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Type: Explained

  • Electoral Reforms In India

     Many questions about ‘one nation, one election’   

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Pros and cons related to simultaneous election;

    Why in the News?

    In an Independence Day speech, the Prime Minister renewed his push for simultaneous elections, targeting implementation by the 2029 polls.

    Pros and Cons of Simultaneous Elections in India:

    Pros

    Cons
    1. Cost Reduction: It can decrease the deployment of resources such as EVMs, security personnel, and election management teams to only one time in 5 years.
    2. Continuity in Governance: Simultaneous elections can prevent the frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, which disrupts government development activities and decision-making processes.
    3. Reduced Election Fatigue: Voters, political parties, and the administration could benefit from reduced election fatigue, allowing them to focus more on governance and development.
    4. Uniformity in Policy Implementation: Central and state governments can work in sync on policy implementation without the hindrance of upcoming elections in various states.
    1. Constitutional Challenges: The implementation of simultaneous elections would require significant amendments to the Constitution, particularly Articles 83, 85, 172, and 174, which deal with the duration of legislative bodies.
    2. Federalism Concerns: Opponents argue that simultaneous elections could undermine the federal structure of India, marginalizing regional parties and giving dominance to national parties.
    3. Voter Disengagement: The synchronization of elections might lead to voter disengagement due to the overwhelming nature of combined elections, where national issues may overshadow regional ones.

    Key Recommendations of High-Level Committee

    The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has made several significant recommendations aimed at synchronizing elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies in India.

    1. Amendment to Article 82A: Allow the President to set an ‘Appointed Date’ for starting simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies
    2. Term Synchronization: States with elections between June 2024 and May 2029 would have their terms end with the 18th Lok Sabha, enabling the first simultaneous elections in 2029
    3. Premature Dissolution Measures: Fresh elections only for the remaining term until the next simultaneous elections in case of early dissolution of Parliament or state Assembly
    4. Synchronization of Local Body Elections: Parliament to pass legislation to align municipalities and panchayats elections with General Elections within 100 days
    5. Single Electoral Roll: The committee advocates for a single electoral roll applicable to all tiers of government, which would require an amendment to Article 325. This aims to reduce redundancy and duplication in voter registration.
    6. Logistical Arrangements: ECI to provide detailed logistical and expenditure plans for simultaneous elections in coordination with SECs.

    Way forward: 

    • Constitutional and Legal Reforms: Begin with phased constitutional amendments and legal reforms to address the challenges of synchronization while ensuring that the federal structure and democratic principles are preserved.
    • Pilot Implementation: Consider piloting simultaneous elections in a few states with synchronized local body elections to assess feasibility, logistical challenges, and public response before scaling up to the national level by 2029.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Discuss the feasibility and implications of implementing simultaneous elections in India by 2029, as recently proposed by the Prime Minister. 15M 

    Mains PYQs

    ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2017)

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Frequent mass wasting in Tibet a cause for worry in India 

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Location of Sedongpu Gully

    Mains level: Cause of Mass Wasting Events;

    Why in the News?

    A recent study on frequent mass wasting in Sedongpu Gully and rapid warming raises concerns for India’s Northeast region.

    About Sedongpu Gully:

    • The Sedongpu gully (29°47′7.20′′N, 94°55′24′′E) is in the large bend region of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, located in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau.
    • Debris flows have occurred in two adjacent gullies, namely Sedongpu Gully (SDP) and Zelongnong Gully (ZLN), since the 1950s.

    Mass Wasting in the Gully: Stats and Reasons

    • Since 2017, over 700 million cubic meters of debris have been mobilized in the Sedongpu Gully catchment, with more than 68% of the total 19 identified mass-wasting events occurring in this period.
      • The events include ice-rock avalanches (IRAs), ice-moraine avalanches (IMAs), and glacier debris flows (GDFs).
    • Causes: The increased frequency of mass wasting is attributed to a combination of long-term warming and seismic activity.
      • The area rarely experienced temperatures above 0º C before 2012, but climate change has led to significant warming, destabilizing permafrost and increasing landslide activity.
      • The 6.4-magnitude Nyingchi earthquake in November 2017 also contributed to the destabilization of slopes.

    Implications of sedimentation from mass wasting events:

    • River Choking and Flash Floods: The study warns that the increased sedimentation from mass wasting events could choke river channels, particularly affecting the Brahmaputra River system. 
    • Hydropower Projects: China is planning to construct a massive 60-gigawatt hydropower project on the Tsangpo River, which could exacerbate sedimentation issues downstream.
      • This project is expected to have three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, raising concerns about river management and flood risks in India and Bangladesh.
    • Historical Flood Events: Past incidents, like the 2000 floods in Arunachal Pradesh caused by landslides blocking the Tsangpo River, show how dangerous landslides can be for areas downstream.
      • The chance of similar disasters is higher now because of the ongoing geological instability in the Sedongpu Gully.

    Way forward: 

    • Bilateral and Multilateral Dialogues: India should intensify diplomatic efforts with China, advocating for shared water management strategies and transparency in hydropower projects on the Tsangpo River.
    • Real-Time Monitoring: Establish advanced real-time monitoring systems for the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, using satellite imagery, remote sensing, and ground-based observations to track landslides, sedimentation, and water flow.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Discuss the potential risks posed by the increasing frequency of mass wasting events in the Sedongpu Gully and the implications for India’s Northeast region. (150 words) 10M

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  • Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

    Investing in persons with disabilities  

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Challenges Faced by Persons with Disabilities

    Why in the News?

    The recent film Srikanth depicts industrialist Srikanth Bolla’s triumph over visual impairment. It highlights societal stigma, marginalization, and the lack of support for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

    Status of Education and Jobs for PwD’s in India:

    • Limited Employment Opportunities: A 2023 report indicates that only five out of 50 Nifty 50 companies employ more than 1% of persons with disabilities (PwDs), with most being public sector firms.
    • Gap in Accessibility and Supply: Less than 1% of educational institutions in India are disabled-friendly, highlighting a significant gap in accessibility and support for PwDs in both education and employment sectors.
    • Inadequate Infrastructure: Data shows that fewer than 40% of school buildings have ramps, and only about 17% have accessible restrooms.
    • Lack of effective implementation: Despite legislative provisions for reservations in government jobs under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, there is a lack of effective implementation, resulting in low participation of PwDs in the workforce.

    Challenges Faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

    • Social Stigma and Marginalization: PwDs face deep-rooted social stigma, which leads to discrimination and exclusion from various sectors, including education and employment.
    • Inaccessible Infrastructure: Many public and private spaces lack the necessary infrastructure to accommodate PwDs, such as ramps and accessible restrooms, which severely limits their mobility and independence. For example, Less than 40% of school buildings have ramps, and only about 17% have accessible restrooms.
    • Educational Barriers: Despite the Right to Education Act, many PwDs encounter barriers such as a lack of inclusive schools, trained teachers, and assistive technologies, leading to high illiteracy rates among disabled individuals.
    • Workplace Discrimination: PwDs often face discrimination in the workplace, including a lack of reasonable accommodations and societal prejudices that create a “glass ceiling” for their employment opportunities.

    Erosion of Identity for PwDs

    • Negative Representation: The portrayal of PwDs in society often reduces them to objects of pity or ridicule. This negative representation contributes to a societal attitude that undermines their dignity and identity.
    • Perception as Burdens: Sociologists argue that PwDs are frequently seen as burdens on society, which affects their self-identity and societal participation. This perception is reinforced through media and public discourse.
    • Intersectionality of Disability: PwDs who also belong to marginalized castes or genders face compounded discrimination, creating a double or triple burden that further erodes their identity and social standing.
    • Social Exclusion: The stigma surrounding disabilities often leads to exclusion from social activities and relationships, reinforcing the idea that PwDs can only relate to one another, which diminishes their broader social identity.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Accessibility: Ensure that educational institutions and workplaces are fully accessible by upgrading infrastructure and implementing inclusive design standards.
    • Combat Stigma and Promote Inclusion: Launch targeted awareness campaigns to challenge negative perceptions of PwDs and promote their positive contributions.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (2022)

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    Tackling the frictions in cross-border payments  

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Cross-Border Payments;

    Why in the News?

    Despite being worth $181.9 trillion in 2022, cross-border payments still have inefficiencies prompting the G-20 to focus on improving them for economic growth.

    Present Status of the Global Cross-Border Payments Market

    • The cross-border payments market was valued at approximately $181.9 trillion in 2022 and is projected to reach $356.5 trillion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2023 to 2032.
    • The growth is driven by increasing globalization, the rise of e-commerce, and technological innovations in the financial sector. The demand for faster, more secure, and transparent payment solutions is compelling banks and fintech companies to enhance their offerings.
    • The market includes various channels such as bank transfers, money transfer operators, and card payments, with a significant share coming from business-to-business (B2B) transactions.

    Difference Between Old and New Systems

     

    Cross-Border Payment 

    		 Features Challenges
    Old System Cross-border payments relied on manual processes involving letters of credit, checks, and extensive documentation. It faced challenges such as high transaction costs, slow processing times, and limited access due to regulatory burdens.
    New System Incorporates technological advancements such as blockchain, digital wallets, and instant payment systems.

    Example:  peer-to-peer transactions and interlinked payment infrastructures

    		 challenges around scalability, security, regulation and standardization.

    Challenges to Cross-Border Payments

    • High Costs: Transaction fees remain a significant barrier, with various financial institutions imposing different charges that complicate cost-effectiveness.
    • Low Speed: Processing times can vary greatly, often taking several days due to intermediary banks and regulatory checks, which can frustrate users seeking rapid transactions.
    • Limited Access: Many individuals and businesses still face obstacles in accessing cross-border payment services, particularly in underbanked regions.
    • Insufficient Transparency: Users often lack clarity regarding fees, processing times, and the overall transaction process, leading to mistrust and reluctance to engage in cross-border transactions.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Navigating diverse legal frameworks across jurisdictions complicates transactions, with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) regulations adding layers of complexity.

    Way forward: 

    • Adoption of Emerging Technologies: Leveraging blockchain, digital currencies, and AI can streamline processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance transparency, making cross-border payments faster and more accessible.
    • Regulatory Harmonization and Collaboration: Promoting global regulatory alignment and fostering collaboration between financial institutions and governments can simplify compliance, improve transaction efficiency, and broaden access to underbanked regions.

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  • Euthanasia Mercy Killing

    How to ensure dignity for the terminally ill?  

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Need legal clarity of Patient Rights;

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India denied permission to the parents of Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man in a vegetative state for 11 years, to remove his Ryles tube which is a device used for feeding.

    • A Ryles tube, also known as a nasogastric (NG) tube, is a medical device used for various purposes related to nutrition and gastric management. It is inserted through the nose, passing through the nasal cavity, down the esophagus, and into the stomach.

    Recent Supreme Court Judgment:

    • The Bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud observed that the Ryles tube is not a life support system and therefore could not be withdrawn.
    • This decision has stirred legal and ethical debates, as the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment permits the withdrawal of life support in terminal cases under the concept of “passive euthanasia.”
    • Passive euthanasia involves the withdrawal of medical treatment with the intention of hastening the death of a terminally ill patient. 
    • The Supreme Court initially legalized this practice in 2018, allowing patients to create a “living will” to refuse life-sustaining treatment when they are unable to communicate their wishes.

    Ethical Challenges:

    • Question of whether the decision benefits the patient: The judgment raises concerns about whether the decision benefits the patient, as prolonging life in such a condition may increase suffering.
    • Prolonged suffering: The principle of not causing harm is challenged since keeping the patient in a vegetative state with artificial feeding may lead to prolonged suffering for both the patient and their caregivers.
    • Against Right to Life and Death: The patient’s rights to a dignified life and death may be compromised which is addressed in various judgments like Common Cause v. Union of India (2018). This judgment recognised the right to die with dignity as part of the right to life under Article 21.
    • Autonomy: The patient’s right to choose, which is central to the concept of dignity, has been overlooked. The judgment did not consider the wishes of the patient or their family in determining the course of action.

    Need for Legal Clarity:

    • Distinguishing Euthanasia from Withdrawal of Life Support: There is a pressing need to legally clarify the difference between euthanasia and the withdrawal of futile life-sustaining interventions.  
    • Involvement of Medical and Ethical Experts: The decision-making process in such sensitive cases should involve palliative care physicians and ethical experts to ensure that medical and ethical considerations are fully addressed.
    • Advance Care Planning: Promoting Advance Medical Directives and Advance Care Planning is crucial to empower individuals to have control over their end-of-life decisions, ensuring that their rights to a good quality of life and death are respected.
    • Systemic Reforms: The judgment highlights the need for systemic reforms to avoid forcing families into legal battles and to ensure that patients’ rights are safeguarded with appropriate legal frameworks.

    Conclusion: The recent Supreme Court judgment highlights the urgent need for legal clarity, ethical considerations, and systemic reforms to protect patient rights and ensure dignity in end-of-life decisions.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Discuss the need for legal clarity and systemic reforms to uphold the dignity and rights of patients in end-of-life decisions. (150 words) 10M

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  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)

     Time to reset the GST system   

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Taxation; Issues related to GST;

    Why in the News?

    Most states appear to be opposed to altering the current five primary GST rate slabs: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%.

    About Goods and Service Tax (GST):

    • The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India was introduced by the Constitutional (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act of 2017. It is a unified tax system that replaced multiple indirect taxes levied by both the Central and State Governments.
    • Under GST, the Central (CGST) and state government (SGST) share the authority to levy and collect taxes on goods and services. In the case of Inter-state transactions, Integrated GST (IGST) is applicable.

    Essential Features of GST

    • Multiple Tax Levels: India’s GST system has multiple tax rates, with four primary tax rates (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%). Additionally, there is a “zero rate” for certain essential goods and services (e.g. exports).
    • One Nation, One Tax: GST is based on the principles of value-added tax and applies to the supply of goods and services across the nation. It brings uniformity in the tax structure across India, eliminating the cascading effect of taxes.
    • Destination-Based Tax: This means that the revenue generated from GST is collected by the state where the goods or services are consumed, rather than where they are produced.
    • Eliminating Cascading Effect: Under the Indian GST system, businesses can claim input tax credit for the GST they paid on their purchases. This ensures that taxes are levied only on the value added at each stage of the supply chain.
    • Sector-specific Exemptions: Certain sectors, such as healthcare, education, and basic necessities like food grains, are either exempted from GST or have reduced tax rates to ensure affordability and accessibility.
    • Threshold Exemption: Small businesses with a turnover below a specified threshold (currently, it is 20 lakhs: supplier of both goods & services and 40 lakhs: for supplier of goods (Intra–State) in India) are exempt from GST.

    Present Challenges in GST Rates

    • Complexity and Confusion: The existence of multiple GST slabs creates confusion for businesses and consumers alike. Different rates for similar items lead to complications in compliance and classification, resulting in litigation and disputes.
      • For instance, the GST on cement is 28%, while essential items like milk are exempt, yet products derived from milk, such as skimmed milk powder, are taxed at 5%.
    • Anomalies in Taxation: There are notable inconsistencies in the application of GST rates. For example, the taxation of medical and life insurance premiums at 18% is seen as burdensome for individuals seeking financial protection against uncertainties.

    Need to simplify the current GST Slabs

    • Rationalization Proposal: There is a growing consensus among industry experts and some government officials that the GST structure should be simplified to a maximum of three slabs. 
      • This would not only streamline compliance but also reduce the administrative burden on businesses and the government alike.
    • Economic Stimulus: Simplifying GST rates could potentially stimulate economic activity by lowering indirect tax burdens, encouraging consumption, and ultimately leading to higher tax revenues.

    Why are states resisting?

    • Fear of Revenue Loss: Many states are apprehensive about the implications of changing the GST structure, fearing that it might lead to a decrease in their revenue streams.
    • Political Considerations: The political landscape also plays a role in the resistance to change. With upcoming elections and the need to maintain fiscal health, state governments may prioritize short-term revenue stability over long-term structural reforms.

    Way forward: 

    • Phased Implementation: Start by introducing pilot programs in select states or sectors to test the impact of GST simplification. This approach can help address specific concerns and refine the model before a nationwide rollout.
    • Revenue Protection Schemes: Develop robust mechanisms to compensate states for any potential revenue losses during the transition. This could involve a formula-based compensation fund or a temporary revenue guarantee.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? (2020)

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    The road to 2047 for Indian agriculture   

    Explained | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Challenges to Indian agriculture;

    Why in the News?

    India’s 100th independence anniversary in 2047 is approaching, and the goal to become ‘a developed nation’ has a significant focus.

    Goals of Indian Agriculture by Vision 2047:

    • Comprehensive Goal: India’s centennial year of independence requires a six-fold increase in per capita Gross National Income (GNI), emphasizing the need for comprehensive development, especially in agriculture.
    • Trade Goal: India’s agricultural and processed food exports have gone up to more than USD 50 billion in 2022-23.
      • The Vision 2047 aims to improve the availability of nutritious foods by enhancing the processing of fruits and vegetables, and augment the proportion of value-added products in India’s export portfolio.
    • Sustainable Goal: Transforming Indian agriculture will hinge on adopting sustainable practices such as precision farming, genetically modified crops, and advanced irrigation techniques (e.g., drip and sprinkler systems).

    Present starking Imbalance in the Indian Economy

    • Workforce vs. GDP Contribution: Despite agriculture engaging nearly 46% of the workforce, it contributes only about 18% to the GDP, revealing a significant imbalance.
    • Growth Disparity: While the overall GDP has grown at 6.1% annually since 1991-92, agricultural GDP has lagged at 3.3%. In the last decade (2013- 2023), overall GDP growth was 5.9%, with agriculture growing at 3.6%, which is insufficient for the sector’s socio-economic importance.
    • Future Projections: By 2047, agriculture’s share in GDP might shrink to 7%-8%, but it could still employ over 30% of the workforce, necessitating significant structural changes to avoid exacerbating the disparity.

    Government Initiatives:

    • For Water Management: The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has promoted water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation, covering 78 lakh hectares with a ₹93,068 crore allocation for 2021-26.
    • For Risk Management: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) offers financial assistance for crop losses, with 49.5 crore farmers enrolled and claims totalling over ₹1.45 lakh crore.
    • For Market Access: The Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) integrates existing markets through an electronic platform, benefiting 1.76 million farmers and recording trade worth ₹2.88 lakh crore by September 2023.
    • For better Farmer Support: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, disbursing ₹6,000 annually to farmers, has benefited over 11.8 crore farmers.
    • For enhanced Soil Health: The Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme aims to optimize soil nutrient use, enhancing productivity, with over 23 crore SHCs distributed.

    Need for Strategic Planning

    • Population Growth: India’s population is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030 and 1.59 billion by 2040, increasing the demand for food by approximately 2.85% annually.
    • Future Demand: By 2047-48, food grain demand is projected to range from 402 million tonnes to 437 million tonnes, requiring sustainable production exceeding demand by 10%-13% under the Business-As-Usual scenario.

    Way Forward: 

    • Investment in R&D: To meet future demands sustainably, significant investments in agricultural research, infrastructure, and policy support are necessary.
    • Budget Allocation: The Budget for 2024-25 includes ₹20 lakh crore for targeted agricultural credit and the launch of the Agriculture Accelerator Fund, highlighting a proactive approach to fostering agricultural innovation and growth.
    • Enhance Digital Infrastructure: Support and expand digital platforms like eNAM to improve market access, provide real-time data, and facilitate better price realization for farmers.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Give the vulnerability of inidan agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (2016)

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  • Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

    Building on favourable change in the 2024 Waqf Bill  

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC); Waqf Board Act;

    Mains level: Role of Waqf Board;

    Why in the News?

    The Waqf Bill 2024, also known as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) after allies of the Narendra Modi government expressed reluctance to pass it immediately, and opposition parties voiced criticism of the Bill.

    Concerns Acknowledged by the JPC

    1. Inclusion of Non-Muslims: The proposal to include non-Muslim members in state waqf boards has faced significant opposition. Critics argue that this undermines the religious autonomy of Muslim institutions, as similar provisions do not exist for Hindu temples or other religious bodies.
    2. Increased Authority of District Collectors: The Bill grants more powers to district collectors, allowing them to arbitrate disputes over waqf properties. This has raised concerns about potential government overreach and the effectiveness of local waqf boards in managing properties.
    3. Impact on Inheritance Rights: The proposed changes could affect the inheritance rights of heirs, particularly women, by allowing the creation of family waqfs that may not fully comply with Islamic inheritance laws. This raises questions about fairness and equity in the distribution of waqf assets.

    The rationale of the family waqt:

    • Family waqf is rooted in the Islamic principle that charity begins at home
    • The Quran encourages spending money on parents and relatives (2:215), and the Prophet Muhammad emphasised the importance of spending on one’s family as a highly rewarded act of charity.

     

    1. Potential for Misuse: There are fears that the amendments could lead to the misuse of waqf properties, exacerbating existing issues of encroachment and mismanagement, rather than effectively addressing them.

    Newly Proposed Section 3A(2)

    • Key Features: This section stipulates that a Muslim can create a family waqf only concerning one-third of their property if excluding heirs, and it prohibits the complete exclusion of female heirs. However, it allows for the possibility of token benefits being granted to female heirs, which could still result in unequal distributions.
    • Concerns: Critics argue that this provision may not sufficiently protect women’s rights under Islamic inheritance laws, as it could permit arrangements that do not provide equitable benefits to female heirs compared to their male counterparts.

    Implementation of Waqf Boards Worldwide

    • India: India has 30 waqf boards, each responsible for managing waqf properties within their respective states. These boards oversee approximately 900,000 properties, with a focus on ensuring that waqf assets are used for charitable purposes.
    • Middle Eastern Countries: In many Middle Eastern nations, waqf properties are often managed by government-appointed bodies, and the legal framework tends to be more integrated with Islamic law. For instance, in countries like Egypt and Turkey, waqf management is closely tied to state regulations, which can vary significantly from those in India.
    • Colonial impact: The evolution of waqf laws has been influenced by colonial histories, with some countries, such as Egypt and Tunisia, abolishing family waqfs altogether, while others, like Malaysia and Indonesia, have maintained them with varying degrees of regulation.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen Waqf Governance: Ensure robust oversight and accountability of waqf boards by balancing state involvement with respect for religious autonomy. This includes safeguarding the inheritance rights of heirs, particularly women, and preventing government overreach while maintaining effective management of waqf properties.
    • Promote Inclusivity and Equity: Amend the Waqf Bill to address concerns about the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards and ensure equitable distribution of waqf assets in line with Islamic inheritance laws.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

     How South China Sea tensions pose a threat to international trade? 

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: South China Sea;

    Mains level: Significance of South China Sea;

    Why in the News?

    Tensions between China and the Philippines have sharply escalated after a violent clash between their sailors in the South China Sea (SCS) last week. Currently, escalating tensions in the South China Sea are heightening global security concerns over this vital trade route.

    How Important is the South China Sea for World Trade?

    • About a third of global maritime trade passes through the 3.5 million square kilometre South China Sea annually, according to UNCTAD.
    • Around 40% of petroleum products traded globally are delivered via the South China Sea every year.
    • In 2016, an estimated $3.4 trillion to $3.6 trillion worth of goods and commodities travelled the seaway.
    • Tens of thousands of cargo vessels move through the South China Sea every year, carrying around 40% of China’s, one-third of India’s and 20% of Japan’s trade with the rest of the world.
    • The South China Sea is a vital crossroads for both intra-Asian trade as well as for commerce with the rest of the world, especially Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

    What makes the South China Sea such a Controversial Issue?

    • Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea as its own, angering its neighbours who say China’s territorial ambitions cut into their exclusive economic zones.
    • China ignored a 2016 ruling by an international arbitration court that Beijing has no legal or historical basis for its expansive claims under international law.
    • The Chinese military has staged increasingly aggressive actions in the seaway recently, including clashes with Filipino ships, fueling fears of a full-scale conflict.
    • Vietnam and the Philippines have filed claims with the UN for extended continental shelves in the South China Sea.
    • Concerns that Beijing may use military force to bring Taiwan under its control have further raised tensions in the region.

    Why is the South China Sea Contested?

    • Availability of Natural gas and oil: The South China Sea is estimated to hold about 5.38 trillion cubic meters of proven and probable natural gas and 11 billion barrels of oil reserves.
    • Rare earth elements: The disputed waters also contain large deposits of rare-earth minerals crucial to China’s technological ambitions, including electric vehicle batteries and advanced electronics.
      • Some estimates suggest the Pacific Ocean contains a thousand times more rare-earth minerals than the currently known land reserves, more than half of which are controlled by China.

    Biggest Chokepoint in the South China Sea

    • The Malacca Strait, which lies between Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, is considered the biggest chokepoint in the South China Sea.
    • Last year, 23.7 million barrels of oil and petroleum products were moved through the strait per day, 13% higher than through the Strait of Hormuz.
    • The Malacca Strait is just 64 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and is already vulnerable to congestion and collisions.
    • Experts predict that if China invades Taiwan, the U.S. and its allies could blockade the Malacca Strait, limiting China’s access to oil and exports

    What should India do? (Way forward)

    • Enhance Strategic Partnerships: India should strengthen its maritime collaborations with key regional players like ASEAN nations, Japan, and Australia while deepening its involvement in forums such as the Quad to promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
    • Bolster Naval Capabilities: India should continue to modernize and expand its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on securing critical sea lanes and chokepoints like the Malacca Strait to safeguard its trade routes and energy supplies in the event of escalating tensions.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.(2016)

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    Dealing with Death at Work    

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Safety Law and Guidelines; Importance of Safety Audits;

    Why in the News?

    On August 21, 2024, a deadly explosion at the Escientia plant in Atchutapuram SEZ killed 17 workers and injured over 50, triggered by a solvent leak involving MTBE. The incident, part of a troubling safety trend, has prompted a government inquiry and calls for stricter safety regulations, particularly due to the exemption from regular inspections for SEZ units.

    • Previous Incidents: This accident is part of a troubling pattern, as it follows another major explosion in the same SEZ last year, and recalls a deadly styrene vapour leak incident in 2020 that killed 12 people.
    • Government Response: The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed condolences and promised support for the victims’ families.

    Importance of Safety Audits

    • Preventing Future Accidents: Regular safety audits can help identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations, reducing the risk of catastrophic incidents.
    • Accountability: Audits enforce accountability among management to adhere to safety standards, promoting a culture of safety within organizations.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Conducting safety audits helps organizations ensure compliance with local, state, and national safety regulations.
    • Public Trust: Enhancing safety measures and transparency can restore public confidence in industrial operations, particularly in regions prone to industrial accidents.

    Safety Law and Guidelines:

    • Factories Act, 1948: Governs worker safety in factories, mandating safety audits and safety officer appointments. Requires safety committees with management and employee reps to address hazards.
    • IS 14489:1998: Provides guidelines for occupational safety and health audits, focusing on compliance, deviations, and safety management effectiveness across sectors.
    • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Consolidates labor laws, mandates regular safety audits for hazardous processes, and grants inspectors authority to enforce compliance.
    • CIMAH Rules: Require industries with hazardous processes to prepare safety reports and conduct regular audits to prevent major accidents, enforced by state safety authorities.
    • Integrated Guidance Framework for Chemicals Safety: Offers guidance for safety audits in handling hazardous chemicals, emphasizing compliance with MSIHC Rules and robust audit practices.

    Note:

    IS 14489:1998 is an Indian Standard titled “Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Audit.” It provides comprehensive guidelines for conducting occupational safety and health audits in various workplaces.

    Way forward: 

    • Implement Regular Safety Audits: Enforce routine safety audits for all industrial units, including SEZs, to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards, thus preventing future incidents and promoting a culture of safety.
    • Strengthen Regulatory Oversight: Close regulatory gaps by applying safety standards uniformly across all sectors, including exempted units, and enhance transparency and accountability in safety practices to restore public trust.

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