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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

  • How high-performance buildings are the next step towards a sustainable future?

    Why in the News?

    Due to rapid urbanization, India is facing the challenge of exceeding global energy efficiency and carbon benchmarks. High-performance buildings (HPBs) offer resilient, adaptive, and self-sufficient designs, promoting healthier indoor environments and better air quality.

    What are High-Performance Buildings (HPBs)?

    • These are structures designed to achieve peak levels of energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort.
    • They go beyond standard building practices by integrating advanced technologies and smart design strategies to minimize environmental impact, optimize resource use, and improve overall performance.
      • For example, Unnati (Greater Noida) and Indira Paryavaran Bhawan (New Delhi) showcase smart designs like sun-optimized facades and advanced HVAC systems, reducing energy use.

    Key features of HPBs include:

    • Energy Efficiency: HPBs use cutting-edge technologies like energy-efficient HVAC systems, smart lighting controls, and advanced insulation to reduce energy consumption.
    • Water Conservation: Techniques like greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting help HPBs minimize water usage.
    • Sustainable Materials: HPBs use eco-friendly, durable materials to reduce their carbon footprint and increase building longevity.
    • Site-Specific Design: HPBs leverage natural lighting, ventilation, and terrain-specific water management to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce energy demand.
    • Building Management Systems (BMS): HPBs employ BMS to monitor real-time performance metrics such as energy usage, water consumption, and indoor air quality, ensuring continuous optimization of resources.

    How can HPBs help Indian cities?

    • Resource Efficiency: HPBs help reduce energy consumption and promote water conservation, addressing India’s resource scarcity and fluctuating energy markets.
    • Urban Resilience: By being energy-efficient and self-sufficient, HPBs can help cities adapt to rising temperatures and urbanization pressures.
    • Healthier Environments: HPBs enhance indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and occupant well-being through intelligent systems like air filtration, natural lighting, and smart temperature control.
    • The strain on Infrastructure: HPBs can relieve pressure on public infrastructure by minimizing resource usage, making them crucial for fast-growing cities.
    • Sustainable Growth: HPBs are key to driving India’s transition to a low-carbon economy, supporting sustainable urbanization, and enhancing property value through long-term cost savings.

    Way Forward: 

    • Scaling Adoption of HPBs: Promote widespread implementation of HPBs through government incentives, regulations, and public-private partnerships, aligning with SDG Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) to foster inclusive, safe, and resilient urban spaces.
    • Innovation and Capacity Building: Encourage innovation in building technologies and workforce training to develop HPBs, contributing to SDG Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by ensuring energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in cities.

  • On the need for a different framework for passive Mutual Funds

    Why in the News?

    On September 30, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched the liberalized Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework specifically for passively managed schemes.

    What is a Passive Mutual Fund? 

    • A Passive Mutual Fund is a type of investment fund that follows a market index, like Nifty50, trying to match its performance.
    • They can be easily tracked, whereas, Active Mutual Funds need expert fund managers to actively monitor them and make investments in securities of their choice accordingly.
    • Since there’s no need for constant research, analysis, or active trading the costs are lower.

    Key highlights of the liberalized Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework:

    • Separate Framework for Passive Funds: It is tailored for passively managed schemes, which are less risky and require minimal active management.
    • Relaxed Entry Requirements: Lowered net worth requirement (₹35 crore), simplified criteria for sponsor eligibility (profitability, track record).
    • Encouraging New Players: It provides easier entry for new AMCs (Asset management companies) and market players in the passive fund segment.
    • Governance Flexibility: It has reduced oversight for trustees; operational responsibilities shifted to AMC boards, focusing on fees, expenses, and tracking error.
    • Cost Efficiency Focus: It emphasizes on lowering Total Expense Ratio (TER) and minimizing tracking error for better returns.
    • Simplified Disclosures: The Scheme Information Documents (SID) are simplified to focus on key metrics like benchmark index, TER, and tracking error.
    • Risk Management: Audit committees of AMCs can handle risk management duties due to the lower risk profile of passive funds.

    Why a Separate Framework for MF Lite is Needed?

    • Lower Risk Profile: Passively managed funds are generally less risky because they track established benchmarks like BSE Sensex or Nifty50, reducing the need for active decision-making.
    • Minimal Asset Manager Discretion: Unlike actively managed funds, asset managers of passive funds have limited discretion in asset allocation and investment objectives. They simply mirror the performance of the benchmark index.
    • Inapplicability of Existing Regulations: The current framework is designed primarily for actively managed funds, which involve more risks and require more oversight. It is less suitable for passive funds, which operate with predefined, transparent rules.
    • Cost-Effective Market Entry: To encourage new players and make the passive fund industry more competitive, SEBI introduced relaxed regulations regarding eligibility, net worth, and profitability.

    What about risks and disclosures? 

    • Success depends on Total Expense Ratio (TER) and tracking error. Lower costs and minimal deviation from the benchmark are crucial for performance.
    • Scheme Information Documents (SID) focus on key metrics like the benchmark name, TER, and tracking error, leaving out complex strategies.
    • Risk management responsibilities are streamlined, allowing the audit committee of the AMC to handle oversight, reflecting the lower risks of passive funds.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Investor Education: Develop targeted educational initiatives to inform retail investors about the benefits, risks, and operational aspects of passive mutual funds, fostering informed investment decisions.
    • Ongoing Regulatory Evaluation: Establish a framework for periodic assessment and adaptation of the MF Lite regulations to ensure they remain effective and relevant, promoting competition while safeguarding investor interests.

  • Trade is not just Globalized but also weaponized: S. Jaishankar

    Why in the News?

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted that over the past 25 years, globalisation has led to job losses and dissatisfaction in many societies, as trade has become both globalised and weaponised.

    How is trade being weaponised in global politics?

    • Trade is increasingly being used as a strategic tool by countries, intertwined with national security concerns. Nations impose tariffs, subsidies, and other economic measures as defensive actions to protect domestic industries and geopolitical interests.
    • Technologies and supply chains are viewed through a national security lens, leading to greater control over economic interactions.

    Note: Economic and military power comes under hard power.

    What implications does this weaponization of trade have for India and its foreign relations?

    • Rising Protectionism: India has responded to this trend by imposing over 30 anti-dumping measures against Chinese goods in 2024 alone. These defensive actions are meant to shield Indian industries from what is perceived as China’s predatory pricing strategies.
    • Impact on Global Supply Chains: As global supply chains become more transnational, India’s ability to secure its interests, especially in high-tech sectors, becomes crucial.
      • India is balancing its integration into the global economy while protecting critical sectors from foreign influence, especially from China.
    • Foreign Relations: India’s foreign policy is increasingly being shaped by economic security concerns.
      • Trade disputes, such as those with China, have prompted a re-evaluation of economic partnerships and collaboration within frameworks like the Indo-Pacific to reduce dependency on potentially adversarial nations.

    What historical context informs India’s current approach to trade and international relations?

    • China’s Entry into WTO (2001): India, like many other countries, faced economic repercussions when Chinese goods flooded global markets after China joined the WTO. This led to job losses and industrial competition.
    • Globalization and Job Losses: The rapid globalization of the past 25 years has contributed to domestic job losses and dissatisfaction in various sectors in India.
    • Strategic Autonomy: India’s foreign relations have historically been guided by a principle of strategic autonomy.
      • This informs its cautious stance on fully integrating into global supply chains without safeguarding critical industries, and influences its desire to promote reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to suit developing nations’ needs.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthening Domestic Industries: India should continue enhancing self-reliance through initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on boosting high-tech sectors and reducing dependency on foreign imports, especially from adversarial nations like China.
    • Diversifying Trade Partnerships: India must deepen economic ties with friendly nations and regional alliances such as the Indo-Pacific, while advocating for reforms in global trade systems like the WTO and MDBs to ensure fair competition and support for developing economies.

  • The status of the civil war in Sudan

    Why in the News?

    On September 26, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) initiated a significant offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum and Bahri. As a result, the conflict, which had been relatively calm for several months, has reignited with increased intensity.

    What is the extent of the war? 

    • Duration and Scope: The civil war has lasted for over 18 months, initially erupting from a power struggle between the two military factions—the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). What began in Khartoum has spread to various regions, including Omdurman, Bahri, Port Sudan, El Fasher, and areas in Darfur and Kordofan.
    • Casualties and Displacement: The UN reports over 20,000 fatalities since the conflict began. Additionally, the International Organization for Migration estimates 10.89 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) as of October 1.
    • Worsening Humanitarian Crisis: Access to aid and healthcare has become severely restricted, particularly in Darfur. 
      • The UN has declared famine in specific camps like Zamzam, affecting nearly 500,000 IDPs. Currently, 25.6 million people—more than half of Sudan’s population—face critical food insecurity.

    How have ethnic tensions and rivalries played a part in the war? 

    • Ethnic Conflict: The war has evolved beyond a military rivalry, intensifying along ethnic lines. The RSF, composed of predominantly Arab militias, has been involved in targeting non-Arab communities, such as the Masalit, particularly in the Darfur region.
    • Militia Involvement: Various regional ethnic militias have taken sides in the conflict, complicating the dynamics further. The SAF has allied with the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement, while the RSF has garnered support from Arab militias.
    • Historical reason: Ethnic tensions are rooted in historical grievances, exacerbating violence and leading to retaliatory attacks between communities, which have fueled the conflict.

    What are the implications for the region?

    • Mass Displacement: Over two million refugees have fled to neighboring countries, including Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. This has strained resources in host countries and raised concerns about a potential migrant crisis in Europe.
    • Ethnic Clashes in Neighboring Regions: The instability in Sudan has triggered ethnic violence along the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia, particularly in contested areas like Abyei and El Fashaga.
    • Economic Impact: The ongoing conflict jeopardizes essential infrastructures, such as oil pipelines from South Sudan to the Red Sea, threatening regional economic stability.
    • Cross-Border Tensions: A lack of effective governance in Sudan has led to increased ethnic tensions and clashes in border regions, which could have wider implications for regional security and stability.

    Way forward: 

    • Facilitate Peace Talks: India can leverage its diplomatic relations with the conflicting factions (SAF and RSF) to encourage dialogue and support peace initiatives through multilateral platforms like the African Union and the UN.
    • Strengthen Regional Alliances: India can collaborate with neighbouring countries (Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia) to manage the refugee crisis and promote stability through joint security initiatives.

  • Why is salt pan land being used for homes?

    Why in the News?

    The Maharashtra government allocated 255.9 acres of salt pan land across three parcels in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs for rental housing under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. 

    What is Salt pans?

    • Salt pans are low-lying coastal areas used for salt cultivation, acting as natural sponges that absorb rainwater and support diverse ecosystems while mitigating flooding.

    What is the Maharashtra government doing to relocate people?

    • Allocation of Land for Housing: The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) allocating 255.9 acres of salt pan land for the construction of rental housing as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This land is to be used for slum rehabilitation and affordable housing for economically weaker sections.
    • Lease Agreement: The land parcels will be leased to the Maharashtra government for 99 years, with the objective of providing housing for residents displaced from Dharavi.
    • Involvement of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), in which an Adani Group entity holds 80% stake and the State government has a 20% stake, is responsible for the construction and resettlement of laborers working on the land.
    • Concessional Rate for Land: The land is being provided at a concessional rate of 25% of the prevailing market rate, making it more accessible for development.

    Why is the move controversial?

    • Environmental Concerns: Urban planners and environmentalists have raised concerns about the lack of an impact assessment study before developing large parcels of salt pan land.
    • Risk of Ghetto Formation: Critics argue that relocating residents to different parts of the city, rather than in-situ rehabilitation (keeping them in their original areas), could lead to the formation of ghettos and further social segregation.

    Are salt pan lands ecologically important?

    • Ecological Role: Salt pan lands are vital as salt marshlands that serve as holding ponds, absorbing rainwater and acting as natural sponges, thereby helping to mitigate flooding.
    • Biodiversity: These areas support diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the ecological balance of coastal regions.
    • Natural Defense: The salt pan lands provide a coastal area’s natural defense against flooding and other environmental hazards, highlighting their importance in maintaining regional ecological health.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrate Environmental Assessments with Development Planning: The Maharashtra government should implement a framework that integrates environmental impact assessments into the planning process for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
    • Adopt a Community-Centric Approach to Resettlement: The government should engage with affected communities to explore in-situ rehabilitation options and gather input on their housing needs.

  • How are tanks armouring Ladakh sector?

    Why in the News?

    The Ukraine war has highlighted the versatility of battle tanks, demonstrating that armor remains crucial on modern battlefields, alongside long-range firepower.

    What are the difficulties in Ladakh due to high terrain and altitude? 

    • High Altitude Challenges: At altitudes of 13,000-15,000 feet, oxygen levels are low, causing rarefied air, which affects the performance of engines and machines, including tanks. Temperatures can dip to as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
    • Logistics and Transportation: Transporting tanks and heavy machinery to these high-altitude regions is a Herculean task due to the terrain. Once deployed, they are kept operational throughout, with maintenance facilities set up in forward areas like Nyoma and Daulat Beg Oldi.

    Threat from China: 

    • Chinese Deployment: The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has enhanced its firepower and mechanised units along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This includes the deployment of the ZTQ 15 (Type 15) light tanks and Type 96A second-generation tanks.
    • Modernisation and Mobilisation: China has also introduced modern wheeled Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and assault vehicles such as the CSK series to the region, indicating a significant military upgrade along the LAC.
    • Tactical Proximity: During the 2020 stand-off, Chinese and Indian tanks came within 100 metres of each other, demonstrating the heightened tensions and the tactical threats in Eastern Ladakh.

    What are the Indian Army’s future plans to fortify the border areas?

    • Indigenous Development: The Indian Army is developing the Zorawar light tank, specifically designed for high-altitude warfare.
    • T-90 and BMP Upgrades: India is enhancing the capabilities of existing T-90 tanks and BMP-2 armoured carriers
    • Long-term Projects: Plans are underway for Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICV) to replace current tanks and BMPs, with induction expected by 2030.
    • Procurement Plans: The Army is also evaluating the U.S. Stryker infantry combat vehicle and has initiated the process to procure 100 more K9 Vajra Howitzers to bolster long-range firepower.
    • Enhancing Infrastructure: Since 2012, India has significantly improved its infrastructure along the LAC, enabling long-term deployment of troops, tanks, and artillery in the region.

    Conclusion: The government should continue expanding logistical infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), improving transportation, maintenance facilities, and supply chains to support long-term troop and equipment deployment in challenging terrain.

  • What is the National Agriculture Code, currently being formulated by BIS?

    Why in the News?

    The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated the development of a National Agriculture Code (NAC), similar to the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

    What is the National Agricultural Code (NAC)?

    • The NAC is a comprehensive set of standards for the agricultural sector, formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
    • It aims to standardize all agricultural practices and post-harvest operations, including the use of machinery, field preparation, water use, crop management, and input management like fertilisers and pesticides.
    • It will cover both traditional and emerging agricultural practices like organic farming, natural farming, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.

    What Role Will the NAC Play in Standardization?

    • Comprehensive Framework: The NAC will provide a standardized framework for agricultural processes, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency in farming practices across India.
    • Sector-wide Application: It will set guidelines for various aspects of the agriculture sector, including crop selection, land preparation, irrigation, soil and plant health management, post-harvest operations, sustainability, and documentation.
    • Incorporation in Policies: The NAC will serve as a reference for policymakers, agriculture departments, and regulators to incorporate into schemes, policies, and regulations, aiding in quality control across the agricultural value chain.

    Who is Involved in the Formulation of the NAC?

    • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is leading the formulation of the NAC.
    • The BIS has formed working panels consisting of university professors, R&D organizations, and experts in 12-14 specific areas of agriculture to draft the NAC.
    • The BIS is collaborating with premier agricultural institutes and has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutes like Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) for setting up Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs).

    How will the NAC Impact Farmers’ Livelihoods?

    • Improved Decision-Making: The NAC will provide farmers with a structured guide for better decision-making in agricultural practices, which will help improve crop yields and reduce resource wastage.
    • Capacity Building: The BIS plans to offer training to farmers on NAC standards, enhancing their technical knowledge and helping them adopt sustainable practices.
    • Quality Assurance and Market Access: Standardized agricultural practices can ensure that crops meet quality requirements, potentially opening up better market access, higher incomes, and improved livelihoods for farmers.
    • Adoption of New Technologies: With standards in place for emerging technologies like IoT in agriculture, farmers can integrate modern technology into their operations, increasing productivity and efficiency.

    Way forward: 

    • Training and Capacity Building: Implement widespread training programs for farmers and agricultural professionals on NAC standards, ensuring smooth adoption of standardized practices and emerging technologies like IoT for improved efficiency.
    • Policy Integration and Support: Ensure seamless incorporation of NAC recommendations into national agricultural policies, with financial incentives and technical support to promote sustainable and quality-driven farming practices across India.

  • Government launches National Mission Edible Oils-Oilseeds to boost domestic production

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to enhance domestic oilseed production and attain self-sufficiency in edible oils.

    About the Newly Launched NMEO-Oilseeds:

    • Aim: Boost domestic oilseed production, achieve self-reliance in edible, and boost farmers’ incomes. Currently, imports account for 57% of India’s domestic demand for edible oils.
    • Focus: It will focus on increasing edible oil production from Oil Palm  by enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops (Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum)
      • Increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources (Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils).
    • Tenure: 7 years (from 2024-25 to 2030-31)

    Roadmap for the Mission:

    • Increase Edible Oil Production: Achieve 25.45 million tonnes of domestic edible oil production by 2030-31, meeting 72% of domestic demand.
    • Seed Infrastructure: It will introduce an online 5-year rolling seed plan through the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal to ensure timely availability of seeds.
    • Seed Hubs & Storage: Establish 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units to strengthen seed production infrastructure.
    • Value Chain Clusters: Develop over 600 value chain clusters across 347 districts, covering 10 lakh hectares annually. These clusters will focus on providing high-quality seeds and promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

    Other Initiatives by the Government:

    • National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP): Launched in 2021 with a budget of Rs 11,040 crore to boost oil palm cultivation.
    • Import Duties: A 20% import duty on edible oils has been imposed to protect domestic producers from cheap imports and encourage local oilseed cultivation.
    • MSP & PM-AASHA: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for mandated edible oilseeds has been increased, and the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) ensures oilseed farmers receive MSP through price support and deficiency payment schemes.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Research and Development: Invest in research initiatives focused on developing climate-resilient, high-yield oilseed varieties through advanced technologies like genome editing.
    • Enhance Farmer Engagement and Training: Implement comprehensive training programs for farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and effective resource management.

  • How circular migration can help meet global skill shortages and lift Indians out of poverty?

    Why in the News?

    Maharashtra’s 997 youth, earning Rs 1.37 lakh in Israel, engage in circular migration, boosting skills through labour mobility agreements.

    What is the “triple win” scenario associated with circular migration?

    • Migrants win by gaining high-paying jobs, improving their skills, and getting social security benefits while working abroad.
    • The home country (like India) wins because when the workers return, they bring back new skills and experience that help improve local industries.
    • The host country (like Israel or Germany) wins because they get the skilled workers they need to fill labour shortages without facing long-term migration issues.

    How does circular migration contribute to skill development and poverty alleviation for Indian migrants?

    • Skill Development: Indian workers gain exposure to international work environments, cutting-edge technology, and management protocols, which enhance their skills and employability.
    • Poverty Alleviation: Higher wages in developed countries allow migrants to send remittances back home, improving the economic conditions of their families and contributing to poverty alleviation.

    In what way does circular migration mitigate the issue of brain drain?

    • Temporary Nature: Since workers return after a set period (e.g., five years), they bring back their enhanced skills and experience, preventing a permanent loss of talent to foreign nations.
    • Knowledge Transfer: Returning workers contribute to domestic industries by applying the new skills and technologies they learned abroad, benefiting the home economy.

    What are the policy implications for implementing circular migration effectively? (Way forward) 

    • Skill Matching and Training: Governments must ensure exact skill matching between migrant workers and the requirements of the destination countries, providing refresher courses and training as needed.
    • Government-to-Government Agreements: Strong bilateral agreements are essential to safeguard the rights of workers, ensure fair wages, and provide social security in the destination countries.
    • Streamlined Procedures: Policies should simplify legal compliances, fast-track passport issuance, and remove barriers like language skills through training in languages such as Japanese, German, or French.

    Conclusion: Circular migration offers a “triple win” by benefiting migrants, home countries, and host nations. It enhances skills, boosts incomes, mitigates brain drain, and fosters knowledge transfer, provided there is proper policy support, skill matching, and streamlined processes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • Rules promoting caste bias in jails struck down by Supreme Court

    Why in the News?

    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)