3rd March 2025-Current Affairs

1. Challenges Faced by Elected Women Representatives in Panchayati Raj System – Polity

Why in News?

A recent Ministry of Panchayati Raj report, led by former Mines Secretary Sushil Kumar, highlights various challenges faced by Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in local governance. The report calls for policy interventions, structural reforms, and strict penalties to counteract male dominance, proxy representation by male relatives, and socio-cultural biases.

Background

• The committee was formed in September 2023 following a Supreme Court order (July 6, 2023) to examine issues faced by EWRs.
• It conducted four regional workshops involving 14 states, including Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• Inputs were taken from state governments, EWRs, and local stakeholders.

Key Challenges Identified

1. Lack of Political Experience

• Many women lack prior political exposure, making it difficult for them to effectively participate in governance.
• This is more pronounced at the Gram Panchayat level, where local governance demands direct community engagement.

2. Gender-Based Discrimination

• Women representatives are often excluded from crucial decision-making processes.
• Male-dominated official and informal meetings prevent women from asserting their leadership.

3. Patriarchal Socio-Cultural Norms

• Traditional gender roles, such as purdah (veil system) and restricted mobility, discourage women from participating in governance.
• Women often hesitate to speak in male-dominated gatherings.

4. Political Pressure and Threats

• Women leaders face coercion, threats, and violence from political rivals and dominant groups.
• “No Confidence Motions” are misused to force EWRs out of office if they act independently.

5. Socio-Economic & Cultural Disadvantages

• Many EWRs belong to SC/ST, minorities, or economically weaker sections, increasing their vulnerabilities.
• Balancing domestic responsibilities with political work is a major challenge.
• Financial decision-making is often controlled by male family members.

6. Lack of Training and Mentorship

• Limited access to leadership training programs hampers their ability to navigate political challenges.
• Absence of mentorship further weakens their confidence and decision-making skills.

7. Rotational Reservation System

• The five-year term for reserved seats is too short for women to gain experience and establish themselves as leaders.
• Frequent seat rotation disrupts leadership continuity and weakens women’s long-term political impact.

8. Weak Legal Deterrence Against Proxy Representation

• Male relatives often act as proxies, making decisions on behalf of elected women.
• Legal measures to penalize such actions are insufficient, allowing men to retain control over governance.

Recommendations and Way Forward

1. Policy Interventions

• Strengthening training programs to enhance legal and political awareness among EWRs.
• Expanding legal safeguards to protect women representatives from political and social pressures.

2. Structural Reforms

• Extending the duration of reserved seats to allow women leaders to establish themselves.
• Encouraging independent decision-making by providing financial and administrative training.

3. Strict Legal Penalties

• Enforcing stringent laws against male relatives who act as proxies.
• Ensuring strong legal action against coercion and forced resignations.

4. Capacity Building & Mentorship

• Launching mentorship initiatives for newly elected women representatives.
• Conducting regular leadership and governance workshops.

5. Awareness Campaigns

• Promoting gender sensitization programs at all levels of governance.
• Encouraging community engagement to challenge traditional gender biases.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reforms to empower Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in the Panchayati Raj system. By addressing these challenges through policy, legal, and capacity-building measures, the government can ensure women’s effective participation in local governance, thereby strengthening grassroots democracy and gender equality.

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh

• HP has a strong Panchayati Raj system, with 50% reservation for women, making this a critical topic.
• HP’s rural governance model faces similar challenges, especially in remote areas with strong patriarchal traditions.
• This topic is important for subjects like Indian Polity, Governance, Social Issues, and Women Empowerment in the HAS syllabus.

2. Contentious Amendments to the Advocates Act and Their Implications – Polity

Why in News?

On February 22, 2025, the Centre withdrew the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after facing strong opposition from the legal community. The Bill, which sought to amend the Advocates Act, 1961, raised concerns over:

• Government interference in legal institutions,
• Restrictions on lawyers’ right to protest, and
• Potential dilution of professional standards.

The withdrawal followed nationwide protests and strikes by lawyers and strong representations from the Bar Council of India (BCI). The government has stated that a revised version of the Bill will be introduced after further consultations.

Key Contentious Provisions in the Bill

1. Government Influence Over the Bar Council of India (BCI)

• The Bill proposed allowing the central government to nominate up to three members to the Bar Council of India (BCI), which is currently an independent self-regulating body.
• Why controversial?
  • Critics argued this would compromise the autonomy of the BCI.
  • Political interference could influence decisions related to lawyer regulation, disciplinary actions, and legal education.
  • The legal community saw this as an attempt to weaken the independence of the profession.

2. Restrictions on Lawyers’ Right to Protest

• Section 35A of the Bill aimed to ban strikes and boycotts by lawyers, classifying such actions as “misconduct”.
• Why controversial?
  • Lawyers argued that the right to protest is a fundamental democratic right.
  • Courts have previously upheld lawyers’ right to peaceful protest.
  • The provision was seen as an attempt to suppress dissent within the legal fraternity.

3. Entry of Foreign Law Firms and Lawyers

• The Bill sought to give the government direct authority to regulate the entry of foreign law firms and legal practitioners into India.
• Why controversial?
  • Indian lawyers feared that allowing foreign firms could reduce job opportunities and create an unequal competitive environment.
  • The Bar Council of India had previously resisted the entry of foreign law firms, arguing that Indian lawyers should get reciprocal access to foreign markets before allowing foreign firms here.

4. Expanded Definition of ‘Legal Practitioner’

• The Bill broadened the definition of “legal practitioner” to include:
  • Corporate lawyers
  • Foreign-registered lawyers working in India
• Why controversial?
  • The BCI feared this would dilute professional standards and reduce accountability.
  • Corporate and foreign lawyers would not be subject to the same ethical and professional obligations as Indian advocates.

5. New Misconduct Provisions and Penalties

• The Bill proposed new mechanisms for clients to file misconduct complaints against lawyers.
• It also included financial penalties for lawyers found guilty of misconduct.
• Why controversial?
  • While accountability is important, lawyers feared that vague misconduct definitions could be misused to target them unfairly.
  • It weakened the role of the BCI in disciplinary proceedings, giving more power to external agencies.

Implications of the Bill’s Withdrawal

1. Reinforcing the Independence of the Legal Profession

• The withdrawal of the Bill is seen as a victory for the autonomy of the legal profession.
• It highlights the importance of consultation with legal experts before making changes to professional regulations.

2. Need for Balanced Legal Reforms

• While reforms in the legal sector are necessary, they should not compromise independence or ethical standards.
• Future amendments should focus on:
  • Judicial efficiency
  • Improving legal education
  • Ensuring ethical practice without political interference

3. Future Legal Reforms and Consultation Process

• The government has promised a revised version of the Bill, incorporating feedback from legal professionals.
• This incident highlights the importance of stakeholder consultation in legal policymaking.

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh

• Judiciary and legal profession reforms are important for Indian Polity & Governance in the HAS syllabus.
• HP has an active legal community, and issues like judicial independence and lawyers’ rights are crucial for state-level legal professionals.
• Questions related to government interference in professional bodies, fundamental rights (right to protest), and judicial reforms are commonly asked in competitive exams.

3. UGC’s New Draft Rules on Caste-Based Discrimination in Higher Education – Polity

Why in News?

The Union government recently informed the Supreme Court about new University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, which will allow the de-recognition of higher education institutions that fail to prevent caste-based discrimination.

The UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2025 aim to address systemic discrimination in universities, particularly affecting students from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

This move follows increasing reports of academic challenges, mental distress, and dropout rates among marginalized students.

Understanding Caste-Based Discrimination in Higher Education

1. Nature of Discrimination

Caste-based discrimination in universities manifests in several ways, including:

• Unfair academic grading: Marginalized students often receive biased evaluations.
• Social ostracization: Exclusion from student groups, hostels, and academic networks.
• Denial of opportunities: Fewer chances for internships, scholarships, and mentorships.
• Psychological harassment: Mental distress caused by humiliation, microaggressions, and bias from peers or faculty.

2. Statistics on Discrimination

• A 2021 study revealed that 70% of Dalit and Adivasi students in IITs experienced caste-based discrimination.
• Cases like Rohith Vemula (2016) and Payal Tadvi (2019) highlight the serious mental health consequences of discrimination.
• High dropout rates among SC/ST students indicate systemic exclusion.

Legal Framework Against Caste Discrimination

1. Existing Laws and UGC Guidelines

• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Provides legal protection against caste-based violence and discrimination.
• UGC Guidelines: Require universities to establish anti-discrimination cells and Equal Opportunity Cells (EOCs).

2. Compliance Issues

• Many universities fail to implement anti-discrimination policies effectively.
• Over 40% of universities have not submitted reports on EOC compliance to the UGC.
• Lack of SC/ST/OBC faculty representation further isolates marginalized students.

Key Features of the Proposed UGC Regulations (2025)

1. De-Recognition of Institutions

• Universities that fail to prevent caste and religion-based discrimination could lose their recognition.
• This will force institutions to take proactive measures against discrimination.

2. Strengthening Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

• Universities will be mandated to establish functional anti-discrimination cells.
• Faster response mechanisms for complaints related to caste-based bias.

3. Training and Awareness Programs

• Diversity training for faculty and students to create an inclusive academic environment.
• Strict action against faculty members found guilty of caste-based bias.

Challenges in Implementation

• Institutional Resistance: Universities may resist reforms due to ingrained biases.
• Lack of Faculty Representation: SC/ST/OBC faculty members remain underrepresented in many institutions.
• Weak Monitoring Mechanisms: Ensuring strict enforcement of these rules remains a challenge.

Way Forward

• Criminalizing caste discrimination in universities to ensure strict penalties.
• Enhancing institutional support through better funding for Equal Opportunity Cells.
• Regular audits by UGC to monitor anti-discrimination efforts.
• Increasing SC/ST/OBC faculty recruitment to improve representation and mentorship.

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh

• Education policy reforms are crucial for Indian Polity & Social Issues in the HAS syllabus.
• HP has many higher education institutions, making this a relevant issue for state governance.
• The topic aligns with constitutional provisions on equality (Article 14, Article 15) and affirmative action policies.

4. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) – Environment

Why in News?

A green sea turtle carcass was recently found washed ashore on Marina Beach, Chennai, raising concerns about marine conservation and habitat degradation.

Green sea turtles are the largest hard-shelled sea turtles and play a vital role in maintaining marine ecosystems. However, they are currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.

About Green Sea Turtle

1. Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
• Family: Cheloniidae
• Lifespan: 60–70 years

2. Unique Characteristics

• Largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles, growing up to 120 cm in length and weighing 136–159 kg.
• Unlike other sea turtles, they are primarily herbivores, consuming seagrasses and algae, which gives their fat a greenish tint (hence the name “Green Sea Turtle”).
• Their carapace (shell) varies in color—it can be black, grey, green, or yellow.

3. Habitat & Distribution

• Found in tropical and subtropical waters across the globe.
• They nest along the coastlines of over 80 countries, with major populations in Costa Rica and Australia.
• In India, nesting occurs along Odisha’s Gahirmatha Beach, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Lakshadweep Islands.

4. Migration & Adaptations

• Green sea turtles migrate thousands of kilometers between their feeding and nesting sites—some traveling over 2,600 km (1,615 miles).
• Their streamlined bodies and large flippers enable efficient swimming.
• They lack teeth but have strong, serrated beaks to consume seagrass.

5. Sensory Abilities

• Excellent underwater vision, but nearsighted on land.
• Strong sense of smell, helping them locate food and nesting sites.
• Can hear low-frequency sounds, useful for detecting predators and environmental changes.

Conservation Status & Threats

1. IUCN Status: Endangered

• Green sea turtles are classified as “Endangered” due to rapid population decline.

2. Major Threats

• Habitat Destruction: Coastal development and pollution destroy nesting beaches.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures affect sand temperature, which impacts the hatching ratio of male and female turtles.
• Fishing & Bycatch: Many turtles die after getting trapped in fishing nets (bycatch).
• Illegal Poaching: Turtles are hunted for meat, eggs, and shells in some regions.
• Marine Pollution: Ingestion of plastic waste often leads to internal injuries and death.

Ecological Importance

• Seagrass Maintenance: By grazing on seagrasses, they prevent overgrowth, helping maintain healthy marine ecosystems.
• Biodiversity Support: Their nesting activity supports coastal ecosystems by providing nutrients to beaches.

Conservation Efforts & Way Forward

1. Global & National Protection Measures

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) bans international trade of turtle products.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Areas like Odisha’s Gahirmatha Beach are protected turtle nesting sites.
• Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): These devices in fishing nets help prevent accidental turtle deaths.

2. Future Conservation Actions

• Stronger enforcement against poaching and illegal trade.
• Reducing plastic pollution in oceans.
• Community-based conservation programs for local fishermen.
• More research on climate change impact on nesting beaches.

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh

• Although HP is a landlocked state, environmental conservation, biodiversity, and climate change are key GS topics.
• Understanding marine ecosystem conservation is crucial for topics related to environmental policies, global biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
• This topic links with India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation under international treaties.

5. Geological Survey of India Celebrates 175 Years – Environment

Why in News?

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is celebrating its 175th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its geoscientific contributions to India. Established in 1851 by Sir Thomas Oldham, the GSI was originally created to locate coal deposits for the expanding Indian railway network. Over time, it has evolved into a premier organization for geological research, mineral exploration, and disaster management in India.

About the Geological Survey of India (GSI)

1. Establishment and Evolution

• Founded in: 1851
• Founder: Sir Thomas Oldham
• Purpose: Initially set up to find coal resources for the railways.
• Current Role: A leading institution for geological mapping, mineral resource assessment, and disaster studies.

2. Organizational Structure

• Headquarters: Kolkata
• Regional Offices: Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong, and Kolkata.
• State Units: Present in all states for local geological surveys.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

Key Roles and Contributions of GSI

1. Geological Mapping

• Conducts systematic documentation of geological formations across India.
• Helps in understanding earthquakes, landslides, and soil characteristics.

2. Mineral Exploration

• Identifies strategic minerals like coal, iron, gold, uranium, and lithium.
• Supports India’s industrial and economic development by locating new mining zones.

3. Disaster Management

• Studies and maps seismic zones to help predict earthquakes.
• Conducts research on landslides, tsunamis, and floods, crucial for states like Himachal Pradesh.

4. Offshore and Marine Geology

• Investigates underwater mineral resources and oceanic tectonics.
• Studies continental shelf mapping for territorial claims.

5. Geophysical and Geochemical Surveys

• Uses advanced remote sensing, seismic, and geochemical techniques to analyze Earth’s composition.
• Helps in oil and natural gas exploration.

Significance of GSI’s 175-Year Legacy

• Scientific Advancements: GSI has contributed significantly to earth sciences and natural resource management.
• Economic Growth: Its surveys have boosted mining, construction, and energy sectors.
• Environmental Protection: Assists in sustainable mining and conservation of natural resources.

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh

• Himachal Pradesh is geologically sensitive due to its location in the Himalayan seismic zone.
• GSI plays a key role in earthquake and landslide studies in HP.
• Mineral surveys in HP contribute to economic development and resource management.
• Questions on natural resource exploration, disaster management, and environmental policies are crucial for HAS General Studies and Geography sections.