Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SASTRA Ramanujan Prize
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Ruixiang Zhang, an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, is set to receive the prestigious 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for his exceptional contributions to the field of mathematics.
SASTRA Ramanujan Prize
| Establishment |
Recognizes outstanding contributions to mathematics |
| Inspiration |
Named in honor of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan |
| Awarded by |
Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA), Kumbakonam, India |
| Objective |
Acknowledges and encourages exceptional achievements in mathematics |
| Recipient Criteria |
Awarded to mathematicians under 32 for significant contributions to mathematics |
| Selection Process |
Based on mathematical work, research contributions, and impact |
| Previous Recipients |
Annual recognition of mathematicians in various mathematical branches |
| International Recognition |
Prominent recognition within the mathematics community |
| Award Presentation |
Presented at an award ceremony, includes a cash prize of $10,000 |
| Encouragement for Young Math |
Encourages young mathematicians to pursue research |
| Committee |
Composed of eminent mathematicians and experts from various foreign universities |
| Significance |
Promotes mathematical research and honors exceptional achievements |
| Prestigious Award |
Highly regarded in the field of mathematics |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Electoral Bond Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The government announced the 28th tranche of Electoral Bond sales, scheduled to take place over a ten-day span at authorized branches of the State Bank of India.
Why discuss Electoral Bonds?
- Impact on Political Funding: The announcement of the upcoming electoral bond sale has implications for political funding in India. As part of the government’s efforts to reform the political financing system, electoral bonds aim to bring transparency and accountability to campaign financing.
- Upcoming Elections: The timing of the sale window aligns with the upcoming assembly elections in some States, highlighting the significance of electoral bonds in shaping the financial landscape of political campaigns.
- Continued Scrutiny: The use and impact of electoral bonds continue to be a subject of debate and scrutiny, with stakeholders assessing their role in enhancing or altering the political funding ecosystem in the country.
About Electoral Bond Scheme
| Definition |
Banking instruments for political party donations with donor anonymity. |
| Purchase Method |
Available to Indian citizens and Indian-incorporated companies from select State Bank of India branches. Can be bought digitally or via cheque. |
| Donation Process |
Purchasers can donate these bonds to eligible political parties of their choice. |
| Denominations |
Available in multiples of ₹1,000, ₹10,000, ₹10 lakh, and ₹1 crore. |
| KYC Requirements |
Purchasers must fulfill existing KYC norms and pay from a bank account. |
| Lifespan of Bonds |
Bonds have a 15-day life to prevent them from becoming a parallel currency. |
| Identity Disclosure |
Donors contributing less than ₹20,000 need not provide identity details like PAN. |
| Redemption |
Electoral Bonds can be encashed only by eligible political parties through an Authorized Bank. |
| Eligibility of Parties |
Only parties meeting specific criteria, including securing at least 1% of votes in the last General Election, can receive Electoral Bonds. |
| Restrictions Lifted |
Foreign and Indian companies can now donate without disclosing contributions as per the Companies Act. |
| Objective |
To enhance transparency in political funding and ensure funds collected by political parties are accounted or clean money. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Passkeys, Password
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In 1961, MIT computer science professor Fernando Corbato introduced the world to digital passwords, an innovation designed for research purposes. Little did he know the profound societal impact his creation would eventually wield.
Why discuss this?
- Passwords have become nearly synonymous with cybersecurity in the 21st century, albeit with an unsavory connotation.
- Despite efforts to promote robust password practices, “password” and “123456” continue to dominate the list of common passwords, underscoring the pervasive vulnerability of most accounts.
Passkeys: Need for Change
- Ineffectiveness of Passwords: The prevailing authentication method, based on passwords, falls short in ensuring adequate security.
- Big Tech Solution: In response to this predicament, major tech companies propose a solution – passkeys.
Understanding Passkeys
- Web Authentication Standard: Passkeys are a security feature built on the WebAuthentication (WebAuthn) standard.
- Public-Key Cryptography: Passkeys employ public-key cryptography, a potent technique employing a public key (server-side) and a private key (user-side).
- Authentication Process: When users log in, a challenge is sent to their device, which utilizes the private key to solve it and respond. The server then validates the response with the public key, all without storing any secrets, enhancing security.
Getting Started with Passkeys
- Wide Compatibility: Leading tech companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Apple, have collaborated to make passkeys accessible to most recent phones and PCs.
- Operating Systems: Passkeys are available on iOS 16+, iPadOS 16+, macOS Ventura, Android 9+, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
- Web Browsers: Passkeys are supported on popular browsers like Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox.
Creating and Using Passkeys
- Account Requirement: Users need an account with a provider supporting passkeys, such as Microsoft, Google, or Apple.
- Activation Process: To enable passkeys, sign in to a compatible app or website, activate the passkey option, and obtain a unique passkey linked to your account and device.
- Usage: Passkeys can be used with biometrics (e.g., Touch ID, Face ID), QR codes, or device verification.
Future of Passwords
- Inevitable Evolution: While passkeys offer notable advantages over traditional passwords in terms of security and user-friendliness, they still face challenges related to compatibility and user adoption.
- Industry Push: Notably, Google, Apple, and Microsoft are driving the passkey agenda strongly, suggesting that passwords may eventually become obsolete.
Conclusion
- A Security Evolution: The emergence of passkeys as an alternative to traditional passwords marks a significant shift in the realm of cybersecurity.
- Ongoing Transition: As passkeys gain momentum and garner support from tech giants, they may gradually pave the way for a password-free future, promising enhanced security and user convenience in the digital realm.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Freedom of Religion
Mains level: Temple Priest Appointments issue in TN
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court has issued an order for maintaining the current state of affairs regarding the appointment of archakas (priests) in Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu.
- The reforms introduced by the ruling government, aiming to change the hereditary system of appointing archakas, have faced opposition from the association of archakas.
Why discuss this?
- Such appointments violated religious rights protected under the Constitution, emphasizing the need for rigorous training under experienced Gurus to comprehend the significant religious practices of the Agamas.
Government and Judicial Actions
The debate over temple priest appointments in Tamil Nadu has evolved over the years, with several key actions shaping its course:
- 1971 Amendment: In 1971, the DMK government, led by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, amended the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment (HR & CE) Act. This amendment abolished hereditary priest appointments and allowed individuals from all castes to become priests.
- 2006 Declaration: In 2006, the government declared all qualified individuals eligible to be priests. However, this move was challenged in the Supreme Court, which, in 2015, emphasized the importance of adhering to Agama Sastras while safeguarding constitutional rights.
- Gender Equality: In a landmark ruling in 2009, the Madras High Court favored a woman priest from Usilampatti, Madurai, who faced opposition from male priests regarding her inherited right to conduct puja at a temple. The court underscored the need to eliminate gender bias from temples to fulfill constitutional mandates.
- Inclusivity: The Supreme Court’s rulings in the Guruvayoor Devaswom Case (2004) and the N Adithayan case (2002) upheld the appointment of non-believers and non-Brahmins as temple priests, emphasizing inclusivity and non-discrimination.
Complex Divine Contradictions
Despite the legal framework and the abolition of hereditary priest appointments, the Agama tradition continues to influence temple administrations in Tamil Nadu. This persistence has given rise to debates and challenges:
- Regional Variations: Similar debates have emerged in Kerala, where questions have been raised about why only Hindu temples are under government control, while churches and mosques are not. Tamil Nadu has also witnessed campaigns for temple “reclamation.”
- Historical Shift: During the colonial era, British officials’ involvement in Hindu rituals raised concerns among Christian establishments in India. This led to the transfer of temple control to local communities. In 1951, the HR & CE Act limited government involvement to administration and finance.
- Friction between Tradition and Modernity: The ongoing tensions between traditional practices and modern principles are exemplified by debates over hereditary priest rights and resistance to the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple. These issues defy simple solutions.
What about Religious Freedom?
- Complexity of Hinduism: A prominent temple priest in Chennai argued that rules applied to other faiths may not directly apply to Hinduism. Hinduism is characterized by its diversity of traditions, contradictions, and numerous deities. Temples are perceived as centers of “soul energy” with unique purposes and practices.
- Role of Empathy: The priest emphasized the importance of empathy when dealing with matters of faith. Logic and reasoning cannot always apply to beliefs deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality. He highlighted the significance of experiential concepts, dedication, and the unique nature of temple administration.
- Agama Sastra Expertise: The priest pointed out that learning Agama Sastra in a year does not equip an individual to manage a temple. Temple administration is a combination of experiential concepts, ideas, and dedication, distinct from running a company. Agama Sastra is not a simple manual but a profound tradition.
Conclusion
- The debate surrounding temple priest appointments in Tamil Nadu remains complex, reflecting the ongoing struggle to balance tradition with modern principles.
- It highlights the challenges in applying uniform rules to diverse faiths and underscores the profound significance of temples in Hinduism.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Maldives Presidential Elections
Central Idea
- The Maldives’ presidential election run-off is set to “safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty” amidst strong ties with India.
- In addition to the presidential election, Maldivians will vote in a referendum next month to decide whether to switch to a parliamentary system of governance.
Key Points and Geopolitical Significance
[A] Electoral System
- French-Style System: The Maldivian electoral system resembles France’s, requiring a candidate to secure over 50% of votes for victory. A runoff occurs if no candidate surpasses this threshold in the first round, with the top two candidates competing.
[B] History of Maldivian Presidency
- Executive Presidency: The Maldives adopted the Executive Presidency in 1968. Initially, it operated as a single-party system until 2008 when political reforms led to a multi-party system.
- Abdul Gayoom’s Era: Maumoon Abdul Gayoom served as President for 30 years, from 1978 to 2008, during which he faced political protests and thwarted a coup attempt with India’s assistance in 1988.
- Political Reforms: In 2004, Gayoom initiated political reforms, leading to the registration of political parties in 2005 and the adoption of a new Constitution in 2008, enabling presidential elections every five years.
India’s Relations with Maldives
- Mixed Relations: India’s engagement with Maldivian politics has seen fluctuations. President Solih’s government has had the most favourable relations with India thus far.
- Gayoom and Nasheed Eras: India closely worked with Abdul Gayoom for three decades. When Nasheed assumed power in 2008, India supported his government initially. However, Nasheed later leaned toward China, cancelling a major infrastructure project with India in 2012.
- Yameen’s Pro-China Stance: Abdulla Yameen, who took office in 2013, pursued a pro-China foreign policy, including joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative. India’s reluctance to provide loans due to human rights concerns led Yameen to turn to Beijing.
- Solih’s Election: President Solih’s victory in the 2018 elections was a relief for India, signifying a shift in bilateral relations. PM Modi attended Solih’s swearing-in ceremony.
- Stronger Ties: India provided rapid assistance, including vaccines, during the COVID-19 pandemic, further strengthening relations. Bilateral projects in Maldives have multiplied, and defense cooperation has expanded, with India training Maldivian security personnel and providing military equipment.
Current Election Landscape
- Solih’s Challengers: President Solih is facing competition from Opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzu, who emerged as the consensus candidate after former President Abdulla Yameen’s disqualification.
- Proxy for Yameen: Muizzu is seen as a proxy for Yameen and has made statements raising concerns for India. He has threatened to terminate agreements with foreign countries and withdraw Indian troops stationed in the Maldives.
- Low Turnout: The election has seen a lower voter turnout compared to previous ones, with 79% participation in the first round. This low turnout is a concern in the context of Maldives’ democratic transition.
Geopolitical Ramifications
- China’s Influence: Under President Abdulla Yameen’s rule from 2013 to 2017, the Maldives aligned with China, participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (i.e. String of Pearls) and receiving substantial loans, including funding for major infrastructure projects.
- India’s Concern: India has a keen interest in maintaining influence in its “backyard” in the Indian Ocean and keeping Chinese influence at bay. India has invested heavily in Maldivian infrastructure and deepened security cooperation, which has raised concerns of establishing a strategic military presence.
- Western Nations’ Watchful Eye: Western nations, including the US, UK, and Australia, are closely monitoring the election as part of their efforts to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The opening of embassies by these countries in the Maldives underscores its strategic significance.
Conclusion
- Geopolitical Implications: The Maldivian presidential runoff and the country’s relationship with India and China hold significant geopolitical implications. The outcome will shape the nation’s foreign policy direction.
- India’s Interests: India’s interests in Maldives include defense cooperation, economic partnerships, and maintaining regional stability. The election’s result will be closely monitored to assess its impact on these interests and the future trajectory of Maldives’ foreign relations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dumpsite Remediation, Methane Pollution
Mains level: Solid Waste Management
Central Idea
- Dumpsite remediation in India holds immense significance due to its profound impact on the environment, public health, and overall quality of life.
- These unregulated dumpsites release harmful gases, pollute air and water, and pose severe health risks to nearby communities.
Dumpsite Remediation: Government Initiatives and Progress
- Govt Commitment: The Indian government aims to remediate all dumpsites in the country by 2025 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0.
- Progress Overview: Over 82.7 million tonnes of waste have been remediated, reclaiming 3,477 acres of land.
- State Progress: Mizoram has fully remediated its waste, while states like Chandigarh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat have addressed 50-60% of their legacy waste.
Challenges and Complexities
- Topographical Challenges: States with mountainous terrains like Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir face difficulties in waste transport and utilization.
- Economic Viability: Some states struggle to find economically viable disposal options for combustible fractions and fine soil-like material.
- Waste Composition: Around 8% of legacy waste comprises combustible fractions.
- Limited Co-Processing Units: India has 54 co-processing units, with only 13 states having operational units.
Benefits of Recovered Material
- Construction and Filling Solutions: Repurposed fine soil-like material can be used in road construction and to stabilize flood-prone areas.
- Improving Engineering Properties: Fine soil enhances roadbed engineering.
- Elevation and Stabilization: Fine fraction elevates and stabilizes low-lying areas.
Another aspect: GHGs Emissions from Waste
Methane Emission Sources
- Wastewater’s High Contribution: Wastewater treatment is a major source of methane emissions.
- Organic Matter Decomposition: Methane is produced during organic matter decomposition in wastewater and solid waste disposal.
- Solid Waste Disposal: Methane is generated in landfills, open dumps, and waste disposal sites.
Overall Methane Emissions in India
- India’s Methane Emissions: In 2016, India emitted 409 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent methane.
- Sector-Wise Breakdown: Agriculture contributed 73.96%, waste 14.46%, energy 10.62%, and industrial processes 0.96%.
- Key Contributors: Open dumpsites and landfills are significant sources.
Lost Opportunities and Climate Impact
- Persistent Methane Emissions: Even capped landfills emit methane due to biochemical reactions.
- Untapped Energy Resource: Methane emissions represent missed energy opportunities.
- Biogas Potential: 1 TPD of biodegradable waste can produce 80-100 cubic meters of biogas.
- Environmental Harm: Disposing of biodegradable waste in landfills releases methane, a climate pollutant.
Harnessing Methane for a Sustainable Future
- Bio-Methanation: Implementing bio-methanation processes can capture methane for various applications.
- Beneficial Applications: Captured methane can be converted into bio-CNG, electricity, or other fuels.
- Material Suitability: Recovered material must meet engineering and environmental standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with local regulations is essential.
Conclusion
- Navigating Waste Remediation: India faces challenges and opportunities in dumpsite remediation. Addressing topographical barriers, ensuring economic viability, and maximizing material utilization are critical.
- A Missed Opportunity: Dumpsites emit methane, a valuable energy resource. Proper waste management can mitigate climate impacts and unlock economic benefits.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Poona Pact and other related facts
Mains level: Gandhi and Ambedkar dynamic: critical roles in shaping India's social landscape.
What’s the news?
- Prominent figures Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s historic collaboration on the Poona Pact, addressing caste and social injustice, remains relevant in contemporary India’s ongoing debates.
Central idea
- Gandhi is indispensable. You may love him or hate him, but you can’t ignore him. As world leaders gathered for the G-20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the timeless importance of Gandhi’s ideals in shaping a harmonious global future. Gandhi’s persona transcended ideologies, making him a creed unto himself.
Gandhi’s Profound Persona
- Gandhi’s persona transcended ideologies, becoming a creed in itself. To truly appreciate his legacy, we must approach it with an open mind, free from preconceived biases. His extensive literary contributions, spanning over a hundred volumes, offer insights into his complex worldview and philosophy.
Gandhi’s Humility and Self-Reflection
- One admirable aspect of Gandhi was his recognition of his own fallibility.
- He encouraged readers to choose the interpretation of his writings that resonated with them, demonstrating courage and humility.
- His continual self-growth was evident, emphasizing his commitment to his principles.
The Gandhi-Ambedkar Dynamic
- October holds significance for both Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, known for their opposing views on social issues like varna and caste.
- Despite their differences, they reached a historic agreement known as the Poona Pact, which played a pivotal role in shaping India’s social landscape.
The Poona Pact: An Agreement for Inclusivity
- Historic Agreement: The Poona Pact was a significant development in Indian history. It marked an agreement reached between Gandhi and Ambedkar in Pune, India, during a period of intense discussions and debates about political representation for the depressed classes (Dalits), who were formerly known as untouchables.
- Background: Before the Poona Pact, there was a demand for separate electorates for Dalits, a move advocated by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This demand led to divisions and tensions within Indian society.
- Gandhi’s Fast Unto Death: Mahatma Gandhi, opposed to the idea of separate electorates, embarked on a fast unto death in protest. This fast put immense pressure on the political leaders and created a crisis situation.
- Outcome: The Poona Pact was the result of negotiations between Gandhi and Ambedkar. It led to the abandonment of the demand for separate electorates for Dalits. Instead, it introduced the concept of reserved seats (quotas) for the depressed classes within the general electorate.
- Significance: The Poona Pact aimed to secure political representation for Dalits while maintaining the unity of the Hindu community. It was seen as a compromise that prevented further division within Indian society.
- Legacy: The Poona Pact’s legacy is still felt in modern India. It introduced the system of reserved seats for Dalits in provincial legislatures and other political bodies. This system, known as scheduled castes, continues to ensure political representation for Dalits in India.
Unity Amidst Differences
- Though Gandhi and Ambedkar held divergent philosophical views on the foundation of caste, they both agreed on the need to eradicate untouchability and uplift the depressed classes.
- Gandhi advocated for treating untouchables on par with caste Hindus, while Ambedkar sought to eliminate the varna system entirely.
- Gandhi’s Support for the Varna System: Gandhi, inspired by Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s teachings, supported the Vedic varna system, where an individual’s qualities, actions, and nature determined their varna. He considered it a beneficent law, separate from untouchability.
- Ambedkar’s Rejection of Varna Dharma: Ambedkar vehemently opposed the Varna system, viewing it as the root of the problem. He challenged the idea that caste and untouchability were distinct issues, arguing that they were inseparable.
Ongoing Debate
- The debates surrounding caste, varna, and Sanatan Dharma (the traditional Hindu way of life) are still actively discussed in India.
- Despite the Poona Pact and other social reforms, India grapples with issues related to caste discrimination and untouchability.
- The ongoing debate reflects the complexity of India’s social fabric, with differing perspectives on how to address these issues.
Conclusion
- Gandhi and Ambedkar, despite their differences, played critical roles in shaping India’s social landscape. Their historic collaboration in the Poona Pact demonstrated a shared commitment to inclusivity and justice. The debates they ignited still resonate in contemporary Indian society, underscoring the enduring relevance of their ideas and ideals.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: WTO and Appellate Review Mechanisms
Mains level: WTO's Dispute Settlement Crisis, ISDS and India's stand on Appellate Review Mechanisms
What’s the news?
- The recently concluded G-20 Declaration, among its many commitments, reiterated the need to pursue reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Central idea
- Reforming international dispute settlement mechanisms is imperative for global trade and investment stability. The G-20 Declaration emphasizes WTO reform by 2024, yet uncertainties persist in the dispute resolution process, given ongoing US opposition.
WTO’s Dispute Settlement System: A Crisis Since 2019
- The WTO’s dispute settlement system, known for its two-tier panel cum appellate body structure, has been in turmoil since 2019 when the United States blocked the appointment of appellate body members.
- Despite being hailed as the crown jewel of the WTO, this system is currently hamstrung, jeopardizing its ability to issue coherent and predictable rulings.
- The G-20’s commitment to improving this system is commendable, but uncertainties persist, especially due to the U.S.’s reluctance towards an appellate review process.
What is Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS)?
- ISDS is a mechanism used to resolve disputes between foreign investors and host countries’ governments in the context of international investment agreements.
- It is a ubiquitous component of bilateral investment treaties (BITs).
- The ISDS today is the principal means to settle international investment law disputes.
- As of January 1, 2023, 1,257 ISDS cases have been initiated. India has had a chequered history with ISDS, with five adverse awards: four in favor and several pending claims.
The Role of Appellate Review in International Trade Law
- An appellate review process is essential at the international level, just as it is in national courts. It acts as a crucial check on the interpretation and application of the law, ensuring consistency.
- The absence of such a mechanism can lead to inconsistencies and incoherent decisions, as seen in international investment law through ISDS.
UNCITRAL’s Working Group III
- Discussions are ongoing at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) regarding ISDS reforms and the creation of an appellate review mechanism.
- Key issues include the form of the mechanism, review standards, timeframes, and decision effects. These discussions hold the promise of addressing the current deficiencies in ISDS.
Benefits of an appellate review mechanism
- Error Correction: Appellate review corrects legal mistakes in WTO and ISDS decisions, ensuring the accurate application of rules.
- Consistency and Confidence: It maintains a uniform interpretation of trade and investment laws, promoting stability and predictability. A functional appellate body boosts trust in the WTO, encouraging nations to resolve trade disputes peacefully.
- Harmonization and Stability: ISDS appellate review aligns diverse treaty interpretations, reducing legal disparities. It also fosters investor-state predictability, attracts investments, and promotes economic growth.
- Reducing Uncertainty: Appellate review clarifies investment treaty rights and obligations, reducing ambiguity.
- Credibility: Its presence enhances ISDS credibility, making it more appealing for states and investors.
- Rule-Based Order: Supporting appellate review aligns with India’s aim for a rule-based global system, fostering international cooperation.
India’s Position on Appellate Review Mechanisms
- Support for Appellate Review in ISDS:
- Although India has not officially articulated its stance, there is a presumption that India is supportive of the idea of an appellate review mechanism in ISDS.
- This presumption is based on the presence of Article 29 in India’s model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), which appears to endorse the concept of appellate review.
- Alignment with India’s interests:
- India is concerned about the inconsistency and incoherence that currently characterize the ISDS system.
- Supporting an appellate review mechanism is seen as a means to address these concerns and promote greater stability and predictability in international investment law.
- Relevance to Ongoing Negotiations:
- India will likely need to take a formal position on this issue during ongoing investment treaty negotiations with the European Union (EU).
- The EU is advocating for the establishment of an appellate review mechanism for investment disputes, and India’s stance will be crucial in shaping the outcome of these negotiations.
- Quest for a Rule-Based Global Order:
- India’s broader objective is to establish a rule-based global order in international trade and investment. Supporting an appellate review mechanism, both in ISDS and within the World Trade Organization (WTO), is seen as a way to achieve this goal.
- Moreover, India should also advocate for the restoration of the WTO appellate body to ensure a fully functioning dispute settlement system at the WTO.
Conclusion
- The G-20’s commitment to revitalizing the WTO’s dispute settlement system and the ongoing discussions on establishing an appellate review mechanism in ISDS are steps in the right direction. India, as a proponent of a rule-based global order, should actively support these reforms to ensure greater confidence among states and investors in international trade and investment law.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Women’s Reservation Bill
Mains level: Women reservation and representation, challenges and Imperative for Women in enforcement agencies
What’s the news?
- The 2023 Constitution Amendment Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament, reserves one-third of seats in the House of the People, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of Delhi.
Central idea
- In the near future, women lawmakers are poised to constitute at least 33% of India’s legislative bodies. In tandem with legislative reforms, there is a pressing need for increased female representation in law enforcement agencies.
The Connection between Legislators and Law Enforcement
- The representation of women in the Indian Parliament stands at approximately 14.4%, a notable improvement compared to the 4.9% recorded in the first Lok Sabha in 1952.
- While the direct relationship between the number of legislators and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies is not straightforward, the representation of women in these institutions reflects their alignment with the diverse society they serve.
Reservation and Representation in the Police Force
- In parallel with legislative reforms, achieving greater gender diversity within law enforcement agencies is a pressing concern.
- Several states have adopted policies mandating the allocation of 30% or 33% of vacant police positions to women, leveraging horizontal reservation.
- This approach ensures that if minimum reserved positions for SC, ST, Other Backward Classes, and unreserved categories are not filled by women candidates on merit, women are given priority.
- However, there is significant variation among states in implementing such policies, with some not having any reservation for women in their police forces.
- The data published by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) reveals that although the total strength of state police forces grew by approximately 7.48% over five years, the representation of women in these forces increased only marginally.
Examples of Variations in Implementation
- Kerala, Mizoram, and Goa: These states, despite not having specific reservation policies for women in the police force, manage to maintain women’s representation in a commendable range between 6% and 11%.
- Bihar: Bihar allocates an impressive 35% reservation for women, with an additional 3% reserved for backward caste women. However, the actual representation of women in the force is around 17.4%, indicating challenges in the effective execution of these quotas.
- Chandigarh: Chandigarh boasts the highest percentage of women in its police force, with approximately 22% representation.
- Jammu and Kashmir: Conversely, Jammu and Kashmir have the lowest representation of women in their police force, standing at approximately 3.3%.
Challenges in Recruitment
- Low Rate of Filling Vacancies: Recruitment is conducted for only about 4% to 5% of the total vacant positions, taking into account an attrition rate of 2.5% to 3% and an annual sanction of new posts of around 1.5% to 2%. This sluggish pace of recruitment impedes efforts to increase women’s representation.
- Lack of Permanent Police Recruitment Boards: Numerous states lack permanent police recruitment boards, which makes it challenging to conduct regular recruitment cycles.
- Infrequent Recruitment: Due to these impediments, recruitment cycles often occur at infrequent intervals, further delaying the process of enhancing women’s representation.
- Reforms Implementation: Some of the key reforms aimed at enhancing women’s participation include merging women police with the regular police force and establishing police recruitment boards. However, not all states have been enthusiastic about implementing these reforms, potentially affecting their benefits.
- State Subject: Policing falls under the purview of states as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Therefore, implementing necessary police reforms primarily remains the responsibility of individual states.
Crime Data and the Imperative for Women in Policing
- According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, approximately 10% of the total crimes defined under the Indian Penal Code were committed against women in 2021.
- These crimes include offenses such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and crimes against women and children.
- This data underscores the pressing need for specialized handling of such cases, as they often require a nuanced and empathetic approach.
- Insufficient Representation:
- Despite the prevalence of crimes against women, only about 5.3% of total arrests in 2021 were women. This indicates that the available women police force may be insufficient to effectively address cases related to women.
- Ensuring an adequate number of women police officers is essential to handling these cases sensitively and professionally.
- Scope Enlargement: The Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act has expanded the scope of women’s recruitment in the police force. This expansion acknowledges the unique skills and sensitivity that women officers can bring to cases involving children and minors.
- Versatile Capabilities: The women have demonstrated their competence in various police duties, dispelling any doubts about their ability to handle diverse assignments in a police institution. Their versatility is an asset in responding to a wide range of law enforcement challenges.
- Democracy and Representation: In a democratic country, every institution must be representative of its populace to earn the trust of the citizens it serves. Ensuring diversity, including gender diversity, within law enforcement agencies is vital to building trust and confidence among the public.
Government efforts
- Financial Incentives: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) introduced financial incentives starting in 2018–19 to encourage states to implement police reforms effectively. These incentives include reserving a portion of modernization funds, with an initial reservation of 10% in the first year, followed by 20% of total modernization funds.
- Special Initiatives: The MHA also offered a special grant to encourage states to establish a ‘women desk’ in every police station. However, there may not be sufficient women personnel to handle these desks effectively in some districts.
Way Forward: Empowering Women in Policing
- Family Quarters Satisfaction: As of January 1, 2021, the satisfaction level regarding family quarters for women police officers stood at only about 30%. Adequate family quarters are crucial for creating a conducive work environment.
- Infrastructure and Environment: Efforts should be made to provide a conducive environment and basic infrastructure to encourage more women to join the police force. This includes improving living conditions, providing separate toilets for women staff, and providing crèche facilities for children in police stations.
- Uniform Police Act: Consider implementing a uniform police act for the entire country to establish consistent standards for women in the police force.
- Recruitment: Ensure that every state has a recruitment board to oversee and facilitate regular recruitment of women into the police force.
- Special Recruitment Drive: Launch special recruitment drives in all states and union territories to actively recruit more women officers and increase their representation in the police force, similar to the Constitutional 128th Amendment for women in legislatures.
Conclusion
- The journey toward gender equality and representation in India’s legislative and law enforcement bodies is complex but essential. Bridging the gender gap in the police force is not just about equality, but also about enhancing the effectiveness and inclusivity of these vital institutions in a democratic society.
Also read:
Women’s reservation: What is the road ahead, before it can be implemented
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