Today in History (September 24^th, 1932)

The Puna Pact was signed by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, and Mukundrao Jaykar.

Let’s Revise

A) What is the primary purpose of the Quad grouping?

1. To promote cultural exchange
2. To ensure a free and open international order in the Indo-Pacific
3. To enhance trade agreements
4. To establish a military alliance

Answer: B)
Explanation: The Quad aims to promote a free and open international order based on the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region.

B) Which countries are part of the Quad group?

1. India, China, Brazil, and Japan
2. India, Australia, US, and Japan
3. India, South Korea, US, and Australia
4. India, Japan, Russia, and New Zealand

Answer: B)
Explanation: The Quad consists of four democracies: India, Australia, the United States, and Japan.

C) What was one of the initial reasons for the formation of the Quad?

1. Economic cooperation
2. Disaster relief efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
3. Military training exercises
4. Cultural exchange programs

Answer: B)
Explanation: The Quad was initially formed to collaborate on disaster relief efforts after the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004.

D) In which year did the Quad group upgrade its status to the ministerial level?

1. 2017
2. 2019
3. 2021
4. 2022

Answer: B)
Explanation: The Quad was upgraded to the ministerial level in September 2019.

E) Who formalized the Quad as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue in 2007?

1. Shinzo Abe
2. Narendra Modi
3. Scott Morrison
4. Joe Biden

Answer: A)
Explanation: The then Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, formalized the alliance as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad in 2007.

F) How is the Quad structured compared to typical multilateral organizations?

1. It has a secretariat and permanent decision-making body
2. It is similar to the European Union
3. It is informal and lacks a secretariat or permanent decision-making body
4. It has a rigid structure

Answer: C)
Explanation: The Quad is not structured like typical multilateral organizations and does not have a secretariat or permanent decision-making body.

G) What are some of the primary objectives of the Quad?

1. Enhancing tourism and trade
2. Maritime security, climate change, investment, and technological innovation
3. Establishing a military alliance
4. Promoting cultural heritage

Answer: B)
Explanation: The Quad’s objectives include maritime security, addressing climate change, creating an investment ecosystem, and boosting technological innovation.

H) Which event marked the revival of negotiations for the Quad after a hiatus?

1. The 2019 ASEAN Summit
2. The 2017 ASEAN Summits
3. The 2021 Climate Summit
4. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

Answer: B)
Explanation: The four former members re-joined negotiations during the 2017 ASEAN Summits to revive the quadrilateral alliance.

I) How many leaders participated in the first in-person meeting of Quad leaders in September 2021?

1. Three
2. Four
3. Five
4. Six

Answer: B)
Explanation: The first in-person meeting of Quad leaders in September 2021 was attended by the leaders of all four member countries: India, Australia, the US, and Japan.

Summary of Today’s News

Concerns Related to Work-Life Balance

Context
• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has addressed concerns about a chartered accountant from Kerala who died due to alleged excessive workload in Pune.
• The NHRC has urged businesses to evaluate their work cultures and ensure alignment with global human rights standards.
• A notice has been sent to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, requesting a report within four weeks on measures to prevent similar incidents.

Understanding Work-Life Balance
• Work-life balance refers to managing professional responsibilities alongside personal life and well-being.
• Achieving this balance leads to:

• Reduced stress
• Improved productivity
• Better mental and physical health

Consequences of Work-Life Imbalance
• Increased Stress: Chronic stress can lead to lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure and mental health issues.
• Burnout: Prolonged imbalance may result in exhaustion and cynicism at work.
• Relationship Issues: Neglecting personal life can harm relationships.
• Work Resentment: An imbalance can foster negative feelings toward work.

Work Scenario in India
• The average work week in India is 46.7 hours, significantly higher than in countries like:

• United States: 38 hours
• Japan: 36.6 hours
• UK: 35.9 hours

• India ranks among the top 15 countries with the longest work weeks.

Reasons for Work-Life Imbalance in India
• Technological Advances: Remote work and constant connectivity make it hard to disconnect.
• Cultural Expectations: There is a societal tendency to prioritize work over personal time.
• Job Insecurity: Economic fluctuations lead workers to extend hours to show commitment.
• Workplace Hierarchies: Traditional structures create a culture of overwork.

International Practices India Could Adopt
• Right to Disconnect: France pioneered this law in 2017, allowing employees to ignore work communications outside office hours.
• Four-Day Work Week: Countries like Belgium and Japan have implemented this to boost productivity and employee satisfaction.
• Mandatory Vacations: Austria provides at least five weeks of paid leave for employees after six months of work.
• Career Breaks: Belgium allows workers to take a year off without job loss, with possible extensions.

International Labour Standards (ILS)
• ILS are principles set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), covering rights at work.
• These include:

• Freedom of association
• Collective bargaining
• Elimination of forced labor and discrimination

• The Decent Work Agenda promotes fair employment opportunities and social protection systems.

Conclusion
• The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of balance in life, advocating for a fulfilling existence that includes both professional and personal dimensions. This ancient wisdom remains relevant in addressing modern work-life challenges.