General Studies Paper -2

Context: As per the report of the Centre for Research and Planning of the Supreme Court there are severe gaps in accessibility for people with disabilities at courts across India.

About

• The first-of-its-kind report, sheds light on the inadequacies in the infrastructure of District Courts across India, raising serious concerns about the impediments faced by people with disabilities in accessing justice.

Major Findings of the Report

• More than half of the District Court complexes do not have ramps, only 25.2%have availability of wheelchairs.
• Only 30.4%of District Court complexes have separate disabled-friendly toilets.
• Only 5.1%of District Courts have tactile paving to assist persons with visual impairments in navigating the court building.
• Sign language interpreters are available in only8% districts in India.
• Out of a sanctioned strength of 25,081 judges in District Judiciary, there are 20,831 courtrooms highlighting an infrastructure gap of 4,250 courtrooms.
• When courts function in private rented buildings, they not only face the challenge of non-availability of necessary amenities but also of a secure work environment.
• The data signifies a “critical shortcoming” in the judicial infrastructure with respect to accessibility, necessitating concerted attention and action.

Measures Taken by Government of India for the People with Disabilities

• National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006: It supports Physical Rehabilitation, which includes early detection and intervention, counselling and medical interventions and provision of aids and appliances.
• India is a signatory of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD): It came into force in 2008. Three important obligations arise out of the Convention, namely
• Implementation of provisions of the UNCRPD,
• Harmonization of Indian Laws with the UNCRPD,
• and Preparation of a Country Report by 2010.
• Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan): Launched in 2015,this initiative aims to make public spaces and transportation accessible for people with disabilities. It includes provisions for accessible buildings, transport, and websites.
• Reservation in Education and Employment: The government provides reservation in educational institutions and government jobs for people with disabilities.
• This ensures that a certain percentage of seats and jobs are reserved for individuals with disabilities.
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: This legislation replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
• The new act expanded the categories of disabilities, increased the reservation in government jobs, and included measures to enhance accessibility.
• Economic Empowerment: National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation is an apex institution for channelizing the funds to persons with disabilities through the State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs) nominated by the State Government(s) or through Non Government Organizations.

Way Ahead

• There is a need for regular inspection by the concerned agencies like the Public Works Department in coordination with the District Judges to explore modifications that can be made in existing court buildings to make the judicial infrastructure disabled-friendly.

General Studies Paper -2

Context:The article discusses guidelines released by India’s Election Commission for political parties to use disability-friendly language and be more inclusive of persons with disabilities. Guidelines for increasing Political inclusion of disabled:

• The Election Commission of India has issued 11 guidelines for political parties. These guidelines focus on three main areas:
• Focus on Disability-Inclusive Language: The guidelines urge political parties to avoid derogatory and dehumanizing terms when referring to persons with disabilities (PwDs). For example, the negative comparison made by Tamil Nadu leader A Raja in Sep. 2023, equating Sanatan Dharma with leprosy and HIV, highlights the kind of language these guidelines aim to prevent.
• Ensure Accessibility of Information: Political parties are advised to make their websites accessible to PwDs. Additionally, they should organize events in locations that are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
• Inclusion within Political Parties: The guidelines encourage the inclusion of PwDs at all levels within political parties. This includes developing training modules on disability for party workers and making efforts to integrate PwDs in various party roles and activities.

Benefits of these guidelines:

• Encourage political inclusion of PwDs, aligning with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• Guidelines promote inclusivity and accessibility for PwDs in the political sphere.

Wat are the limitations of these guidelines?

• Advisory Nature: The guidelines are not mandatory. Some use mandatory language like “should” and “shall,” while others are more discretionary, using terms like “may.”
• Exclusion from the Model Code of Conduct: These guidelines are not part of the official Model Code of Conduct for elections. It’s unclear if violations of certain guidelines will lead to actions under section 92 of the RPwD Act, which penalizes atrocities against PwDs.
• Ambiguity in Language: There is some confusion about the usage of certain terms like “blind,” “deaf,” and “dumb,” which can be technical terms but might be considered derogatory in some languages.

Way forward:

• A consistent approach is needed across all guidelines.
• The draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities doesn’t currently include a chapter on political inclusion, which should be added.
• There is a lack of data on the number of legislators with disabilities. The Election Commission is encouraged to include disability information in nomination forms and affidavits for elections.
• The draft National Policy for PwD lacks a chapter on political inclusion. Incorporating such a chapter would align with Article 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing the political rights of PwDs.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses how India’s Project Tiger, started in 1973, has expanded tiger reserves and increased tiger numbers. It also covers the challenges faced by forest-dwelling communities due to these conservation efforts, including issues related to their relocation and the recognition of their rights.

What is Project Tiger?

• Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to promote conservation of the tiger. It came at a time when the population of tigers in India was rapidly dwindling, due to unfettered hunting and habitat loss.

How Did the Wildlife Laws Evolve?

• 1972 Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA): National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries were established, affecting the rights of forest-dwellers and strengthening state control. Under this act, Critical Tiger Habitats (CTHs), also known as the core areas of tiger reserves, are identified.
• Project Tiger (1973): A result of WLPA, leading to the creation of tiger reserves.
• 2006 Amendment of WLPA: Formation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and introduction of tiger conservation plans, modifying rights of forest-dwellers in tiger reserves.
• Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 (FRA): Recognized rights of forest-dwellers in tiger reserves and established Gram Sabhas as authorities for forest management.
• Introduction of Critical Wildlife Habitat (CWH) under FRA: Different from CTH under WLPA, once notified as CWH, land couldn’t be diverted for non-forest purposes.
• Notification of FRA Rules (2009) and Challenges: Planned but overshadowed by the NTCA’s rush to delineate CTHs, leading to notification of tiger reserves without full compliance with WLPA provisions.

Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 (LARR Act): This law mandates fair compensation and rehabilitation for relocated people.

• What are the implications of legal changes in Wildlife Laws?
• Expansion of Tiger Reserves: From nine reserves in 1973 to 54 in 2022, covering 78,135.956 sq. km across 18 states.
• Increase in Tiger Population: Due to enhanced protection, tiger numbers rose to 3,167-3,925 by 2022.

Challenges in Implementing the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 (FRA): Though recognizing forest-dweller rights, the implementation has been problematic, leading to disputes over land use in tiger reserves.

• Lacked buffer area: Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, India designated 26 tiger reserves across 12 states as Critical Tiger Habitats (CTHs), covering 25,548.54 sq. km, 91.77% of which are CTHs. However, except for Odisha’s Similipal, these lacked Buffer Areas until mandated by a 2012 Supreme Court order.
• Relocation and Rehabilitation Challenges: Relocation and rehabilitation under wildlife conservation laws like the LARR Act face challenges. Despite legal mandates for fair compensation and resettlement, the process often lacks transparency and adequate compensation, leading to disputes and dissatisfaction among relocated communities.
• Conflict with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Directives: The NTCA’s 2007 directive for delineating CTHs conflicted with the FRA’s provisions, complicating the balance between tiger conservation and community rights.
• Fixed compensation: The Union and State governments offer ₹15 lakh, increased from ₹10 lakh in 2021, for either cash or relocation under the Project Tiger 2008 guidelines. However, this doesn’t fully cover the legal requirements for compensation, resettlement, and relocation under LARR Act.

What should be done?

• Respectful and Informed Relocation: Implement relocation policies as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, ensuring that relocation from tiger reserves is voluntary, informed, and includes fair compensation.
• Addressing Conflicts Proactively: Develop strategies to proactively address and resolve conflicts that arise from the expansion of tiger reserves and the increased protection measures, balancing conservation needs with the rights of local communities.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the Mulya Pravah 2.0 guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission. These guidelines aim to promote ethics and values in higher education.

What is Mulya Pravah 2.0?

• Mulya Pravah 2.0 is an updated guideline from the University Grants Commission (UGC) aimed at promoting ethical practices and human values in higher education institutions. It was introduced following unethical practices highlighted by a human resource managers’ survey, such as favoritism, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination in various organizational processes. The guideline’s primary focus is on building value-based institutions by developing respect for fundamental duties, constitutional values, and national bonding.

Key aspects of Mulya Pravah 2.0 include:

• Transparency: It emphasizes transparent administration and decision-making based on institutional and public interest, free from biases.
• Accountability and Ethics: Institutions are expected to ensure integrity, fairness, and high ethical standards in their administration.
• Inclusivity and Respect: The guideline encourages respect for constitutional values, inclusiveness, and global citizenship.
• Confidentiality vs. Public Scrutiny: While it stresses confidentiality, this contrasts with the right to information for accountability. Institutions are urged to disclose critical information publicly.
• Role of Teachers and Staff: Teachers are expected to be role models, maintaining good conduct and standards. Staff and students’ unions should support administration constructively.

What are the concerns related to Mulya Pravah 2.0?

• Suppression of Dissent: The guidelines may inadvertently suppress different opinions, crucial for institutional growth.
• Vague Terminology: Terms like ‘dignified manner’ for raising issues are not clearly defined, leading to potential misuse and misinterpretation.
• Threat to Unions: There’s a concern that the guidelines could be used to undermine the voices of staff and student unions. Past instances of banning and suspending unions and accusing their representatives suggest a risk of similar actions under these guidelines.

Way forward

To improve Mulya Pravah 2.0, clear definitions of terms like ‘dignified manner’ should be provided to prevent misuse. Ensuring a balance between confidentiality and public scrutiny is crucial. The guidelines should foster open dialogue and respect diverse opinions, especially from unions, to strengthen the integrity and growth of higher education institutions.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the recent growth in UAE-India bilateral relations due to Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). It also highlights the objectives of the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC).

• The United Arab Emirates-India relationship is one of the region’s most dynamic partnerships. It highlights the positive benefits that can be achieved through open, consistent and constructive dialogue; visionary leadership; and mutual respect.
• It has shown exemplary progress in ensuring free and open trade, promoting the development of resilient and sustainable economies, to multilateral cooperation.
• The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) remains fundamental to the continued dynamism of this partnership.

What have been the outcomes of India-UAE CEPA?

The CEPA has led to:

• Expanded market access for Emirati and Indian businesses seeking to enter each other’s respective markets
• Significant decrease in tariffs.
• Streamlined customs procedures.
• Introduction of a series of robust and transparent regulations that support rules-based competition.

Due to this, UAE has become one of India’s most important economic partners. It has risen to the position of India’s 4th largest investor, 3rd largest trading partner and 2nd largest export destination.

Outcomes of the CEPA in addition to strengthened economic bonds:

• According to the author, the CEPA has done much more than strengthen our economic bonds. This includes:
• Led to much deeper and more nuanced (which consider all factors and stakeholders) relations.
• Encouraged strategic and political alignment never seen before in the history of the relationship. This includes:
• Support at Multilateral Fora: India’s support throughout the UAE’s presidency of CoP-28, and that of the UAE of India’s G20 presidency, are indicative of the mutual support.
• BRICS Membership: UAE’s recent addition to the BRICS grouping will serve to further catalyse bilateral ties and promote peace and prosperity at the global level.
• Apart from this, at this year’s Vibrant Gujarat Summit, the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) will be officially unveiled.

Objectives of the UICC:

• Outlet to Deepen Commercial Ties: It will provide a dynamic new outlet for the business communities of the two countries to deepen commercial ties.
• Leverage India-UAE Strategic Partnership: The Council seeks to leverage the rapidly developing strategic partnership between the two governments.
• Encourage Business Partnerships: It seeks to encourage partnerships across all levels of the two business communities. It will focus on critical spheres such as startups, women’s entrepreneurship, MSMEs and the services sector.
• Holding Events to build Trust: It will facilitate a range of events that support trust, dialogue and open engagement among the business communities.
• Thus, the Council will provide business communities with the resources they need to fully unlock the benefits and opportunities of CEPA.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The International Energy Agency (IEA) released a report titled “The Role of E-fuels in Decarbonising Transport”.

• The report extensively explores the potential and challenges of e-fuels as a solution for decarbonizing the transport sector.

Key Findings

• Rapid deployment of low-emission fuels:Significant reductions in fossil fuel demand are possible in road transport through fuel efficiency improvements and surging sales of electric vehicles (EVs). 
• E-fuels crucial for deep decarbonization:Fuels obtained from electrolytic hydrogen, or e-fuels, could be a viable pathway and scale up rapidly by 2030, underpinned by a massive expansion of cheaper renewable electricity and anticipated cost reductions of electrolysers.
• The report highlights the limitations of electrification for achieving net-zero emissions in sectors like aviation and shipping.
• E-fuels, with their near-zero carbon footprint, are deemed essential for deep decarbonization in these areas.
• Technological and economic viability: The report acknowledges the current high cost of e-fuels but forecasts substantial cost reductions with technological advancements and economies of scale.
• Infrastructure compatibility:E-fuels can be readily used in existing infrastructure and engines, eliminating the need for extensive infrastructure upgrades that electrification necessitates in certain sectors.
• Resource considerations: Producing e-fuels at scale will require significant renewable energy, water, and potentially captured CO2. Sustainable management of these resources is crucial to ensure e-fuels don’t create new environmental concerns.
• Policy recommendations:The report calls for governments to implement supportive policies including carbon pricing, research and development funding to create a conducive environment for their production and adoption.

E-fuels

• E-fuels (Electrofuels), also known as synthetic fuels, are low-emission liquid or gaseous fuels produced from renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, water, and captured carbon dioxide.
• eGasoline, eDiesel, eHeating oil, eKerosene, e-methane, e-kerosene and e-methanol.
• They can be tailored to replace conventional fuels like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, offering a drop-in solution for existing engines and infrastructure.
• In transport, low-emission e-fuels provide a complementary solution to sustainable biofuels. 
• Particularly in aviation, e-fuels benefit from their ability to use existing transport, storage, distribution infrastructure and end-use equipment.

How are eFuels produced?

• eFuel production is based on the extraction of hydrogen. This happens by means of an electrolysis process that breaks down water (e.g. seawater from desalination plants) into its components of hydrogen and oxygen. 

Benefits of e-fuels

• Deep decarbonization: E-fuels offer the potential for near-zero greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, especially when combined with renewable energy sources and carbon capture technologies.
• Versatility: They can be used in existing transportation infrastructure and engines, requiring minimal adaptation compared to full electrification.
• This makes them particularly attractive for sectors like aviation and shipping, where battery technology has limitations.
• Energy security:E-fuels can reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and provide a domestic source of clean energy for transportation.

Challenges

• Cost: Currently, e-fuels are significantly more expensive to produce than fossil fuels. However, costs are expected to decrease as production scales up and technological advancements occur.
• Scalability:Large-scale production of e-fuels currently faces limitations in terms of renewable energy availability and infrastructure for water and carbon dioxide capture.
• Geopolitical implications:Increased reliance on e-fuels may shift dependence from oil-producing countries to countries with abundant renewable resources, potentially creating new geopolitical dynamics.
• Costly: Low-emission e-fuels are currently expensive to produce, but their cost gap with fossil fuels could be significantly reduced by 2030.
• Huge investment: Accelerated deployment of low-emission e-fuels for shipping would require significant investments in refueling infrastructure and in vessels.
• Achieving a 10% share in shipping would require around 70 Mt/yr of e-ammonia or methanol. This is 5 times the current global traded volume of ammonia or two times the trade in methanol.
• Access to CO₂: It is an important constraint to carbon containing low-emission e-fuels.
• The best wind and solar resources are not necessarily co-located with significant bioenergy resources, which puts additional constraints on siting e-fuel projects that require carbon input.

Scaling Up E-fuels: Measures to Unleash Potential

Cost Reduction:

• Policy support: Governments need to take bolder actions in carbon pricing mechanisms, tax breaks, and subsidies that can incentivize e-fuel production and make it competitive with fossil fuels.
• Technological advancements: Research and development efforts targeting more efficient electrolysis, carbon capture, and conversion technologies can significantly reduce production costs.
• Economies of scale: Investing in large-scale production facilities can leverage economies of scale and bring down e-fuel prices closer to fossil fuels.

Infrastructure Development:

• Renewable energy:Expanding renewable energy capacity is crucial to provide the clean electricity needed for e-fuel production.
• Water and CO2 management:Sustainable water management and infrastructure for capturing and utilizing CO2 are essential to ensure environmental responsibility.
• Distribution and storage:Building infrastructure for e-fuel distribution and storage across transportation hubs is vital for widespread adoption.

Market Creation and Demand Stimulation:

• Public procurement:Governments can create demand by mandating e-fuel blends in public transportation fleets and aviation fuel.
• Corporate commitments:Airlines, shipping companies, and fuel suppliers can set ambitious targets for e-fuel adoption, driving market demand.

Regulatory and Policy Framework:

• Carbon-neutral fuel standards: To enable widespread adoption, e-fuels will need to meet internationally agreed technical and safety standards for measuring life-cycle GHG emissions.
• International cooperation:Global collaboration on research, development, and policy frameworks can accelerate e-fuel innovation and deployment.

Way Ahead:

• Overall, e-fuels have the potential to play a crucial role in decarbonising the transport sector alongside other solutions like electrification.
• Addressing the challenges through continued research, technological development, and investment in production infrastructure is key to unlocking their full potential in the fight against climate change.
• Bringing the GHG emissions of the road transport sector down to zero by 2050 cannot be achieved by one measure alone. Countries that deploy a set of different measures such as reducing transport demand, improving vehicle efficiency, and adding renewable energy carriers such as biofuels.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: Supreme Court judge Justice B.V. Nagarathna said that more women judges are needed in the judiciary.

Representation of Women in Judiciary

• Justice Beevibecame the first Muslim woman judge of the Supreme Court, as well as the first woman Supreme Court Justice in Asia in 1989.
• Since 1989, only10 women have made it to the Supreme Court. Currently, there are only three female judges of the 33 Supreme Court judges.
• Only 4.1%of all Supreme Court judges have been women, while the remaining 96% are men.
• There are more women judges at the district court level than at the High Court level.
• Justice Nagarathna is in line to become the first-ever female Chief Justice of India in 2027.
• The appointment of Justices Kohli, Nagarathna, and Trivedi to the top court in 2021 created history, as this marked the first time that so many females were appointed to the SCin one go.
  • Additionally, this was significant as for the first time India had four female judges in the SC at once, the highest number so far.

Reasons for the Lack of Representation of Women

• Historical Reasons:Historically, legal and judicial systems worldwide have been male-dominated, and India is no exception. The legal profession has traditionally been perceived as a male domain, and this mindset has persisted over the years.
• Societal Expectations and Stereotypes:Societal expectations often dictate traditional gender roles, and there may be stereotypes that cast women in roles that are seen as less compatible with the demands of a judicial career.
• Educational Barriers:Limited educational opportunities for women can result in fewer female candidates entering law schools and subsequently pursuing a career in the judiciary.
• Family and Cultural Expectations:Cultural norms and expectations regarding women’s responsibilities within the family may dissuade them from pursuing demanding and time-consuming careers, such as a judicial career.
• Gender Bias and Discrimination:Stereotypes about women’s capabilities may lead to their exclusion from consideration for higher judicial positions.
• Networking and Mentorship Opportunities: Male-dominated networks and mentorship structures within the legal profession may make it challenging for women to access the same opportunities for career advancement.
• Appointment Procedure: The lower judiciary has a better representation of women than the High Court and Supreme Court.
  • That’s perhaps because entry to the lower judiciary is through an examination, while the High Court and Supreme Court are decided by the collegium.

Importance of Representation of Women in Judiciary

• Gender Equality:A diverse judiciary ensures a more inclusive and representative legal system.
• Fairness and Impartiality:Having a judiciary that reflects the diversity of the population helps in dispelling biases and promoting impartial decision-making.
• Inspiration and Role Modeling:Women judges can act as role models, encouraging more women to pursue careers in law.
• Access to Justice for Women:Women may feel more comfortable and understood when their cases are heard by judges who share similar life experiences and perspectives.
• Legal Interpretation and Legislation:Women judges can provide unique insights into legal interpretation and the development of legislation, particularly in areas related to gender-based issues, family law, and women’s rights.
  • Their presence can influence legal discourse and contribute to the evolution of more gender-sensitive laws.
• Global Norms and Commitments: Internationally, there is a growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity in all sectors, including the judiciary.

Conclusion

• The lack of representation of women in the judiciary, combined with the traditional exclusionary attitude towards women, has led to a lack of diversity within the judicial system.
• Therefore, it is essential that efforts to increase diversity in the judiciary are made to ensure a more equitable court system.
• There is a requirement to enhance transparency in the judicial system. This will create more opportunities for women to prove their mettle and create a level playing field.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: A spate of attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea since November by the Houthi militia of Yemen has turned the quickest marine route linking Asia with Europe through the Suez Canal unsafe.

About

• The attack has forced freighters to take a longer transit around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa’s southern tip, making shipments both dearer and longer to deliver.
• It has compounded the woes of global trade as it emerges from the aftermath of the pandemic, feels the heat of the Russia-Ukraine war and grapples with a global economic slowdown.

Importance of Red Sea Trade Route

• The Red Sea, stretching from Egypt’s Suez Canal to the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait separating the Arabian Peninsula from Africa, remains a key trade route for global shipping and energy supplies.
  • Opened in 1869, the Suez Canal is one of the busiest canals in the world, carrying around 12% of global trade. In 2022, 23,583 ships used this route.
• Linking East and West: The Red Sea serves as a bridge between the East and West, providing a shorter and more direct route for maritime trade between Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Strategic Importance: The Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, is one of the world’s most important artificial waterways, facilitating global trade and reducing shipping times and costs.
• Trade in Goods and Resources:The region is a significant source of oil and natural gas, and the Red Sea remains an important route for the transportation of energy resources.
• Economic Impact:The trade routes through the Red Sea support the economies of countries along its shores by providing employment, stimulating economic activity, and fostering international relations.
• Political Significance:The control of key chokepoints, such as the Bab el Mandeb and the Suez Canal, has implications for global trade and security.
  • Political stability and cooperation among the countries bordering the Red Sea are crucial for ensuring the smooth flow of goods.

Impact on Indian trade

• After the attacks, major cargo shipping lines decided they would not operate on this route. Even small feeder vessels have of late stopped plying in these waters.
  • Commodities are the worst affected whether it be chemicals, plastic, petrochemicals, because margins are not there to absorb the hike in freight.
• Almost 90% of western hemisphere cargo, both inbound or shipped from India, that used to go through the Red Sea is now getting re-routed through the Cape of Good Hope.
  • The remaining 10% of Indian import or export cargo is either not moving or using a transit facility.
• Elongation of Both import and export cycles: Container Corporation of India is saying about25% of its containers are being held back by Indian exporters.
  • Besides the extra time taken on account of the longer route, the developments could make imports costlier and call for better inventory management.
• Increase in freight cost: While all consignments are likely to be impacted by the increase in freight cost— by up to six-fold in some cases — and the longer voyage time, the pinch would be felt most by low-value, high-volume cargo as well as perishables.
• Final products: Also, the crisis could result in final products turning expensive.
  • For instance, the Red Sea crisis could come in the way of any plans to reduce pump prices of petrol and diesel.
• Energy security: Gross imports of crude oil and petroleum products as a share of India’s gross imports in value terms was 8% in 2022-23. 
  • In fact, India’s import dependence(based on consumption) in the April-September 2023 period was 6%, according to the government’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell.

General Studies Paper -1

Context: The Lancet study highlighted that Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra accounted for more than half of the total headcount burden of child marriages in girls.

Child Marriage in India

• According to National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) 2019-21, women in the age group of 20-24 years who were married before they turned 18, are 14.7% in urban and 27% in rural areas.
• Women aged 15-19 years who were already mothers or pregnant at the time of the survey were 3.8% (urban) and 7.9% (rural).
• The largest absolute increase in headcount was observed in West Bengal.

Impact of Child Marriage

• Physical Health: Child brides often face complications during pregnancy and childbirth due to their immature bodies. This increases the risk of maternal and infant mortality.
• Education: Once married, girls are less likely to continue their formal education, limiting their opportunities for personal and economic development.
• Gender Inequality: Child marriage is often rooted in gender inequality, reinforcing traditional gender roles and norms.
  • Boys can also be affected, as they may face pressure to assume adult responsibilities at an early age, impacting their own personal development and well-being.
• Violence and Abuse: Lack of legal protection and social support may leave child brides trapped in abusive situations without recourse.
• Reproductive Rights: Child brides may have limited control over their reproductive rights, including family planning and the number and spacing of their children.
• Cycle of Poverty: Child marriage is often linked to poverty, creating a cycle where poverty leads to child marriage, and child marriage perpetuates poverty by limiting education and economic opportunities.

Measures Taken by Government of India to Eliminate Child Marriage

• Legal Framework: The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, is a dedicated legal framework aimed at preventing and prohibiting child marriages in India.
  • It sets the legal age of marriage as 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys.
  • The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) undertakes various activities and programmes from time to time with concerned stakeholders/ organizations such as representatives of Child Welfare Committees (CWC), Police, Women and Child Development Department on the issue of child marriages and related matters.
• Support Services and Helplines: Government of India has introduced CHILDLINE 1098, a 24X7 telephone emergency outreach service for children in crisis, which responds with suitable interventions to calls for any form of assistance which a child requires, including for prevention of child marriages
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme: Launched in 2015, this national initiative focuses on improving the status of girls and addressing issues such as female foeticide, child marriage, and gender-based discrimination.
  • It emphasizes the importance of education and encourages the protection and empowerment of girls.
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): The ICDS program, among other objectives, aims to improve the nutritional and health status of children, including those at risk of child marriage.
  • It provides a range of services, including health check-ups, immunization, and nutrition support, to address the overall well-being of children.
• National Plan of Action for Children 2016: The National Plan of Action for Children outlines the government’s commitment to child welfare and includes strategies to prevent child marriages.
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): SSA is an ongoing program aimed at providing universal access to quality elementary education.
  • By promoting education for all children, including girls, the government aims to address one of the root causes of child marriage – lack of education.
• Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (SABLA): SABLA targets adolescent girls (11-18 years) and aims to empower them through education, life skills training, and nutrition support.
  • By focusing on the holistic development of adolescent girls, the scheme aims to prevent early marriage.
• Awareness Campaigns: The government, along with non-governmental organizations, conducts awareness campaigns to educate communities about the harmful effects of child marriage.

Conclusion

• Child marriage had declined nationally, prevalence of girl child marriage decreased from 49 percent in 1993 to 22 percent in 2021.
• Prevalence of boy child marriage came down from 7 percent in 2006 to 2 percent in 2021.
• Continuous efforts are required to address deep-rooted social norms, improve access to education, and enhance the economic opportunities for girls to eliminate the practice of child marriage in India.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: Recently, ISRO performed a crucial manoeuvre to bind Aditya-L1 into L1 orbit.

What is the Aditya-L1 mission?

• Aditya-L1 is the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun.
• The solar mission will not see the spacecraft actually go to the sun, it will instead create a space observatory at a point from which the sun can be observed even during an eclipse.
• The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1), around 1.5 million km from the Earth, of the Sun-Earth system.
• The mission has a life of five years during which its payloads are expected to provide the information to understand the phenomenon of
• Coronal heating; coronal mass ejection; pre-flare and flare activities and their characteristics;
• Dynamics of space weather; and propagation of particles and fields.
• It is equipped with seven payloads (instruments) on board with four of them carrying out remote sensing of the Sun and three of them carrying in-situ observation.

What are the seven payloads?

• The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) will study the Corona, imaging and spectroscopy, and Coronal mass ejections.
• The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) will focus upon the Photosphere and Chromosphere imaging- narrow and broadband. It will also measure the solar irradiance variations.
• The Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS) and High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) will study the soft and hard X-ray flares from the Sun over a wide X-ray energy range.
• The Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) and Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya (PAPA) will analyze the electrons and protons in the Solar wind or particles. It will also study the energetic ions.
• The Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometers will study the interplanetary magnetic field at L1 point.