In News: The Gender Inequality Index (GII) for 2022 was recently unveiled by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of their Human Development Report for 2023-24.

Major Issues Related to Gender Inequality in India

• Gender-Based Violence: Women and girls in India encounter various forms of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment, rape, dowry-related violence, and honor killings. These issues significantly contribute to gender inequality.
• Unequal Access to Education: Despite efforts to enhance education accessibility, disparities persist between boys and girls regarding enrollment, retention, and completion rates. Cultural norms, economic constraints, and safety concerns often impede girls' education.
• Invisible Labor: Women in India typically perform a substantial amount of unpaid care work, such as household chores, childcare, and eldercare. This labor is frequently overlooked and undervalued, leading to economic dependency and time poverty.
• Gender Wage Gap: Women in India generally earn less than men for similar work, reflecting a notable gender wage gap across various sectors and employment levels.
• Child Marriage: Child marriage disproportionately affects girls, depriving them of educational and economic opportunities and exposing them to health risks. While its prevalence has decreased, certain states still exhibit higher rates than the national average.

Indian Government Initiatives to Promote Gender Equality

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Ensures the protection, survival, and education of the girl child.
• Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): Aims to empower rural women through skill development and employment opportunities.
• National Creche Scheme: Offers safe environments for children, enabling women to pursue employment.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandna Yojna: Provides maternity benefits to pregnant and lactating mothers.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Ensures housing under women's names.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna (SSY): Economically empowers girls through bank accounts.
• Gender Budget: Allocates funds towards programs/schemes dedicated to women.
• Nirbhaya Fund Framework: Provides a corpus fund for initiatives enhancing women's safety.
• One Stop Centres (OSCs): Offer integrated services for women victims of violence.
• Constitutional Amendment: Reserves one-third of seats for women in legislative bodies.
• Vigyan Jyoti Programme: Encourages girls to pursue STEM education and careers.
• Other Initiatives: Stand-Up India, Mahila e-Haat, ESSDP, and PMMY promote women entrepreneurs.

Way Forward

• Comprehensive Legal Reforms: Strengthen and enforce laws related to gender-based violence, child marriage, and workplace discrimination.
• Introduce Marital Rape Provisions: Incorporate recommendations from the Justice Verma Committee into the legal system.
• Gender-Sensitive Education: Implement curricula and policies promoting gender equality and equal access to education.
• Promote Freelancing Platforms: Facilitate access for housewives to online marketplaces for skill utilization.
• Support Unpaid Care Work: Recognize and value women's unpaid care work, encouraging shared responsibilities.
• Ensure Equal Pay and Workplace Policies: Enforce equal pay policies and promote gender diversity in leadership roles while creating safe working environments.

Source: TOI

In News: The S. R. Bommai v. Union of India case, adjudicated by a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India in 1994, curtails the arbitrary removal of state governments under Article 356. 

Background of S. R. Bommai v. Union of India Case

• In 1985, the Janata Party secured victory in the Karnataka Assembly elections, forming a government with Ramakrishna Hegde as Chief Minister. SR Bommai succeeded Hegde in 1988.
• In September 1988, a legislator defected from the Janata Dal along with 19 others, leading to the withdrawal of support from the Bommai government.
• The state government was dismissed using Article 356 due to a loss of majority from defections. Bommai's request to prove majority was denied by the governor.
• Bommai appealed to the Supreme Court after the high court ruled against him.

Supreme Court Judgment

• The Supreme Court emphasized cautious exercise of Presidential Proclamation under Article 356, consistent with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's advocacy and Sarkaria Commission's recommendations.
• Both houses of Parliament must thoroughly analyze the Presidential Proclamation as per Article 356(3).
• If the proclamation lacks approval from both houses, it lapses within two months, and the state assembly resumes its functions.
• The Supreme Court can subject the proclamation to judicial review and entertain writ petitions challenging its legality if arguable questions are raised.
• The President's power to dismiss a state government is not absolute but subject to limitations.
• While Article 356 does not explicitly address the dissolution of the legislature, such powers can be inferred from it.
• Article 174(2) and Article 356(1)(a) imply the power to dissolve the legislature, enabling the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly.

Significance of S.R. Bommai v. Union of India Case

• The case marked a landmark judgment regarding the basic structure doctrine and misuse of Article 356.
• It provided clarity on the scope and limitations of Article 356, emphasizing its use only in extraordinary circumstances.
• The judgment affirmed principles of federalism and advocated for cooperative federalism.
• It asserted the judiciary's role in scrutinizing the President's actions under Article 356 to prevent misuse of power.
• The judgment affirmed the floor of the Assembly as the sole authority to test the government's majority.

Source: HT

In News: A Geneva-released study from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that forced labor yields illegal profits totaling $36 billion annually.

About the International Labour Organization (ILO)

• Established in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles, the ILO became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946, aiming to foster universal peace based on social justice.
• Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the ILO is dedicated to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights, emphasizing the crucial link between labor peace and prosperity.

Objectives of the ILO

• Promote and uphold standards and fundamental principles and rights at work.
• Expand opportunities for decent employment and income for both women and men.
• Improve the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all.
• Strengthen tripartism and social dialogue.

Functions of the ILO

• Develop coordinated policies and programs to address social and labor issues.
• Adopt international labor standards through conventions and recommendations, overseeing their implementation.
• Provide assistance to member states in resolving social and labor problems.
• Protect human rights related to work, including the right to work, freedom of association, collective bargaining, and protection against forced labor and discrimination.
• Conduct research and publish works on social and labor issues.

Membership of the ILO

• The ILO has 187 state members, and India has been a permanent member of the ILO Governing Body since 1922.
• Any UN member nation can join the ILO by accepting all obligations outlined in the ILO constitution.

Core Conventions of the ILO

• Forced Labour Convention
• Abolition of Forced Labour Convention
• Equal Remuneration Convention
• Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention
• Minimum Age Convention
• Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention
• Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organize Convention
• Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention

News Summary on Forced Labour

• A study by the ILO found that forced labor generates illegal profits of $36 billion annually.
• The study, titled ‘Profits and Poverty: The Economics of Forced Labour,' reveals that traffickers and criminals earn close to $10,000 per victim.
• Forced commercial sexual exploitation accounts for over two-thirds of total illegal profits.
• Approximately 27.6 million people are engaged in forced labor on any given day in 2021.
• The report emphasizes the need for investment in enforcement measures, including strengthening legal frameworks and providing training for enforcement officials.

Forced Labour in India

• Article 23 of the Indian Constitution prohibits human trafficking and forced labor.
• The National Human Rights Commission defines bonded labor as debt bondage, which remains prevalent despite being illegal since 1976.
• Around 11 million people in India were in modern slavery in 2021, including forced labor, debt bondage, forced marriage, and human trafficking.
• The government aims to identify, release, and rehabilitate around 18.4 million bonded laborers by 2030.
• Over four decades, 315,302 people have been released from bonded labor, with 94% rehabilitated.

Source: TH

In News: The Supreme Court barred a trial court from advancing with a defamation case against the Delhi Chief Minister for sharing a YouTube video targeting the BJP's IT cell via retweet.

Definition of Defamation under Indian Law

• Defamation can constitute both a civil wrong and a criminal offense under Indian law.
• Civil defamation encompasses libel (written) or slander (spoken) and falls under tort law, with punishment in the form of financial compensation.
• Criminal defamation is outlined in Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, encompassing any act intending to harm an individual's reputation through words, signs, or visible representations.
• Punishment for criminal defamation can include imprisonment up to two years, with or without a fine (Section 500 IPC).

Supreme Court Verdicts on Defamation and Free Speech

• Subramanian Swamy vs. Union of India (2016): The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of IPC Sections 499 and 500, considering criminal defamation a reasonable restriction on the right to freedom of expression.
• Kaushal Kishore vs Union of India (2017): The SC ruled that no additional restrictions beyond those stated in Article 19(2) of the Constitution can be imposed on free speech.
• Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India (2015): The SC struck down Section 66A of the IT Act 2000, which criminalized sending offensive messages, deeming it violative of Article 19(1)(a) and not saved under Article 19(2).

Recent Case and SC Ruling

• The Supreme Court was considering a challenge by the Delhi CM against a Delhi HC order upholding summons issued to him in a criminal defamation case for retweeting an allegedly defamatory video.
• The HC observed that retweeting a potentially defamatory content implies endorsement, particularly given the CM's significant social media following.
• However, the SC ruled that retweeting does not necessarily indicate endorsement, indicating a nuanced understanding of social media behavior and its implications for defamation cases.

Source: IE

In News: The first part of the 29th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council has recently begun.

About The International Seabed Authority

• The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an independent international organization established in 1994 to regulate mining and related activities in the international seabed beyond national jurisdiction, covering most of the world’s oceans.
• The ISA was created upon the entry into force of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which established international law regarding territorial waters, sea lanes, and ocean resources.
• It serves as the body through which states parties to UNCLOS manage and control all mineral-resources-related activities in the Area (the seabed and ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction) for the benefit of humankind as a whole.
• The ISA is mandated to ensure effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects arising from deep-seabed-related activities.
• Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica.
• Members: As of May 2023, the ISA has 169 Members, including 168 Member States and the European Union.
• Functions: The ISA is responsible for granting licenses and regulating activities related to the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed, ensuring they are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner while promoting equitable and efficient resource utilization.
• Structure: The supreme authority of the ISA is the assembly, representing all ISA members. It sets general policies, establishes budgets, and elects a 36-member council, which serves as the ISA’s executive authority. The council approves contracts with private corporations and government entities for exploration and mining in specified areas of the international seabed. Additionally, it oversees the implementation of the seabed provisions of UNCLOS and establishes provisional rules and procedures, subject to assembly approval. The secretary-general of the ISA is nominated by the council and elected by the assembly for a four-year term.

Key facts about UNCLOS: UNCLOS, also known as the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea Treaty, is an international agreement establishing a legal framework for marine and maritime activities. It became effective on November 16, 1982, covering various issues such as the definition of maritime zones, rights and responsibilities of coastal and flag states, conservation and management of marine resources, protection of the marine environment, and peaceful settlement of disputes.

Source: ISA

In News: To address the increasing incidence of food poisoning and diarrhoea, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is undertaking efforts to establish a network comprising 34 microbiology laboratories nationwide. These labs will be fully equipped to conduct tests on food products for 10 different pathogens.

About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• It operates under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidates statutes related to food safety and regulation in India.
• Vision: FSSAI aims to build a new India by ensuring citizens have access to safe and nutritious food, preventing diseases, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Mission: FSSAI sets globally benchmarked standards for food, encourages adherence to these standards by food businesses, promotes good manufacturing practices, and facilitates access to safe and appropriate food for citizens.

• Functions:

• Regulating and supervising food safety to protect and promote public health.
• Establishing standards and guidelines for food articles.
• Providing licensing, registration, and accreditation for food business operators.
• Mandating food licensing for anyone selling or importing food in India.
• Directly monitoring compliance with food regulations, particularly for imported food products.
• Conducting food import controls and ensuring imported products meet safety standards through laboratory inspections.
• Accrediting food testing laboratories across India.
• Overseeing food certification in India.
• Specifying enforcement systems for its standards, accrediting certification systems, and certifying food safety management systems for food businesses.

Source: IE

In News: Recently, the United States repatriated twenty-two historical artifacts to Japan that were looted in the aftermath of the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.

About The Battle of Okinawa

• The Battle of Okinawa occurred between April 1 and June 21, 1945, marking the final major confrontation of World War II.
• It was fought between U.S. and Japanese forces on the island of Okinawa, which is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands and situated approximately 350 miles from mainland Japan.
• Okinawa's strategic significance lay in its possession of four airfields, making it capable of supporting both tactical and strategic air operations.
• The American objective was to gain control of Okinawa as a crucial step toward launching a ground invasion of the Japanese home islands.
• The invasion, code-named Operation Iceberg, commenced on April 1, 1945, and included the assault on other islands in the Ryukyus.
• Operation Iceberg was notable for being the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War, involving over 1,500 ships and approximately 548,000 American forces, including about 183,000 combat troops.
• The Battle of Okinawa resulted in significant casualties for both sides, with the United States sustaining over 49,000 casualties, including more than 12,500 killed or missing.
• Okinawan civilians bore a heavy toll, with an estimated death toll as high as 150,000 due to the fighting.
• The Japanese defenders also suffered greatly, with an estimated 110,000 casualties.
• The high casualties and fierce combat on Okinawa prompted military planners to reconsider the planned invasion of Japan, ultimately influencing the decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Source: HT

In News: The Krishi Sammelan (Farmer's Meet), organized by the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, was recently inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Overview of Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI)

• Establishment:

• Originally established by the Government of Madras in 1916 focusing on coconut research.
• Acquired by the Indian Central Coconut Committee in 1947.
• Re-established in 1970 under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) as part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).

• Headquarters: 

• Located in Kasaragod, Kerala.

• Mandate Expansion:

• Initially focused on research related to coconut, arecanut, cocoa, cashew, oil palm, and spices.
• Later, research on cashew, oil palm, and spices was separated to form independent institutes.
• In 2023, Palmyra Palm was added as a new mandate crop.

• Research Divisions:

• Organized under five divisions: Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Crop Protection, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Post-Harvest Technology, and Social Sciences.

• International Coconut Gene Bank:

• Hosts the International Coconut Gene Bank for South Asia located at Kidu in Karnataka.

• All-India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Palms:

• CPCRI serves as the headquarters for the AICRP on Palms.

Source: ICAR

In News: European Parliament lawmakers recently voted overwhelmingly in support of the Artificial Intelligence Act, paving the way for the landmark legislation to come into force by the year's end.

Overview of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act

• The EU Artificial Intelligence Act represents the world's first comprehensive legislation specifically addressing artificial intelligence.
• It establishes regulations and guidelines concerning the risks associated with AI applications in various domains, including biometric authentication, facial recognition, healthcare, and deep fakes.
• Adopting a horizontal, risk-based approach, the act categorizes AI into four groups: Prohibited, high-risk, limited-risk, and minimal-risk.
• Systems that infringe upon human rights, such as those involved in social scoring or mass surveillance, are outright banned.
• High-risk AI systems, impacting people's lives significantly, must meet stringent requirements, including human oversight and security assessments, before being introduced to the market.
• AI systems involving user interaction, like chatbots and image-generation programs, fall under the limited-risk category and must inform users of their AI nature and allow opt-out options.
• Minimal-risk AI systems, such as spam filters and smart appliances, are exempt from regulation but must adhere to existing laws.
• The legislation applies to all companies operating within the EU and imposes penalties of up to 7% of global turnover or €35 million, whichever is higher, for non-compliance.
• Additionally, the act guarantees consumers the right to file complaints regarding the inappropriate use of AI by businesses and to receive meaningful explanations for AI-driven decisions affecting their rights.

Source: IE

In News: India hosts 41st IPHE meeting, focuses on accelerating hydrogen economy

About International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE)

• Establishment: Founded in 2003, IPHE is an international inter-governmental partnership comprising 23 member countries and the European Commission.
• Objective: IPHE aims to facilitate and accelerate the transition to clean and efficient energy and mobility systems through the use of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies.
• Functions: IPHE acts as a mechanism to organize and execute international research, development, demonstration, and commercial utilization activities related to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. It also serves as a platform for sharing information on policies, technology status, initiatives, codes, and standards to promote the cost-effective transition to fuel cells and hydrogen.
• Information Exchange: The partnership disseminates information to various stakeholders, including policymakers and the public, regarding the benefits and challenges of widespread commercial adoption of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
• Membership: IPHE's membership includes Australia, Canada, the European Commission, India, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Chile, France, Italy, Norway, the UAE, Belgium, China, Germany, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Costa Rica, Iceland, South Korea, Singapore, and the United States.

Source: EW

In News: A recent article explores the significance of India's Neighbourhood First Policy in the current context, highlighting inherent challenges. It cites the example of Bhutan-India relations, where both nations have effectively fostered goodwill and trust over the years.

Understanding India’s Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP)

• Historical Context
• Since 1947, India's foreign policy has prioritized fostering strong ties with its immediate neighbours.
• The NFP emphasizes building friendly relations, regional cooperation, and addressing common challenges.

• Objectives and Approach
• Established in 2008, the NFP aims to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with neighbouring countries.
• Focuses on consultation, non-reciprocity, and tangible outcomes in areas like connectivity, infrastructure, and security.

• Geographical Coverage
• Immediate Neighbours: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Extended Neighbours: Countries with significant political, economic, and strategic ties despite geographical distance.

• Key Focus Areas
• Connectivity: Facilitating free flow of resources, energy, goods, and information.
• Improved Bilateral Relations: Prioritizing peace and development in South Asia.
• Economic Cooperation: Enhancing trade and investment through initiatives like SAARC and BBIN.

Challenges in Implementing NFP

• Bilateral Dynamics
• Strained relations among neighbouring countries hamper regional cooperation.
• Security concerns, including terrorism and illegal migration, pose significant challenges.

• External Factors
• China's OBOR initiative influences regional dynamics, creating alternative partnerships.
• Perceptions of unequal treatment and historical tensions affect bilateral ties.

• Infrastructure and Domestic Politics
• Poor border infrastructure limits trade and investment opportunities.
• Domestic political considerations sometimes impede effective policy implementation.

Recommendations for Enhancing NFP

• Border Security and Defence Cooperation
• Strengthen border infrastructure and enhance maritime security measures.
• Foster defence cooperation to combat security threats collectively.

• Economic Development and Connectivity
• Invest in cross-border infrastructure to improve connectivity and trade.
• Monitor India's Line of Credit projects to ensure timely completion.

• Regional Engagement and Tourism Promotion
• Engage with multilateral organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC to deepen regional ties.
• Promote tourism and investment to foster people-to-people connections.

Conclusion

• Despite evolving challenges, India's NFP should prioritize sustained engagement and collaboration at all levels.
• Regional connectivity and security must be pursued alongside initiatives to address shared concerns effectively.

Source: TH