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Type: Explained

These Newscards correspond to the explained section of various newspapers. They become immensely important for both prelims and mains and special attention needs to be paid to them

  • India generates highest plastic pollution in world 

    Why in the News?

    A study published last week in the journal Nature revealed that India is responsible for contributing one-fifth of the world’s plastic pollution.

    What did the Paris Agreement (2015) and the UN Environmental Assembly (2022) say on plastic pollution? 

    • Paris Agreement (2015): Primarily on climate change, the Paris Agreement doesn’t directly address plastic pollution. However, the agreement encourages countries to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices. 
    • UN Environmental Assembly (2022): The UNEA agreed in 2022 to develop the first legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. Objectives: The treaty aims to curb plastic pollution through measures like phasing out single-use plastics.

    Challenges in Implementation

    • Lack of Cohesive Policies: There is often a disconnect between global agreements and national policies, leading to fragmented approaches that fail to address the scale of plastic pollution effectively.
    • Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many countries, particularly in the Global South, lack the necessary infrastructure for waste management, leading to high levels of unmanaged plastic waste. Inadequate public services and resources exacerbate this situation.
    • Economic Dependencies: Countries reliant on plastic production for economic growth may resist regulations aimed at reducing plastic use, complicating the implementation of international agreements.

    Why do we need more research on this issue? 

    • Understanding Environmental Impact: Comprehensive studies are needed to elucidate the sources and impacts of plastic pollution, including its relationship with climate change and public health.
    • Informing Policy Development: Research can guide policymakers in creating effective strategies for reducing plastic waste and improving waste management systems, ensuring that solutions are tailored to specific regional challenges.
    • Health Implications: As microplastics increasingly infiltrate ecosystems and human bodies, understanding their health impacts is critical for public health initiatives and regulatory frameworks.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Global Plastic Reduction Targets: Implement binding international commitments to reduce plastic production, particularly single-use plastics, and promote sustainable alternatives, aligning with climate goals.
    • Improve Waste Management Infrastructure: Prioritize investment in waste management systems, especially in the Global South, to ensure proper collection, recycling, and disposal, reducing unmanaged plastic pollution.

  • Policy paralysis, a weakened public health sector

    Why in the News?

    Primary care remains underdeveloped, while the private sector has seen significant growth in secondary and tertiary care.

    What are the major necessities in Public Health? 

    • Diseases of Poverty: This includes health issues predominantly affecting the poor and vulnerable populations, such as tuberculosis, malaria, undernutrition, maternal mortality, and illnesses caused by food and water-borne infections like typhoid and diarrheal diseases. 
      • Addressing these needs is critical not only from a health perspective but also as a matter of human rights.
    • Middle-Class Health Concerns: The second category focuses on health issues related to environmental pollution, including air and water quality, waste management, and food safety. 
      • These issues are often exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and poor market regulations, leading to chronic illnesses and road traffic accidents.
    • Curative Care Needs: The most visible public health needs are those related to curative care, which is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary care. 
      • The poor often rely on public primary health care for affordable services, while secondary care remains historically neglected. 
      • Tertiary care is primarily addressed through government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) under Ayushman Bharat, aimed at providing coverage for serious health issues.

    How do the private hospitals become a real beneficiary in present times? 

    • Limited Coverage: India’s health insurance primarily covers only hospitalisation expenses, leaving out outpatient and primary care services. This benefits private hospitals as they can monopolise high-cost medical treatments, while the larger uninsured population faces commercialised care at market rates.
    • Weakening of Public Health Sector: The government’s shift in focus from strengthening public sector health care to outsourcing via insurance schemes like PMJAY indicates a failure to build adequate secondary and tertiary public health services.  

    Threats to Public Healthcare:

    • Neglect of Secondary and Tertiary Care: The inadequate investment in strengthening secondary- and tertiary-level health care in the public sector, leads to a reliance on private hospitals.
    • Transformation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-centres: The conversion of sub-centres and PHCs into Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) has undermined their original role in preventive and promotive health care.  
    • Loss of Trust in Public Healthcare: Due to overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate funding, public health institutions are losing credibility. Coupled with the commercial interests of private providers, this creates a dual crisis of access and quality in the healthcare system.
    • Rebranding of Health Centres: The recent renaming of HWCs as “Ayushman Arogya Mandirs” raises concerns about cultural relevance and secularism in public health institutions, especially for non-Hindi-speaking populations, further undermining trust in the system.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Public Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in enhancing secondary and tertiary care facilities in the public sector to reduce dependence on private hospitals.  
    • Integrate Health Insurance and Primary Care: Expand health insurance coverage to include outpatient and primary care services, and ensure that public health centers retain their focus on preventive and promotive care.  

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • On uncommon cyclones in the Arabian Sea

    Why in the News?

    A rare August cyclone, named ‘Asna’, currently positioned off the Kutch coast is even more remarkable for having originated over land.

    Why was there a lot of excitement over Asna?

    • “Asna” is notable because it’s the first cyclone in August in the North Indian Ocean since 1981. August is typically not part of the cyclone season in this region.
    • The cyclone began as a land-born depression that intensified as it moved over the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. It formed from a rare strong low-pressure system that grew unusually powerful over land.
    • Asna’s formation is linked to the broader context of rapid warming over the Arabian Sea, influenced by climate change. The northward shift of the low-level jet stream due to warming over West Asia contributed to its development.

    Why does the North Indian Ocean have two cyclone seasons?

    The North Indian Ocean has two distinct cyclone seasons due to the unique monsoonal circulation patterns in the region:

    • Pre-monsoon season (March-May): The Arabian Sea warms rapidly during this time as the sun crosses over to the Northern Hemisphere. The Bay of Bengal is relatively warmer and begins producing atmospheric convection and rainfall. This leads to cyclogenesis in both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
    • Post-monsoon season (October-December): This is the northeast monsoon season for India. The Arabian Sea cools due to the strong southwesterly winds and mixing of cold subsurface waters. However, the Bay of Bengal remains favourable for cyclogenesis. The post-monsoon season is the major cyclone season in the North Indian Ocean

    How is climate change affecting the region?

    • Warming of the Indian Ocean: Climate change is amplifying the warming of the Indian Ocean, with more heat being transferred from the Pacific Ocean and Southern Ocean. This increases the overall sea surface temperature (SST), crucial for cyclone formation.
    • Monsoon and cyclones: The warming affects the monsoon patterns and has the potential to change cyclone intensity. More heat and moisture from the warming seas lead to more energy available for cyclones.
    • Impact on global ocean circulation: The warming of the Indian Ocean is also affecting global ocean currents, impacting heat uptake by the Pacific Ocean and water sinking in the North Atlantic. The Indian Ocean is playing a central role in global climate change processes.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Enhance real-time monitoring and forecasting of cyclones, particularly in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons, using satellite data and advanced models.
    • Building Climate Resilience: Implement climate adaptation strategies, especially for coastal communities, by improving infrastructure and disaster preparedness to cope with increasing cyclone intensity due to climate change.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (UPSC IAS/2022)

     

  • Swachh Bharat Mission averted 70,000 infant deaths a year

    Why in the News?

    A new study published in the peer-reviewed “journal Nature” has found that the construction of toilets under the government’s “Swachh Bharat Mission” helped prevent approximately 60,000 to 70,000 infant deaths annually between 2011 and 2020.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • Impact of SBM: The study revealed that districts with over 30% toilet coverage under SBM experienced reductions of 5.3 in the Infant Mortality Rate and 6.8 in the Under Five Mortality Rate per thousand live births.
      • Over 9.5 crore toilets being built across the country since 2014;
      • 564,658 villages being declared Open Defecation Free (ODF);
      • 30 States/UT’s being 100% covered with individual household latrines (as of 2019).
    • Unique Approach of SBM: The approach of combining toilet construction with substantial investments in IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) and community engagement represents a marked departure from traditional efforts in India.
    • Novel Evidence of Impact: The study provides novel evidence of reductions in infant and child mortality following SBM’s comprehensive national sanitation program, indicating its transformative role in improving public health outcomes.
    • Asian Enigma: The report touches on the “Asian Enigma,” which highlights persistently high levels of undernutrition and stunting among children despite sufficient food availability, linking it to poor sanitation practices and open defecation.

     

    Successful Journey since Inception (2014-present):

    • Phase I (2014): The SBM 1.0  aimed to make urban centers open-defecation-free and improve sanitation infrastructure, particularly toilets.
        • The mission targeted constructing household, community, and public toilets, converting insanitary latrines, and improving solid-waste management.
    • Phase II (2020): The SBM 2.0 commenced in 2020, and is expected to run till 2025-26. It aims to sustain the achievements of phase I and ensure that treatment of both liquid and solid waste is achieved through the help of technology and private sector engagement.
    • This will focus on making Indian cities garbage-free by improving scientific waste management systems.

    Way forward: 

    • Global Model for Sanitation: India’s national sanitation campaign under SBM could serve as a model for other low- and middle-income countries where sanitation remains a major public health challenge.
    • Focus on Behavioral Change: Alongside infrastructure development, efforts are needed to sustain behavioural changes to eliminate open defecation.
    • Expand Sanitation Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Prioritize extending sanitation coverage and scientific waste management systems to underserved rural regions, building on the success of SBM to reduce mortality further and improve public health.

  • House Panel includes SEBI review in agenda, likely to summon Buch 

    Why in the News?

    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has included a review of SEBI’s performance, amid political controversy surrounding chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch following Hindenburg Research’s allegations.

    What are the allegations against SEBI?  

    • Conflict of Interest: SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch faces conflict of interest allegations due to her past ICICI Bank role amid Adani investigations.
    • Toxic Work Environment: Reports have surfaced from approximately 500 SEBI employees claiming that the work culture at the regulatory body is “toxic and fearful.” This has led to demands for an impartial inquiry into the alleged workplace issues and the overall management of SEBI.
    • Response to Allegations: Buch and SEBI have denied wrongdoing, asserting that all necessary disclosures and recusal norms have been followed diligently.

    Significance and Functions of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

    The PAC was introduced in 1921 after its first mention in the Government of India Act, 1919 (Montford Reforms).

    • Oversight Role: The PAC serves as a parliamentary watchdog for government spending, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. It plays a crucial role in auditing the revenue and expenditure of the government.
    • Review of Regulatory Bodies: The PAC has the authority to review the performance of regulatory bodies established by the Act of Parliament.
    • Suo-motu subjects: The PAC can select subjects for in-depth examination beyond the standard audit reports, allowing it to address pressing issues that may arise in the public interest, such as the allegations against SEBI’s chairperson.
    • Advisory Role: While the PAC can make recommendations based on its findings, it does not have the authority to enforce compliance. Its recommendations are advisory in nature.

    How SEBI can improve its regulation considering recent challenges? (Way forward) 

    • Enhanced Disclosure Regulations: SEBI has already made progress with the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2023, but further refinement is needed.
      • It should focus on clarifying the scope of disclosures required from companies, particularly regarding financial irregularities and conflicts of interest.
    • Bolstering Whistleblower Protections: SEBI should strengthen its whistleblower protection framework to encourage the reporting of internal issues or malpractices, ensuring accountability and protection for informants.
    • Improving Internal Governance and Work Culture: SEBI can address concerns about a toxic work environment by conducting independent reviews of its internal governance, improving employee welfare, and fostering a transparent, positive work culture.
    • Collaborating with Global Regulatory Bodies: SEBI can work more closely with global financial regulators to align with international best practices and enhance cross-border market oversight, ensuring that India’s markets remain resilient and transparent.

  • A tourism policy ill-suited for Jammu and Kashmir  

    Why in the News?

    Kashmir’s fragile environment faces severe damage from urbanization, commercialization, and climate change, underscoring the urgent need for a resilient and sustainable tourism model.

    Aims and Objectives of J&K Tourism Policy

    • Promoting all forms of Tourism: The policy aims to promote traditional recreational tourism as well as adventure, pilgrimage, spiritual, and health tourism. This diversification can attract a wider range of tourists.
    • Sustainable Practices: The policy emphasizes the need for sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental degradation, conserve water, and protect biodiversity.
    • Infrastructure Development: It seeks to improve infrastructure, including hotels, roads, and recreational facilities, to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
    • Community Engagement: The policy aims to include local communities in tourism planning and decision-making processes, promoting their involvement in conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
    • Diversification of Tourism: By promoting various forms of tourism, such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism, the policy aims to reduce over-reliance on traditional tourist spots and distribute tourist footfall more evenly across the region.

    What are the effects of the new Policy? 

    Positive Impacts  Negative Impacts:
    • Increased Tourist Influx: Since the announcement of the New Tourism policy in 2020, over 40 million tourists have visited Kashmir.
    • Increase in Employment: The policy helps to generate employment of approximately 50,000 people per year, which can significantly boost the local economy.
    • Promotes Culture and Festivals: The policy promotes city-wise events and festivals with a pre-defined calendar to attract tourists.
    • Boosting Exports and Collaborations: The policy helps the handicraft industry, which was earlier limited to select destinations, to directly export and collaborate both nationally and internationally.
    • Environmental Stress: The rapid increase in tourist activities has led to significant ecological disturbances, including deforestation, waste accumulation, and pollution of water bodies.
    • Increase in Infra-strain: It also resulted in encroachment on natural habitats and increased pressure on local resources, such as water and electricity.
    • Climate Change Impact: The region is experiencing accelerated effects of climate change, including glacial depletion and erratic weather patterns, which threaten agricultural sustainability and water availability.

    Major Challenge: Fragility of the Region

    • Natural Disasters: Jammu and Kashmir is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides, which can be exacerbated by unchecked commercialization and environmental degradation.
    • Ecological Sensitivity: The region’s delicate ecosystems are highly vulnerable to the impacts of tourism and urbanization, necessitating careful management to prevent irreversible damage.
    • Resource Depletion: The increased demand for water and energy resources is leading to the depletion of aquifers and heightened reliance on hydroelectric projects, which disrupt local aquatic ecosystems.

    Need for a Resilient Tourism Model (Way Forward)

    • Sustainable Tourism Practices: There is an urgent need to adopt a resilient and sustainable tourism model that prioritizes eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, and conservation of natural resources.
    • Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in tourism planning and decision-making is crucial for fostering sustainable practices and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably.
    • Infrastructure Resilience: Developing infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and diversifying tourism offerings beyond peak seasons will help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
    • Policy Integration: A cohesive approach that integrates sustainable tourism policies with broader economic and environmental strategies is essential for preserving the region’s natural beauty while supporting local economies.

  • What is Vertical Fiscal Imbalance? 

    Why in the News?

    The financial relationship between the Union and State governments in India is imbalanced, similar to other nations with a federal constitutional structure.

    What is Vertical Fiscal Imbalance (VFI)?

    Vertical fiscal imbalance (VFI) refers to the mismatch between the revenue-raising powers and expenditure responsibilities of different levels of government (between the Center and state) within a country.

    Why should Vertical Fiscal Imbalance (VFI) be reduced?

    • Decentralization of Expenditure: States are responsible for 61% of the revenue expenditure, focusing on crucial sectors like health, education, and infrastructure, but they generate only 38% of the revenue.
      • This imbalance creates a dependency on central transfers, limiting the States’ fiscal autonomy.
    • Need Efficiency in Spending: Reducing VFI would provide states with more resources, allowing them to respond better to local needs and improve governance efficiency.
    • Need to strengthen Fiscal Federalism: A reduction in VFI promotes a healthier system of cooperative federalism, ensuring that states have adequate resources to carry out their constitutional responsibilities and meet the demands of their populations.
    • Need Preparedness for crises: VFI becomes more pronounced during crises (e.g., COVID-19), leading to fiscal stress for States. A more balanced fiscal arrangement ensures better crisis management at the sub-national level.

    Present Scenario of VFI and Tax Devolution in India

    • VFI Extent: The 15th Finance Commission noted that despite States‘ heavy spending responsibilities, their revenue-raising powers are limited.
    • Tax Devolution Rates: The 14th and 15th FC recommended devolving 42% and 41%, however, estimates suggest that an average share of 48.94% was necessary between 2015-2023 to eliminate the VFI.
    • Exclusion of Cesses and Surcharges: The exclusion of cesses and surcharges from the divisible pool of taxes shortens the net proceeds. States argue this limits the resources available to them to meet their expenditure responsibilities.
    • Fiscal Responsibility: Despite the constraints, states have largely adhered to borrowing limits under fiscal responsibility legislation. However, states still struggle to meet their expenditure responsibilities, highlighting the need for greater financial support from the Centre.
    Note: The Sixteenth Finance Commission was constituted on December 31 2023 with Dr. Arvind Panagariya as the Chairman. The 16th FC has been requested to make its report available by the 31st day of October 2025 covering 5 years commencing on the 1st day of April, 2026.

     

    What should be the role objective of the 16th FC?

    • Increase Tax Devolution: Many States demand that tax devolution from the Union’s net proceeds should be raised to 50%. The 16th Finance Commission must consider raising the devolution rate to around 49% to address the VFI and ensure sufficient untied funds for States.
    • Address Cesses and Surcharges: The 16th Finance Commission should evaluate the exclusion of cesses and surcharges from the divisible pool.
    • Empower States with Fiscal Autonomy: The Commission’s objective should be to empower States with greater fiscal autonomy by ensuring adequate resources for them to perform their constitutional duties without undue dependence on the Centre.
    • Support Local Priorities: The Commission should aim to provide States with untied resources, enabling them to cater to jurisdictional needs and set priorities that align with their specific developmental challenges, ensuring a more responsive governance system.

  • Africa can make India’s ‘critical mineral mission’ shine  

    Why in the News?

    India has invested approximately $75 billion in Africa, focused on energy assets and mining.

    • This includes reaching out to resource-rich countries in Africa and Latin America to negotiate access to critical mineral resources.

    Recent Initiatives by the Indian Government:

    • Critical Mineral Mission (Union Budget 2024-25): This mission aimed at securing the supply of critical minerals crucial for India’s economic growth and green transition.
      • It focuses on expanding domestic production, recycling critical minerals, and incentivizing overseas acquisition.
    • Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023: Removes six minerals from the atomic list, allowing private sector participation in their exploration.
      • This also supports India’s drive for self-reliance in critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
    • Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL): It was established in 2019 to secure overseas critical mineral assets. It Signed its first lithium exploration deal in Argentina in 2024, marking a significant step towards India’s goal of securing critical mineral supplies.

    Africa’s significance in advancing Global and Indian Priorities

    • Critical Mineral Reserves: Africa holds 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves, making it a crucial partner for India’s supply chain needs.
    • Existing Partnerships: India has strong political, economic, and historical ties with Africa, including a three-million-strong diaspora and $98 billion in bilateral trade (2022-23), with a focus on mining and mineral sectors.
      • India has already invested $75 billion in Africa, largely for energy asset acquisition.
    • African Green Mineral Strategy: African countries are moving towards minerals-based industrialization. Policies in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Namibia focus on value addition, offering India an opportunity to align its critical mineral strategy with Africa’s development goals

    Major issues in Africa 

    • Sudan and Syria Issue:

        • Humanitarian Crisis: Sudan’s crisis is particularly acute due to its strategic location and resource wealth, leading to a massive displacement crisis, with over 10 million people displaced since April 2023
        • Parallel Conflicts: Both Sudan and Syria have experienced severe internal conflicts driven by authoritarian regimes, regional power plays, and foreign interventions, leading to widespread human suffering and instability.

    • India’s Strategic Considerations:

        • Economic Interests: India’s trade with Sudan reached $2,034 million in 2022-23, with a significant trade surplus. India has also invested heavily in Sudan’s oil sector, with cumulative investments worth $2.3 billion.
        • Historical Ties: India has maintained strong people-to-people ties with Sudan, including educational exchanges and medical tourism. President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s visit in 2003 reinforced these relations.
        • Humanitarian and Diplomatic Engagement: India evacuated its nationals early in the conflict, but the ongoing crisis may require continued diplomatic and humanitarian engagement to protect its broader interests in the region.

    • Challenges of China-Africa Debt:

      • Chinese loans to African countries amounted to approximately $170 billion from 2000 to 2022. However, Chinese lenders represent only about 12% of Africa’s total public and private debt, indicating that China is not the primary creditor.
      • A significant portion of Chinese loans is not disclosed in sovereign debt records, complicating the understanding of Africa’s overall debt levels. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the sustainability of these debts.
      • Despite concerns over “debt trap diplomacy,” China is unlikely to forgive or cancel debts but may consider writing off smaller, interest-free loans.

    China Domination:

    • China dominates the global critical mineral supply chain, particularly in cobalt mining in Africa (e.g., the Democratic Republic of Congo). China’s control poses significant risks for India, especially in terms of access and geopolitical influence.
    • Recently, China signed a $7 billion minerals-for-infrastructure deal, demonstrating its strategic approach to securing mineral resources in Africa.

    What are the opportunities for the Indian Government? (Way forward)

    • Collaborating on Infrastructure and Technology: India can support Africa’s critical mineral sector by building mining-adjacent infrastructure (e.g., railways, power grids) and providing technological solutions through its tech start-ups to enhance mining exploration, extraction, and processing.
    • Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties: Leveraging existing partnerships and India’s deep historical ties with Africa, the government can work with African nations on strategic projects and value addition initiatives, supporting both regions’ developmental goals.
    • Reducing Dependence on China: By engaging with African countries for critical minerals, India can diversify its supply chains, reducing the economic and geopolitical risks posed by China’s dominance in the global critical mineral market.

  • State changes in Rape law

    Why in the News?

    Due to the ongoing protest in Kolkata, the WB Assembly has unanimously passed a Bill mandating the death penalty for rape cases where victims die or are left in vegetative states.

    Features of West Bengal’s Aparajita Bill:

    • Death Penalty: The Bill mandates the death penalty for individuals convicted of rape if the victim dies or is left in a permanent vegetative state. It also introduces the death penalty as the maximum punishment for all rape cases.
    • Amendments to Existing Laws: The Bill amends the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, to strengthen penalties for sexual offenses.
    • Special Task Force and Courts: It establishes a district-level Aparajita Task Force for investigating rape cases and mandates the creation of Special Courts to expedite trials, aiming to complete investigations within 21 days.
    • Increased Penalties for Repeat Offenders: The Bill enhances punishments for repeat offenders, replacing simple life imprisonment with rigorous life imprisonment.
    • Privacy Protections: It introduces penalties for unauthorized disclosure of a victim’s identity and for publishing information related to court proceedings in rape cases.
    • Focus on Speedy Justice: The Bill aims to reduce the time frame for investigations and trials, emphasizing a victim-centered approach to minimize trauma.

    How Bengal’s Aparajita Bill differ from the Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra laws?

    Dimensions West Bengal (Aparajita Bill) Andhra Pradesh (Disha Bill) Maharashtra (Shakti Bill)
    Scope of Death Penalty Death is mandatory in cases of rape leading to the victim’s death or vegetative state Death penalty for the rape of minors below 16, gang rape, and repeat offenders Similar to Andhra Pradesh, it introduced the death penalty for heinous cases, such as acid attacks and severe rape cases, but it also does not mandate death in all instances.
    Special Institutions Aparajita Task Forces and Special Courts in every district specifically for rape cases, ensuring expedited legal proceedings with strict timelines. Propose Special Police Teams and Exclusive Special Courts for dealing with crimes against women, along with a registry for offenders. Formation of special courts but also emphasizes digital cooperation
    Timeframes for Legal Processes: Investigation time is 21 days (extendable to 15 more), and trials must be completed within 30 days post-chargesheet. Investigation time is  seven days and mandates trials be completed within 21 days. Completed within 15 working days after an FIR is filed, with an extension of up to 7 days if the investigating officer provides written reasons for the delay and the trial must be completed within 30 working days from the date of filing the charge sheet.
    Amendments to POCSO Introduces the death penalty for penetrative sexual assault under the POCSO Act. Amended the POCSO Act to include death penalties, particularly for heinous offenses, but do not make it mandatory in all cases. Same as Disha bill
    Use of Digital Platforms No available No available Unique features penalizing social media platforms and intermediaries that fail to provide requested data for investigations.

    Why President’s Assent is essential?

    • Criminal law falls under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution, meaning both state and central legislatures can legislate on the subject. However, state laws require the President’s approval to take precedence over existing central laws.
    • Without presidential assent, the provisions of the Aparajita Bill, as well as those from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, cannot be enforced, rendering them ineffective despite being passed by the respective state assemblies.

    Conclusion:

    The state should launch public awareness campaigns and involve stakeholders to build broad-based support, emphasizing the Bill’s objectives of enhancing victim protection and delivering speedy justice to encourage timely presidential approval.

  •  Singapore: A partner in India’s growth story  

    Why in the News?

    The PM’s upcoming visit to Singapore offers a chance to reflect on the current state of the relationship. India-Singapore ties are dynamic, continually presenting new opportunities.

    India-Singapore Bilateral Relations

    • Historical Ties: Diplomatic relations were established shortly after Singapore’s independence in 1965, with India being one of the first countries to recognize Singapore. 
      • The relationship has evolved through high-level visits and collaborations, particularly since the 1990s.
    • Look East Policy: Singapore has been pivotal in India’s “Look East” policy initiated in the early 1990s, which aimed to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia.
    • Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): Signed in 2005, CECA has significantly enhanced trade and investment ties, making Singapore India’s largest ASEAN trading partner and a key foreign direct investment (FDI) source.
    • Defense and Security Cooperation: The bilateral relationship includes extensive defence cooperation, with joint military exercises and training, particularly in maritime security, reflecting shared strategic interests.

    What is Singapore’s contribution to India’s Growth Story?

    • Economic Hub: Singapore is India’s largest trade partner in ASEAN. Singapore serves as a crucial gateway for Indian companies seeking to expand in Southeast Asia, providing a robust platform for trade and investment.
    • Largest Source of FDI:  It is the leading source of FDI, among the largest sources of External Commercial Borrowings and Foreign Portfolio Investment, accounting for about 17% of total FDI inflows since 2000, with investments exceeding USD 136 billion over the last 22 years. 
    • Knowledge exchange: Singapore’s status as a hub for Indian talent, especially from IITs and IIMs, facilitates knowledge exchange and enhances India’s capabilities in various sectors
    • Cultural Exchange: The strong cultural ties, supported by the Indian community in Singapore, have enriched bilateral relations. Ethnic Indians constitute approximately 9.1% of Singapore’s resident population.

    How this relationship can achieve more considering the ASEAN region and Chinese dominance? (Way forward)

    • Strategic Partnership: The relationship can be further strengthened by enhancing strategic dialogues and collaborations in areas like security, technology, and sustainability, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Regional Connectivity: Initiatives like the Trilateral Highway, which aims to connect India with Myanmar and Thailand, can enhance regional connectivity and trade, positioning India and Singapore as central players in ASEAN.
    • Countering Chinese Influence: As China asserts its influence in the region, India and Singapore can collaborate more closely to address shared concerns, leveraging their partnership to promote stability and security in Southeast Asia.
    • Emerging Technologies: Focusing on emerging sectors such as semiconductors, green technologies, and electric mobility can open new avenues for cooperation, aligning with both nations’ goals for sustainable development.