The Waqf Bill 2024, also known as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) after allies of the Narendra Modi government expressed reluctance to pass it immediately, and opposition parties voiced criticism of the Bill.
Concerns Acknowledged by the JPC
Inclusion of Non-Muslims: The proposal to include non-Muslim members in state waqf boards has faced significant opposition. Critics argue that this undermines the religious autonomy of Muslim institutions, as similar provisions do not exist for Hindu temples or other religious bodies.
Increased Authority of District Collectors: The Bill grants more powers to district collectors, allowing them to arbitrate disputes over waqf properties. This has raised concerns about potential government overreach and the effectiveness of local waqf boards in managing properties.
Impact on Inheritance Rights: The proposed changes could affect the inheritance rights of heirs, particularly women, by allowing the creation of family waqfs that may not fully comply with Islamic inheritance laws. This raises questions about fairness and equity in the distribution of waqf assets.
The rationale of the family waqt:
Family waqf is rooted in the Islamic principle that charity begins at home
The Quran encourages spending money on parents and relatives (2:215), and the Prophet Muhammad emphasised the importance of spending on one’s family as a highly rewarded act of charity.
Potential for Misuse: There are fears that the amendments could lead to the misuse of waqf properties, exacerbating existing issues of encroachment and mismanagement, rather than effectively addressing them.
Newly Proposed Section 3A(2)
Key Features: This section stipulates that a Muslim can create a family waqf only concerning one-third of their property if excluding heirs, and it prohibits the complete exclusion of female heirs. However, it allows for the possibility of token benefits being granted to female heirs, which could still result in unequal distributions.
Concerns: Critics argue that this provision may not sufficiently protect women’s rights under Islamic inheritance laws, as it could permit arrangements that do not provide equitable benefits to female heirs compared to their male counterparts.
Implementation of Waqf Boards Worldwide
India: India has 30 waqf boards, each responsible for managing waqf properties within their respective states. These boards oversee approximately 900,000 properties, with a focus on ensuring that waqf assets are used for charitable purposes.
Middle Eastern Countries: In many Middle Eastern nations, waqf properties are often managed by government-appointed bodies, and the legal framework tends to be more integrated with Islamic law. For instance, in countries like Egypt and Turkey, waqf management is closely tied to state regulations, which can vary significantly from those in India.
Colonial impact: The evolution of waqf laws has been influenced by colonial histories, with some countries, such as Egypt and Tunisia, abolishing family waqfs altogether, while others, like Malaysia and Indonesia, have maintained them with varying degrees of regulation.
Way forward:
Strengthen Waqf Governance: Ensure robust oversight and accountability of waqf boards by balancing state involvement with respect for religious autonomy. This includes safeguarding the inheritance rights of heirs, particularly women, and preventing government overreach while maintaining effective management of waqf properties.
Promote Inclusivity and Equity: Amend the Waqf Bill to address concerns about the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards and ensure equitable distribution of waqf assets in line with Islamic inheritance laws.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: South China Sea;
Mains level: Significance of South China Sea;
Why in the News?
Tensions between China and the Philippines have sharply escalated after a violent clash between their sailors in the South China Sea (SCS) last week. Currently, escalating tensions in the South China Sea are heightening global security concerns over this vital trade route.
How Important is the South China Sea for World Trade?
About a third of global maritime trade passes through the 3.5 million square kilometre South China Sea annually, according to UNCTAD.
Around 40% of petroleum products traded globally are delivered via the South China Sea every year.
In 2016, an estimated $3.4 trillion to $3.6 trillion worth of goods and commodities travelled the seaway.
Tens of thousands of cargo vessels move through the South China Sea every year, carrying around 40% of China’s, one-third of India’s and 20% of Japan’s trade with the rest of the world.
The South China Sea is a vital crossroads for both intra-Asian trade as well as for commerce with the rest of the world, especially Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
What makes the South China Sea such a Controversial Issue?
Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea as its own, angering its neighbours who say China’s territorial ambitions cut into their exclusive economic zones.
China ignored a 2016 ruling by an international arbitration court that Beijing has no legal or historical basis for its expansive claims under international law.
The Chinese military has staged increasingly aggressive actions in the seaway recently, including clashes with Filipino ships, fueling fears of a full-scale conflict.
Vietnam and the Philippines have filed claims with the UN for extended continental shelves in the South China Sea.
Concerns that Beijing may use military force to bring Taiwan under its control have further raised tensions in the region.
Why is the South China Sea Contested?
Availability of Natural gas and oil: The South China Sea is estimated to hold about 5.38 trillion cubic meters of proven and probable natural gas and 11 billion barrels of oil reserves.
Rare earth elements: The disputed waters also contain large deposits of rare-earth minerals crucial to China’s technological ambitions, including electric vehicle batteries and advanced electronics.
Some estimates suggest the Pacific Ocean contains a thousand times more rare-earth minerals than the currently known land reserves, more than half of which are controlled by China.
Biggest Chokepoint in the South China Sea
The Malacca Strait, which lies between Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, is considered the biggest chokepoint in the South China Sea.
Last year, 23.7 million barrels of oil and petroleum products were moved through the strait per day, 13% higher than through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Malacca Strait is just 64 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and is already vulnerable to congestion and collisions.
Experts predict that if China invades Taiwan, the U.S. and its allies could blockade the Malacca Strait, limiting China’s access to oil and exports
What should India do? (Way forward)
Enhance Strategic Partnerships: India should strengthen its maritime collaborations with key regional players like ASEAN nations, Japan, and Australia while deepening its involvement in forums such as the Quad to promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Bolster Naval Capabilities: India should continue to modernize and expand its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on securing critical sea lanes and chokepoints like the Malacca Strait to safeguard its trade routes and energy supplies in the event of escalating tensions.
Mains PYQ:
Q South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.(2016)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Safety Law and Guidelines; Importance of Safety Audits;
Why in the News?
On August 21, 2024, a deadly explosion at the Escientia plant in Atchutapuram SEZ killed 17 workers and injured over 50, triggered by a solvent leak involving MTBE. The incident, part of a troubling safety trend, has prompted a government inquiry and calls for stricter safety regulations, particularly due to the exemption from regular inspections for SEZ units.
Previous Incidents: This accident is part of a troubling pattern, as it follows another major explosion in the same SEZ last year, and recalls a deadly styrene vapour leak incident in 2020 that killed 12 people.
Government Response: The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed condolences and promised support for the victims’ families.
Importance of Safety Audits
Preventing Future Accidents: Regular safety audits can help identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations, reducing the risk of catastrophic incidents.
Accountability: Audits enforce accountability among management to adhere to safety standards, promoting a culture of safety within organizations.
Regulatory Compliance: Conducting safety audits helps organizations ensure compliance with local, state, and national safety regulations.
Public Trust: Enhancing safety measures and transparency can restore public confidence in industrial operations, particularly in regions prone to industrial accidents.
Safety Law and Guidelines:
Factories Act, 1948: Governs worker safety in factories, mandating safety audits and safety officer appointments. Requires safety committees with management and employee reps to address hazards.
IS 14489:1998: Provides guidelines for occupational safety and health audits, focusing on compliance, deviations, and safety management effectiveness across sectors.
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Consolidates labor laws, mandates regular safety audits for hazardous processes, and grants inspectors authority to enforce compliance.
CIMAH Rules: Require industries with hazardous processes to prepare safety reports and conduct regular audits to prevent major accidents, enforced by state safety authorities.
Integrated Guidance Framework for Chemicals Safety: Offers guidance for safety audits in handling hazardous chemicals, emphasizing compliance with MSIHC Rules and robust audit practices.
Note:
IS 14489:1998 is an Indian Standard titled “Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Audit.” It provides comprehensive guidelines for conducting occupational safety and health audits in various workplaces.
Way forward:
Implement Regular Safety Audits: Enforce routine safety audits for all industrial units, including SEZs, to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards, thus preventing future incidents and promoting a culture of safety.
Strengthen Regulatory Oversight: Close regulatory gaps by applying safety standards uniformly across all sectors, including exempted units, and enhance transparency and accountability in safety practices to restore public trust.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Various space missions mentioned
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
Since Chandrayaan 3’s successful moon landing on August 23, 2023 and its declaration of National Space Day, ISRO has remained highly active with several key missions, despite a quieter phase at Sriharikota.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES)
Why in the News?
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting has launched 25 challenges as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge – Season 1’ for the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES).
About WAVES
It is an international summit organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.
The first edition will take place from 20-24 November 2024 in Goa.
The summit will be hosted in Goa in collaboration with the State Government of Goa.
The Entertainment Society of Goa will act as the Nodal Agency for the event, following an MOU with Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
It is supported by industry partners like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Purpose:
WAVES aims to be a pivotal forum for fostering dialogue, trade collaboration, and innovation within the evolving media and entertainment industry.
The summit will showcase India as a hub for innovation and excellence in the media and entertainment sector, attract investments, and position India as a global leader in the entertainment business.
Location & Collaboration:
WAVES is designed to promote sustainable growth in the media and entertainment industry.
It will help attract global trade and investment to India, positioning the country as a key player in the global entertainment landscape.
The summit will bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to explore new opportunities, tackle challenges, and shape the future of the sector.
PYQ:
[2014] Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Orangutan Diplomacy
Why in the News?
Malaysia, after initially introducing its version of soft power called “Orangutan Diplomacy” following China’s successful “panda diplomacy,” has now reversed its decision.
What is Orangutan Diplomacy?
It is a Malaysian strategy that seeks to use orangutan conservation as a tool of soft power, inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.”
It had first announced plans to gift orangutans (IUCN Status: Critically Endangered) to palm oil-buying countries.
It engages other countries in conservation efforts, focusing on symbolic adoptions rather than sending animals abroad.
Reasons behind:
Palm Oil Industry Criticism: Malaysia faces criticism for deforestation due to palm oil plantations, threatening orangutans.
Enhance Image: It aims to counter negative perceptions and showcase commitment to sustainability and position Malaysia as a leader in wildlife protection.
Global Cooperation: It seeks to strengthen ties with major palm oil importers like China, India, and the EU through conservation partnerships.
Criticisms:
Habitat Concerns: Critics argue real conservation requires protecting habitats, not just symbolic actions.
Comparisons to Panda Diplomacy: Malaysia’s effort lacks the infrastructure and commitment seen in China’s panda conservation.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to ‘palm oil’, consider the following statements :
1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.
2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.
3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.
