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GS Paper: GS1

  • State of Food and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2025, Report

    Why in the News?

    The 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report highlights alarming levels of child malnutrition and anaemia among women in India.

    About the SOFI Report:

    • Full Name: State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World
    • Published by: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
    • Started in: 1999
    • Purpose: Tracks global hunger, food insecurity, and nutrition. Monitors SDG-2 (Zero Hunger).

    Global Highlights (2025):

    • Hunger Rate: Dropped from 8.5% (2023) to 8.2% (2024)
    • Undernourished People: 735 million globally
    • Double Burden: Undernutrition and obesity rising simultaneously
    • Healthy Diets: Cost rising due to inflation and climate impacts

    India-Specific Findings:

    • Wasting (Under-5): 18.7% – highest globally (21+ million affected)
    • Stunting (Under-5): 37.4 million children
    • Overweight Children: 4.2 million (up from 2.7 mn in 2012)
    • Anaemia in Women (15–49): 53.7% (203 million affected)
    • Undernourished Population: 172 million (12% of population)
    • Unaffordable Healthy Diet: 42.9% can’t afford; cost rose from $2.77 (2017) to $4.07 (2024)
    • Adult Obesity: Doubled in a decade – now 71.4 million
    [UPSC 2016] Which of the following is/are the indicator/ indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report?

    1. Undernourishment             2. Child stunting             3. Child mortality

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Options (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3* (d) 1 and 3 only

     

  • Not the way Criminalising Adolescent Sex will undermine the aim of the POCSO Act

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 is under scrutiny as the Supreme Court examines whether consensual sex between adolescents aged 16–18 should be decriminalised.

    What are the issues related to criminalising adolescent consent as per SC?

    • Misuse of Law Against Teens: Criminalising consensual sex between 16–18-year-olds leads to misuse of the law, treating teens in mutual relationships as offenders. Courts observed this goes against the protective intent of the POCSO Act.

    • Denial of Autonomy: Adolescents lose the right to make consensual choices, as their consent is legally invalid. Under Section 2(d) of POCSO, all under 18 are considered children, ignoring their autonomy.

    What legal provisions support the criminalisation of adolescent consent?

    • Evolving Capacity of Adolescents: The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to which India is a signatory, recognises that adolescents have evolving capacities. Eg: International norms suggest that children above 16 may have sufficient maturity to make informed decisions, including about consensual relationships.
    • Madras High Court (Vijayalakshmi vs. State, 2021): The court observed that consensual relationships among adolescents should not be criminalised when the age difference is modest (within 5 years). Eg: A 17-year-old girl and her 19-year-old partner in a consensual relationship were seen as victims of misuse of POCSO.
    • Amicus Curiae Submissions to the Supreme Court (2024): Senior Advocate Indira Jaising suggested reading an exception into the POCSO Act to decriminalise consensual sexbetween adolescents aged 16–18. Eg: She argued that consent between sexually mature adolescents should not be labelled as abuse under law.
    • Law Commission of India Report (2023): While not favouring a change in the age of consent, the Commission recommended “guided judicial discretion” in cases involving 16–18-year-olds in consensual relationships. Eg: Judges may consider the consensual nature while deciding on punishment, avoiding harsh sentences for adolescent partners.

    Note:  Amicus Curiae is a Latin term meaning “friend of the court.” It refers to a person or organization not a party to the case, but who offers relevant information, expertise, or insight to assist the court in making its decision.

    What about the POSCO? 

    ​​POCSO stands for the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. It is a comprehensive law enacted by the Indian Parliament to protect children under 18 years from sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and pornography.

    Case Study: 

    • United Kingdom – “Gillick Competence” Doctrine: The UK follows the principle of Gillick competence, where children under 16 can legally consent to medical treatment (including sexual health services) if they are mature enough to understand the consequences. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 criminalises sex under 16, but the law is applied with discretion, especially in mutual consensual relationships between teenagers close in age.
    • Canada – Close-in-Age Exemption: Under Canada’s Criminal Code, the age of consent is 16, but there is a “close-in-age exemption”. Eg: A 14–15-year-old can legally consent to sex with a partner less than 5 years older if the relationship is not exploitative. This balances protection from abuse with recognition of adolescent development and autonomy.

    Way forward: 

    • Legislative Clarity with Close-in-Age Exemption: Amend the POCSO Act to introduce a close-in-age exemption (e.g., age difference ≤5 years) for consensual adolescent relationships between 16–18 years, as suggested by courts like the Madras High Court. This ensures protection from exploitation while avoiding unjust criminalisation.
    • Comprehensive Adolescent Legal Awareness Programs: Launch school-based sensitisation campaigns to educate teenagers on consent, law, rights, and consequences of sexual activity. This promotes informed decision-making and reduces misuse or misunderstanding of the law.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2023] The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society”. Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.

    Linkage: The debate surrounding the POCSO Act and the age of consent for consensual adolescent relationships directly exemplifies how legal frameworks, and indeed the Constitution, must adapt to the realities of a “progressive society”. The call for exemptions or caveats to the POCSO Act, especially when “normal adolescent behaviour” is criminalized.

  • Artform in News: Soharai Mural Paintings

    Why in the News?

    The second Kala Utsav 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan celebrated India’s tribal art, with artists from Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal showcasing Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua paintings.

    Artform in News: Soharai Mural Paintings

    About Sohrai Paintings:

    • Origin: Indigenous to Jharkhand, especially the Hazaribagh region.
    • Etymology: Derived from ‘Soro’ meaning “to drive away with a stick.”
    • Historical Roots: Traces back to the Meso-chalcolithic period (9000–5000 BC).
    • Archaeological Evidence: Similar rock paintings found at Isko Rock Shelter in Barkagaon.
    • Key Features of Sohrai Art:
      • Practiced By: Women of Kurmi, Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Agaria, and Ghatwal tribes.
      • Geographical Spread: Found in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.
      • Materials Used: Natural substances like charcoal, clay, and soil.
      • Themes: Celebrates nature—forests, rivers, animals—along with harvest and fertility.
      • Festival Link: Painted during the Sohrai festival, marking the harvest season and winter.
      • Ritual Role: Rice-gruel mandalas drawn to welcome cattle into homes.
      • GI Tag: Awarded in 2020 for Sohrai Khovar Painting.

    Back2Basics:

    Pattachitra Painting:

    Artform in News: Soharai Mural Paintings

    • Origin: Odisha, associated with the Jagannath Temple, Puri.
    • Material: Painted on cloth (Pata) coated with chalk powder and tamarind seed glue.
    • Colors Used: Made from vegetables, minerals, and earth sources.
    • Artistic Method:
      • No pencil outlines.
      • Borders are painted first.
      • Sketching is done with light red and yellow brushes.
      • Finished with lacquer coating for shine and durability.
    • Themes: Centered on Krishna Leela, Jagannath tales, and other mythological stories.

    Patua Painting:

    • Origin: West Bengal, practiced by the Patua (Chitrakar) community.
    • Spread: Also found in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bangladesh.
    • Format: Painted on scrolls (pati or patta) backed with old sari fabric.
    • Tools & Colors: Uses bamboo-goat hair brushes and vegetable dyes, fixed with gum.
    • Usage:
      • Scrolls used to narrate folk tales.
      • Focuses on Mangal Katha, especially in Kalighat and Kumartuli.
      • Practiced by both Hindu and Muslim Patuas.

     

    [UPSC 2015] Kalamkari painting refers to:

    Options: (a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India* (b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India (c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India (d)  a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

     

  • Tribes in news: Khasi

    Why in the News?

    The Meghalaya High Court heard a PIL against the Khasi Lineage Act (preserves Khasi matrilineal traditions) for allegedly denying ST certificates to those with paternal surnames.

    Tribes in news: Khasi

    About Khasi Tribe:

    • Region: Indigenous to Meghalaya, Northeast India.
    • Linguistic Family: Belong to the Austroasiatic language group.
    • Language: Speak Khasi language, written in the Roman script, with several dialects.
    • Religion: Follow Niam Khasi (traditional animist faith); many are also Christians.
    • Mythical Origin: Believe in Ki Hynniew Trep – the seven ancestral clans who descended from heaven.
    • Cultural Identity: Strong emphasis on nature worship, oral traditions, and clan-based social structure.

    Special Customs and Traditions:

    • Inheritance System: Follows matrilineal inheritance – property and surname pass from mother to daughter.
    • Post-Marital Residence: Follow matrilocality, where the husband lives in the wife’s household.
    • Heir Designation: The Ka Khadduh (youngest daughter) is the custodian of family property and ancestral duties.
    • Marriage Rules: Practice clan exogamy – marriage within the same clan is prohibited to avoid incest.
    • Village Governance: Administered through Dorbar Shnong (village councils) and led by Syiem (traditional chiefs).
    • Major Festivals:
      • Shad Suk Mynsiem – A thanksgiving and harvest dance.
      • Shad Nongkrem – A royal ritual dance for communal prosperity.
    • Traditional Attire:
      • Women wear the Jainsem (a draped dress with silver jewelry).
      • Men wear tunic-style garments and ceremonial headgear.
    • Spiritual Practices: Emphasize ancestor veneration and worship of natural elements like stones, rivers, and groves.
    [UPSC 2014] With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statements:

    1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand. 2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool. 3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Paika Rebellion references omitted from NCERT books

    Why in the News?

    Former Odisha CM expressed concern over the omission of the Paika Rebellion from NCERT’s latest Class VIII history textbook, calling it a “huge dishonour” to the brave Paikas.

    Localized Revolts in Odisha Region:

    • The Paika Rebellion was part of a broader pattern of regional uprisings triggered by colonial encroachments:
      • Paralakhemundi Rebellion (1799–1814)
      • Ghumusar Revolt (1835–36)
      • Angul Uprising (1846–47)
      • Kondh and Sabara Rebellions (1855–1857)
    • These revolts were often led by dispossessed elites and tribal communities, reacting to land loss, economic distress, and erosion of traditional authority.

    About Paika Rebellion:

    • Who Were the Paikas: Traditional militia of Odisha who served local kings in exchange for rent-free land (nish-kar jagirs) and social standing.
    • Role: Functioned as hereditary foot soldiers and police for the Khurda kingdom.
    • Decline: British annexation of Odisha in 1803 ended their privileges through land revenue reforms and colonial restructuring.
    • Leader: Led by Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the military chief under King Mukunda Dev II of Khurda.
    • Causes of Rebellion: Loss of land rights, oppressive taxation, and marginalization of both the elite and peasantry under British rule.
    • Key Events:
      • 2 April 1817: Bakshi Jagabandhu led the Paikas, joined by tribal Kondhs and others, in open rebellion.
      • Rebel Actions: British offices at Banapur were torched, the treasury looted, and colonial officers killed.
      • British Response: Regained control by mid-1817, but rebels resorted to guerrilla tactics.
      • Bakshi’s Death: Captured in 1825, died in custody in 1829.

    Outcomes:

    • British Concessions: Temporary tax remissions, Lowered assessments, Suspended forced estate sales and fixed-land-tenures.
    • Administrative Impact: These measures showed the British were forced to reconsider exploitative policies.
    • Aftermath and Significance:
      • Historical Role: An early example of organized resistance against British colonial rule—decades before 1857.
      • Freedom Struggle Legacy: Viewed as a precursor to India’s independence movement.
      • Current Demand: Odisha leaders advocate its recognition as India’s “first war of independence.”
    [UPSC 2018] After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

    1. The territories called `Santhal Paraganas’ were created. 2. It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Places in news: Bitra Island

    Why in the News?

    The Lakshadweep administration has proposed the acquisition of Bitra Island, the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, for national defence purposes.

    bitra

    About Bitra Island:

    • Location: Situated in the Arabian Sea; part of the Amindivi subgroup of the Lakshadweep archipelago
    • Distance from Mainland: ~483 km west of Kochi  
    • Land Area: 0.10–0.18 square kilometres
    • Population: ~271–350 (as of 2025)
    • Language and Livelihood
      • Languages Spoken: Malayalam, Mahl, and English
      • Economic Activities: Fishing, coconut farming, and emerging ecotourism (birdwatching, snorkeling, diving)
    • Climate:
      • Type: Tropical monsoon (similar to Kerala)
      • Temperature Range: 25–35°C
      • Annual Rainfall: ~1600 mm
      • Monsoon Season: Mid-May to mid-September; sea access is limited
    • Historical and Cultural Significance:
      • History: Populated around 1945
      • Pilgrimage Site: Hosts a shrine to Arab saint Malik Mulla

    Strategic Importance:

    • Location: Close to key international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea
    • Surveillance Advantage: Ideal point for maritime monitoring
    • Military Utility: Suitable for naval installations and coastal defence
    • Maritime Awareness: Enhances India’s preparedness in the western seaboard
    [UPSC 2014] Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?

    Options: (a) Andaman and Nicobar* (b) Nicobar and Sumatra (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep (d) Sumatra and Java

     

  • Wind Stilling Effect in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP)

    Why in the News?

    A satellite-based study (2003–2020) of 141 Indian cities revealed a surprising aerosol pattern — southern cities act as pollution hotspots, while many northern cities form ‘clean islands’ due to a phenomenon called the Wind Stilling Effect.

    Key Highlights of the Study:

    • Conducted by: The Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar.
    • Method: Used high-resolution aerosol optical depth data to track pollution.
    • Focus: Examined how urbanisation interacts with natural and transported pollution.
    • Surprising Insight: Many northern cities were not major aerosol hotspots, contrary to assumptions.
    • Classification of Cities: Two categories based on aerosol levels relative to surrounding areas:
      • Urban Aerosol Pollution Islands-
        • Location: Predominantly in southern and southeastern India.
        • Characteristics: Cities had higher aerosol levels than nearby rural surroundings.
        • Pollution Source: Mostly local emissions from vehicles, construction, and industries.
        • Absence of External Influence: Minimal contribution from long-range dust or biomass burning.
      • Urban Aerosol Clean Islands-
        • Location: Observed in northwestern India and the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
        • Pattern: Cities had lower aerosol levels than nearby upwind (southwest) areas.
        • Mechanism: Incoming pollutants were blocked or deflected, creating a “clean island” effect.
        • Downwind Evidence: Northeast (downwind) sides showed equal or lower aerosol levels compared to city centres.

    About the Wind Stilling Effect:

    • Overview: A phenomenon where dense urban infrastructure reduces surface wind speed, altering local airflow.
    • Barrier Formation: Slowed winds create atmospheric stagnation zones, especially on the upwind side.
    • Pollution Blocking: Long-range pollutants like Thar Desert dust or biomass smoke are slowed or blocked.
    • Misleading Cleanliness: Cities appear cleaner not due to lower emissions, but due to pollution deflection.
    • Seasonality: Most evident during the pre-monsoon season, when dust transport is high and cloud cover is minimal.
    [UPSC 2010] If there were no Himalayan ranges, what would have been the most likely geographical impact on India ?

    1. Much of the country would experience the cold waves from Siberia. 2. Indo-gangetic plain would be devoid of such extensive alluvial soils. 3. The pattern of monsoon would be different from what it is at present.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3*

     

  • Realities behind the global experiment of ‘remote work’ 

    Why in the News?

    A new “Global Survey of Working Arrangements” (2024–25) by the Ifo Institute and Stanford University has spotlighted the growing mismatch between workers’ desire for remote work and its actual availability worldwide.

    Why does a gap remain between the preference for remote work and its adoption?

    • Employer Reluctance Due to Team Dynamics: Many managers believe that remote work reduces collaboration, innovation, and team bonding. Eg: In India’s tech sector, firms like TCS and Infosys have mandated office returns to maintain team culture.
    • Cultural Bias Toward Presenteeism: In several countries, especially in Asia, being physically present at work is linked to loyalty and productivity. Eg: Japanese companies often expect employees to stay late in office, even if not productive, as a show of commitment.
    •  Inadequate Home Infrastructure: Remote work demands reliable internet, quiet spaces, and ergonomic setups, which are lacking for many, especially in urban India or Southeast Asia. Eg: A Mumbai-based employee may live in a 1BHK flat with family, limiting concentration and comfort.
    • Health and Mental Well-being Concerns: Long-term remote work has led to increased backaches, eye strain, and mental stress due to isolation and blurred work-life boundaries. Eg: A Microsoft global report showed rising burnout levels among fully remote workers during the pandemic.

    How do culture and infrastructure hinder remote work in Asia?

    • Cultural Preference for Physical Presence: Many Asian workplaces equate being physically present with dedication and productivity. Eg: In Japan and South Korea, staying late in the office is considered a sign of commitment, discouraging remote setups.
    • Hierarchical Management Style: Traditional Asian work cultures rely on face-to-face supervision and top-down communication, making remote work less trusted. Eg: In India, many managers still believe in monitoring employee performance through in-person interactions.
    • Weak Digital and Housing Infrastructure: Many households lack reliable internet, private workspaces, or quiet environments, especially in urban slums or dense family homes. Eg: In Indonesia or the Philippines, remote employees often face disruptions due to unstable power or cramped living conditions.

    What is Remote work?

    Remote work (also known as work from home or telecommuting) is a work arrangement where employees perform their job duties outside of a traditional office environment, typically from their home or another location of their choice, using digital tools and internet connectivity.

    What are the gender implications of remote work trends?

    • Increased Unpaid Care Work for Women: Remote work has led to a disproportionate care burden on women, affecting their productivity and well-being. Eg: According to a 2022 UN Women report, women globally spent 3 times more hours on unpaid care work than men during the pandemic, even while working from home. In India, this gap was wider due to joint family setups and lack of domestic help.
    • Improved Flexibility, Aiding Workforce Re-entry: Remote work has provided flexible job opportunities for women who otherwise drop out due to childcare or household responsibilities. Eg: A 2021 LinkedIn report found that 60% of Indian women professionals preferred remote jobs to maintain work-life balance, and 30% rejoined the workforce post-pandemic due to such options.
    • Risk of Career Stagnation and Isolation: Remote women employees often face reduced visibility, leading to fewer promotions or leadership roles. Eg: A 2023 McKinsey study found that women working remotely were 1.5 times less likely to be promoted compared to their in-office peers, especially in mid-career roles.

    Why are employers reluctant to allow full remote work?

    • Concerns Over Productivity and Supervision: Employers fear a drop in productivity and difficulty in monitoring performance when employees work remotely full-time. They believe in-person settings enable better oversight, collaboration, and accountability.
    • Impact on Organisational Culture and Innovation: Physical workplaces are seen as essential for team bonding, mentorship, and creative brainstorming, which are harder to replicate virtually. Employers worry that remote work weakens organisational culture and slows innovation.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

    • Remote Work in SEZ Rules: The government amended the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Rules (2006) by adding Rule 43A, allowing 100% of IT/ITeS employees in SEZs to work remotely for up to one year, extendable with permission.
    • Inclusion in New Labour Codes: The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 and the Social Security Code, 2020brought home-based workers under their ambit, addressing safety, health, and social protection for remote employees.

    What measures can ensure remote work is fair and sustainable? (Way forward)

    • Clear Legal and Social Protection Framework: Establish comprehensive labour regulations covering working hours, overtime, health and safety, and right to disconnect for remote workers. This helps prevent exploitation, burnout, and ensures work-life balance.
    • Inclusive Digital Infrastructure and Skill Development: Invest in pan-India broadband access, especially in rural and Tier-2/3 cities, and promote digital literacy programs. This ensures equal opportunities and reduces the urban-rural digital divide, making remote work accessible to all.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships.

    Linakge: The Unfinished Revolution of Remote Work,” delves into the complexities of remote work beyond just its flexibility and freedom. It highlights several key realities that make the “revolution of remote work” far more complicated than initially imagined.  This question directly addresses one of the significant “realities” and impacts of remote work, specifically focusing on “family relationships”.

  • [pib] Ashokan Pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh

    Why in the News?

    A replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya highlighting Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

    The original pillars, like those at Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh in Bihar, are key symbols of India’s Buddhist and Mauryan heritage and are on UNESCO’s Tentative List.

    [pib] Ashoka Pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh

    About Rampurva Ashoka Pillars (West Champaran, Bihar):

    • Location: Near the Nepal border in West Champaran district, Bihar.
    • Discovery: Found by archaeologist Alexander Cunningham, Lamb Carlleyle in 1876.
    • Pillars: Two monolithic sandstone pillars, 300 meters apart:
      • Lion Capital Pillar: Contains Major Pillar Edicts I–VI in Brahmi script.
      • Bull Capital Pillar: Known for artistic refinement and Persian-inspired motifs.
    • Design Features:
      • Polished sandstone with Mauryan craftsmanship.
      • Height: 12–15 meters; Weight: Up to 50 tons.
      • Lion Capital: Preserved at Indian Museum, Kolkata.
      • Bull Capital: Housed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi; praised for its lifelike form and “velvet touch” finish.
      • Decorative motifs include rosette, palmette, and acanthus—showing Persian influence.
    • Legend: Marks the site of Buddha’s renunciation near the Anoma River.

    About Lauriya Nandangarh Ashoka Pillar (West Champaran, Bihar):

    • Location: 22–28 kilometers northwest of Bettiah town.
    • Surviving Structure: Only one complete pillar remains from an original group.
    • Material and Size:
      • Made of Chunar sandstone.
      • Stands about 12 meters above ground with ~3 meters underground; Weighs over 50 tons.
    • Capital Design:
      • Features a seated lion with hind legs extending beyond the abacus.
      • The abacus is adorned with hamsa (flying geese), symbolizing spiritual liberation.
    • Inscriptions:
      • Engraved with Major Pillar Edicts I–VI in Brahmi script, dated to 244 BCE.
      • Promotes dharma, non-violence, religious tolerance, and compassion.
    • Symbolism:
      • The lion capital represents Mauryan imperial strength and Buddha’s Sakya lineage.
      • The lion’s open mouth symbolizes the dissemination of Ashoka’s ethical and Buddhist teachings.
    [UPSC 2019] In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?

    Options: (a) Kanganahalli* (b) Sanchi I (c) Shahbazgarhi (d) Sohgaura

     

  • Hatti Tradition of Polyandry

    Why in the news?

    The recent polyandrous marriage in Himachal Pradesh has brought the spotlight back on the customary practices of the Hatti tribe.

    About Hatti Tribe:

    • Location: Indigenous to the Trans-Giri region (Himachal Pradesh) and Jaunsar Bawar region (Uttarakhand).
    • Rivers: Settled around the Giri and Tons rivers, tributaries of the Yamuna.
    • Etymology: “Hatti” derives from “haat” (traditional village markets).
    • Population: Around 2.5 lakh in 2011; now estimated at 3 lakh.
    • Traditional Governance: Khumbli (tribal council) handles disputes and key decisions.
    • Social Structure: Divided into upper castes (Bhat, Khash) and lower castes (Badhois).
    • Livelihood: Depend mainly on agriculture; eco-tourism also provides seasonal income.
    • Backwardness: Social and educational deprivation due to geographical isolation.
    • Scheduled Tribe Status:
      • Jaunsar Bawar (Uttarakhand) recognized in 1967.
      • Trans-Giri region (Himachal Pradesh) granted status in 2023–24.

    Legal Status of Polygamy and Polyandry:

    • Prohibition: Banned under Hindu Marriage Act (1955), Special Marriage Act, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
    • Exemption for Scheduled Tribes: These laws do not automatically apply to Scheduled Tribes unless notified by the Central Government.
    • Constitutional Provision: Article 342 gives Scheduled Tribes distinct legal recognition.
    • Legal Exemption Clause: Section 2(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act exempts Scheduled Tribes unless otherwise notified.
    • Definition of Custom: Recognised if the practice is long-standing, reasonable, and not against public policy.
    • Judicial Requirement: Courts need clear evidence to validate customary laws.
    • Uniform Civil Code (Uttarakhand, 2024): Explicitly excludes Scheduled Tribes.
    • UCC Rules (2025): Confirms UCC does not apply to groups protected under Part XXI of the Constitution.

    Related Judicial Pronouncements:

    • Customs vs Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court strikes down customs that violate equality, dignity, or liberty.
    • Triple Talaq Case: Declared unconstitutional as it violated Articles 14 and 21.
    • Ram Charan v. Sukhram (2024): Tribal women cannot be denied inheritance based on customary male preference.
    • Judicial Outlook: Customs must adapt and cannot override fundamental rights.
    [UPSC 2019] Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice?

    Options: (a) Article 19 (b) Article 21* (c) Article 25 (d) Article 29