18-October-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

ASSAM ACCORD: SC UPHOLDS CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDITY OF SECTION 6A OF THE CITIZENSHIP ACT

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: HINDUSTHAN TIMES

Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, is a unique provision introduced to address the migration issues in Assam, specifically to regulate citizenship for those who migrated from Bangladesh before March 24, 1971. This provision was a result of the Assam Accord, a peace agreement signed in 1985 between the Indian government, the Assam government, and the leaders of the Assam Movement. The Assam Movement was a response to large-scale migration from Bangladesh and aimed to safeguard the interests of the indigenous population.

The Supreme Court recently upheld Section 6A by a 4-1 majority decision, emphasizing its importance in addressing the demographic concerns of Assam, while also recognizing the legislative authority of Parliament on citizenship matters.

Background of Section 6A

• Assam Accord (1985): The Assam Accord was signed between the Central Government, the State Government of Assam, and leaders of the Assam Movement to resolve the issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh.
• Purpose: Section 6A was added to the Citizenship Act, 1955, to implement the terms of the Accord. It created a special citizenship process for migrants who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 24, 1971.
• Historical Context: The provision addressed the large-scale migration caused by the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and the influx of migrants into Assam before and after the war.

Provisions of Section 6A

• Citizenship for Migrants (Pre-1966): People of Indian origin who entered Assam from Bangladesh before January 1, 1966, were automatically considered Indian citizens.
• Special Process for Migrants (1966-1971): Migrants who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 24, 1971, were required to register as foreigners. They were granted citizenship after residing in the state for 10 years, subject to certain conditions.
• Deportation for Post-1971 Migrants: Migrants entering Assam after March 24, 1971, were to be identified and deported under the law.

Supreme Court’s Ruling on Section 6A

• Parliament’s Legislative Powers: The Court affirmed that Parliament has the authority to regulate citizenship, as outlined in Article 11 and Entry 17 of the Union List. It stated that Articles 6 and 7, which pertain to citizenship post-Partition, are separate from Section 6A, which was introduced much later to address Assam’s specific concerns.
• Right to Equality: Petitioners argued that Section 6A violated the right to equality, as it only applied to Assam and created an arbitrary cut-off date for citizenship. The Court rejected this claim, noting that Assam’s unique circumstances—such as the heavy influx of migrants and cultural threats—justified a special provision for the state.
• Migration and External Aggression: Petitioners also cited a previous SC ruling (Sarbananda Sonowal vs Union of India) that referred to illegal immigration as “external aggression.” The Court disagreed, clarifying that Section 6A manages migration in a regulated manner and does not encourage uncontrolled immigration.
• Cultural Rights of Assamese People: Concerns were raised that Section 6A violated Article 29(1) of the Constitution, which protects cultural rights. The petitioners argued that the demographic changes brought by migration threatened Assam’s cultural identity. The Court dismissed this, emphasizing that the presence of different ethnic groups does not erode the cultural rights of indigenous people and highlighted the importance of national unity.

Demographic and Cultural Impact

• Criticism of Section 6A: Critics argue that Section 6A has contributed to a demographic shift in Assam by allowing the influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh to continue. This influx has had a significant impact on the state’s cultural identity, leading some to claim that the provision has “cemented an illegality.”
• Concerns of Radical Demographic Change: Petitioners believe that granting citizenship to cross-border migrants from 1966 to 1971 has radically altered the demographic composition of Assam, threatening its cultural heritage and identity.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s upholding of Section 6A recognizes Assam’s unique demographic challenges due to migration while reaffirming Parliament’s authority over citizenship laws. Although concerns about the demographic and cultural impact persist, the judgment balances regional issues with national unity, emphasizing controlled migration and the protection of Assam’s cultural identity. This decision highlights the ongoing complexities of migration and citizenship in India, particularly in border states like Assam.

MARITAL RAPE AND LEGAL CHALLENGE IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: HINDUSTHAN TIMES

The Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions to criminalize non-consensual sex in marriage, also known as marital rape. Petitioners argue it violates women’s rights to dignity and autonomy, while the government warns of potential harm to the institution of marriage. The Court is also considering whether this matter should be referred to a Constitution Bench.

Concerning Statistics

• Limited Data: Data on marital rape is limited due to stigma and legal barriers. However, the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) found that nearly one-third of married women aged 18-49 in India have experienced physical or sexual violence by their husbands.
• Global Trends: Around three-quarters of all sexual assaults globally occur in intimate settings, usually involving someone the survivor knows.

Historical Context of Marital Rape Exception

• Colonial Legacy: The marital rape exemption in India is rooted in English common law and the “doctrine of coverture,” which treated women as part of their husband’s legal identity after marriage.
• 18th Century Law: British jurist Matthew Hale claimed that a husband could not rape his wife due to their implied consent within marriage.
• Global Shift: England abolished this exemption in 1991 in the case of R v. R, recognizing that marital consent does not eliminate a woman’s autonomy.

Legal Framework and Challenges

• Section 375 of the IPC: Defines conditions under which sexual intercourse is considered rape, but includes an exemption for married couples if the wife is over 18.
• Legal Fiction: Despite meeting the legal criteria for rape, marital status prevents prosecution, creating unequal treatment between married and unmarried women.

Petitioners’ Arguments

• Violation of Fundamental Rights: Petitioners argue the exemption violates Article 14 (equal protection of the law) by creating two classes of women – married and unmarried – and discriminates against married women.
• Privacy and Bodily Integrity: The petitioners also contend that it breaches Article 21, which ensures the right to privacy and bodily integrity.

Judicial Precedents

• Karnataka High Court (2022): Ruled that a man could be prosecuted for raping his wife.
• Delhi High Court: Delivered a split verdict on this issue, with one judge calling the exemption unconstitutional, and the other supporting it.
• Supreme Court: Has recognized that sexual assault within marriage can still be considered rape in previous rulings.

Government’s Stance

• Opposition to Criminalization: The government argues that criminalizing marital rape could damage the institution of marriage and lead to false allegations.
• “Reasonable Sexual Access”: It claims that marriage involves a continued expectation of sexual access, and removing the exemption is too harsh.

Question of Creating a New Offense

• Legislative Domain: One key issue for the Court is whether removing the exemption would effectively create a new offense. Some argue that it would simply remove the legal protection husbands currently enjoy for non-consensual sex, which already qualifies as a crime outside of marriage.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate on marital rape reflects the tension between traditional marital norms and evolving views on women’s rights. The Court’s decision will have significant implications for gender justice and personal autonomy within marriage in India.

UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME (UBI) – UNEMPLOYMENT AND INEQUALITY

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has gained attention globally as a potential solution to unemployment and growing inequality. With increasing automation and artificial intelligence affecting job growth, UBI is viewed as a safety net to help those facing unemployment, including youth in India.

UBI Discussions in India

• Economic Survey: UBI gained prominence in India after the 2016-17 Economic Survey recommended it as a policy to consider.
• Policy Debates: Policymakers and experts have debated replacing inefficient welfare schemes with direct income transfers through UBI.
• JAM Infrastructure: The Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile (JAM) infrastructure makes Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) feasible, supporting the potential implementation of UBI.

Evaluating UBI

• Feasibility: UBI’s feasibility depends on budgetary constraints, as implementing it fully may not be possible.
• Desirability: While UBI addresses unemployment by providing a safety net, it should not be expected to solve all issues like poverty or employment generation.

Modified UBI and Scope in India

• Selective Approach: A fully universal UBI may be financially unrealistic, but a limited version could be explored, targeted at specific groups.
• Complement to Welfare: UBI could complement existing schemes like MGNREGS, supporting the most vulnerable populations.

Existing Income Transfer Schemes in India

• Agriculture-Focused Schemes: Schemes like Telangana’s Rythu Bandhu, Odisha’s KALIA, and the PM-KISAN programme provide income support to farmers, though they face challenges with inclusion.

Advantages of Universal Transfers

• Reduced Administrative Costs: Universal schemes minimize exclusion errors and lower administrative costs.
• Balanced Approach: While critics argue against providing UBI to the wealthy, higher tax contributions from wealthier citizens would balance the benefits.

Financial Feasibility

• Budget Concerns: A full UBI would require 3.5%-11% of India’s GDP, making it financially difficult. A smaller version, costing around 1% of GDP per capita, could be more viable.

Challenges and Complementary Policies

• Implementation Issues: Logistical challenges like cash access and authentication need to be addressed.
• Complementary Schemes: A modified UBI can work alongside programmes like MGNREGS, supporting groups such as the elderly and disabled, especially during crises like COVID-19.

INDIA’S HUMAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India’s human development performance is linked to global goals, especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article examines India’s human development indicators and the challenges in achieving its SDG targets, particularly after the G-20 Summit 2023 and the UN’s 2024 “Summit of the Future.”

Human Development Index (HDI) and SDGs

Human Development Index (HDI): Measures human development in three dimensions:

• Life expectancy (SDG 3 – health).
• Education (SDG 4 – quality education).
• Income per capita (SDG 8 – decent work and economic growth, and SDG 10 – reduced inequalities).

Human development is vital to achieving SDG targets.

India’s HDI Performance

• HDI Ranking: India’s HDI value for 2023-24 is 0.644, ranking 134th out of 193 countries, in the medium human development category.
• Progress: India’s HDI rose from 0.633 in 2021 to 0.644 in 2022, but the growth remains slow compared to neighboring countries like China, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
• Long-Term Growth: India’s HDI value increased by 48.4% from 1990 to 2022, but improvements in ranking have been limited.

Challenges to Human Development

• COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic severely impacted education and income, slowing human development progress between 2015 and 2022.

Gender Gaps in Human Development

• Gender Development Index (GDI): India shows significant gender disparity, with a gap of over 10% in HDI between men and women.
• Labour Force Participation: India has one of the largest gender gaps in the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), with only 28.3% of women in the workforce compared to 76.1% of men.

Female Labour Force Participation in India

• Rural and Urban Differences: Female labour force participation improved to 37% in 2022-23. Rural areas saw a significant rise to 41.5%, while urban areas saw a marginal increase to 25.4%. The rural-urban gap demands further attention.

Income Inequality in India

• Rising Inequality: The top 1% of earners in India hold 21.7% of the national income, higher than in Bangladesh, China, and Bhutan. This growing inequality hinders progress toward SDG 10 (reduced inequality).

Conclusion

To achieve the SDGs, India must address critical issues like gender inequality and rising income disparity. While the country has made significant strides in human development, sustained efforts are needed to ensure inclusive and equitable growth.

KAIZEN AND ITS ROLE IN MANUFACTURING

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: TIMES OF INDIA

The strike at Samsung’s manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu has highlighted the challenging working conditions shaped by the management philosophy known as Kaizen. This concept, widely practiced in factories, originates from Japan.

About Kaizen:

Kaizen is a Japanese term combining two words, “Kai” (change) and “Zen” (good), meaning “good change” or “improvement.”

Philosophy: It is a business philosophy focused on continuous improvement by involving employees at all levels.

Key Ideas:

• Enhancing the work environment through teamwork.
• Improving processes and procedures.
• Encouraging employee engagement and involvement.
• Aiming to make jobs more fulfilling, safer, and less tiring.

Small Changes: The goal of Kaizen is to make small, incremental changes over time, leading to major improvements in the long run.

Benefits: It results in better quality control, more efficient processes, and waste reduction.

Employee Contribution: Any employee can suggest improvements at any time, promoting a culture where everyone contributes to the company’s success.

Kaizen’s emphasis on gradual improvements fosters a more productive and efficient workplace, though its implementation needs to ensure that worker welfare is prioritized.

WEST NILE VIRUS OUTBREAK IN UKRAINE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: DOWN TO EARTH

Ukraine is currently facing a significant outbreak of West Nile Virus (WNV), prompting health officials to express serious concerns as the number of cases and deaths rises.

About West Nile Virus:

• Classification: WNV is a member of the flavivirus genus within the Flaviviridae family.
• History: It was first identified in 1937 in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda.
• Global Presence: WNV is prevalent in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia.

Transmission:

• Mosquito Bites: Humans typically contract WNV through bites from infected mosquitoes, which become carriers by feeding on infected birds.
• Other Routes: The virus can also spread through contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals.

Symptoms:

• Asymptomatic Cases: About 80% of infected individuals show no symptoms.
• West Nile Fever: Around 20% may develop West Nile fever, presenting symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and sometimes a skin rash.

Outbreaks:

• WNV outbreaks have been reported in 19 countries, including France, Germany, and Italy.

Treatment:

• There is currently no vaccine for WNV. Treatment mainly involves supportive care for those experiencing severe symptoms, particularly in neuroinvasive cases.

DISCOVERY OF MICROBES IN THE BUSHVELD IGNEOUS COMPLEX

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Researchers have found living microbes in a 2-billion-year-old rock from the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) in South Africa. This discovery offers valuable insights into the early life on Earth and may assist in the search for life on Mars.

About Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC):

• Location: BIC is situated in northern South Africa, at the edge of the Transvaal Basin.
• Size: It spans over 66,000 square kilometers, making it the largest layered igneous intrusion in the Earth’s crust.
• Thickness: The complex can reach up to 9 kilometers (about 5.6 miles) in thickness.

Geological Significance:

• Ore Deposits: BIC is famous for its rich mineral deposits, including the largest reserves of platinum-group metals (PGMs) like platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
• Formation: The complex was formed approximately 2 billion years ago when molten rock from the Earth’s mantle rose through cracks in the crust, creating a layered structure similar to a cake.

Layers:

• The rock layers within BIC include three significant PGM-bearing layers, known as reefs, resulting from the crystallization of various minerals at different temperatures.

This finding not only enhances our understanding of ancient life but also has implications for astrobiology and the potential for life on other planets.

COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF WALONG

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: TIMESNOW

To celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Walong during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Indian Army is organizing a month-long series of commemorative events.

About the Battle of Walong:

• Location: The battle took place at the easternmost tip of Arunachal Pradesh, near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar.
• Significance: Walong was the only advanced landing ground in the region, crucial for supplying remote border posts. After Tawang, it was the main focus of China’s offensive in the eastern sector during the war.

Context of the Battle:

• Forces: Chinese troops outnumbered Indian soldiers significantly, with approximately 15,000 Chinese soldiers against 2,500 Indian troops, who were equipped with less advanced weaponry and artillery.
• Indian Resolve: Despite being heavily outnumbered, Indian soldiers from the Kumaon Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Gorkha Rifles, Assam Rifles, and Dogra Regiment showed remarkable bravery and determination.

Outcomes:

• Duration: The Indian forces managed to hold back the Chinese advance for nearly three weeks despite severe shortages of ammunition and supplies.
• Casualties: The battle resulted in significant losses for India, with around 830 soldiers either killed, wounded, or captured.
• Legacy: The defense at Walong is remembered as a symbol of the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Army, marking it as the only Indian counterattack during the 1962 war