💥Mains Ready By December. Smash Mains & Smash PYQ Admissions Open
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

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

  • A crisis in WANA that no one talks about 

    Why in the News?

    The fight between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemayti (“My Protector”), has caused severe destruction in Sudan.

    Historical Background of Sudan

    • Civil Strife and Governance: Sudan has a history of civil strife, marked by 15 military coups and two civil wars since its independence in 1956, resulting in 1.5 million deaths and the secession of South Sudan in 2011. The conflict in Darfur has been particularly notable, involving the Janjaweed militia and leading to over 200,000 deaths and millions displaced.
    • Current Crisis Genesis: The ongoing conflict is rooted in the 30 years of autocratic rule by Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who was overthrown in 2019. The subsequent attempts to establish a civilian government failed, culminating in a military coup in October 2021, which led to the current armed conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) starting on April 15, 2023.

    Global Power Competition and Regional Powers Influence

    • Foreign Involvement: Sudan’s conflict has drawn significant foreign interest due to its strategic location and natural resources. Egypt supports the SAF, while Iran backs the SAF despite its rivalry with Egypt. The UAE has emerged as the primary supporter of the RSF, providing weapons and resources. Russia’s Wagner Group has also supported the RSF, while the Kremlin seeks a naval base in Port Sudan.
    • Geopolitical Dynamics: The conflict has created complex alliances, with countries like Chad and Libya also involved. Mercenaries from various regions, including South Sudan and Ukraine, have joined the fray, complicating the conflict further.

    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.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Multilateral Diplomacy: India should collaborate with international bodies like the UN and the African Union to promote peace initiatives in Sudan, leveraging its neutral position to mediate and support conflict resolution efforts that safeguard regional stability and its strategic interests.
    • Expand Humanitarian and Development Aid: India can bolster its humanitarian assistance, focusing on essential services like healthcare and education, while also exploring opportunities for post-conflict reconstruction projects, ensuring long-term economic engagement and goodwill in Sudan.

  • What is the Munich Agreement and the role it played in starting World War II?   

    Why in the News?

    On September 1, 1939, German troops invaded Poland, sparking World War II. Britain and France declared war on Germany two days later, on September 3.

    The Sudeten crisis 

    • Background: The Sudeten crisis emerged from Hitler’s demand that the German-majority regions of Czechoslovakia, known as Sudetenland, be ceded to Germany. These regions, with a population of over three million German-speaking people, were part of Czechoslovakia after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire post-World War I. Hitler aimed to incorporate Sudetenland into his vision of a “Greater Germany.”
    • German Occupation: Following the Munich Agreement, German troops occupied Sudetenland from October 1 to October 10, 1938. This occupation was part of Hitler’s broader plan for territorial expansion.

    About the Munich Agreement and changes after that 

    • Signatories: The Munich Agreement was signed on September 29-30, 1938, by Germany, France, Italy, and Great Britain. Czechoslovakia was not a party to the agreement but was pressured into accepting it by the signing powers.
    • Terms: The agreement allowed Germany to annex Sudetenland in exchange for a promise of peace. Great Britain’s Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who supported the agreement, famously declared it as “peace with honour” after returning from Munich.
    • Terms and Implementation:
      • Plebiscite: Some regions within Sudetenland were subject to a plebiscite for determining their fate.
      • Military Withdrawal: The Czechoslovak government was required to withdraw its military and police forces from Sudetenland and release Sudeten German prisoners within four weeks of the agreement.
    • Aftermath: Despite the Munich Agreement, Hitler violated the terms within six months by invading the rest of Czechoslovakia.
      • The Munich Agreement, intended to appease Hitler and maintain peace, ultimately failed and was seen as a significant misjudgment of dealing with expansionist totalitarian regimes.

    Conclusion: The Munich Agreement, meant to appease Hitler by ceding Sudetenland to Germany, failed disastrously. Within six months, Hitler violated the agreement by invading the rest of Czechoslovakia, highlighting the dangers of appeasing expansionist totalitarian regimes.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (2021)

  • INS Arighat: India’s second nuclear sub

    Why in the News?

    India’s second nuclear submarine, the Arighaat, was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam, following rigorous trials conducted over the past few months.

    Status of Navy’s Submarines in India: 

    • Current Fleet: The Indian Navy’s submarine fleet includes two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (INS Arihant and INS Arighaat) and 16 conventional submarines. The Navy is also constructing two additional larger SSBNs.
    • Operational Readiness: The Navy is authorized to maintain a fleet of 18 submarines, but operational availability can be affected by maintenance and refitting schedules, with about 30% of the fleet typically under repair.

    About the newly inducted INS Arighaat

    • INS Arighaat is a 6,000-tonne Arihant-class ballistic missile submarine, which will join its predecessor, INS Arihant, as a vital component of India’s nuclear triad.
    • The submarine can carry up to 12 K-15 SLBMs with a range of approximately 750 km or four K-4 SLBMs exceeding 3,500 km.
      • It is powered by an 83 MW pressurized light-water nuclear reactor, allowing it to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing compared to the diesel-electric submarine.
    • It will enhance India’s nuclear deterrence, support strategic balance in the region, and play a crucial role in national security.

    How does it significantly strengthen India’s nuclear triad?

    • Enhances Second-Strike Capability:  With two nuclear submarines now operational, India can maintain a constant presence of a submarine patrolling its waters, ready to launch a nuclear strike at short notice in retaliation.  
    • Expands Missile Reach: INS Arighaat is equipped with indigenously developed K-15 missiles with a range of over 700 km and long-lasting availability underwater due to a nuclear-powered engine without surfacing.
    • From the South China Sea, these submarines can potentially target locations in China, including its capital Beijing.  
    • Both of this major developments will provide India with a more balanced and robust nuclear deterrent capability across all three domains – land, air, and sea.

    Way forward: 

    • Indigenous Submarine Development: Accelerate the development and commissioning of indigenous SSBNs (Submersible Ship Ballistic Missile Nuclear) and advanced SLBMs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles) to further strengthen India’s strategic autonomy and ensure sustained deterrence capabilities.
    • Strategic Partnerships and Modernization: Enhance collaboration with global naval powers for technology transfers and expertise while modernizing the current submarine fleet to ensure continued operational readiness and address emerging maritime security challenges.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security. (UPSC IAS/2022)

  •  Pacific Islands Forum back joint police plan, maintain ties with Taiwan 

    Why in the News?

    Pacific leaders endorsed a significant joint policing initiative and rejected attempts by China’s allies to marginalize Taiwan in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), held in Tonga.

                  (Note: India and Taiwan are not a member countries.)

    Why are the countries sticking to Taiwan despite the pressure?

    • Reaffirmation of Taiwan’s Status: The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders reaffirmed Taiwan’s participation as a “development partner,” despite efforts from China and the Solomon Islands to sideline Taiwan. 
      • Countries emphasize the importance of maintaining existing agreements from 1992 that recognize Taiwan’s role in the forum.
    • Support from Allies: Countries like New Zealand and the United States expressed support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the PIF, highlighting that any decision regarding the exclusion of parties should be made through consensus.
    • Resistance to Chinese Influence: Many nations recognize the strategic importance of Taiwan and its contributions against China’s increasing influence, leading them to uphold its involvement.

    Significance of Taiwan for India: 

    • Strategic Balance in the Indo-Pacific: Taiwan is a crucial player in the Indo-Pacific region, and  India’s engagement with Taiwan serves as a counterbalance to China.
    • Economic and Technological Cooperation: Taiwan is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced technology, areas where India seeks to enhance its capabilities.
    • People-to-People Ties and Education: Taiwan offers significant opportunities for Indian students and professionals in education and skill development.
      • For example, in 2018, the number of Indian students enrolled in Taiwanese universities reached 2,398, marking a 56% increase from the previous year.
    • Diversifying Supply Chains: In the wake of global disruptions due to COVID-19, India aims to diversify its supply chains. Taiwan’s expertise in manufacturing and electronics presents opportunities for India to reduce its dependence on other countries, particularly China, for critical components and technology.

    What did the forum say on the Climate cash and French press?

    • Climate Finance Initiatives: The forum committed to organizing a “global pledging event” to raise funds for climate initiatives, with a goal of $500 million.
      • This decision was supported by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who emphasized the urgent need for climate finance in the Pacific, which is disproportionately affected by rising sea levels.
      • Although not officially on the agenda, deep-sea mining generated significant discussion among forum members. A company backed by Nauru plans to scale up ocean mining operations, while other members, like Palau, called for a moratorium due to environmental concerns. 
    • Concerns Over French Governance: The French government faced criticism during the forum for its handling of unrest in New Caledonia. A Pacific delegation is expected to conduct a fact-finding mission there, indicating ongoing tensions regarding French governance in the region and the need for improved oversight.

    Conclusion: India should enhance diplomatic and economic ties with Taiwan by establishing formal mechanisms for regular dialogue and collaboration in areas such as technology, trade, education, and healthcare. This will reinforce strategic partnerships while respecting the “One China” policy framework. 

  •  A game plan for India’s success as 2036 Olympic host 

    Why in the News?

    During his Independence Day address from the Red Fort this August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games, stating that preparations are already underway to realize this dream.

    Issue of Sports Infrastructure in Some States:

    • Limited Olympic-Standard Facilities: Currently, only about 10.4% of India’s mapped sports infrastructure meets Olympic standards. This includes only 1,645 completed facilities out of 15,822 across the country.
    • State-Level Disparities: Tamil Nadu leads with nearly 390 Olympic-standard facilities, followed by Delhi with 161 and Odisha with 153. This highlights a significant disparity in sports infrastructure across different states. 
      • The Gujarat government has earmarked Rs 6,000 crore for developing sports complexes in Ahmedabad.

    Potential in the present state of Infrastructure:

    • Current Infrastructure Landscape: India’s sports infrastructure is still developing, with significant investments needed to meet international standards.
      • The Khelo India Scheme, launched in 2017, aims to enhance sports infrastructure and promote talent development, focusing on grassroots improvements.
    • Future Developments: Plans are underway to upgrade existing facilities and build new ones, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, which have shown commitment to developing world-class sports venues.
    • Leveraging Existing Facilities: By utilizing existing sports infrastructure in states like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Odisha, India can advance a cost-efficient and eco-friendly bid for the Olympics. This strategy involves repurposing venues for public use post-games, ensuring lasting benefits.

    Need for Collaborative Approach:

    • Multi-Stakeholder Involvement: A successful bid will require collaboration among various stakeholders, including state governments, sports associations, and the central government. A multi-stakeholder committee is essential to ensure that all voices are heard and that the bid reflects the country’s potential.
    • Building Consensus: The bid’s success hinges on building consensus both within India and with international stakeholders. This involves strategic planning and cooperation across political and territorial lines to present a unified front.

    Significance for India: 

    • Catalyst for Sports Development: Hosting the 2036 Olympics would necessitate significant investments in sports infrastructure across India. This would not only enhance existing facilities but also promote grassroots sports development through initiatives like the Khelo India Scheme.
    • Economic and Tourism Boost: The event is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including job creation and increased tourism. The influx of international visitors and media attention would provide a platform to showcase India’s cultural heritage.
    • National Pride and Unity: The successful hosting of the Olympics would serve as a symbol of national achievement, fostering unity and pride among citizens.

    Conclusion: India should prioritize the expansion and upgradation of sports infrastructure across all states, focusing on creating new Olympic-standard facilities while enhancing existing ones. Leveraging the Khelo India Scheme, investments should be directed towards grassroots development to ensure widespread access to quality sports venues.

  • Cabinet approves BioE3 Policy for Fostering High-Performance Biomanufacturing  

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy’ proposed by the Department of Biotechnology to promote advanced biomanufacturing.

    What is the BioE3 Policy?

    The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy is a strategic initiative approved by the Indian Cabinet to foster high-performance biomanufacturing. 

    Aims and Objectives of the Policy:

    • Innovation Support: The policy promotes research and development (R&D) and entrepreneurship in various thematic sectors, facilitating technological advancement and commercialization.
    • Biomanufacturing Hubs: It proposes the establishment of Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundries to enhance India’s bioeconomy.
    • Focus Areas: The policy targets several strategic sectors, including high-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, smart proteins, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture, and marine and space research.

    Significance of the Policy

    • Economic Growth: It is expected to catalyze a “bio revolution” similar to the IT revolution, generating substantial job opportunities in biotechnology and biosciences.
    • Sustainability Goals: The policy aligns with government initiatives for achieving a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and promotes sustainable lifestyles, thereby steering India towards accelerated green growth and a circular bio-economy.
    • Job Creation: By expanding the skilled workforce in biotechnology, the policy aims to create various kinds of employment opportunities, addressing critical societal issues such as climate change, food security, and human health.

    Present Status of Indian Bio-economy

    • Growing Potential: The biotechnology sector is seen as a key player in addressing challenges in health, agriculture, environment, and energy. India has a large pool of young, skilled workers, with 47% of its population under the age of 25.
    • Investment in R&D: Despite its potential, India spends less than 1% of its GDP on research, compared to countries like Israel and South Korea, which invest over 4%.
    • Existing Infrastructure: The government has established 9 biotech parks and 60 bio-incubators, which support the growth of the biotechnology sector.

    Challenges Ahead

    • Educational Gaps: The current educational curriculum does not adequately prepare students for industry demands, creating a skills mismatch.
    • Funding Issues: There is a lack of venture capital funding due to information asymmetry regarding the biotech industry, which hampers innovation and growth.
    • Clinical Trials: India conducts a low percentage of clinical trials compared to global standards, which is a concern for the development of biopharmaceuticals.
    • Research Investment: The government currently covers over 60% of total R&D spending, which is very different from countries where the private sector contributes a large portion.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Industry-Academia Collaboration: Encourage partnerships between educational institutions and biotech companies to align curricula with industry needs, thereby reducing the skills mismatch and preparing students for emerging job markets.
    • Increase Private Sector Investment: Implement policies and incentives to attract more private sector investment in R&D, such as tax benefits, public-private partnerships, and improved access to venture capital, to stimulate innovation and reduce reliance on government funding.

  • Moving the spotlight to grassroots democracy  

    Why in the News?

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) has established itself as one of India’s most credible institutions, known for consistently conducting free, fair, and timely elections to Parliament and State legislatures. However, the 34 State Election Commissions (SECs) still require significant attention and strengthening.

    Issue of Disempowerment of State Election Commissions (SECs)

    The Constitution (73rd and 74th amendments) vested SECs with the responsibility of conducting elections to panchayats and urban local governments, but in reality, SECs are increasingly disempowered by state governments.

    • Legal and Administrative Challenges: SECs sometimes find themselves in litigation with state governments. For instance, the Karnataka SEC has had to file contempt petitions against the state government for failing to fulfill commitments related to the conduct of elections, highlighting a lack of cooperation from state authorities.
    • Inadequate Empowerment: Many SECs do not have the power to conduct delimitation of wards or manage the electoral rolls independently. This results in reliance on the Election Commission of India (ECI) and state governments, which can lead to arbitrary decisions that delay elections.
      • Only 11 out of 34 states and UTs have empowered SECs to conduct ward delimitation, accounting for just 35% of India’s population.
    • Lack of Resources: SECs are legally entitled to request funds and assistance from state governments, but they often do not receive adequate resources, which hampers their ability to conduct elections effectively.
    • Public Trust Erosion: The delays and challenges faced by SECs undermine public confidence in local governance and electoral processes, leading to a perception that local elections are not as credible as those conducted by the ECI for national and state elections
    • Election not on time: Performance audits by the CAG found that 70% of urban local governments in 18 states did not have elected councils at the time of the audit due to delays caused by disempowered SECs.

    Electoral Reforms Needed to Strengthen the Third Tier

    • Parity with the Election Commission of India: SECs should be made as transparent and independent as the Election Commission of India.
      • This could be achieved by appointing a three-member SEC through a committee comprising the Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Justice of the High Court, rather than by the State government alone.
    • Fixed Intervals for Delimitation: The delimitation of ward boundaries and reservations should be conducted at fixed intervals, such as every 10 years, to prevent arbitrary actions by State governments that delay elections.
    • Transfer of Powers to SECs: The powers of delimitation and reservation of seats for local governments should be vested in the SECs. SECs should also handle reservations for positions like mayors and presidents to avoid delays caused by State governments.

    Conclusion: Strengthening SECs through these reforms is essential to ensure timely, transparent, and credible local elections, thereby reinforcing grassroots democracy and public trust in local governance.

  • What does Australia’s new cap on a number of international students mean?  

    Why in the News?

    Australia’s Education Minister announced a plan to establish a National Planning Level (NPL) that will cap the number of new international students at 2.7 lakh for the 2025 calendar year, subject to parliamentary approval.

    What does the 2025 Cap entail?

    • Australia plans to introduce a cap on new international students at 2.7 lakh for the calendar year 2025.
    • Distribution of Seats:
      • Publicly funded universities: 1.45 lakh students (maintaining 2023 levels).
      • Vocational education and training (VET) sector: 95,000 new students.
      • Other universities and non-university providers: 30,000 students.
    • Certain categories, such as school students, research degree pursuers, students in standalone English language courses, government-sponsored scholars, and students from specific regions (e.g., Asia Pacific), are exempt from the cap.

    Trends in Indian Student Enrollment in Australia:

    • In 2023, Australia admitted 5.61 lakh international students, in 2022, it saw 3.88 lakhs, in 2021, it had 2.82 lakhs, in 2020, it had 3.96 lakhs, and in 2019, it saw 5.19 lakh students.
    • 2024 Projections: Between January and May 2024, the total student commencements reached 2.89 lakh, with additional intakes expected later in the year, possibly surpassing 2023 levels.
    • Five-Year Trend: The 2025 cap will result in the lowest intake in the past five years, considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on previous years’ admissions.

    Possible Impacts on Indians Since Last Year:

    • Enrollment Numbers: The number of Indian students in Australia saw a decline from 126,487 in 2023 to 118,109 in 2024.
    • This comes on the back of moves by the Australian government to curb migration over the past six months, including higher IELTS band score requirements and the Genuine Student Test for applicants.
      • Universities, especially the Group of Eight (Go8) research-intensive universities, have criticized the capping as a “bad policy” that will adversely impact them.
    • Rising Costs: The Australian government increased the visa processing fee from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 (approximately Rs 40,524 to Rs 91,321) as of July 1, 2024. This could deter prospective applicants due to financial constraints.

    Way Forward: 

    • Increase Scholarships and Financial Aid: The Australian government and universities should offer more scholarships and financial aid packages to offset the higher costs and attract international students, particularly from India.
    • Strengthen Bilateral Education Ties: Enhance collaboration between Australian and Indian educational institutions to create joint programs and exchange opportunities, ensuring a steady flow of students despite the cap.

  • Analyzing the Gender Budget of 2024-25   

    Why in the News?

    Women-led development is central in this year’s Budget, with Gender Budget allocations reaching 1% of GDP and over ₹3 lakh crore for pro-women programs.

    About Gender Budgeting in India: 

    • The Gender Budget Statement (GBS) was introduced in the 2005-06 budget.
    • GBS has consistently represented an average of 5% of total budgetary allocations since its introduction, with minor fluctuations.
    • In the 2024-25 budget, the share of allocations to pro-women schemes has increased to approximately 6.8% of the total budget expenditure.

    Different Components of the Gender Budget Statement

    The Gender Budget Statement (GBS) is structured into three main parts:

    • Part A: This section includes schemes and programs that have 100% allocation specifically for women.
    • Part B: This part covers schemes with more than 30% but less than 100% of their allocations directed towards women.
    • Part C: Introduced recently, this section reports pro-women schemes that have less than 30% provisioning for women.

    Instances of Missing Allocations Reported by Experts:

    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Initially, only a portion of PMAY’s budget was reported under Part B, which led to an underrepresentation of its impact on women. The entire allocation of ₹80,670 crore for 2024-25 was later moved to Part A, raising concerns about the accuracy of reporting since not all beneficiaries are women.
    • PM Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): The GBS reported an allocation of ₹920 crore, which was claimed to be 40% of the total allocation to PMEGP, without a clear rationale for this percentage.
    • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): Although women constituted 59.3% of all person-days under MGNREGS, only 33.6% of its total outlay was reflected in the GBS, indicating a significant underreporting of women’s engagement and benefits from the scheme.

    How should these anomalies be rectified by the Government (Way forward):

    • Incorporate Explanations: Providing clear explanations for the allocations reported in the GBS would enhance transparency and accountability.
    • Audit of Budgetary Allocation: The government should involve regular audits and assessments of how budgetary allocations impact gender equality.
    • Engage Stakeholders: Involving experts and stakeholders in the process of developing the GBS can provide insights into the specific needs of women and help ensure that the budget effectively addresses those needs.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (2016)

  • Himachal Bill raises women’s marriage age  

    Why in the News?

    The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed a Bill on tuesday to increase the minimum marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years.

    Why did the Himachal Pradesh Assembly pass the Bill?

    • For Empowerment: The bill aims to provide them with more opportunities for education, career development, and overall personal growth.
    • For Health and Well-being: The Bill addresses the adverse health impacts associated with early marriage and motherhood, emphasizing the importance of allowing women to mature physically before starting a family.
    • For Social Justice: The bill aims for equal opportunities and ensures that women are not deprived of opportunities due to early marriage. 

    What is the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCM) Act?

    • The PCM Act, 2006 is a significant piece of legislation in India aimed at preventing child marriages and protecting the rights of children.
    • Under the Act, a “child” is defined as a male who has not completed 21 years of age and a female who has not completed 18 years of age.

    What are the new proposed Amendments to the PCM Act?

    • Uniform Marriage Age: The Bill amends Section 2(a) of the PCM Act, redefining a “child” as any male or female who has not completed 21 years of age, eliminating the previous gender-based distinction.
    • Overriding Clause: The Bill amends Section 2(b) to include a clause that gives the new marriage age an overriding effect over any other law, custom, or usage, making it universally applicable in Himachal Pradesh.
    • Extension of Annulment Period: The Bill increases the period for filing a petition to annul a child marriage from two years after attaining majority to five years, allowing both men and women to annul their marriage until they turn 23.

    How will the Bill’s amendments to the PCM Act come into force?

    • Concurrent List Consideration: Marriage is a subject under the Concurrent List, allowing both the central and state governments to legislate on it. However, the Bill introduces amendments to a central law, making it potentially “repugnant” to the PCM Act.

    Note:

    • In the legal context, “repugnant” refers to a situation where a law enacted by a state legislature conflicts with or is contradictory to an existing central law on the same subject.
    • Article 254(1): If there is a conflict between a central law and a state law on a subject listed in the Concurrent List, the central law will prevail, and the repugnant portion of the state law will be considered void.
    • Governor’s Assent: As the Bill amends a central law, it must be reserved for the President’s consideration under Article 254(2) of the Constitution after being passed by the state Assembly and receiving the Governor’s assent.
    • President’s Approval: The Bill will become law only if the President of India gives her assent. This process ensures that the state’s amendments are consistent with the Constitution and central laws.

    Way Forward: 

    • Align with National Law: Coordinate with the central government to harmonize the amended marriage age with national legislation, ensuring legal consistency.
    • Community Awareness: Implement targeted awareness campaigns to educate the public on the benefits of delaying marriage, emphasizing women’s education and health.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Empowering women is the key to control the population growth.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019)