PYQ Relevance:
Q) Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (UPSC CSE 2021) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the women in the higher judiciary (2021), and appointment of judges of higher judiciary (2017).
Women in law have made significant progress in India over the past 100 years. Cornelia Sorabji became the first woman lawyer to practice in 1924. Since then, the number of women lawyers has increased, with many becoming Senior Advocates and judges in lower courts. However, their representation in the higher judiciary remains very low.
Today’s editorial highlights the reasons for the low representation of women in the Indian judiciary. This content is useful for GS Papers 1 and 2 in the UPSC Mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The gender gap in India’s judiciary is evident in the low representation of women, especially in higher courts.
What is the status of women in the Indian Judiciary?
- Supreme Court: Women make up about 9.3% of judges in the Supreme Court, with only a few women judges currently serving.
- High Courts: As of August 2024, women constitute about 14% of High Court judges, with only 106 women judges out of a total of 754 judges across all High Courts. There are only two women Chief Justices among all High Courts.
- Subordinate Judiciary: Women have a higher representation in subordinate courts, constituting about 36.3% of judges as of recent data.
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What are the main reasons for the underrepresentation of women in the higher judiciary in India?
- Systemic Gender Bias and Stereotypes: Women are often viewed as less capable of handling complex legal matters or leadership roles. Example: Justice Indira Banerjee, a former Supreme Court judge, highlighted how women must work harder to prove their competence compared to male counterparts.
- Opaque Collegium System: The collegium lacks transparency in the selection process and does not prioritize gender diversity. Example: Since 2021, 28 judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court, but none of them have been women.
- Limited Senior Women Advocates: Fewer women reach the level of Senior Advocate, which reduces the pool of candidates for higher judicial positions. Example: Only one woman, Justice Indu Malhotra, has been elevated directly from the Bar to the Supreme Court in its history.
- Delayed Appointments and Age Disparity: Women are appointed to the Bench later than men, limiting their tenure and chances of becoming Chief Justices. Example: The average appointment age for women is 53 years, while for men, it is 51.8 years.
- Government’s Selective Confirmation: Women’s names recommended by the collegium are more likely to be delayed or rejected by the government. Example: Since 2020, nine women were recommended for High Court appointments, but five of these names were rejected.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
- Reservation for Women in Lower Judiciary: Several states like Bihar, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh have introduced 30-35% reservations for women in the lower judiciary to encourage female participation at the entry level. Example: Bihar introduced a 35% reservation for women in judicial services to increase their representation.
- Promotion of Gender Sensitization: The government supports initiatives to train judges and judicial staff on gender sensitivity and equality. Example: The National Judicial Academy conducts gender sensitization workshops for judicial officers.
- Encouragement of Collegium Recommendations: The government has urged the collegium to consider gender diversity when recommending names for judicial appointments. Example: The Law Minister has emphasized the need for more women judges in parliamentary discussions.
- Increased Representation in Policy Discussions: The government includes women’s voices in law commissions and judicial reform committees. Example: Justice R. Banumathi was part of the committee on criminal law reforms focusing on gender issues.
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How can the collegium system be reformed to ensure greater transparency and gender diversity in judicial appointments?
- Establish Clear and Transparent Selection Criteria: Implement publicly available guidelines specifying the qualifications, experience, and evaluation methods for judicial appointments. Example: The United Kingdom’s Judicial Appointments Commission uses clear, published criteria to promote transparency and diversity in judicial selection.
- Mandate Gender Representation in Recommendations: Introduce a formal quota or commitment to ensuring that at least one-third of the recommended candidates are women. Example: Countries like Canada follow a diversity mandate to ensure that judicial appointments reflect gender and ethnic representation.
- Open Application Process for Judicial Aspirants: Allow eligible lawyers to apply for judgeship through a transparent process rather than relying solely on collegium nominations. Example: South Africa invites applications publicly and conducts open interviews, ensuring broader participation, including women candidates.
Way forward:
- Institutionalize Gender Diversity in Judicial Appointments: Implement a binding policy requiring the collegium to prioritize gender diversity, ensuring a minimum percentage of women in judicial recommendations. This can be reinforced by periodic audits and public reports on gender representation.
- Mentorship and Capacity Building for Women Lawyers: Establish structured mentorship programs to support women lawyers in advancing to senior positions and encourage their participation in judicial roles. This should include targeted training for leadership and judicial skills to expand the pool of qualified women candidates.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India-Mauritius relation;
Why in the News?
Prime Minister Modi will visit Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, to strengthen relations with the new government and confirm India’s support for the island’s security and growth.
What are the key historical and cultural ties between India and Mauritius?
- Indentured Labor Heritage (1834 Onwards): Nearly 70% of Mauritians are of Indian origin, descendants of indentured laborers brought by the British to work on sugar plantations. Example: The Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, marks the arrival point of Indian laborers.
- Shared Freedom Struggles: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius’ first Prime Minister, worked closely with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during Bose’s stay in London (1919-21). Example: Sir Ramgoolam proofread Bose’s famous book “ The Indian Struggle” and received an autographed copy in appreciation.
- Linguistic and Cultural Preservation: Various Indian languages, including Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi, are actively spoken and preserved through cultural institutions. Example: The Mahatma Gandhi Institute (established in 1976) promotes Indian languages, arts, and culture in Mauritius.
- Religious and Festival Ties: Hinduism is practiced by over 48% of the population, and Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Thaipusam are widely celebrated. Example: The Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) pilgrimage site is considered sacred and draws thousands during Maha Shivaratri.
- Institutional and Diplomatic Links: India actively supports Mauritius through diplomatic and cultural outreach programs. Example: Mauritius hosts the World Hindi Secretariat, which is supported by India to promote the Hindi language globally.
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Why is maritime security cooperation between India and Mauritius crucial?
- Strategic Location in the Indian Ocean: Mauritius lies at a key maritime crossroads in the western Indian Ocean, making it vital for monitoring international shipping lanes and securing regional trade. Example: The Colombo Security Conclave (including India, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh) enhances cooperation to ensure maritime safety.
- Countering China’s Expanding Influence: With China increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through infrastructure projects and naval activities, India’s partnership with Mauritius helps balance regional power. Example: India’s Agaléga Island redevelopment supports surveillance and counters China’s maritime ambitions.
- Securing Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs): Mauritius has an EEZ of 2.3 million sq. km, rich in marine resources. Collaboration ensures these areas are protected from illegal activities like fishing and piracy. Example: India’s INS Sarvekshak recently completed an ocean survey of 25,000 sq. km in Mauritius’ EEZ to enhance maritime mapping and security.
- Joint Surveillance and Intelligence Sharing: Surveillance cooperation enhances maritime domain awareness and secures trade routes against piracy, trafficking, and other threats. Example: Mauritius has access to India’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram for real-time maritime intelligence.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Close maritime ties enable swift disaster response and the delivery of humanitarian aid in times of crisis. Example: India provided naval assistance to Mauritius during the MV Wakashio oil spill disaster in 2020.
Where has India invested in maritime infrastructure and security cooperation with Mauritius?
- Agaléga Island Development: India is redeveloping Agaléga Island to establish airstrips and port facilities for joint surveillance and maritime domain awareness. Example: This facility enhances monitoring of maritime traffic and strengthens anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations.
- Coastal Radar Surveillance Network: India has installed a network of coastal radar stations in Mauritius to improve maritime security and real-time surveillance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Example: This system helps track illegal maritime activities like smuggling and unauthorized fishing.
- Access to the Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR): India provides Mauritius access to its Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), which enables intelligence sharing and coordinated maritime operations. Example: Mauritius can monitor maritime traffic, enhancing its ability to protect its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and respond to emerging threats.
What role does the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) play in their economic partnership?
- Facilitating Foreign Investments: The DTAA between India and Mauritius prevents double taxation on income, encouraging foreign investments to flow through Mauritius into India. Example: As of March 2024, Mauritius remained India’s fourth-largest source of FPI, contributing ₹4.19 lakh crore, accounting for 6% of India’s total FPI of ₹69.54 lakh crore.
- Strengthening Mauritius as a Financial Hub: The agreement has helped Mauritius become a major international financial centre, particularly for investments into India and African markets. Example: Many private equity and venture capital funds use Mauritius as a base to invest in Indian businesses due to favorable tax treatment.
- Impact of Treaty Amendments on Investment Flows: In March 2024, India and Mauritius revised the DTAA to include the Principal Purpose Test (PPT), aiming to prevent treaty abuse and tax evasion. Following these amendments, FPIs withdrew ₹8,671 crore from Indian equities in April 2024, reflecting concerns over the revised tax implications.
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Way forward:
- Enhance Maritime Security Collaboration: There is a need to strengthen joint surveillance, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building initiatives to secure the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and safeguard maritime trade routes.
- Deepen Economic and Financial Cooperation: The Government should adapt the DTAA framework to maintain investor confidence while fostering transparent, sustainable investment flows between the two nations.
Mains PYQ:
Q Why was indentured labour taken by the British from India to their colonies? have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Semiconductor Industry;
Why in the News?
At the World Economic Forum in January, Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India will produce its first locally made semiconductor chip this year.
What is the primary goal of India’s Semicon India Programme?
- Reduce Import Dependency: To decrease reliance on foreign countries for semiconductor chips used in electronics, automobiles, and communication devices.
- Boost Domestic Manufacturing and Innovation: To establish a strong domestic ecosystem for semiconductor fabrication, assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP). Example: Construction of the Dholera semiconductor fabrication facility in Gujarat by Tata Electronics in collaboration with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation.
- Enhance India’s Position in the Global Supply Chain: To integrate India into the global semiconductor value chain and attract investments from global tech giants. Example: The Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test facility in Morigaon, Assam, is part of India’s effort to develop advanced chip packaging capabilities and reduce external reliance.
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How will it reduce import dependency on semiconductor chips?
- Local Production of Semiconductor Chips: Domestic manufacturing of chips will reduce the need to import critical components used in electronics and communication. Example: India’s first indigenously manufactured semiconductor chip is expected to be produced in 2024, cutting reliance on imports from countries like China and South Korea.
- Building Fabrication (Fab) Facilities: Establishing semiconductor fabrication plants allows India to produce advanced chips domestically. Example: The Dholera fabrication facility in Gujarat by Tata Electronics, in collaboration with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation will reduce the need for importing high-end chips.
- Developing Assembly, Testing, and Packaging (ATP) Capabilities: Setting up ATP units enables India to process raw semiconductor wafers into finished products locally. Example: The Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test facility in Morigaon, Assam, will handle large-scale chip assembly and packaging, decreasing dependence on foreign ATP services.
- Diversifying Supply Chains and Strengthening Indigenous Innovation: Promoting research and development will encourage innovation in chip design and technology. Example: Investments in EDA software (Electronic Design Automation) and Core IP (patents) will enable India to design proprietary chips instead of relying on external technologies.
- Attracting Global and Domestic Investments: Incentives and policy support under the Semicon India Programme will attract both domestic and foreign semiconductor companies to manufacture locally. Example: Government partnerships with industry leaders like Tata Electronics and Foxconn encourage private investment in chip manufacturing, reducing future import needs
Where are the major semiconductor manufacturing and assembly facilities being constructed under the Semicon India Programme?
- Tata-PSMC Semiconductor Fab, Dholera, Gujarat: ₹91,000 crore investment for a fabrication unit with a capacity of 50,000 wafer starts/month, producing 28 nm compute and power management chips for EVs, telecom, defense, and consumer electronics.
- Tata TSAT ATMP Unit, Morigaon, Assam: ₹27,000 crore investment in an advanced packaging unit handling 48 million chips/day, catering to automotive, EV, telecom, and consumer electronics sectors.
- CG Power-Renesas-Stars ATMP Unit, Sanand, Gujarat: ₹7,600 crore investment for specialized chip manufacturing with a capacity of 15 million chips/day, focusing on consumer, industrial, automotive, and power applications.
- Micron Technology ATMP Unit, Sanand, Gujarat: $2.75 billion investment for a memory and storage chip assembly plant, expected to deliver the first chip by 2025, primarily for export.
- Kaynes Semicon OSAT Facility, Sanand, Gujarat: ₹3,307 crore investment in an outsourced assembly and test unit, aiming to produce 200 million chips annually by March 2025, focusing on power electronics and industrial uses.
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Why has the actual spending under the Semicon India Programme consistently fallen?
- Delays in Project Approvals: Lengthy evaluation and approval processes for semiconductor projects have slowed fund disbursement. For instance, the Tata and Micron projects faced regulatory and environmental clearance delays.
- High Capital-Intensive Nature: Semiconductor manufacturing requires significant upfront investment, and the government has struggled to allocate sufficient funds. For example, the revised estimate for FY24 dropped to ₹1,503.36 crore from the budgeted ₹3,000 crore due to financial constraints.
- Limited Domestic Expertise: India’s lack of advanced technological expertise in areas like chip design and fabrication has slowed implementation, resulting in underutilized budgets.
- Complex Global Partnerships: Collaboration with international firms, such as Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation, involves lengthy negotiations and compliance with global standards, delaying fund utilization.
- Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Inadequate supporting infrastructure (like power and water supply) at manufacturing sites has caused delays. For example, the Dholera facility required significant investments in infrastructure before full-scale construction could begin.
Way forward:
- Streamline Approval Processes and Policy Support: Implement faster clearance mechanisms and provide consistent policy incentives to accelerate project approvals and fund disbursement.
- Invest in Skill Development and Infrastructure: Enhance domestic expertise through specialized training programs and improve infrastructure at manufacturing hubs to ensure timely project execution.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Spice Organisation (WSO)
Why in the News?
Despite being the largest producer and exporter of spices in the world, India’s share in the global seasoning market remains only 0.7%, compared to China’s 12% and the USA’s 11%, according to the World Spice Organisation (WSO).
About the World Spice Organisation (WSO)
- WSO was established in 2011 in Kochi, Kerala, India’s spice capital.
- It is registered as a Not-for-Profit organization under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific, and Charitable Societies Act, 1956.
- It works towards food safety, sustainability, and market development for the spice industry.
- It engages with farmers, processors, industry leaders, academia, and global spice associations.
- It works with organizations like Spices Board India, Rainforest Alliance, GIZ (Germany), and IDH (Netherlands).
- Partners with global spice trade bodies like:
- American Spice Trade Association (ASTA)
- European Spice Association (ESA)
- International Pepper Community (IPC)
- Participates in national and international food safety regulations, including:
- FSSAI (India’s food safety authority)
- BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)
- ISO (International Standards Organization)
- Codex Alimentarius (Global food safety standards)
- It serves as the technical partner for the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF).
Present Scenario of Spices
- India currently exports 1.5 million tonnes of spices worth $4.5 billion, accounting for one-fourth of the $20 billion global spice market. However, only 48% of these exports are value-added products, with the rest being whole spices.
- 85% of India’s spices are consumed domestically, leaving limited surplus for exports.
- Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, and China are emerging as strong competitors in the spice trade.
- Production:
- Major producing states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- During 2022-23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion, up from US$ 3.46 billion in 2021-22.
- India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- Major Produced and Exported Spices by India:
- Pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils, and oleoresins.
- Out of these spices, chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander make up about 76% of the total production.
- Chilli is the leading export earner, generating $1.1 billion annually.
- Ginger exports have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%.
- Export:
- In 2023-24, India’s spice exports totalled $4.25 billion, accounting for a 12% share of the global spice exports (till February 2024 data).
- India exported spices and spice products to 159 destinations worldwide as of 2023-24. The top destinations were China, the USA, Bangladesh, the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UK, and Sri Lanka. These countries accounted for more than 70% of total exports.
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PYQ:
[2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?
(a) Spices
(b) Fresh fruits
(c) Pulses
(d) Vegetable oils |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW)
Why in the News?
India’s Delegation led by Union Minister for Women and Child Developments will participate in the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW).
About United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW):
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Details |
| Establishment and Mandate |
- Founded in 1946 by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) through Resolution 11(II).
- Initially focused on women’s political, economic, civil, social, and educational rights.
- Expanded in 1996 to include monitoring the Beijing Declaration and integrating gender perspectives into UN activities.
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| Structure and Membership |
- Composed of 45 member states elected by ECOSOC based on geographical representation.
- 13 from Africa, 11 from Asia, 9 from Latin America and the Caribbean, 8 from Western Europe and other States, 4 from Eastern Europe.
- Members serve a four-year term.
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| Key Roles and Responsibilities |
- Policy Formulation: Establishes global norms and standards for gender equality.
- Monitoring Progress: Reviews gender-related commitments, including the Beijing Declaration.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Conducts research, publishes reports, and promotes women’s rights globally.
- Collaboration: Works with UN entities, NGOs, and civil society organizations to strengthen gender equality.
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| Major Contributions |
Drafted key conventions like:
- Convention on the Political Rights of Women (1953)
- Convention on the Nationality of Married Women (1957)
- Convention on Consent to Marriage (1962)
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) (1979).
- Influenced the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
- Led preparatory work for the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing (1995).
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| Annual Sessions and Key Themes |
- Held annually at UN Headquarters, New York.
- Engages member states, NGOs, and UN agencies in discussions on gender-related policies.
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PYQ:
[2009] With reference to the United Nations, consider the following statements:
- The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of UN consists of 24 member States.
- It is elected by a 2/3rd majority of the General Assembly for a 3-year term.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 'Brahmastra' Missile
Why in the News?
Indian scientists have achieved a breakthrough in hypersonic missile technology, developing a modern-day ‘Brahmastra’ with an astonishing speed of 12,144 km per hour (Mach 10).
About Brahmastra (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile – LRAShM):
- Brahmastra is a state-of-the-art hypersonic glide missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- It is designed to neutralize enemy warships and strategic naval targets with extreme speed and precision.
- With a speed of Mach 10 (12,144 km/h) and a range of 1,500 km, Brahmastra is one of the fastest and most lethal weapons in India’s defense arsenal.
- The missile’s hypersonic glide vehicle technology allows it to evade enemy radar and missile defense systems, ensuring high-precision strikes on naval targets.
Features of Brahmastra:
- It can be launched from both land and naval platforms, enhancing India’s maritime strike capabilities.
- Due to its hypersonic speed, Brahmastra can destroy an enemy warship within 7 to 8 minutes of launch.
- The missile is built with advanced heat-resistant materials, preventing it from disintegrating under extreme temperatures during flight.
- Unlike conventional missiles, Brahmastra retains its structural integrity even at hypersonic speeds, ensuring precise impact.
- It uses scramjet propulsion and glide vehicle technology for sustained hypersonic flight.
- It can adjust its trajectory mid-flight, making it highly maneuverable and difficult to intercept.
- Its stealth and radar-evading capabilities ensure low detection probability, reducing the risk of interception.
PYQ:
[2014] Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Anchar Lake
Why in the News?
Anchar Lake, a vital water body in Kashmir, is renowned for producing Nadru (lotus stem), an aquatic delicacy that holds cultural, culinary, and economic significance in the region.
About Anchar Lake
- Anchar Lake is situated in Soura, Srinagar near Ganderbal.
- It is connected to Dal Lake via Amir Khan Nallah, which passes through Gilsar and Khushal Sar Lakes.
- The lake is a part of the Sindh River Delta and plays a crucial role in supporting local aquatic ecosystems.
- It is an integral part of the Shallabugh Wetland, which covers 1,675 hectares and serves as a designated bird sanctuary.
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- It provides an essential habitat for migratory birds and various native aquatic species.
- It functions as a flood-control reservoir, receiving excess water from Dal Lake during heavy rainfall.
- It is home to the Hanji community, whose livelihood traditionally depended on fishing and other lake-based activities.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
(a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
(b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)
(c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)
(d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh) |
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