Latest news with #KritikaTiwary
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘60% of all child labour globally is in agri sector'
1 2 Michiko Miyamoto, the director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) talks to TOI's Kritika Tiwary on the global and local dimensions of child labour, prevailing challenges and interventions to eliminate child labour in line with global development goals. Excerpts... Globally, what's the current trend of child labour? We are seeing a downward trend. However, this progress is uneven and fragile. The last major increase occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was a serious setback. The most recent global estimates show a reduction from 160 million children in 2020 to 138 million in 2024. What are the sector-wise trends? Which sector is the most affected? The agriculture sector remains the most dominant, accounting for nearly 60% of all child labour globally. It is followed by industries and services. Agriculture is particularly difficult to regulate due to its informal and scattered nature, especially in rural areas, making inspection and enforcement challenging. What changes have been observed in the context of child labour in India in recent years? In India, there has been a notable shift. Many big brands have cleaned up their formal supply chains due to global scrutiny and awareness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Høreproblemer? Bliv en del af AudioNova's gratis testpanel, hvis du er født før 1970 Audionova Lær mere Undo However, child labour persists in the informal sectors, particularly in agriculture and small-scale family-based enterprises. There has been progress in public awareness but hidden forms of child labour remain a major concern, especially in rural and tribal belts. What are the major causes, especially in India? The root causes are poverty, lack of access to quality education and weak social protection systems. When families are economically vulnerable, there are no safety nets and children are often forced to work. Cultural factors like child marriage and gender also perpetuate child labour. Women education and empowerment play a vital role and an educated mother is more likely to prioritize schooling for her children. Are the existing national or state action plans in combating it effective? Action plans are crucial. They reflect the official commitment of the govt and provide a structured roadmap for all stakeholders. For instance, Jharkhand had a state action plan from 2012 to 2016, but no updated version was released after that. However, after consistent dialogue, the state labour department has recently agreed to revive and update the plan and the draft of the new plan is ready for launch. With proper implementation, budgeting and coordination, such plans can bring systemic and sustained change.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Stay consistent, use online resources: IFS topper Kanika
Kanika Anabh , an alumna of JVM Shyamli (2014 batch), has topped the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2024. Sharing her journey on the way to AIR 1 with TOI's Kritika Tiwary, Kanika said she relied on digital resources and her own discipline rather than traditional coaching to bag the top spot. Excerpts... When did your IFS preparation journey begin? I started preparing in 2021. Initially, I went to Delhi for self-study using local libraries and reading rooms. But by January 2022, I returned home and prepared entirely from here. For mock interviews, however, I had to travel to Delhi, as our city doesn't yet have such facilities. Did you join any coaching institute for your preparation? I didn't enrol in any full-time classroom coaching. Instead, I used online content from different coaching institutes, mostly through YouTube and their websites. I opted for selective paid courses for mains and interview preparation based on what I felt was needed. I did my Class X from Secret Heart Convent School and completed my Class 12 from JVM Shyamli in 2014. After that, I pursued BSc in zoology from Delhi followed by a post-graduation in environmental science from JNU. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Born 1940-1975 With No Life Insurance Could Be Eligible For This Reassured Get Quote Undo Later, I also started my PhD. How many attempts did it take to crack the IFS exam? This was my third overall attempt. I appeared for both the civil services and forest services in all three attempts. It's the first time I cleared the forest service mains and interview. Previously, I had appeared for two interviews for the civil services but didn't make it to the final list. Who has been your biggest pillar of support? My parents, without a doubt. I prepared from home, so their support was crucial right from creating a peaceful study environment to taking care of my health and mental well-being. Their belief in me kept me going, especially during low phases. My father is a retired district judge and currently serves as the president of the consumer forum in Koderma. My mother is a homemaker, and I am their only child. What is your message to aspirants, especially those preparing from smaller cities? You don't need to shift to Delhi or spend on expensive coaching to crack big competitive exams. Stay consistent, use the vast online resources available today, and most importantly, believe in your own journey. Having a strong, positive support system around helps immensely.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘Documenting tribal wisdom key to biodiversity conservation'
1 2 3 In a conversation with Kritika Tiwary, the principal chief conservator of forests and member secretary of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board , Sanjeev Kumar, highlighted the efforts to conserve biodiversity. He emphasized on the state's growing focus to evolve local communities and preserve both ecological and indigenous knowledge systems Q. When did efforts to document and conserve biodiversity officially begin in the state? Were there any key turning points? A: The formal journey began with the establishment of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board in 2007, marking the start of systematic documentation. A significant turning point came in 2024 when the board launched a campaign to identify Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS). With Biodiversity Management Committees' (BMCs) involvement, over 100 such sites have been identified. Q. Is there an ongoing effort to document tribal and indigenous knowledge systems related to biodiversity and traditional practices? A: Yes, documenting tribal and indigenous knowledge is central to the state's biodiversity conservation strategy. Currently, 4,689 People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) are maintained with BMC's support. These are regularly updated, and local BMC members receive training to document indigenous knowledge and practices, preserving traditional wisdom for future generations. Q. Are there any endangered species in the state that have been officially identified? A: Yes, surveys by the Botanical Survey of India and Zoological Survey of India have identified several threatened species. These include 24 plant species such as Salai and Bija Sal, and five fauna species, including the dolphin, white vulture, and gharial. Q. What specific steps are being taken to conserve biodiversity? A: The Jharkhand Biodiversity Board actively involves local communities through regular capacity-building programmes in panchayats, colleges, and universities. Educational materials are available in local languages, and resource persons from farming and tribal communities receive training on sustainable forest-based livelihoods. The initiative emphasizes women empowerment and youth engagement through school nurseries and upcoming internship and certificate courses. Q. What are the future plans or policies to enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in state? A: The board's roadmap includes managing over 100 identified Biodiversity Heritage Sites with site-specific plans. Conservation efforts focus on keystone species like Ficus spp and tigers, along with 29 threatened plant and animal species. Ongoing scientific studies with the Botanical and Zoological Survey of India will continue. A pilot Biodiversity Credit Programme is being considered for climate finance. Mining companies must develop conservation and livelihood plans for affected areas. School-based indigenous plant nurseries promote awareness, while the state is working towards conserving endangered Tasar silk varieties like Sarihan eco-race. The goal includes restoring 30% of degraded land by 2030 and updating all 4,689 People's Biodiversity Registers to document lost crop varieties, including over 100 traditional rice types.
