The Chenchu tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in Andhra Pradesh, faces poverty, unemployment, and worsening living conditions due to the discontinuation of a special MGNREGS project.
The government launched the MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project in 2009 to address their specific needs, providing 180 days of employment.
AboutChenchu Tribe
Details
Location
Primarily found in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha
Habitat
Sparse and deciduous Nallamala forest, part of the Eastern Ghats
Language
Chenchu language, belonging to the Dravidian language family
Traditional Livelihood
Hunter-gatherers, relying on forest produce like honey, roots, tubers, soapberries, and gum for sustenance
Role in Tiger Conservation
Involved as tiger protection watchers in the Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
Forest Rights
Granted land rights under the Forest Rights Act (2006), allowing subsistence farming and forest dwelling
Challenges
Facing displacement, low literacy rate (40.6%), and rehabilitation issues due to relocation from their forest homes
Cultural Practices
Worship Malalamma Vana Devatha (goddess of honey); brew liquor from acacia bark, mahua flower, and jaggery
Society
Community-oriented with close-knit family bonds, practicing traditional subsistence living and deeply connected to forest ecosystems
Population
64,227 (2011 Census), spread across five districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Government Support
Special rights granted under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (FRA)
Major Threats
Displacement due to tiger conservation efforts, lack of modern skills, poverty, and low literacy rates
The Supreme Court declared caste-based discrimination in prisons unconstitutional, ordering immediate reforms in jail manuals nationwide to uphold inmates’ dignity, equality, and non-discrimination rights.
What specific caste-based practices in prison manuals were deemed unconstitutional by the SC?
Work Assignments Based on Caste: The assignment of menial tasks like cleaning and sweeping to marginalized castes (e.g., SCs, STs, DNTs) while reserving cooking roles for higher castes was ruled unconstitutional.
This violated Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination on Grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, etc.).
Caste-based Classification of Labour: The court struck down provisions in prison manuals that classified inmates into different labour roles based on their caste, calling it a form of “untouchability” and caste hierarchy.
References to ‘Scavenger Class’: The reference to specific castes as the “scavenger class” was condemned as reinforcing caste stereotypes, and the court ruled such practices unconstitutional under Article 17 (abolition of untouchability).
Assignment of Hazardous Tasks: Marginalized prisoners forced to clean sewers and tanks in unsafe conditions was also ruled a violation of their dignity under Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity).
How does the ruling reflect the broader implications of caste discrimination in society?
Historical and Societal Caste Biases: The ruling emphasized that caste-based discrimination in prisons is a remnant of colonial and pre-colonial oppressive systems, designed to dehumanize marginalized groups.
Reinforcement of Stereotypes: The court noted that prison rules, by assigning certain jobs to marginalized castes, indirectly perpetuate historical stereotypes and social hierarchies, harming personal growth and development, and fostering caste prejudices.
India’s prisons face other challenges too:
Overcrowding: In 2016, India’s prisons were 20% over capacity, with some prisons over 500% capacity. Overcrowding can lead to poor living conditions and the spread of disease.
Poor hygiene and Custodial torture: Prisoners face physical abuse and sexual abuse, and police may also torture prisoners. Prisons are underfunded, which leads to poor infrastructure, inadequate food, and insufficient clothing.
Understaffing: 33% of prison official positions are vacant. Prison management is a state subject, so prison rules vary by state.
Ineffective bail system: The bail system contributes to the crisis of undertrial incarceration.
What are the actions mandated by the SC?
Reform of Prison Manuals: All states and Union territories must revise their prison manuals within three months to align with the judgment, eliminating discriminatory provisions.
The Union government is required to update the Model Prison Manual 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act 2023 within the same period.
Removal of Caste-Based Work Assignments: The court ordered that no inmate be subjected to work or housing arrangements based on their caste. The caste column in registers of undertrial and convicted prisoners must be deleted.
Prohibition of Hazardous Work: The court mandated that manual scavenging or hazardous cleaning of sewers or septic tanks in prisons be prohibited, in line with the 2013 law banning manual scavenging.
Arrest Guidelines for DNTs: The court called for strict adherence to guidelines (from Arnesh Kumar Vs State of Bihar and Amanatullah Khan Vs Commissioner of Police, Delhi cases) to prevent arbitrary arrests of denotified tribe members.
Compliance Oversight: The court initiated suo motu proceedings to monitor the implementation of these reforms and ordered states and the Union government to submit compliance reports, ensuring sustained oversight.
Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling ends caste-based discrimination in prisons, mandating nationwide reforms in jail manuals, safeguarding inmates’ dignity, and promoting equality by eliminating discriminatory caste-based practices and work assignments.
Mains PYQ:
Q Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, the caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (UPSC IAS/2018)
With escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, India’s Ministry of External Affairs she emphasized the need to prevent regional escalation, urging all parties to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy for stability.
Can India act as a mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict?
India maintains strong strategic and economic ties with both Israel and Iran, allowing it to communicate with both parties. This balanced relationship positions India as a potential neutral mediator.
India’s stature on the global stage is rising, and its history of non-alignment and support for peaceful dialogue gives it credibility. However, balancing its strategic partnerships with Israel, Iran, and key Arab states will be challenging.
What are India’s strategic interests in West Asia?
Energy Security: West Asia is crucial for India’s energy needs, supplying about 80% of its oil imports. A wider conflict could disrupt these supplies and increase energy prices, impacting India’s economy significantly.
Economic Ties: India has invested heavily in its relationships with West Asian countries, viewing the region as an extension of its neighborhood. This includes trade partnerships and investments, particularly with major Arab nations and Israel.
Security Concerns: India shares concerns with both Iran and Israel regarding terrorism, particularly threats emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan. This common ground could facilitate dialogue but also complicates India’s diplomatic balancing act.
How does India’s relationship with regional powers influence its role?
Regional Dynamics: Other regional players such as Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey also influence the situation. Qatar has been active in mediating between conflicting parties, while Egypt’s geographical proximity to Gaza positions it as a key player in ceasefire discussions.
Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Islamic world adds another layer of complexity to India’s diplomatic efforts.
Multi-faceted Role: While India maintains strong defense and economic relations with Israel, it also relies on Iran for energy supplies and has historical ties to various Arab nations.
Balancing these relationships is critical for India’s foreign policy strategy.
Way forward:
Diplomatic Engagement and Back-Channel Diplomacy: India can leverage its balanced ties with Israel, Iran, and key Arab states to facilitate back-channel communication, focusing on de-escalation and humanitarian relief.
India’s non-aligned stance and growing global influence position it as a credible facilitator for peaceful dialogue.
Multilateral Approach: India should work through international forums like the United Nations and coordinate with other regional players like Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. This multilateral engagement would enhance its role while avoiding the risks of taking sides in the conflict.
Vietnamese President’s recent trip to China seeks to rekindle the historical ties and camaraderie between Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh, to strengthen political trust in their bilateral relationship strategically.
Current Diplomatic Relationship between China and Vietnam:
Revived Political Trust: Vietnamese President to Lam’s visit to China sought to revive the historical comradeship between Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh.
This visit aimed to strategically strengthen political trust and enhance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two communist nations.
Joint Statement on Cooperation: Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing socialism and expressed their desire to build a “Vietnam-China community with a shared future.”
Economic and Strategic Agreements: The visit resulted in 14 agreements covering areas such as connectivity, infrastructure, healthcare, and media.
Trade between the two nations remains robust, with China being Vietnam’s largest import market and a significant investor. Bilateral trade in 2023 reached $171.9 billion.
How do recent events reflect the complexities of Vietnam’s foreign policy towards China?
Bamboo Diplomacy: Vietnam’s foreign policy, known as “Bamboo Diplomacy,” is based on flexibility and resilience.
It aims to maintain strong ties with multiple global powers, including China, while also hedging its bets with the U.S., India, Russia, and Japan to counterbalance Chinese dominance.
Economic Dependence vs. Strategic Hedging: Vietnam’s growing economic interdependence with China, reflected in trade and investment, contrasts with its efforts to hedge against over-reliance by fostering ties with other global players. This balancing act illustrates Vietnam’s pragmatic approach to foreign policy.
Challenges Vietnam Faces in Maintaining Sovereignty Amid Growing Chinese Influence:
Territorial Disputes: The ongoing territorial contestation over the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea poses a significant challenge for Vietnam.
Economic Dependence: While Vietnam benefits from economic ties with China, the growing trade deficit and increased Chinese investments create a dependency that could challenge Vietnam’s autonomy in decision-making, especially in strategic areas like infrastructure and connectivity.
Strategic Hedging and Sovereignty: Vietnam’s efforts to hedge against Chinese influence through partnerships with the U.S., Japan, and India.
Note:Hedging refers to a strategic approach taken by a country to safeguard its interests and security in a complex and uncertain environment.
Way forward:
Enhance Bilateral Engagement: India should deepen its strategic partnership with Vietnam through increased economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and joint defense initiatives.
Support Regional Multilateralism: India should actively participate in regional forums and initiatives that promote multilateral cooperation, such as the Quad and ASEAN-led dialogues.
The Union Cabinet approved the rationalization of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare into two umbrella schemes:
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) – A cafeteria scheme aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.
Krishonnati Yojana (KY) – Focuses on food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
AboutPM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY):
Details
Objective
To promote sustainable agriculture and improve agricultural productivity.
Total Proposed Expenditure
Rs 1,01,321.61 crore (combined with Krishonnati Yojana).
Sustainable agricultural practices, soil health, water conservation, crop diversification, organic farming, and agricultural mechanization.
Flexibility for States
Increased flexibility for state governments to reallocate funds based on unique requirements of the states.
Implementation Method
Funds allocated to states, with state governments developing Comprehensive Strategic Documents addressing crop production, climate resilience, and value chains.
Benefits
Avoid duplication, ensure convergence, and streamline the approval process for quicker implementation of Annual Action Plans (AAP).
Schemes merged into Krishonnati Yojana (KY):
National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following pairs:
Programme/Project
Ministry
1. Drought – Prone Areas Programme
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
2. Desert Development Programme
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
3. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas
Ministry of rural development
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
• Establishment of Central Universities for Sanskrit (2020)
• Promotion of Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (Mysuru)
• National and International awards for Classical Languages
Impact on Employment
• Employment in academia, research, and archiving
• Jobs in preservation, digitization, translation, and publishing of ancient texts
British Foreign Minister announced that the deal with Mauritius has settledthe long-standing dispute over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, the UK’s last overseas territory in Africa.
The agreement also ensures the long-term future of the Diego Garcia military base, which is jointly operated by the UK and US.
About Chagos Islands (Archipelago)
The Chagos Archipelago is a group of 58 islands located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 500 km south of the Maldives.
It is a strategically significant area, with one of its islands, Diego Garcia, serving as a key military base jointly operated by the UK and US.
The archipelago has been at the centre of a decades-long sovereignty dispute between the UK and Mauritius.
Key Deals and Agreements Related to the Chagos Archipelago
1. British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Formation (1965)
The UK established the BIOT, incorporating the Chagos Archipelago.
The islands were detached from Mauritius before its independence.
Mauritius received a grant of 3 million pounds from the UK as compensation for the detachment.
2. UK-US Agreement on Diego Garcia (1966)
Britain and the US signed a defense agreement, making the BIOT available for joint military purposes.
Diego Garcia became a key military outpost due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
The land for the military base was acquired in 1967, and in 1971, the plantation on Diego Garcia was shut down.
The BIOT administration passed an Immigration Ordinance, which prohibited residents from remaining on the island without a permit. This led to the forced expulsion of around 2,000 Chagossians, many of whom were resettled in Mauritius and the UK.
3. United Nations and International Court of Justice (ICJ) Involvement
2017: The UN General Assembly requested the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion on the legal status of the Chagos Islands.
2019: The ICJ ruled that the UK’s continued administration of the islands was illegal, and the detachment of the islands from Mauritius in 1965 was not done with the free consent of the Chagossians. The UNGA adopted a resolution calling on the UK to withdraw from the Chagos Archipelago within six months.
4. UK-Mauritius Agreement (2023)
After years of dispute, Mauritius and the UK reached an agreement over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
Under this agreement:
The UK has ceded its claims over the islands.
Mauritius is allowed to implement a resettlement program on the islands, excluding Diego Garcia.
The UK retains sovereignty over Diego Garcia, allowing the military base to remain operational for an initial period of 99 years.
A new trust fund is being created for the benefit of Chagossians.
Why did the UK keep Diego Garcia Base?
US-UK Defense Agreement: The base is vital for joint military operations, allowing rapid deployment in critical areas.
Global Operations Hub: Key for US air and naval missions during conflicts like the Gulf War and War in Afghanistan.
Geopolitical Control: Ensures a strong US-UK presence in the Indian Ocean to counteract other powers, especially China.
Strategic Location: Diego Garcia monitors the Malacca Strait and other essential global trade routes, especially energy supplies.
PYQ:
[2013] Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.
About Little Prespa Lake
Little Prespa Lake, also known as Small Lake Prespa, is located on the Albanian-Greek border.
The majority of the lake lies in Greek territory, with the southern tip extending into Albania.
The total area of the lake is approximately 450 hectares within Albanian territory, though much of this area has now transformed into swamps or dried up.
It is the smaller part of the nearby Great Prespa Lake, which lies to the south.
Historically, the lake was fed by snowmelt and precipitation, but these have reduced significantly due to climate change and human intervention.
In the 1970s, communist authorities in Albania diverted the Devoll River for agricultural irrigation around the city of Korca.
This diversion significantly reduced the water inflow to the lake, beginning its ecological decline.
Impact of Little Prespa Lake’s Drying
The drying has led to the collapse of the fishing industry, depriving locals of their primary livelihood.
The once-thriving aquatic ecosystem has transformed into a marshland, resulting in biodiversity loss as fish populations vanish.
The diversion of the Devoll River for agricultural purposes has exacerbated the lake’s decline.
The lake could completely disappear if current trends continue, threatening the region’s environmental and economic stability.
PYQ:
[2018] Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?
1. Aral Sea
2. Black Sea
3. Lake Baikal
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q). Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. (UPSC CSE 2013)
Q). What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2014)
Mentor’s Comment: Today’s editorial discusses the limitations and importance of free speech, emphasizing that while individuals have the right to express their opinions without fear of retaliation, this right is not absolute. Key restrictions include defamation, obscenity, and incitement to violence. The article highlights that the government cannot arbitrarily decide what constitutes acceptable speech, as outlined in Article 19(2) of the Constitution. It also notes that free speech serves both instrumental purposes, like fostering better politics, and intrinsic values, such as recognizing individual dignity. However, the government’s attempt to control narratives about its actions can lead to censorship, undermining democratic principles.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Bombay HC ruled against an amendment to the IT Rules, declaring it unconstitutional and upholding free speech rights.
It emphasized that while misinformation is a concern, any regulatory measures must align with constitutional rights, particularly Articles 14 and 19, which protect equality and freedom of speech.
Constitutional Provisions on Free Speech:
• Free speech in our legal system is based on the principle that the state should not decide what expressions are acceptable. •Article 19(2) of the Constitution outlines specific restrictions, such as defamation and national security. • The right to free speech, guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a), is essential for informed political discourse and recognizes citizens’ dignity and autonomy.
What did the IT Rules (2021) say?
Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the new Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 imposes strict obligations on internet intermediaries, such as service providers and social media platforms.
If the government’s “Fact Check Unit” labels any reporting about its activities as false, these companies must take steps to avoid hosting that content.
Failing to comply could result in losing their “safe harbor” protection from legal liability under the IT Act, 2000, which safeguards free expression.
Section 79 of the IT Act provides a legal shield for intermediaries (safe harbour), such as social media platforms, by protecting them from liability for content posted by third parties, as long as they take reasonable steps to comply with the law.
Various views presented through the ‘Petition and Response’:
According to thePetitioners’ argument,Rule 3(1)(b)(v) breaches protections for free speech and the State wrongly claims authority to define “fake” information, ignoring less intrusive solutions.
However, the UnionGovernment responded that the law is not coercive and that intermediaries can contest safe harbor losses. While no Constitutional protections are given for false information, regulation of online expression is within government powers.
As per the Judicial opinion, Rule 3(1)(b)(v) is ultra vires, vague, overbroad, and chilling to free speech. Further, the loss of safe harbour does not threaten free expression.
Present Issue over the Intermediaries and Safe Harbour
On Intermediaries: Under Rule 3(1)(b)(v), if the government’s “Fact Check Unit” informs an intermediary that certain information about the government is ‘false’, the intermediary faces a difficult choice: they can either remove the flagged content or defend the user’s right to express their opinion, risking their safe harbour protection in the process.
Here, the intermediaries often prioritize their business interests over the user rights.
They may choose to remove content rather than risk losing their legal protections, effectively sacrificing users’ freedom of expression for their own safety.
On Safe Harbour: Intermediaries can lose the protection under Section 79 of the IT Act if they are aware of illegal activities occurring on their platforms or receive notifications from government agencies about such activities.
Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp serve primarily as hosts for user-generated content.
They do not create this content themselves, which allows them to promote free speech without bearing the same responsibilities as traditional publishers.
Its limitations: True free speech depends on various factors, including access to resources and social dynamics, which can hinder individuals from expressing themselves fully.
Conclusion: While free speech can be reasonably limited, there is no constitutional basis for restricting false or misleading information. The government’s attempt to control narratives about its actions represents censorship and undermines democratic principles, as recognized by the Bombay High Court.
Since February this year, hundreds of copies of the Environment Ministry’s elephant census report — “Status of Elephant in India 2022-23” — have remained unreleased, with the government attributing the delay to pending census data from the Northeast.
Findings of the Elephant Census Report:
Significant Drop in Population: The report shows a 20% drop in India’s elephant population since 2017. The Central Indian and Eastern Ghats recorded a 41% dip, with some states like Southern West Bengal (84%), Jharkhand (68%), and Orissa (54%) experiencing major declines.
Regional Breakdown: The Western Ghats also saw a decline of 18%, particularly in Kerala, where the population fell by 51%. The Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains recorded only a slight drop (2%), while the Northeast’s data was not updated, but is expected to see a reduction when properly modeled.
Developmental Pressures: The report identified “mushrooming developmental projects,” particularly unmitigated mining, linear infrastructure construction, and habitat fragmentation, as key threats to elephants.
Poaching, railway collisions, and electrocution were other significant risks.
Fragmentation of Habitats: The once-contiguous populations, particularly in the Western Ghats and Central India, are becoming increasingly fragmented due to land-use changes, such as plantations, fencing, and human encroachment.
Threats in the Northeast: Elephants in the Northeast are under threat from a mosaic of human habitation, plantations, mines, and oil refineries. Poaching for ivory is a serious issue in this region.
Note: “Mushrooming developmental projects” refers to the rapid, often uncontrolled expansion of infrastructure and industrial activities, such as mining, road construction, and urbanization, which disrupt ecosystems and natural habitats, impacting biodiversity.
Why Was the Report Shelved After Being Printed?:
Delay in Northeast Data: The government cited delays in completing the census in the Northeast region as the primary reason for not releasing the report.
The methodology and data collection, including advanced techniques like DNA profiling and camera traps, were not fully implemented in the region due to logistical challenges.
Interim Status: The Ministry stated that the current report is an interim version and the final report, including Northeast data, is expected by June 2025. There is a reluctance to release incomplete data until a uniform methodology is applied across all regions.
What are the implications of this decline for elephant on conservation efforts?
Need for Urgent Action: The significant decline in elephant populations, especially in the Central and Eastern regions, signals an urgent need for conservation strategies, including habitat restoration and strengthened protection measures.
Impact of Development: The report emphasizes the need to address the impacts of developmental projects, which have severely fragmented elephant habitats, increasing human-elephant conflict and other risks such as poaching.
Reevaluation of Conservation Policies: The findings suggest the necessity for reevaluating conservation policies to focus on maintaining elephant corridors, mitigating the impact of infrastructure projects, and fostering community support for conservation.
Scientific Modelling: The shift to more sophisticated scientific modelling of elephant populations (mark-recapture techniques).
Focus on Fragmented Landscapes: Future conservation strategies must address the fragmentation of landscapes, particularly in critical areas like the Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, and the Northeast, to reconnect elephant habitats and ensure their long-term survival.
Conclusion: The Elephant Census Report reveals a worrying decline in populations due to habitat fragmentation and developmental pressures. Urgent action is needed to restore habitats, strengthen protection, and reevaluate conservation policies to ensure long-term elephant survival.
