujarat: 53
Punjab: 98
Haryana: 106
West Bengal: 109
Three Main Delays That Cause Maternal Death
1. Delay in Decision to Seek Care
Family thinks childbirth is natural — delays help
Poor education and money add to delay
ASHA and ANM help by encouraging hospital delivery
Government gives financial support to encourage safe delivery
2. Delay in Reaching the Hospital
Villages in remote/forest areas are far from health centers
Time lost in travel can be fatal
108 Ambulance system under NHM has helped
3. Delay in Getting Treatment at Hospital
Late response from doctors or no blood/operation support
Lack of equipment like blood banks, trained staff
FRUs (First Referral Units) planned per district – not working due to 66% staff vacancies
Major Medical Reasons for Maternal Deaths
1. Heavy Bleeding After Delivery
Uterus doesn’t tighten → mother loses too much blood
Worse if woman already has anaemia
2. Obstructed Labour
Small pelvis in young, malnourished mother prevents baby’s birth
Needs timely surgery (C-section)
3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) in Pregnancy
Can cause convulsions, coma, death if untreated
4. Sepsis (Infections)
From unsafe delivery or abortions by untrained people
Can be prevented with antibiotics and timely care
5. Other Illnesses in EAG States
Malaria, TB, urinary infections – increase risk
How to Reduce Maternal Deaths
Early pregnancy check-ups (antenatal care)
Ensure all deliveries happen in hospitals (institutional delivery)
Track and audit every maternal death (under NHM)
Improving Emergency Care in Different States
EAG States: Focus on basic tasks like staff, clinics, blood
Southern States & Some Others: Improve quality of emergency care
Kerala – A Model State
Confidential Review of Maternal Deaths (started by Dr. V.P. Paily)
Kerala has MMR = 20 (lowest in India)
Good practices:
Uterus clamps to stop bleeding
Quick use of suction for uterus tightening
Careful management of bleeding/clotting/liver failure
Also care for mental health (antenatal depression)
Conclusion
Most maternal deaths can be prevented.
Strong health system, trained staff, and government support are key.
Kerala model shows it is possible.
Climate Change and India's Coastline
Rising sea levels and saltwater entering land are damaging India’s coastal areas.
People who depend on farming and fishing are losing their land and homes.
Many are being forced to move (migrate) to cities for work.
Places Affected
Odisha (Satabhaya): Village lost to the sea; people moved to government colonies.
Karnataka (Honnavar): Fishing people losing land due to ports and tourism.
Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala: Coastal damage and flooding harming lives.
Main Problems Faced by Coastal People
Sea level rise and storms destroy homes and land.
Development projects (ports, industries, tourism) increase damage.
Mangroves and wetlands (natural protectors) are being destroyed.
People are forced to move to cities and take up informal jobs (like construction, brick kilns, domestic work).
Many migrants have no legal rights, are underpaid, and women face abuse and trafficking.
Lack of Proper Laws and Support
Indian laws don’t protect people displaced by climate change.
Article 21 of the Constitution gives the right to life and dignity, but no special law helps climate migrants.
Existing laws (like Disaster Management Act, CRZ Notification) focus only on environment or disaster relief.
New labour codes and climate plans don’t help displaced people.
Court Cases and Community Resistance
Supreme Court cases (like M.C. Mehta 1987) said a clean environment is a human right.
Still, there is no strong law to protect people who lose homes due to climate change.
Local communities are fighting back:
Ennore Creek protest (Tamil Nadu)
Pattuvam Mangrove Movement (Kerala)
Save Satabhaya Campaign (Odisha)
But protestors are often harassed or punished unfairly.
What India Needs to Do
Recognize climate migrants in national plans.
Give them rights to housing, jobs, healthcare, education.
Change labour laws to protect migrants.
Change coastal development rules to protect people and nature.
India must act if it wants to meet Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 (end forced labour and ensure fair work).
Conclusion
Climate change is harming people and their rights.
How India responds shows its commitment to democracy and justice.
Protecting displaced people is not just good for the environment — it is a constitutional duty.
Key Vocabulary:
| Word / Term | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Displacement | Forced to leave home due to danger |
| Migration | Moving from one place to another |
| Coastal | Related to areas near the sea |
| Informal Jobs | Jobs without legal rights or contracts |
| Debt Bondage | Working to repay a loan in unfair conditions |
| Trafficking | Illegal movement of people for exploitation |
| Mangroves | Trees that grow in coastal water and protect land from waves |
| Wetlands | Water-rich land areas that support life |
| Article 21 | Law in Indian Constitution that gives right to life and dignity |
| Sustainable | Can be continued without harming the future |
| CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) | Rules to protect coastal environment |
| Sagarmala Programme | Government plan to develop ports and shipping |
| Labour Codes | New Indian laws on worker rights |
| Protest | Public showing of disagreement |
| Surveillance | Being watched by authorities |
| Jurisprudence | Legal rules developed through court decisions |
CBSE Relevance :
Class 10
Geography: Climate change, migration, environment
Political Science: Fundamental rights, laws, justice
Economics: Labour issues, rural to urban migration
Class 11
Geography: Human and environment interaction, coastal areas
Political Science: Rights and the Constitution
Sociology: Social inequality, migration
Economics: Informal labour, poverty
Class 12
Geography: Environmental degradation, population movements
Political Science: Democratic values, policy-making
Sociology: Displacement, gender issues, protest movements
Legal Studies: Environmental law, labour law, constitutional rights
Economics: Development vs environment, labour exploitation
The Free Fall of Moral Leadership
1. What Is Happening Today
The world is facing many conflicts and wars.
Democratic values are weakening.
World leaders are failing to act morally.
They often choose power and benefit over justice and truth.
Examples: Wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Israel-Iran conflict.
2. Problem with Leadership Today
Leaders are not stopping wars even when innocent people are dying.
The use of military power without care for humanity is dangerous.
People will never forget injustice until it is corrected.
Peace cannot be built if moral anger and unfair treatment continue.
3. Why Good Leadership Is Needed
We need leaders who choose justice over power.
Many present-day leaders:
Don’t listen to their conscience.
Do not follow international laws.
Fail to unite and support people in tough times.
Laws like the United Nations Charter are not enough if countries ignore them.
4. Lessons the World Must Learn
Good leaders must:
Respect international law
Settle disputes peacefully
Unite nations, not divide them
Reduce inequality and support all people
5. What Real Leadership Looks Like
Real leaders are brave, honest, and selfless.
They:
Speak the truth even when it is hard.
Work for the common good, not just personal gain.
Create peace and help people grow and live with dignity.
6. Gandhiji: A Role Model of Leadership
Mahatma Gandhi showed true moral leadership.
He led a non-violent freedom movement.
He believed:
Leadership must not chase power.
It must reflect the people’s hopes.
It should be rooted in truth, justice, and dignity.
7. India’s Role in the World
India has:
Economic strength
Nuclear power
Regional influence
So, India should:
Promote global justice
Stay independent in decisions (strategic autonomy)
Follow the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ("The world is one family")
8. What Indian Leaders Should Do Now
They must:
Be humble, not arrogant.
Work for peace, not just power.
Be role models who give people hope.
Revive democracy, unity, and trust.
9. Why This Is Important Now
India is facing challenges at home and globally.
Strong leadership is needed that is:
Firm but kind
Decisive but peaceful
Focused on national good and democratic unity
Vocabulary:
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Moral leadership | Leading by doing what is right and fair |
| Democratic decline | Weakening of democratic values and rights |
| Ambivalence | Confusion or lack of clear decision |
| Expediency | Choosing what is easy, not what is right |
| Hegemonic power | One country or group having control over others |
| Humanitarian | Related to human rights, care, and safety |
| Ceasefire | A temporary stop to fighting |
| Conscience | Knowing right from wrong in your heart |
| United Nations Charter | International law to keep peace between countries |
| Strategic autonomy | Making independent decisions in foreign policy |
| Vicissitudes | Sudden changes in life or situation |
| Mutiny | Rebellion or resistance against authority |
| Transformative leadership | Leadership that brings big, positive change |
| Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam | Sanskrit phrase meaning "The world is one family" |
| Collegiality | Working together with mutual respect |
| Social accord | Peaceful agreement and unity in society |
| Consensus | General agreement by a group |
| Two-facedness | Dishonesty or saying one thing and doing another |
| Dignity | Respect and value for human life |
CBSE Relevance:
Class 10
Political Science: Values of democracy, leadership, global peace
English: Essay writing, comprehension, speeches
History: Role of Gandhi, freedom movements
Class 11
Political Science: Global order, democracy, leadership roles
Sociology: Role of leaders in social change
Legal Studies: Global justice, international law
Class 12
Political Science: India's foreign policy, strategic autonomy
Sociology: Social movements, leadership and inequality
Legal Studies: Constitutional values, justice, rights
Economics: India’s economic role in global politics
English: Value-based questions, moral arguments
Women MSMEs Still Struggle for Credit Despite Schemes
1. What Are MSMEs?
MSMEs = Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
They are small businesses that:
Generate employment
Contribute to the economy
Help in exports
In 2024:
MSMEs contributed 30% of India’s GDP
Goal: Increase to 35%
20% of registered MSMEs are women-led
But they contribute only 10% of turnover and get 11–15% of investment
2. Key Problems Faced by Women Entrepreneurs
a. Limited Credit Access
Credit gap = Difference between money needed and money received
Women face a 35% credit gap, while men face only 20%
b. Low Financial Literacy
Many women don’t know about loan schemes
Especially affects women in villages and small towns
c. Discrimination
Women are seen as risky borrowers
Often don’t have collateral (property or assets to secure a loan)
d. Slow Bank Response
On average:
Men get loans after 2 bank visits
Women need 4 visits for the same loan
3. Government Schemes and Data
a. PMMY – Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana
Provides collateral-free loans
For non-farm MSMEs
In 2024:
4.2 crore loan accounts were women-owned (64%)
But women got only 41% of the loan amount
b. Udyam Assist Portal
Helps Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs) to become eligible for formal loans
In 2024:
1.86 crore IMEs registered
70.5% owned by women
70.8% of jobs created were by women-led IMEs
4. RBI Measures for Better Lending
Repo rate reduced to 5.5% (lowest since 2022)
CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) cut by 100 basis points
Banks now have more funds to give as loans
5. Implementation Gaps
Government schemes are well-designed
But poor execution means many women still:
Don’t get loans
Don’t know about available help
Depend on informal, risky money lenders
Vocabulary:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MSMEs | Small and medium-sized businesses |
| Credit gap | Gap between money needed and money given |
| Collateral | Property used as security for a loan |
| Informal sector | Unregistered and unregulated small businesses |
| Repo rate | Interest rate at which RBI gives loans to banks |
| CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) | Money banks must keep with RBI |
| Liquidity | Availability of money for loans and expenses |
| Financial literacy | Knowing how to manage money, savings, and loans |
| Implementation | Putting government plans into real action |
| IME (Informal Micro Enterprise) | Small businesses not officially registered |
CBSE Relevance
Class 10 (Economics, Political Science)
Role of women in the economy
Need for equality and inclusion
Government schemes for the poor and women
Class 11 (Economics, Business Studies)
Understanding entrepreneurship
Challenges of the informal sector
Functions of RBI and government policy
Class 12 (Economics, Political Science, Business Studies)
Economic growth and gender equality
Credit and financial inclusion
Evaluation of policies and their implementation
Remaking the Nuclear Order in West Asia
1. What is the issue?
Main conflict: Iran wants to build its nuclear capabilities for protection (nuclear deterrence).
Israel’s goal: Iran must not have any nuclear capability — not even for peaceful use.
U.S. role: Supports Israel's strikes but wants to avoid another full war.
2. What happened recently?
Israel attacked Iranian nuclear sites on June 13 and 22, destroying key parts of Iran’s defence system.
U.S. President Trump later joined with airstrikes on underground sites.
Iran retaliated by firing 500 missiles, but only a few caused damage.
3. Why did Israel attack Iran?
Political reasons: PM Netanyahu is under pressure inside Israel.
He wants to divert attention from his failure in the Gaza war.
He believes this is the right time, as Iran’s regional allies (like Hamas, Hezbollah) are weak.
4. Iran’s nuclear program
Began in the 1950s for peaceful use.
After the 1990s, Iran started enriching uranium secretly.
In 2015, Iran agreed to limit its program under the JCPOA deal (with U.S., EU, etc.).
Now, after attacks and failures, Iran may try to build a nuclear bomb for safety.
5. Problems for Iran
Lost many missile and drone bases in the strikes.
International inspections by IAEA have now stopped.
Their uranium stockpile (400 kg enriched to 60%) is in danger.
6. What’s next?
Talks between Iran and the U.S. may happen again — but trust is low.
Iran may choose to fully build a nuclear weapon if it feels unsafe.
Israel and U.S. have different goals:
Both want to stop Iran from making a bomb.
But Israel wants to stop even peaceful nuclear use.
Relevance for CBSE Classes
Class 10 (Political Science - Contemporary India)
Understand global issues like war, nuclear power, and international relations.
How countries use power and diplomacy.
Class 11 (Political Science - International Relations)
Conflict between security and diplomacy.
Role of U.S., Israel, Iran in global peace and balance of power.
Class 12 (Global Politics)
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Military action vs diplomacy in foreign policy.
How international agreements like JCPOA shape peace.
Key Vocabulary:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nuclear deterrence | Using threat of nuclear weapons to stop an attack |
| Uranium enrichment | Making uranium powerful enough for energy or weapons |
| JCPOA | 2015 agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program |
| Mossad | Israeli secret intelligence agency |
| IAEA | International Atomic Energy Agency, checks nuclear safety worldwide |
| Bunker-buster | A type of bomb to destroy underground targets |
| Missile launcher | Machine that fires missiles |
| Proxy group | A smaller group supported by a bigger country (e.g., Hezbollah by Iran) |
| Sanctions-snapback | Quickly restarting punishment if rules are broken |
| Strategic autonomy | A country’s right to decide its own security policy |
| Regime change | Forcing a country’s government to change |
| NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) | Treaty to stop the spread of nuclear weapons |
| Threshold status | Being close to making a nuclear bomb but not yet |
Ahead of COP30, Bonn Climate Talks – Progress and Problems
1. Introduction
The Bonn Climate Conference (mid-year meeting) sets the groundwork for COP30 in Belém, Brazil (Nov 2025).
It serves as a test of how seriously countries are about climate commitments and scaling up action.
2. Key Issues Faced at Bonn 2025
A. Delayed Start and Disagreements
Countries disagreed on including climate finance and carbon border taxes in the agenda.
Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs), including India, wanted Article 9.1 (Paris Agreement) on finance included.
European Union and developed countries resisted, saying finance is handled elsewhere.
B. Climate Finance Gridlock
Developing countries demanded predictable, fair funding from rich nations.
Issues included:
Grants vs loans
Who pays and how much
Discrepancy between promised and actual funds
G77 and China wanted fairness and transparency.
Small Island States and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) asked for fast, targeted funding.
3. Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)
Focused on reducing climate vulnerability and improving resilience.
Countries shortlisted 490 out of 9,000 indicators (to track progress in health, water, agriculture).
India emphasized context-sensitive and flexible indicators.
Developed countries (Japan, Australia) resisted including finance indicators.
Developing countries argued finance is essential for adaptation success.
4. Other Contentious Themes
A. Loss and Damage (L&D)
Debate over how the Santiago Network (UN mechanism) would support nations.
Developing countries sought technical help and better funding.
B. Just Transition
Discussions focused on fair shift to clean energy.
Key issues: job protection, Indigenous rights, social dialogue, and impact of carbon border taxes.
C. Gender Action Plan
Debates on terms like gender diversity and unpaid care work.
Focused on gender-based violence, health, and gender-sensitive climate data.
D. Mitigation Work Programme (MWP)
Aim: Meet 1.5°C target through global emissions cuts.
Developing countries wanted financial help, not new obligations.
A proposal for a digital sharing platform on climate tools was discussed.
5. Key Takeaways from Bonn 2025
Incremental progress in:
Adaptation indicators
Transparency frameworks
Article 6 (cooperative approaches)
Major disagreements remain in:
Climate finance
Equity in responsibilities
6. CBSE Relevance
Class 10:
Geography: Climate change, adaptation, global cooperation.
Political Science: Equity in international relations.
Class 11:
Political Science: UN negotiations, role of developing countries.
Geography: Environmental issues, human development.
Class 12:
Political Science: Global institutions, justice in international order.
Geography: Sustainable development, climate justice.
Economics: International financial cooperation, public policy.
7. Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| COP30 | 30th global UN climate conference (to be held in Brazil) |
| Adaptation | Adjusting to climate change to reduce damage |
| Mitigation | Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions |
| Climate Finance | Money to help countries fight and adapt to climate change |
| Carbon Border Tax | Extra tax on imported goods based on their carbon emissions |
| LMDCs | Developing countries like India that act together in climate talks |
| Indicators | Measurable signs used to track climate progress |
| Loss and Damage (L&D) | Harm from climate change that can't be avoided |
| Santiago Network | UN group to help vulnerable countries respond to climate damage |
| Just Transition | Fair shift to clean energy while protecting jobs and rights |
| Gender Action Plan | Framework to ensure women’s issues are included in climate action |
| Transparency Framework | Rules to ensure countries report climate actions clearly |
| Safe Space (in MWP) | A cooperative environment for discussions |
| Adaptation Fund | A fund that helps poor countries adapt to climate change |
| G77 and China | Coalition of developing countries at the UN |
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