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GS Paper: GS2

  • The perfect cocktail of layered discrimination

    Why in the News?

    The delay in the 2021 Census and the upcoming Delimitation (2026), could widen representation gaps at all three layers of governance.

    • Most states in India (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu) are formed based on language, and many have roots in ethnic or linguistic regions which is also becoming one of the major causes of layered discrimination.

    What is Layered Discrimination?

    Layered discrimination refers to the compounded and interconnected forms of discrimination that individuals or groups face due to multiple, overlapping identities, such as gender, race, class, or ethnicity.  

    What are the present causes behind the layered discrimination in India?

    • Central Governance: Since 1947, the population share of languages like Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu has dropped, while the proportion of Hindi speakers has risen significantly from 36% to nearly 43%. 
      • This means that the regions with  Linguistic and cultural dominance will gain more influence in the Parliament, while those that have controlled their population will have less say and will mainly contribute revenue.
      • This will also deepen the structural disparities between the different states affecting our federal structure.
    • State Governance: With longstanding differences wrt ‘Total Fertility Rates’ among different states (like Bihar vs. Kerala), lead to issues regarding resource allocation and policy formation remain unsettled. 
      • For example, the decision of the 16th Finance Commission to include the 2011 Census instead of the 1971 Census to devolve funds to States will be even more discriminatory to developed States. 
      • It reflects the continuation of the existing bias against the non-Hindi States. 

    What are the implications of layered discrimination on policy and legal frameworks?

    • Policy Impact: When policies, such as Delimitation, unintentionally favor certain regions or communities over others, it can reinforce inequalities. 
      • In this case, non-Hindi-speaking states that have successfully controlled their populations and contribute a significant share of national revenue may face decreased representation in the Lok Sabha, reducing their influence on Union policy.
    • Legal Framework Impact: Layered discrimination underscores the need for legal frameworks that recognize regional disparities and protect equitable representation. 
      • Legal principles such as “No taxation without representation” suggest the necessity for reforms that balance contribution with influence, ensuring that states contributing more to the GDP and population control policies do not lose their political voice.

    Significant Potential of Delimitation in this Scenario:

    • ​​Redistribution of Political Power: Delimitation could reshape the political landscape by adjusting Lok Sabha seat allocations based on population, potentially giving more representation to populous regions.
    • Incentivizing Population Control: By rewarding states with controlled population growth, delimitation could encourage better family planning policies and demographic balance.
    • Enhancing Representation: A fair delimitation process could lead to more accurate representation of the population, aligning political influence with current demographic realities.

    Way forward: 

    • Need to work on Intersectionality: The Intersectionality Framework in policy implementation reveals that individuals and groups experience discrimination based on multiple, overlapping identities such as gender, race, class, language, and region rather than a single factor. 
      • It shows how various systems of power (like patriarchy, racism, and economic inequality) intersect and create unique challenges. 
      • This approach helps us to understand how certain groups face compounded disadvantages due to intersecting social structures.
    • Balancing Delimitation and Decentralization: Implement delimitation reforms with careful consideration of regional contributions, ensuring equitable representation for both populous and less-populous states.  

    PYQ:

    Mains:

    Q Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation-one election” principle.  (2024)

    Q What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (2024)

  • Supreme Court puts brakes on ‘bulldozer culture’

    Why in the News?

    On November 13, 2024, the Supreme Court criticized states for using bulldozers to demolish homes of accused individuals, condemning it as a display of “might is right” that leaves families destitute.

    What guidelines has the Supreme Court laid down to regulate future demolition actions?

    • 15-Day Notice Requirement: The authorities must issue a prior notice of at least 15 days to the occupants of a property before demolition.
      • The notice must include details of the unauthorized construction, violations, and grounds for demolition, providing the affected party an opportunity to challenge the action.
    • Fair Opportunity to Contest: Occupants must be given a fair chance to contest the demolition before the designated authority. The authority must provide reasoned conclusions in its final order, ensuring transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
    • Videography of Demolitions: All demolitions must be videographed to ensure that the process is carried out lawfully and without excessive force. This acts as a safeguard against abuse of power.
    • Penalty for Non-Compliance: Public officials who fail to comply with these guidelines will face contempt action and prosecution, with personal liability for restitution of demolished property.
    • Exceptions: The guidelines do not apply in cases of encroachment on public property or where demolition is ordered by a court, ensuring that the ruling does not interfere with lawful orders.

    What are the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on demolitions linked to criminal accusations?

    • Protection of Fundamental Rights: The ruling safeguards individuals’ fundamental rights, particularly the right to life and property under Article 21 of the Constitution.
      • The Court emphasized that an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty and that demolishing a property without due process violates the constitutional guarantee of fair treatment.
    • Accountability of Public Officials: The ruling holds public officials accountable for actions that undermine justice and fairness. Violations of the prescribed guidelines will result in contempt charges and personal liability for restitution, reinforcing the responsibility of the state to adhere to the rule of law.
    • Prevention of Arbitrary Executive Action: By limiting the state’s power to demolish properties, the Court has curtailed arbitrary executive actions that could be seen as collective punishment. The executive must now act within the bounds of natural justice and due process.

    How the Ruling Addresses Concerns About Selective Targeting and Discrimination in Demolitions?

    • Addressing Communal Bias: The Court acknowledged concerns that demolitions were being carried out with a communal bias. By invoking Article 142 to issue binding directives, the Court seeks to curb discriminatory practices, ensuring that no group or individual is targeted based on religious, social, or other factors.
    • Prevention of Selective Targeting: The Court emphasized that demolitions should not be selective or targeted. It pointed out that if one structure is chosen for demolition while similar structures remain untouched, it could indicate mala fide intent.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Oversight Mechanisms: Establish independent bodies to monitor demolition actions and ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines, preventing misuse of power and ensuring transparency in the process.
    • Ensure Comprehensive Legal Reforms: Advocate for legislative changes that reinforce the principles of due process, protecting individuals from arbitrary state actions and ensuring fair treatment for all, particularly marginalized communities.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • CASE STUDY: The impact of PMUY in Jammu and Kashmir

    Why in the News?

    The International Energy Agency reports that 681 million people in India rely on solid fuels for cooking, causing health and environmental concerns. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides subsidized LPG connections to promote clean fuel adoption in Jammu and Kashmir.

    What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?

    • The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a government scheme aimed at providing subsidized LPG connections to poor households, promoting clean cooking fuel, improving health, and reducing dependence on solid fuels.

    What specific benefits has the PMUY provided to households in Jammu and Kashmir?

    • Increased LPG Adoption: The PMUY scheme has significantly increased the availability of LPG in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
      • Around 85.07% of households in rural areas now have official LPG connections, with 68% of them having obtained these connections through PMUY.
    • Health Benefits: PMUY adoption has led to a marked reduction in respiratory problems, such as coughing, chest infections, and headaches, particularly among BPL and AAY households.
      • Health improvements were more prominent in households with additional appliances like rice cookers and those with educated members.
    • Reduction in Solid Fuel Usage: Although not completely eliminating the use of traditional fuels, the scheme has led to moderate reductions in the reliance on solid fuels like firewood. The average consumption of firewood per household was 226 kilograms over six months.
    • Cultural and Health Improvements: For households that adopted LPG under PMUY, there was a noticeable reduction in indoor smoke exposure, leading to better health outcomes, especially for women who were primarily responsible for cooking.

    How has the implementation of PMUY addressed local challenges related to fuel availability and usage?

    • Enhanced Fuel Access: PMUY has addressed the issue of limited access to clean cooking fuel in rural areas by providing subsidized LPG connections. This has significantly reduced the reliance on harmful solid fuels, such as firewood, in many areas, particularly those with difficult topography like Rajouri.
    • Dual-Fuel Usage and Financial Barriers: Despite increased LPG adoption, 85% of households still practice fuel stacking, using both LPG and traditional fuels. This is largely due to the high cost of refilling LPG cylinders. The scheme has not entirely solved financial barriers, which continue to force households to rely on cheaper, polluting fuels.
    • Awareness and Education Gaps: One of the key challenges to exclusive LPG use is the lack of awareness about its health benefits. Nearly half of the surveyed households were unaware of the risks associated with solid fuel use. This barrier has been compounded by limited access to communication devices, such as televisions and mobile phones, particularly for women who are the primary cooks.
    • Cultural Attachment to Traditional Cooking Methods: Despite the availability of LPG, traditional cooking methods (e.g., chulhas) continue to persist in the region due to cultural attachment. This presents a challenge in transitioning entirely to clean cooking fuels.
      • However, the study found that households with educated members and modern appliances like rice cookers were more likely to use LPG exclusively.

    Way forward: 

    • Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Launch region-specific awareness programs, particularly for women, highlighting the health benefits of LPG and addressing misconceptions, while utilizing mobile and community outreach for wider reach.
    • Financial Support for LPG Refills: Introduce subsidies or microfinance schemes to ease the financial burden of LPG refills, encouraging exclusive use of clean fuels and reducing reliance on harmful solid fuels.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD)

    Why in the News?

    India and the US are set to hold the first US-India Indian Ocean Dialogue on November 14 strengthening cooperation over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    About the Indian Ocean Dialogue:

    • The Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) was established during the 13th Council of Ministers’ meeting in November 2013 in Perth, Australia, and is a flagship initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
    • It functions as a Track 1.5 discussion, combining officials and non-officials for a more inclusive dialogue, with the latest (9th edition) held in May 2023 at Zanzibar, Tanzania.
    • Key areas discussed in 2024 Edition:
      • Strengthening Maritime Security: Enhances coordination on maritime freedom and security, crucial for trade routes and energy supply.
      • Economic and Environmental Cooperation: Supports trade, blue economy, and addresses climate change impacts on the region.

    Significance in India-U.S. Relations

    • Indo-Pacific Partnership: Reinforces Quad cooperation and aligns both nations’ strategic interests.
    • Power Balance in the Region: Counters influence from other powers, fostering an open Indo-Pacific.
    • Defense and Technology Collaboration: Expands ties in emerging tech and defense, enhancing India’s security role.
    • Disaster Preparedness: Builds climate resilience and sustainable resource management efforts.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

    1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

    2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

    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

  • With Indonesia, India’s opportunity and Beijing’s eye

    Why in the News?

    On October 20, Indonesia saw a big change in leadership. Nationalist Prabowo Subianto became president.

    What are the implications of Indonesia’s new leadership for India-Indonesia relations?

    • Increased Competition with China: Prabowo’s administration may lead to a more assertive Indonesian foreign policy that seeks to leverage its strategic position between China and India. However, the extent of this assertiveness will depend on how Indonesia navigates its growing economic reliance on China while maintaining its sovereignty.
    • Potential for Enhanced Cooperation: Despite the challenges posed by China’s influence, India has an opportunity to deepen its engagement with Indonesia. This could involve collaborative efforts in sectors such as defence, maritime security, and trade, particularly given Indonesia’s strategic location and resource-rich economy.

    How does Indonesia’s relationship with China impact its foreign policy choices?

    • Strategic Balance: Prabowo’s decision to make China his first visit signals Indonesia’s pragmatic balancing between major powers. Despite concerns about China’s assertiveness in the Natuna Sea, Indonesia engages China for its economic clout and investments, especially in sectors like infrastructure and technology.
    • Wariness Over Chinese Influence: Indonesia’s hesitance toward China’s extensive control over economic assets provides India an opportunity to position itself as a complementary partner that respects Indonesia’s sovereignty, especially given mutual interests in upholding maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
    • US-Indonesian Relations: Prabowo’s tenuous ties with the U.S. due to historical human rights allegations might encourage him to seek alternative partnerships, where India can play a constructive role in regional stability.

    What opportunities exist for India to enhance its economic engagement with Indonesia?

    • Energy and Mineral Resources: Indonesia’s rich reserves of coal, palm oil, nickel, and tin offer significant opportunities for India to secure its mineral and energy requirements, which aligns with India’s growing manufacturing and EV industries.
    • Infrastructure and Maritime Cooperation: India’s existing partnerships in infrastructure, such as developing the Sabang port, can be expanded to reinforce connectivity and enhance trade routes between the Nicobar Islands and Indonesia.
    • Services Sector Collaboration: India’s strength in IT and financial services can support Indonesia in reducing business costs and improving economic efficiency, particularly as it seeks to modernize and diversify its economy.
    • Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Given Indonesia’s growing middle class and India’s appeal as a tourist destination, there is potential to expand tourism and cultural exchanges that celebrate shared heritage, including Hindu-Buddhist traditions.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Strategic and Economic Partnerships: India should actively engage Indonesia in joint initiatives across defense, maritime security, and infrastructure, leveraging Indonesia’s strategic location and resources to build a resilient Indo-Pacific framework that counters China’s regional influence.
    • Deepen Cultural and Economic Ties: Expanding collaborations in sectors like IT, energy, and tourism, and celebrating shared heritage, will foster goodwill and position India as a trusted and complementary partner to Indonesia, reinforcing mutual growth and stability in the region.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • A mixed report card for the IMEC

    Why in the News?

    The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), announced at the 2023 G20 summit, aims to cut travel time by 40% and costs by 30%, which could transform global shipping once it’s up and running.

    What is IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor)?

    • The IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor) is a major trade route connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe to reduce transit times and transportation costs, launched in 2023 during the G20 Summit.
    • It aims to strengthen regional partnerships through improved infrastructure, energy grids, and digital connectivity, providing an alternative to traditional maritime routes like the Suez Canal.

    What are the current challenges facing the IMEC initiative?

    • Geopolitical Tensions: The Israel-Palestine conflict, which escalated in October 2023, has stalled progress on the IMEC’s western segment, with Saudi Arabia and Jordan delaying collaboration due to potential geopolitical and optics issues related to their interactions with Israel.
    • Lack of Progress in West Asia: Due to the conflict, connectivity efforts in West Asia are moving slowly, affecting the northern part of the corridor, particularly the integration of infrastructure and trade processes with Israel and other stakeholders.
    • Incomplete Development of Additional Infrastructure: Beyond basic connectivity, elements such as clean energy exports, undersea fiber-optic cables, and telecommunication linkages are delayed and are expected to proceed only once stability is restored in West Asia.
    • Organizational and Logistical Framework: The absence of a central governing structure, like an IMEC secretariat, hinders streamlined cross-border trade processes and systematic project implementation, leading to coordination challenges among participating nations.

    How IMEC Aims to Enhance Regional Cooperation and Economic Growth?

    • Strengthening India-UAE Economic Relations: India and the UAE are advancing bilateral trade, leveraging frameworks like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Virtual Trade Corridor to standardize trade processes, reduce costs, and simplify logistics.
    • Improving Connectivity in the East: Progress on the eastern segment, particularly between India and UAE, is increasing trade and setting a foundation for cooperation through standardized trade practices and growing non-oil trade, which diversifies exports and enhances India’s regional integration.
    • Capacity Building: As the western segment awaits resolution of the regional conflict, eastern countries, especially India, are enhancing port infrastructure, digitalizing logistics, and developing economic zones to support connectivity and reduce trade barriers.
    • Potential for Economic Integration: Once operational, IMEC can link South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, encouraging deeper economic ties, lowering costs, and creating a stable trade pathway that could foster regional development and integration.

    What are the implications of IMEC for global trade dynamics?

    • Reduced Dependency on the Suez Canal: IMEC offers a strategic alternative to the Suez Canal, with an anticipated reduction in transit time by 40% and costs by 30%, which could significantly impact global trade routes by diversifying options and lowering shipping times and expenses.
    • India’s Role as a Supply Chain Alternative: By leveraging IMEC, India can enhance its position in global value chains as an alternative supply chain hub, aligning with its manufacturing ambitions and increasing export competitiveness through improved infrastructure and reduced logistics costs.
    • Reshaping Trade Infrastructure: The project introduces a new corridor that supports not only connectivity but also potentially includes energy infrastructure and digital linkages, providing a comprehensive trade infrastructure model that could influence future trade frameworks in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
    • Attracting Participation: The IMEC secretariat, once established, could guide strategic decision-making, build empirical support for trade benefits, and encourage more countries to join the corridor, potentially expanding IMEC’s impact on international trade and cooperation in regions connected to it.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Geopolitical Stability: Address regional tensions, especially in West Asia, to ensure smoother collaboration among stakeholders and accelerate the development of the western segment of the IMEC.
    • Develop an IMEC Secretariat: Establish a central coordinating body to streamline operations, facilitate cross-border trade, and guide infrastructure projects, ensuring systematic progress and attracting further global participation.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC IAS/2022)

  • Inter-State Council has been reconstituted

    Why in the News?

    The Inter-State Council has been reconstituted with Prime Minister as its chairman, all CMs and 9 Union ministers as members and 13 Union ministers as permanent invitees.

    About the Inter-State Council (ISC):

    Details
    Formation
    • Established on May 28, 1990, by a presidential order following the Sarkaria Commission (1988) recommendations.
    • Headquartered in New Delhi.
    • The Council has met 12 times since its formation in 1990.
    Constitutional Provisions
    • Not a permanent body nor a constitutional body;
    • Created by the President under Article 263 of the Constitution.
    Powers and Functions
    • Investigate and discuss subjects of common interest.
    • Make recommendations for better coordination on subjects.
    • Deliberate on matters referred by the Chairman.
    Composition
    • PM as Chairman.
    • Chief Ministers of all states and union territories with legislative assemblies.
    • Lieutenant Governors/Administrators of union territories without assemblies.
    • 6 Union Cabinet Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister.
    • Governors of states under President’s rule.

    Standing Committee:

    • Union Home Minister as Chairman.
    • 5 Union Cabinet Ministers and 9 Chief Ministers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?

    1. National Development Council

    2. Planning Commission

    3. Zonal Councils

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Gotti Koya Tribals

    Why in the News?

    The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has asked the Union Home Ministry and the states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha to submit a detailed report on the condition of Gotti Koya tribals.

    Why did the NCST urge the Centre and States?

    • An estimated 50,000 Gotti Koya tribals were displaced due to Left-Wing Extremism and now live in 248 settlements across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
    • Reports indicate that Telangana has reclaimed land from internally displaced persons (IDPs) in 75 settlements, impacting the tribals’ livelihoods and increasing their vulnerability.

    About the Gotti Koya Tribe:

    Details
    Location 
    • Multi-racial and multi-lingual communities found in the forests, plains, and valleys on both sides of the Godavari River in AP, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
    • Migrated from Bastar, northern India.
    Society and Culture
    • Koya language (Koyi) is a Dravidian language related to Gondi and influenced by Telugu.
    • Most speak Gondi or Telugu alongside Koyi.
    • Divided into five subdivisions (gotrams).
      • Patrilineal and patrilocal family structure, with a focus on monogamous, nuclear family.
    • Worship their own ethnic religion alongside Hindu gods, with Mother Earth being a significant deity.
    • Burial or cremation of the dead, with the erection of menhirs in memory.
    • Pastoralists and shifting cultivators (Podu), are now engaged in settled cultivation, animal husbandry, and seasonal forest collection.
      • Grow Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, and other millets.
      • Maintain community funds and grain banks for food security.
    Festivals
    • Vijji Pandum (Seeds charming festival) and KondalaKolupu (Festival to appease hill deities).
    • Perform the Permakok (Bison horn dance) during festivals and marriages.
    • Sammakka Saralamma Jatra, held once every two years on the full moon day of Magha Masam (January/February) at Medaram village, Warangal district.
    Challenges Faced
    • Many fled to Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana) in the mid-2000s due to violent conflicts between Maoist insurgents and Salwa Judum (Govt backed tribal militia).
    • Salwa Judum was later banned by the Supreme Court of India in 2011.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/ tribes?

    (a) Bhutia and Lepcha
    (b) Gond and Korku
    (c) Irula and Toda
    (d) Sahariya and Agariya

  • [12th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The LAC agreement, the détentes and the questions

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (UPSC CSE 2014)

    Q) The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC CSE 2019)

    Mentor’s Comment:   The India-China border conflict is a complex and longstanding issue primarily centred around the 3,488-kilometer (2,167-mile) Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Himalayan region. Tensions have escalated significantly in recent years, particularly in June 2020.

    Both countries have recently reached a significant bilateral agreement regarding patrolling along their disputed border, specifically the LAC, in the context of the tensions that arose from the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

    Today’s editorial explores the pressing issues related to LAC between India and China’s recent agreement.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Two weeks after announcing military disengagement, a meeting between PM Modi and President Xi at the BRICS Summit led to positive gestures at the LAC, signalling renewed goodwill.

    Key Highlights of the Agreement:    

    • Resumption of Patrols: The agreement allows Indian and Chinese troops to resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in areas such as the Depsang Plains and Demchok, reverting to norms that existed before the 2020 tensions. This is expected to help reduce the likelihood of confrontations.  
    • Disengagement Process: The deal signifies that the disengagement process has been finalized, indicating a mutual understanding to pull back troops from certain friction points, which aims to stabilize the situation along the border.  
    • Monitoring Mechanism: Regular monitoring and monthly review meetings will be instituted to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement, helping to maintain stability and prevent future clashes between both nations.  
    • Diplomatic Engagement: The timing of this agreement aligns with high-level diplomatic interactions, including potential meetings between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit, indicating a broader effort to normalize bilateral relations beyond military issues.

    No Clarity on this agreement: 

    • Unclear Agreement Details: India and China have not provided clear details on the new “patrolling arrangements” at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
      • Reports suggest possible PLA access in areas like Yangtse (Arunachal Pradesh), yet no official clarity exists.
    • Pattern of Ambiguity: Since the start of tensions in 2020, the government has provided limited information. This was first seen when violent clashes occurred at Pangong Tso in 2020, which the government downplayed in terms of changes in troop levels.
    • Impact of Buffer Zones: Although disengagement has occurred at some points like Depsang and Demchok, the establishment of buffer zones may hinder a full return to pre-2020 conditions without dismantling these zones.

    What are the reasons behind China’s actions on the Indian border?

    • Territorial Ambitions (Xi’s 2014 Policy): China’s increased aggressiveness, possibly a result of President Xi Jinping’s 2014 policy to control “every inch of territory,” has been evident across multiple regions, including Taiwan, South China Sea, Doklam, and the Tibet-India border.
    • Check on India-U.S. Partnership: China may be signaling that India’s maritime partnership with the U.S. will not mitigate India’s 3,500 km continental border challenges with China.
    • Infrastructure Security Concerns: India’s border infrastructure improvements, like Daulat Beg Oldie and new border roads, have heightened China’s security concerns around Xinjiang and Tibet. China’s own construction in the region may have increased in response.
    • Timing Linked to J&K Reorganization (August 2019): China reacted strongly to India’s changes in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly regarding Ladakh, leading some to believe this may have influenced China’s aggressive LAC moves in 2020.

    Need for Government Transparency (Way Forward)

    • Call for Openness in Sensitive Border Decisions: For sustainable peace and transparency with citizens, the government should clarify its plans for the northern region, especially given the unexpected events at the LAC.
    • Lessons from LAC Events: The government should review the causes and responses to Chinese transgressions, which took the public and officials by surprise, and communicate lessons learned.
    • Engaging Citizens: As a democratic government, India is urged to move away from “shock and awe” surprise announcements and foster transparency about national security moves with profound impacts on its citizens.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-nilgiris-as-a-shared-wilderness/article68820359.ece

  • Ending discrimination in prisons

    Why in the News?

    On October 3, the Supreme Court in Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India (2024) struck down caste-based segregation in prisons, deeming it discriminatory and a violation of prisoners’ fundamental rights to equality.

    What are the key findings regarding caste-based discrimination in Indian prisons?

    • Prevalence of Caste-based Roles: The recent Supreme Court decision in Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India (2024) highlighted discriminatory practices based on caste within Indian prisons.
      • Specifically, prisoners from marginalized castes were relegated to menial labour like cleaning, while other prisoners were assigned tasks such as cooking. This segregation was rooted in prison manuals that cited traditional caste roles.
    • Violation of Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court ruled that such caste-based segregation violates Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination) of the Indian Constitution. The Court noted that assigning prison labour based solely on caste perpetuates harmful caste hierarchies and obstructs prisoners’ equal rights to reform and rehabilitation.
    • Historical Precedents: Previous cases like Prem Shankar Shukla v. Delhi Administration (1980) and Inacio Manuel Miranda v. State (1988) also struck down irrational classifications within prison rules that discriminated based on economic or social status, reiterating that discrimination in any form within prisons is unconstitutional.

    What actions has the Supreme Court mandated to combat this discrimination?

    • Abolition of Caste-based Job Assignments: The Supreme Court directed that prison rules segregating labour assignments based on caste be abolished. It ordered that job assignments within prisons must reflect prisoners’ individual abilities and should not perpetuate caste stereotypes.
    • Amendment of State Prison Rules: The Court instructed state governments to review and amend existing prison rules that institutionalize caste-based roles, ensuring that prisons become more inclusive and non-discriminatory spaces.

    What challenges remain in implementing these reforms effectively?

    • Resistance to Cultural Change: Prison administrations may resist or be slow in adapting to changes in labour assignments and other reforms, given the deeply ingrained social norms and bureaucratic rigidity.
    • Lack of Resources and Training: Ensuring non-discriminatory job assignments will require retraining prison staff to implement reforms sensitively. Resource limitations and an undertrained workforce can impede effective reform.
    • Need for Comprehensive Prison Reforms: While the Court’s decision targets caste-based discrimination, broader systemic reforms are needed, such as improving prison conditions, expanding prisoner rights to amenities, and aligning all states with the Model Prison Manual 2016 for consistent standards across India.

    Way forward: 

    • Comprehensive Training and Monitoring: Implement mandatory training for prison staff on anti-discrimination practices, coupled with regular monitoring to ensure caste-neutral job assignments and adherence to reformed rules.
    • Standardized Prison Reform Across States: Uniformly adopt the Model Prison Manual 2016 nationwide, with added emphasis on equality and dignity for all prisoners, ensuring consistent and humane treatment across all states.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (UPSC IAS/2018)