20th March 2025-Current Affairs

1. Jan Vishwas 2.0 – Reforming India’s Criminal Justice System for Better Governance – Governance

Why in News?

The Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0, recently introduced by the Union Government, aims to decriminalize minor infractions and streamline legal provisions. This reform is expected to enhance governance, reduce arbitrary law enforcement, and encourage economic ease of doing business.

• The bill seeks to address India’s over-criminalization problem, which burdens both citizens and businesses.
• A database by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy reveals that 370 laws currently have over 7,305 criminal provisions.
• The government is also considering Jan Vishwas 3.0, which would extend these reforms at the state level.

Additional Details

1. The Problem of Over-Criminalization

• A vast number of laws in India impose criminal penalties for minor infractions, leading to unnecessary legal burdens.
• Despite only 25% of offenses falling under core criminal justice laws (e.g., murder, theft, assault), thousands of minor violations carry criminal penalties.

2. Examples of Trivial Infractions Leading to Criminal Charges

• Milking a cow on the street – Penalized under municipal laws.
• Failing to report an animal’s death within three hours – Leads to criminal liability.
• Not providing exercise to a pet dog – A punishable offense.
• Storing e-cigarettes – Can result in imprisonment.
• Failing to maintain certain records under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 – Can lead to a six-month jail term.

These excessive laws often lead to arbitrary enforcement, corruption, and harassment of citizens and businesses.

3. Key Principles for Rationalizing Criminal Laws (Vidhi Report Recommendations)

The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy suggests four principles to rationalize India’s legal system:

• Protection of Societal Values – Laws should only criminalize actions that harm society.
• Justification Against Harm – Punishments should be proportionate to the harm caused.
• Effective Legal Solutions – Non-criminal penalties (like fines) should be prioritized over jail terms for minor offenses.
• Proportionality of Punishment – No excessive penalties for trivial infractions.

Relevance for Exam

Prelims:

• Key provisions of Jan Vishwas 2.0
• Government schemes aimed at legal reforms
• Examples of over-criminalization in India

Mains:

• Governance & Legal Reforms: How excessive regulations affect ease of living.
• Economic Impact: Role of decriminalization in boosting business confidence.
• Judicial Reforms: Reducing judicial backlog by eliminating trivial offenses.

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q1. The Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 is aimed at which of the following objectives?
(a) Strengthening India’s criminal justice system
(b) Decriminalizing minor infractions and streamlining governance
(c) Increasing penalties for economic offenses
(d) Introducing new regulatory agencies

Answer: (b) Decriminalizing minor infractions and streamlining governance

Mains

Q1. Discuss the significance of the Jan Vishwas 2.0 Bill in addressing India’s problem of over-criminalization. How can such reforms improve governance and economic development? (250 words)

Final Takeaway

• The Jan Vishwas 2.0 Bill is a crucial step toward reducing unnecessary legal burdens, enhancing ease of living, and boosting business confidence.
• Moving forward, the success of this reform will depend on effective implementation, awareness campaigns, and state-level adoption (Jan Vishwas 3.0).

2. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) – International Relations

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India recently reaffirmed support for New Zealand’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

• IPOI was launched by India in November 2019 at the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok.
• It expands upon the “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) initiative introduced by India in 2015.
• The initiative promotes a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, focusing on maritime security, trade, disaster management, and technology cooperation.
• Unlike formal treaties, IPOI is a non-binding, voluntary framework, encouraging collaboration without creating new institutions.

Additional Details

Seven Pillars of IPOI and Their Lead Nations

Each pillar is led by one or two nations, while other countries can join voluntarily to promote collective regional efforts.

Relevance for Exam

Prelims:

• Key facts about IPOI, SAGAR, and the East Asia Summit (EAS).
• Nations leading different pillars of IPOI.
• Importance of Indo-Pacific region in global trade and security.

Mains (GS-II & GS-III):

• India’s role in Indo-Pacific security architecture.
• Impact of IPOI on India’s maritime strategy.
• Challenges and opportunities in India’s Indo-Pacific foreign policy.

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q1. The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) was launched by India in which of the following summits?
(a) G20 Summit
(b) East Asia Summit (EAS)
(c) BRICS Summit
(d) ASEAN-India Summit

Answer: (b) East Asia Summit (EAS)

Mains

Q1. Discuss the significance of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) in India’s maritime strategy. How does it contribute to regional stability and economic cooperation? (250 words)

Final Takeaway

• IPOI strengthens regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing security, trade, ecology, and disaster resilience.
• India plays a leading role in maritime security and disaster management, reinforcing its diplomatic and strategic presence.
• IPOI complements other regional frameworks like QUAD, ASEAN, and SAGAR, making India a key player in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

3. Five Eyes Alliance: Current Developments – International Relations

Why in News?

The intelligence chiefs and national security advisers of several nations, including three members of the Five Eyes alliance, recently convened in New Delhi. This high-level meeting took place alongside The Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier multilateral security and foreign policy conference, organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

• The Five Eyes alliance has evolved from a secret intelligence-sharing network into a global surveillance powerhouse.
• Despite concerns over its extensive reach, US and UK geopolitical influence shields the alliance from major international scrutiny.

Additional Details

What is the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY)?

The Five Eyes is an intelligence-sharing coalition comprising five English-speaking countries:

Origins and Evolution

• Established under the UKUSA Agreement (1946) for Cold War-era Soviet intelligence gathering.
• Initially designed for radio and signals intelligence, it has expanded to:
  • Counterterrorism & Cybersecurity
  • Tracking global financial crimes
  • Geopolitical surveillance, particularly concerning China and Russia

Recent Focus Areas

• Countering China’s Technological Expansion (5G, AI, quantum computing threats)
• Combating Russian Cyber Warfare (disinformation campaigns, hacking)
• Global Terrorism & Surveillance Operations (ISIS, Al-Qaeda, radicalization tracking)

Relevance for Exam

Prelims:

• Five Eyes members and their intelligence agencies
• UKUSA Agreement (1946)
• Cybersecurity & Counterterrorism cooperation frameworks

Mains:

• How intelligence-sharing alliances impact global security
• India’s strategic interests and intelligence collaborations
• Cybersecurity challenges & international cooperation mechanisms

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q1. The “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance includes which of the following countries?
(a) USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
(b) USA, UK, India, Australia, Japan
(c) USA, Russia, France, UK, Germany
(d) USA, Israel, Canada, Australia, India

Answer: (a) USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand

Mains

Q1. Discuss the role of intelligence-sharing alliances like the Five Eyes in global security. How should India navigate intelligence partnerships while safeguarding its strategic autonomy? (250 words)

Final Takeaway

• The Five Eyes Alliance remains one of the most powerful intelligence-sharing networks globally, significantly influencing cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and surveillance.
• With increasing geopolitical tensions, its focus on China’s tech dominance and Russian cyber threats has intensified.
• India, though not a member, is actively engaging in intelligence dialogues with FVEY nations, balancing strategic collaboration and independence in global security frameworks.

4. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – International Relations

Why in News?

The Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently praised India’s expanding nuclear energy sector, calling it one of the most dynamic in Asia and globally.

• The IAEA is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting safe, secure, and peaceful nuclear technology use.
• It is an autonomous body within the UN system, often called the “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization.
• The IAEA currently has 178 member states.

Additional Details

Statute and Structure

• Established: The IAEA Statute was approved on 23 October 1956 and came into force on 29 July 1957.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.

Functions of IAEA

• Promoting Safe Nuclear Energy: Assists countries in the peaceful development of nuclear power.
• Nuclear Safeguards & Inspections: Ensures that nuclear technology is not diverted for weapons through monitoring agreements.
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Compliance: Enforces global nuclear non-proliferation standards.
• Scientific Research & Knowledge Sharing: Supports scientific collaboration in nuclear applications.
• Nuclear Incident Response: Provides technical expertise to manage nuclear accidents and radiation risks.

Relevance for Exam

Prelims:

• Headquarters of IAEA (Vienna, Austria)
• IAEA’s Role in Nuclear Safeguards
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) & India’s Position

Mains:

• IAEA’s Role in Global Nuclear Governance
• India’s Nuclear Energy Program & IAEA Cooperation
• Challenges in Nuclear Security & Technology Transfer

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q1. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is headquartered in which city?
(a) Geneva
(b) Vienna
(c) Paris
(d) New York

Answer: (b) Vienna

Mains

Q1. Explain the role of the IAEA in promoting nuclear security. How does India’s nuclear energy program align with its objectives? (250 words)

Final Takeaway

• The IAEA plays a key role in monitoring nuclear energy use, ensuring peaceful applications, and preventing nuclear weapons proliferation.
• India’s growing nuclear sector aligns with IAEA safety and security standards, contributing to clean energy expansion.
• As nuclear technology advances, IAEA oversight remains crucial in maintaining global security and nuclear non-proliferation.

5. India’s Ranking in Global Free Speech Index: Key Insights – Governance

Why in News?

A recent Global Free Speech Index report by The Future of Free Speech, a U.S.-based think tank, ranked India 24th out of 33 countries surveyed regarding free speech protections.

• Scandinavian countries lead the index with the highest free speech scores.
• India’s ranking highlights legal restrictions and growing self-censorship.
• There is a gap between public support for free speech and actual legal conditions in India.

Additional Details

Public Support vs. Government Restrictions

• Public Support for Free Expression:
  • The majority of Indians support free speech, but fewer people favor criticism of the government compared to global trends.
• Government Restrictions:
  • 37% of Indian respondents believe that the government should limit criticisms of its policies, compared to only 5% in the U.K. and 3% in Denmark.
• Democratic Backsliding:
  • The report categorizes India as experiencing “democratic backsliding”, citing increased curbs on dissent and legal actions against journalists and activists.

Challenges to Free Speech in India

Relevance for Exam

Prelims:

• India’s rank in the Free Speech Index
• Legal provisions affecting free speech (e.g., IPC 124A, UAPA, IT Rules, 2021)
• Freedom of Speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution

Mains:

• Challenges to Freedom of Expression in India
• Balancing Free Speech with National Security
• Impact of Censorship on Democratic Rights

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q1. Which of the following statements about Freedom of Speech in India is correct?

(a) It is an absolute right under the Indian Constitution.
(b) It is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).
(c) The Supreme Court has ruled that sedition laws do not violate free speech.
(d) None of the above.

Answer: (b) It is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).

Mains

Q1. Discuss the major challenges to free speech in India and suggest measures to balance national security and democratic rights. (250 words)

Final Takeaway

• India ranks 24th out of 33 countries in the Free Speech Index, highlighting concerns over legal restrictions and growing censorship.
• Key legal provisions like sedition laws and UAPA have been criticized for suppressing dissent.
• A balanced approach is needed to protect free speech while ensuring national security, requiring legal reforms and greater awareness of constitutional rights.

6. India’s Ranking in Global Free Speech Index: Key Insights – Governance

Why in News?

A recent global survey by The Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank, ranked India 24th out of 33 countries in terms of free speech protection.

• Scandinavian countries lead the index with the highest scores.
• India faces legal restrictions and increasing self-censorship in media and online platforms.
• There is a gap between public support for free speech and actual government policies in India.

Additional Details

Public Support vs. Government Restrictions

• Public Support for Free Expression:
  • While many Indians support free speech, fewer people favor criticism of government policies, compared to other nations.
• Government Restrictions:
  • 37% of Indian respondents believe that the government should limit criticism of policies, compared to only 5% in the U.K. and 3% in Denmark.
• Democratic Backsliding:
  • India has been classified as experiencing “democratic backsliding”, meaning that legal protections for free speech are declining.
  • Several laws have been used to suppress political dissent and media freedom.

Challenges to Free Speech in India

Relevance for Exam

Prelims:

• India’s rank in the Free Speech Index
• Legal provisions affecting free speech (e.g., IPC 124A, UAPA, IT Rules, 2021)
• Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution: Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression

Mains:

• Challenges to Freedom of Expression in India
• Balancing Free Speech with National Security
• Impact of Censorship on Democracy and Media

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q1. Which of the following statements about Freedom of Speech in India is correct?

(a) It is an absolute right under the Indian Constitution.
(b) It is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).
(c) The Supreme Court has ruled that sedition laws do not violate free speech.
(d) None of the above.

Answer: (b) It is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).

Mains

Q1. Discuss the major challenges to free speech in India and suggest measures to balance national security and democratic rights. (250 words)

Final Takeaway

• India ranks 24th out of 33 countries in the Free Speech Index, reflecting concerns over legal restrictions and growing censorship.
• Key legal provisions like sedition laws and UAPA have been criticized for suppressing dissent.
• A balanced approach is needed to protect free speech while ensuring national security, requiring legal reforms and greater awareness of constitutional rights.

7. The Current Situation in Balochistan – International Relations

Why in News?

The ongoing unrest in Balochistan is driven by political instability in Pakistan and a lack of trust in the military and government institutions.

• The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) recently hijacked a train, escalating conflict with Pakistan’s military.
• Historical grievances, economic exploitation, and military suppression fuel insurgency in the region.
• The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has intensified local resentment due to unequal resource distribution and increased military control.

Additional Details

1. Historical Grievances

• Forced Integration (1948): Baloch nationalists claim Balochistan was forcibly merged into Pakistan, leading to multiple insurgencies over the years.

2. Socio-Economic Marginalization

• Balochistan is Pakistan’s most resource-rich province but remains underdeveloped.
• Natural Gas Exploitation: The region supplies gas to Punjab and Sindh but faces power and gas shortages itself.

3. Military Suppression

• The Pakistani military carries out enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, leading to widespread protests, particularly by Baloch women.
• Crackdowns have intensified following attacks by insurgent groups.

4. Impact of CPEC on Balochistan

• Gwadar Port Development:
  • Promoted as a CPEC mega project but locals have not benefited.
  • Fishermen displaced, leading to economic hardships.
• Increased Military Presence: Security measures around CPEC projects have further alienated Baloch communities.

5. Growing Insurgent Coordination

• Groups like BLA, Baloch National Army (BNA), and United Baloch Army (UBA) are coordinating attacks against Pakistan’s security forces.
• This has led to higher civilian and military casualties.

Relevance for Exam

Prelims:

• Geography of Balochistan and its strategic importance.
• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its impact on India.
• Major insurgent groups in South Asia.

Mains:

• Pakistan’s internal challenges and their impact on regional stability.
• India’s approach towards human rights advocacy in Balochistan.
• Strategic significance of Gwadar Port and CPEC for India and China.

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q1. Balochistan is strategically important because:

(a) It is Pakistan’s largest province by population.
(b) It hosts China’s Gwadar Port, a key CPEC project.
(c) It is the headquarters of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
(d) It is a major oil-producing region.

Answer: (b) It hosts China’s Gwadar Port, a key CPEC project.

Mains

Q1. How does the ongoing conflict in Balochistan impact Pakistan’s internal security and regional geopolitics? Discuss India’s strategic options in addressing the issue. (250 words)

Final Takeaway

• Balochistan faces historical, economic, and political marginalization, fueling insurgency and unrest.
• Pakistan’s military suppression and CPEC-driven exploitation have worsened tensions.
• India’s strategic interests include monitoring regional security, advocating human rights, and countering Chinese influence in Gwadar.

8. Sarthi and Pravaah Systems of RBI – Economy

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been awarded the prestigious Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking for its Sarthi and Pravaah digital initiatives.

• Sarthi System (January 2023): Digitizes internal workflows within the RBI.
• Pravaah System (May 2024): Enables external users to submit regulatory applications digitally.
• Impact: The initiatives have significantly improved efficiency, transparency, and security in RBI operations.

Additional Details

Sarthi System (Internal Digital Platform)

• Objective: Reduce dependence on paper-based workflows and automate internal processes.
• Key Features:
  • Secure document storage and sharing for 13,500+ RBI employees across 40+ locations.
  • Automated task tracking, record management, and data analysis through dashboards.
  • Digital approval workflows for inter-departmental coordination.
• Training Initiatives:
  • Sarthi Pathshala: An online training platform for employee skill development.
  • Sarthi Mitras: Designated RBI employees providing hands-on assistance.

Pravaah System (External Regulatory Platform)

• Objective: Digitize and streamline regulatory applications from banks, NBFCs, and financial institutions.
• Key Features:
  • Supports 70+ regulatory applications for financial institutions.
  • Centralized cybersecurity framework to protect sensitive data.
  • Real-time tracking and digital approvals, reducing delays in RBI clearances.
• Impact:
  • 80% increase in monthly application processing.
  • Faster approvals and greater transparency for stakeholders.

Relevance for Exam

Prelims:

• Features of Sarthi and Pravaah systems.
• Digital transformation initiatives by RBI.
• Central Banking Digital Transformation Award.

Mains (Economy & Digital Governance):

• Role of digital platforms in improving financial governance.
• RBI’s efforts to streamline regulatory processes.
• The impact of digitalization on India’s financial system.

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q1. Which of the following statements about RBI’s Sarthi and Pravaah systems is correct?

(a) Sarthi system is designed for external banking institutions.
(b) Pravaah system is an internal digital workflow platform for RBI employees.
(c) Sarthi is used for internal operations, while Pravaah facilitates external regulatory applications.
(d) Both systems primarily focus on customer banking services.

Answer: (c) Sarthi is used for internal operations, while Pravaah facilitates external regulatory applications.

Mains

Q1. Discuss how RBI’s digital transformation initiatives, such as Sarthi and Pravaah, contribute to efficiency, transparency, and financial governance in India. (250 words)

Final Takeaway

• The Sarthi and Pravaah systems mark a major step in RBI’s digital transformation, improving internal workflow and regulatory processes.
• These initiatives have enhanced efficiency, reduced delays, and increased transparency in financial governance.
• With continued adoption of digital tools, India’s financial ecosystem is becoming more robust, secure, and responsive.