A regional partnership of 10 countries announced that an agreement on the equitable use of Nile River water resources has come into effect, despite Egypt’s opposition.
Why discuss this?
The legal status of the “cooperative framework” was confirmed by the African Union after South Sudan joined the treaty.
The treaty is backed by the Nile Basin Initiative.
Countries Involved:
Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania have ratified the agreement.
Egypt and Sudan have refused to sign.
Congo abstained, while Kenya has yet to submit its ratification documents.
About Nile River:
Details
Length
Approximately 6,650 km (4,130 miles), making it the longest river in the world.
Tributaries
White Nile (originating from Lake Victoria in Uganda) and Blue Nile (originating from Lake Tana in Ethiopia).
Countries Traversed
11 countries: Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.
Source
White Nile from Lake Victoria,
Blue Nile from Lake Tana.
Mouth
Mediterranean Sea, forming the Nile Delta in Egypt.
Major Cities
Includes Cairo, Khartoum, and Alexandria.
Key Dams
Aswan High Dam (Egypt), controls flooding, generates hydroelectric power, and forms Lake Nasser.
Built in 1970 across the Nile in Aswan, Egypt; helps in irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation but also disrupts silt flow.
Economic Importance
Provides over 90% of water for Egypt and Sudan; vital for agriculture, fishing, industry, and energy production.
Disputes
Between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over water rights, particularly due to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Historical Treaties
1929 and 1959 Nile Water Agreements allocated water mostly to Egypt and Sudan; upstream countries seek revision.
Nile Basin Initiative (NBI): Established in 1999, it is a partnership among Nile Basin countries aimed at promoting cooperation, development, and sustainable management of the Nile’s resources.
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following pairs:
River
Flows into
1.
Mekong
Andaman Sea
2.
Thames
Irish Sea
3.
Volga
Caspian Sea
4.
Zambezi
Indian Ocean
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Governments are undermining the RTI Act by delaying the appointment of information commissioners, causing commissions to struggle with increasing backlogs, according to a 2023-24 report of Satark Nagrik Sangathan.
About Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS):
Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS) is not a government-based organization; rather, it is a citizens’ organization focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in India.
A citizen organization is a non-governmental group formed by individuals who come together to advocate for specific causes, promote social change, or address community issues..
Current Challenges Facing the Implementation of the RTI Act:
Vacant Posts in Information Commissions: Many information commissions have unfilled vacancies, which severely affects their functioning. For instance, the Central Information Commission has eight out of 11 positions vacant. Some state commissions, like those in Jharkhand, Tripura, and Telangana, have been defunct for years.
Mounting Backlogs: The lack of sufficient information commissioners has led to over 4 lakh pending appeals and complaints. In some states, such as Chhattisgarh and Bihar, a fresh appeal may not be disposed of until 2029.
Bias in Appointments: A majority of appointed commissioners are retired government officials or individuals with political affiliations, leading to reluctance to take action against transparency violations.
Failure to Impose Penalties: Commissions rarely penalize officials for violations, with penalties imposed in only 5% of cases where applicable. This promotes a culture of impunity and discourages proper adherence to the RTI Act.
Regressive Amendments: Amendments to the RTI Act in 2019 reduced the autonomy of information commissions by giving the central government control over tenure, salaries, and entitlements of commissioners. The 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act further restricted the disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act.
Threats and Attacks on RTI Activists: There have been nearly 100 killings and thousands of cases of assault, intimidation, and legal harassment against individuals using the RTI Act.
How the Erosion of RTI Undermines Democratic Principles:
Weakening of Accountability and Transparency: The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information and hold the government accountable. Erosion of this right leads to reduced government transparency, weakening the democratic process of checks and balances.
Increased Impunity and Abuse of Power: The failure to impose penalties and enforce accountability fosters a culture where officials can evade scrutiny without facing consequences, allowing for corruption and abuse of power to thrive.
Diminished Public Participation in Governance: The RTI Act plays a crucial role in empowering citizens to participate in governance by providing access to information. Restrictions on this access limit citizens’ ability to make informed decisions and engage with government policies effectively.
Chilling Effect on Whistleblowers and Activists: Threats and violence against RTI users deter citizens from using the law to expose wrongdoing, leading to a decrease in transparency and whistleblowing.
Measures to Strengthen the RTI Framework in India: (Way forward)
Fill Vacancies and Increase Capacity: Appoint information commissioners promptly to reduce backlogs and ensure commissions function efficiently. Strengthen the infrastructure and manpower of commissions to handle increasing workloads.
Restore Autonomy and Accountability: Reverse regressive amendments and ensure that information commissions operate independently. Implement stricter measures for imposing penalties on officials who violate RTI norms.
Strengthen Legal Protections for RTI Users: Operationalize the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014, to protect those who face retaliation for using the RTI Act. Provide security and legal assistance to activists and whistleblowers.
Promote Digital Solutions: Enhance the use of digital platforms to file RTI applications and appeals, and improve the efficiency of the information disclosure process. This can help reduce delays and improve transparency.
Public Awareness and Training Programs: Conduct regular public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights under the RTI Act. Provide training to information officers to improve their understanding of the law and ensure timely and accurate responses.
Mains PYQ:
Q Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
India has expressed concerns about the safety of UN peacekeepers stationed in south Lebanon, after they came under fire from Israeli forces.
Among the peacekeepers are 600 Indian soldiers, who are part of the UN peacekeeping mission and are stationed along the 120-km Blue Line on the Israel-Lebanon border.
What is UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)?
Details
Established
March 1978, following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon
UN Resolutions
Established under UNSC Resolutions 425 and 426
Primary Objectives
Confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
Restore international peace and security
Assist the Government of Lebanon in regaining control over southern Lebanon
Area of Operation
Southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel (Blue Line)
Personnel
Over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries (both civilian and military personnel)
Mission
Prevent hostilities and maintain peace along the 121-km Blue Line
Ensure that no weapons or fighters are present in the region
Report violations to the UN Security Council
Rules of Engagement
Peacekeepers are armed but are only allowed to use force when their safety or civilian safety is at risk
Headquarters
Naqoura, southern Lebanon
Peacekeeper Status
Not soldiers but impartial peacekeepers, present with the consent of the host country, Lebanon
Significance of UNIFIL
Conflict Prevention: UNIFIL monitors the Blue Line and prevents escalations between Israel and Lebanon.
Civilian Protection: It safeguards civilians and supports humanitarian aid efforts in conflict zones.
Support for Lebanon: UNIFIL helps the Lebanese government extend control in the south alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces.
PYQ:
[2015] Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.
Q) The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has heen a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (UPSC CSE 2022) Q) To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (UPSC CSE 2016)
Mentor’s Comment: The first assembly election of Jammu and Kashmir (2024), after the revocation of Article 370, represents a pivotal moment in the region’s political landscape. Today’s editorial emphasizes the necessity for the central government to acknowledge and respect the present electoral mandate. With the INDIA bloc gaining control, it is a must for the Centre to facilitate the newly elected government in fulfilling its promises, particularly regarding statehood restoration and local governance.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections marked a significant political event, being the first assembly elections in over a decade and the first since the revocation of the region’s special status under Article 370.
Major observations during the 2024 Assembly Election:
The Election was conducted in three phases and was crucial for restoring democratic processes in a region historically troubled by conflict and political instability.
Restoration of Self-Rule: The elections represent a crucial step towards restoring some degree of self-rule in Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
It signaled a shift in voter sentiment towards mainstream political parties that advocate for local governance and autonomy.
This outcome could potentially lead to a more representative government that addresses local issues effectively.
Voter Participation and Sentiment: The elections witnessed a robust voter turnout of 63.9%, surpassing previous electoral participation, indicating a renewed faith in democratic processes among the electorate.
This increased engagement suggests that many citizens are seeking to voice their concerns through legitimate political channels rather than through separatist movements or violence
Overview of Article 370:
• Autonomous Status: Article 370 allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution, a separate flag, and significant autonomy in internal matters. It limited the Indian Parliament’s power to legislate for the state, requiring state government concurrence for laws beyond defense, foreign affairs, and communications. • Temporary Provision: Drafted in Part XXI of the Constitution, it was intended as a temporary measure until J&K formulated its constitution. The article was meant to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had a say in their governance. • Instrument of Accession: The article was rooted in the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947, which allowed J&K to join India while retaining certain powers.
What are the challenges expected for the newly formed government?
Political Landscape Dynamics: The JKNC’s victory is seen as a rejection of the BJP’s policies and a call for greater local representation. This shift may also influence future electoral strategies and alliances within the region.
Central Control: The newly elected assembly will still operate under the oversight of a federally appointed lieutenant governor, limiting its autonomy. Major decisions will require central approval, which could stifle local governance initiatives.
Restoration of Article 370: While the regional party JKNC has promised to work towards restoring Article 370, the likelihood of this occurring is uncertain given the central government’s stance.
The central government maintains that this constitutional change is irreversible, complicating any efforts to regain previous autonomy.
Key Recommendations for Governance:
Accelerate Statehood Restoration: The central government should prioritize restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood to foster political stability.
Support Local Governance Initiatives: Empowering local leaders and institutions will enhance democratic engagement and address citizens’ concerns more effectively.
Foster Inclusive Dialogue: Engaging with diverse political factions, including those previously marginalized, can help build a more cohesive political framework.
Conclusion: Respecting the electoral mandate is essential not only for upholding democratic values but also for ensuring that citizens feel represented and heard. As new leadership emerges, both local and central governments must work collaboratively towards restoring peace, stability, and governance that reflects the aspirations of all people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q) What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (UPSC CSE 2013) Q) Explain the formation of thousands of islands in the Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. (UPSC CSE 2014) Q) Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss (UPSC CSE 2015) Q) Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: The Chagos Archipelago consists of 58 islands and is located approximately 500 km south of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. The French were the first to colonize Mauritius along with the Chagos Islands in 1715. In the late 18th century, the French brought in slave labor from Africa and India to work in newly established coconut plantations. However, the UK took control of the region in 1814 after the fall of France’s Napoleon Bonaparte.
Today’s editorial by Mohamed Nasheed emphasizes the importance of the United Kingdom’s approach to its colonial legacy in the Indian Ocean, particularly concerning the Chagos Archipelago. It highlights the need for sustainable marine conservation and collaborative governance as Britain prepares to relinquish control over these islands.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
On October 9, 2024, the UK agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, while retaining sovereign rights over Diego Garcia for military purposes. The deal is historic as it recognizes Mauritius’s claims over the archipelago, which has been contested since the 1980s.
Historical background of Chagos Archipelago:
Historically, these islands were part of the Maldives until their detachment by the UK in 1965 to establish the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
This move was made to facilitate a military base for the United States on Diego Garcia, leading to the expulsion of the indigenous Chagossians.
The ICJ had previously ruled in 2019 that the UK’s detachment of Chagos from Mauritius was illegal and called for an end to British colonial administration in the area.
This ruling added pressure on the UK to negotiate a resolution with Mauritius
Key highlights of the agreement:
Resettlement of Chagossians: Mauritius can now resettle people on the Chagos Archipelago, except Diego Garcia, where Britain evicted 2,000 islanders for a US naval base. The deal grants Mauritius full sovereignty over the archipelago except Diego Garcia island.
Establishment of the Trust Fund: The UK has also promised to create a new trust fund for the benefit of the people of Chagos.
Other major Initiatives taken and Collaborations needed:
Sovereignty and Decolonization: The sovereignty of the Chagos Islands has been a contentious issue, with historical ties to both Mauritius and the Maldives.
The UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while securing military rights over Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years.
Marine Conservation Efforts: Britain’s decision to place the entire Chagos Archipelago under protected status, emphasizing its significance for marine conservation is commendable.
The Maldives employs sustainable fishing techniques that minimize bycatch, contrasting with industrial fishing practices that threaten fish stocks.
Collaborative Future: As part of the decolonization process, it is crucial for island nations in the Indian Ocean—Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka—to collaborate on maintaining the protected status of Chagos.
Britain needs to learn from its past mistakes in decolonization, particularly regarding India’s Partition in 1947, which had severe human costs.
How did the historical conflicts between the UK and France influence the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands?
The Chagos Islands were initially part of French colonial territory, known as Isle de France, where they established coconut plantations using enslaved African labor in the 18th century.
Following the defeat of Napoleon in 1814, the Treaty of Paris ceded Mauritius and its dependencies, including the Chagos Islands, to Britain. This marked the beginning of British administration over these territories.
In 1965, during preparations for Mauritian independence, the UK separated the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius to create the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). This move was motivated by strategic interests, particularly to establish a military base on Diego Garcia.
The UK forcibly removed the indigenous Chagossians to facilitate military operations, which has been condemned as a violation of human rights.
Despite the ICJ decision, pressure, and legal challenges, the UK maintained its claims over the islands due to their strategic military importance, particularly Diego Garcia.
Conclusion: A respectful and collaborative exit strategy is needed for the UK from its Indian Ocean territories. It advocates for joint efforts among regional nations to ensure that marine conservation is prioritized while addressing historical grievances related to colonialism.
The World Development Report 2024 highlights the “middle-income trap,” where economies stagnate as growth slows. Only 34 middle-income nations advanced to high-income status in 34 years.
How does the World Bank define the threshold for middle-income economies?
The World Bank defines middle-income economies as those with incomes between $1,136 and $13,845 per capita.
The middle-income trap refers to a slowdown in growth when an economy reaches a certain income threshold, about 11% of U.S. per capita income.
Only 34 middle-income countries have transitioned to higher-income status over the last 34 years, indicating the difficulty of escaping the middle-income trap.
Why is state intervention crucial for breaking the middle-income trap?
State intervention is vital for coordinating development goals, as seen in South Korea and Chile, where governments played an active role in shaping industries and ensuring the private sector’s alignment with national development objectives.
The state ensures investment, infusion of global technologies, and domestic innovation, which are critical for modern economies. This is known as the 3i approach (Investment, Infusion, Innovation).
State intervention disciplines local elites, ensuring firms succeed based on performance, not political connections. Underperforming firms are allowed to fail, promoting efficiency and innovation.
What lessons can be drawn from South Korea and Chile?
South Korea adopted a state-led industrialization strategy with a focus on export-driven manufacturing:
The state actively directed private sector activities, ensuring businesses were competitive on the global stage.
Chaebols (large business conglomerates) were supported based on their performance, promoting technological advancement and innovation.
Chile achieved success by focusing on natural resource exports, like its salmon industry:
The state’s role was crucial in developing and supporting industries with growth potential, showing how targeted interventions can help small but strategically important sectors thrive.
What challenges does India face in balancing state intervention with democratic values?
Economic Power Concentration: India faces a growing concentration of wealth among powerful business houses, which are perceived to be closely linked to the state. This risks cronyism rather than performance-based growth, which could hinder innovation and investment.
Manufacturing Stagnation: Unlike South Korea, India’s manufacturing sector has not experienced significant growth. With global export demand slowing and increased protectionism, manufacturing is less likely to drive India’s growth.
Wage Stagnation: Real wage growth has been stagnant, as inflation erodes the benefits of nominal wage increases. This limits domestic demand, a critical factor in economic dynamism.
Premature Deindustrialization: India, like many developing economies, faces premature deindustrialization, meaning that manufacturing’s contribution to GDP is declining at a lower level of income than historically seen in developed economies.
Balancing State Intervention with Democracy: South Korea and Chile implemented aggressive state interventions under authoritarian regimes. However, India, as the world’s largest democracy, must ensure that growth strategies do not come at the cost of democratic values and labor rights.
World Bank recommendation to escape the middle-income trap:
World Development Report 2024: This report outlines a three-pronged approach for middle-income countries to escape the trap:
Investment: Initially focusing on increasing investment.
Technology Infusion: Incorporating modern technologies into domestic industries.
Innovation: Ultimately fostering innovation to enhance competitiveness and productivity
Way forward:
Economic Growth Strategy: Niti Aayog CEO emphasized the need for a comprehensive economic strategy to avoid the middle-income trap, which he described as the “biggest threat” to India’s growth.
Free Trade and Global Integration: Niti Aayog CEO advocated for increased openness to free trade and alignment with global value chains.
Urban Development and Infrastructure: The government should focus on transforming urban areas into economic hubs, which is seen as crucial for driving growth.
At the National Conference of the District Judiciary, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the problem of court delays. She pointed out that these delays are causing people to hesitate in approaching the courts.
What are the primary causes of delays in the Indian judicial system?
Ineffective Case Management: The lack of proper scheduling and timelines for filing documents, examining witnesses, and scheduling hearings leads to inefficiencies and prolonged delays.
Lawyers often seek adjournments due to unpredictable scheduling or strategic reasons, leading to repeated postponements of hearings.
Overburdened Judges: District court judges are often under pressure to prioritize cases based on higher court directives, skewing case management in favor of meeting deadlines rather than ensuring timely justice.
Incentive Structure for Judges: The “units system” rewards judges for disposing of simpler cases, often causing more complex cases to be delayed or neglected.
Extended Stays and Interim Orders: Litigants may use stays as a strategic delay tactic, reducing the urgency to resolve cases quickly.
Unpredictable Witness Testimonies: Disruptions in the court schedule and procedural delays make it difficult for witnesses to attend court, further contributing to trial delays.
Status of the case pending in India:
Total Pending Cases: As of 2024, there are over 58.59 lakh cases pending in high courts alone, with a staggering total of more than 51 million (5.1 crore) cases across all court levels, including district and Supreme Court.
Long-standing Cases: Nearly 62,000 cases have been pending for over 30 years, with some dating back to 1952. In high courts, about 23% of cases have been pending for over ten years2.
High Court Breakdown: The Allahabad High Court has the highest backlog, with over seven lakh cases pending as of 2018. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court currently has around 83,000 cases pending, marking a significant increase over the past decade despite an increase in the number of judges
What impact do these delays have on public perception and access to justice?
Erosion of Trust: Delays make the judicial process appear slow and ineffective, leading to public hesitation in approaching courts, fearing that litigation will complicate their lives.
Increased Legal Costs: Prolonged cases escalate legal costs for litigants, making justice unaffordable for many.
Reluctance to Seek Justice: The “black coat syndrome” highlights how people avoid courts due to the fear of endless adjournments and delays, diminishing access to timely justice.
Backlog of Cases: The increasing backlog due to delays creates further congestion in the judicial system, perpetuating a cycle of inefficiency.
How can reforms improve the efficiency of the judiciary? (Way forward)
Improved Case Management Systems: Implementation of Case Flow Management Rules with a focus on enforcing timelines for hearings and case disposal can streamline the process.
Reformed Incentive Structures: Reform the “units system” to incentivize judges to handle complex cases more efficiently rather than prioritizing simpler ones.
Predictable Scheduling for Lawyers: Providing clear scheduling information to lawyers can reduce unnecessary adjournments and improve case flow.
Review of Stay Orders: Limiting the duration of stay orders and making them subject to regular review can discourage their misuse as delay tactics.
Introducing real-time case management systems to track case progress and monitor delays could enhance judicial efficiency.
Support for Witnesses: Offering financial compensation and providing predictability in court appearances can encourage witnesses to testify without unnecessary delays.
In alignment with the theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit—“Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”—PM Modi laid out the following ten key suggestions for strengthening cooperation.
Back2Basics: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
ASEAN, founded in 1967 with the Bangkok Declaration, aims for economic growth, regional peace, and an integrated ASEAN community.
The ASEAN Charter, launched in 2008, formalized ASEAN’s legal status and sought to establish a single free-trade area.
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) was established in 2009, adopting the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration in 2012.
ASEAN members comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. East Timor (Timor-Leste) applied for membership in 2011 but is not yet a member.
ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan, South Korea) aims to deepen regional integration among Southeast Asia and East Asian countries.
East Asia Summit (EAS), including ASEAN Plus Three + India, Australia, and New Zealand, enhances strategic dialogue and cooperation in the region.
Ten suggestions by PM Modi for ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience:
No.
Suggestion
Details
1
ASEAN-India Year of Tourism (2025)
Declare 2025 as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, with India committing USD 5 million to promote tourism between India and ASEAN.
2
Celebrating a Decade of India’s Act East Policy
Organize events connecting artists, youth, entrepreneurs, and think tanks, including a Music Festival, Youth Summit, Hackathon, etc.
3
Women Scientists’ Conclave
Hold an annual Women Scientists’ Conclave under the India-ASEAN Science and Technology Fund to promote collaboration and innovation.
4
Scholarships for ASEAN Students
Double the Masters scholarships for ASEAN students at Nalanda University and launch a new scholarship program for ASEAN students in agriculture.
5
Review of ASEAN-India Trade Agreement
Complete the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025 to enhance economic ties and build a secure, resilient supply chain.
6
Disaster Resilience
Allocate USD 5 million from the ASEAN-India Fund for disaster resilience, with collaboration between India’s NDMA and ASEAN’s Humanitarian Assistance Centre.
7
Health Resilience
Institutionalize the ASEAN-India Health Ministers Meeting and invite two experts from each ASEAN country to India’s National Cancer Grid Vishwam Conference.
8
Digital and Cyber Resilience
Establish a cyber-policy dialogue between India and ASEAN to strengthen digital and cyber resilience.
9
Promoting a Green Future
Organize workshops on green hydrogen involving experts from India and ASEAN to promote sustainable energy solutions.
10
Climate Resilience
Promote the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant for Mother) campaign to encourage tree planting and strengthen climate resilience.
PYQ:
[2016] Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
[2015] India is a member of which among the following? (2015)
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
Association of South-East Asian Nations
East Asia Summit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 for public comments and suggestions.
Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024: Key Features
Details
Sports Regulatory Board of India
• Central regulatory authority overseeing National Sports Federations (NSFs). • Responsible for granting recognition to NSFs, ensuring governance, financial, and ethical standards are followed.
• Flexible and autonomous in regulating sports governance without a fixed formula for NSF recognition.
Governance Structure for Sports Bodies
• Applies to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and NSFs.
• Limits Executive Committees (ECs) to 15 members.
• Leadership positions open to citizens with usual terms and conditions.
• Encourages NSFs to hire full-time salaried management, led by a CEO.
Ethical and Governance Standards
• Mandatory Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions at the NOC, NPC, and NSF levels.
• Aligns with international standards to help India host global events like the Olympics.
Athletes Commissions
• Required in NOC, NPC, and all NSFs.
• Provides athletes a platform to raise concerns and participate in decision-making.
• Government to provide additional funding.
Athlete Representation in Governance
• At least 10% of voting members in the General Body of NOC, NPC, and NSFs must be sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs).
• At least 2 SOM representatives (one male, one female) must serve on the Executive Committee.
Safe Sports Policy
• Introduces a Safe Sports Policy to protect athletes, especially minors and women, from harassment and abuse.
• Strict adherence to the POSH Act.
National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs)
• Guidelines for recognizing and regulating NSPOs to support sports governance, athlete development, and sports promotion.
Appellate Sports Tribunal
• Handles sports-related disputes, reducing the burden on civil courts.
• Provides faster, cheaper, and efficient dispute resolution.
Ad-hoc Normalisation Committees
• The Sports Regulatory Board can form these committees in cases of non-compliance or suspension of sports federations.
Global Anti-Doping and Ethical Standards
• Emphasizes anti-doping measures and compliance with international standards, positioning India as a clean host for global events.
Public Accountability and Transparency
• NOC, NPC, and NSFs subject to the RTI Act with exclusions for performance and medical data, ensuring transparency in sports governance.
Inclusivity and Gender Representation
• At least 30% of the members of Executive Committees and other governing bodies must be female, promoting gender equality in sports.
Sports Election Panel
• IOA, PCI, and NSFs must engage electoral officers from the Sports Election Panel to ensure free and fair elections.
Use of National Name and Insignia
• Only recognized sports bodies will be allowed to use the Indian Flag or national names.
• Violations can result in fines up to Rs 10 lakhs or imprisonment for up to one year.
Significance of the Bill:
The National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 is significant as it aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in sports governance while ensuring the welfare of athletes.
It establishes regulatory frameworks and ethical standards that align India’s sports ecosystem with global practices, fostering a more efficient, fair, and athlete-centric sports environment.
PYQ:
[2014] An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.
Q). Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Q) The public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015)
Mentor’s Comment: In July, a 26-year-old executive from a multinational consulting firm ended her life due to immense work pressures, shedding light on a critical issue affecting millions of working Indians. In September, a 38-year-old software engineer in Chennai also took his life, battling depression caused by work-related stress.
Despite outwardly successful careers, these tragic losses highlight India’s growing mental health crisis, where success is often tied to relentless productivity and material wealth. With over 197 million people suffering from mental health disorders, according to the Lancet Psychiatry Commission, India’s economic growth has increased societal pressures, neglecting mental well-being and fostering disconnection from community and self-awareness. In today’s editorial, we will dive more into the causes and impacts of Mental Health in Indian Society.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day (October 10) focuses on ‘prioritizing mental health in the workplace. India faces a mental health crisis driven by urban stress, financial instability, and intense competition.
Key points related to Mental Health issues as per WHO:
• According to WHO, India has a significant burden of mental health issues with 2443 Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. • India’s age-adjusted suicide rate is 21.1 per 100,000, among the highest globally. • The economic loss due to mental health conditions between 2012-2030 is estimated to be USD 1.03 trillion.
What are the reasons behind the rising stress and anxiety?
Mental Health Epidemic: India is facing a growing mental health crisis, with millions suffering from disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress.
Pressures of Urban Living: Urban life, financial instability, and intense competition contribute significantly to rising stress.
Material Success vs. Well-being: Despite material success, many people feel isolated and disconnected from their communities, leading to a sense of purposelessness.
Consumerism and Social Comparison: In urban areas, consumerism fosters a culture where wealth and luxury goods define status, causing feelings of inadequacy and stress.
Fear of Insignificance: As per Ernest Becker’s theory, much of human behavior is driven by the fear of impermanence. People chase material wealth for social validation, but this pursuit neglects self-awareness and deeper emotional needs.
Mental Health Policy and Legal Frameworks by Govt:
• National Mental Health Policy, 2014: Promotes a rights-based and participatory approach for quality service delivery. • Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Provides a legal framework that aligns with the UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities), focusing on protecting the rights of individuals with mental illness, decriminalizing suicide, and ensuring access to mental health services.
Collective Action, Community as Solutions:
Shifting focus to Collective Well-being: The emphasis needs to move from individual success to collective well-being. Strong social connections, supportive communities, and meaningful work are critical to mental health.
Examples from other Countries: Initiatives like Brazil’s community gardens promote shared responsibilities, fostering a sense of belonging and combating isolation.
Value of Community Living: Community living provides a sustainable alternative to individualistic consumerism by promoting shared responsibility and collective purpose, strengthening social support networks, reducing competition, and offering a sense of purpose.
Way forward:
Strengthen Community-Based Mental Health Programs: Focus on building strong social connections and support systems through community-based initiatives, promoting collective well-being over individual competition, and addressing isolation.
Enhance Accessibility to Affordable Mental Health Services: Expand access to cost-effective, quality mental health care at the primary health care level, ensuring services are available to all, especially in underserved areas.
