4th March 2025-Current Affairs

1. Centring Care in India’s Economic Policy – Economy

Why in News?

• Union Budget 2025 has allocated a record ₹4,49,028.68 crore to the Gender Budget (GB), marking a 37.3% increase from the previous year.
• GB now constitutes 8.86% of the total Budget, reflecting growing recognition of gender-related economic issues.
• However, the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana accounts for 24% of the GB, highlighting a lack of direct investment in care infrastructure.

Key Issues & Analysis

1. Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) in India

• Indian women spend 40% more time on unpaid care work compared to South African and Chinese women.
• 53% of Indian women are outside the formal labour force due to caregiving responsibilities, whereas only 1.1% of men leave work for caregiving.
• Women in low-income households work 17–19 hours daily, leading to ‘time poverty’ and severe health challenges.

2. Global Perspective

• Globally, women perform a disproportionate share of unpaid labour, with Indian women spending 17.8% of their time on such tasks.
• The burden is more pronounced in the Global South, where social security systems are weaker.

3. Missed Opportunities in the Budget

• Despite the record increase, the Budget lacks significant investment in care infrastructure, such as:
  • Childcare facilities
  • Elderly care support
  • Maternity benefits
  • Public healthcare investments
• This limits the potential for women’s economic empowerment.

4. Economic & Policy Implications

• The Economic Survey 2023-24 suggests that a 2% of GDP investment in care infrastructure could:
  • Create employment opportunities in the care economy.
  • Reduce the burden of unpaid care work on women.
  • Enhance female labour force participation, boosting economic growth.

Conclusion & Way Forward

• The 2025 Budget acknowledges gender concerns but falls short of making transformative investments in care infrastructure.
• Addressing unpaid care work is crucial for achieving gender equality and economic inclusion.
• Future policies should focus on:
  • Direct investment in childcare and eldercare services.
  • Time-saving infrastructure (e.g., piped water, transport, community kitchens).
  • Redistributing care responsibilities between genders.

Exam Relevance

• Governance & Public Policy → Role of the Gender Budget in economic planning.
• Indian Economy & Development → Link between care work, labour force participation, and economic growth.
• Social Issues & Women Empowerment → Impact of time poverty and lack of support for caregivers.
• Current Affairs → Analysis of Union Budget 2025 and policy gaps.

2. Article 136 of the Indian Constitution – Polity

Why in News?

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently raised concerns over the increasing use of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) under Article 136, stating that what was intended as a “narrow slit” for judicial intervention has expanded significantly.
• SLPs allow the Supreme Court (SC) to hear appeals from lower court judgments on a discretionary basis.

Understanding Article 136

1. Jurisdiction & Purpose

• Article 136 gives the Supreme Court (SC) the power to grant special leave to appeal against any judgment, decree, or order from:
  • High Courts
  • Tribunals
  • Other judicial bodies
• This provision is meant for exceptional cases where no other appeal mechanism exists.

2. Historical Background

• Origin: Inspired by similar provisions in the Government of India Act, 1935, which allowed appeals to the Privy Council.

3. Scope & Application

• SLPs can be filed in both civil and criminal cases.
• Can be used when a High Court refuses to grant a certificate of appeal to the SC.
• The SC is not obligated to hear every SLP, as the process is purely discretionary.

4. Time Limit for Filing an SLP

• 90 days from the date of the High Court’s judgment.
• 60 days if the High Court refuses certification for appeal.

5. Judicial Discretion & Limitations

• Filing an SLP does not guarantee a right to appeal; the SC accepts only cases involving:
  • Substantial questions of law
  • Serious injustice or legal errors
• The SC may accept an SLP but later decide not to intervene in the final verdict.

6. Conversion into a Formal Appeal

• If the SC grants leave under Article 136, the SLP transforms into a full-fledged appeal, allowing both sides to present arguments.

Key Concerns & Current Debate

• Overuse of SLPs → Originally intended for exceptional cases, but now used frequently, overburdening the SC.
• Judicial Backlog → Large number of SLPs contributes to case pendency in Indian courts.
• Lack of Clarity → SC does not need to provide reasons for rejecting an SLP, raising concerns over transparency.
• Selective Intervention → Some argue that the SC should intervene only in matters of constitutional importance.

Conclusion & Way Forward

• Article 136 is a vital tool for judicial intervention but must be used judiciously.
• Reforms needed to streamline SLPs, possibly by limiting their use to constitutional and fundamental rights cases.
• Alternative appeal mechanisms at the High Court level could reduce dependency on the SC.

Exam Relevance

• Indian Polity & Constitution → Judicial powers of the Supreme Court.
• Governance & Judiciary → Challenges in judicial efficiency and case backlog.
• Current Affairs → Recent debate on judicial reforms and discretionary powers.

3. Transforming Indian Cities – Challenges and the Road Ahead – Environment

Why in News?

• Indian cities face severe challenges such as:
  • High pollution levels (42 out of the world’s 50 most polluted cities are in India).
  • Inadequate infrastructure leading to congestion and poor living conditions.
  • Governance issues and urban planning failures, worsening inequalities.
• Rapid urbanization is pushing city populations beyond capacity, with an estimated 600 million urban residents by 2036.
• Without urgent reforms, cities may become unlivable and unsafe.

Key Challenges

1. Rapid Urbanization & Overpopulation

• Census towns (urban areas not officially recognized as cities) increased from 1,362 (2001) to 3,894 (2011).
• Urban sprawl leads to housing shortages, slums, and inadequate public services.

2. Pollution Crisis

• Air pollution: India has 42 of the 50 most polluted cities globally, causing severe health risks.
• Water pollution:
  • 50% of India’s rivers are polluted, affecting drinking water and agriculture.
  • Major rivers like the Yamuna and Ganga suffer from industrial and sewage contamination.
• Economic losses: Pollution-related health issues cost India ~$95 billion annually.

3. Climate Change Impact

• Cities face extreme weather events, including:
  • Severe flooding in Mumbai and Bengaluru due to poor drainage and urban planning.
  • Extreme heat waves in Delhi, worsening air quality and water shortages.

4. Water & Waste Management Issues

• Less than 20% of waste is treated in India, causing environmental and public health crises.
• Inadequate sewage treatment leads to groundwater contamination.

5. Governance & Planning Failures

• Census towns lack official recognition, meaning they get less funding and poor infrastructure.
• Unplanned urban growth leads to traffic congestion, slums, and inefficient resource distribution.

Lessons from Global Cities

1. Singapore – Efficient public transport, green urban planning, and smart governance.
2. Dubai – Strategic investment in infrastructure and technology-driven urban management.

The Road Ahead – Policy Recommendations

• Sustainable Urban Planning
  • Implement smart city principles with better zoning laws and green spaces.
  • Develop satellite towns to reduce population pressure on metro cities.
• Pollution Control & Climate Resilience
  • Expand metro rail networks to reduce vehicular emissions.
  • Strengthen waste management and river cleaning initiatives.
  • Implement climate-resilient infrastructure (better drainage, flood control).
• Improved Governance & Funding
  • Recognize census towns as urban areas to ensure proper funding and development.
  • Strengthen Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for efficient governance.
  • Increase public-private partnerships (PPPs) in urban infrastructure.

Conclusion

• The next decade is critical for making Indian cities livable, green, and globally competitive.
• Immediate reforms in urban governance, pollution control, and infrastructure investment are essential.
• Learning from successful global cities can help India transform its urban landscape.

Exam Relevance

• Indian Economy & Infrastructure → Urban development and smart city planning.
• Governance & Public Policy → Role of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and government initiatives.
• Environmental Issues → Climate change impact, pollution control measures.
• Current Affairs → Rapid urbanization and its challenges.

4. Juanga Tribe – Indian Society

Why in News?

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the District Magistrate of Keonjhar, Odisha, regarding human rights violations against the Juanga tribe.
• The Juanga tribe is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Odisha.

Key Facts about the Juanga Tribe

1. Demographics & Location

• Population: ~50,000 (as per 2011 Census).
• Habitat: Primarily in Keonjhar and Dhenkanal districts of Odisha.
• Status: One of 13 PVTGs among 62 tribes in Odisha.

2. Language

• Speak Juang, a language from the Munda family (part of the Austroasiatic language group).

3. Traditional Livelihood

• Originally hunter-gatherers.
• British colonial rule restricted access to forests, forcing adaptation.
• Became skilled in basket-weaving, trading baskets for salt, oil, and food with neighboring villages.

4. Clothing & Cultural Evolution

• Historically called “Patuas” (leaf-wearers) as Juanga women wore leaf girdles, while men used small loincloths.
• Over time, contact with other communities and government programs led them to adopt modern clothing styles.

5. Religious Beliefs

• Follow animistic traditions while also incorporating Hindu influences.
• Revere the Sun God as the supreme deity.
• Worship Hindu deities alongside tribal gods and goddesses.

Concerns & Human Rights Issues

• Threats to traditional lifestyle due to deforestation and loss of livelihood.
• Limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
• Encroachment on tribal lands and cultural erosion.

Government Initiatives & Protection Measures

• PVTG Status → Provides special schemes for economic and social development.
• Forest Rights Act, 2006 → Recognizes tribal land rights and allows sustainable forest use.
• Odisha Tribal Development Program → Focuses on education, healthcare, and livelihood improvement.
• NHRC Intervention → Ensures protection of tribal rights and cultural heritage.

Conclusion & Way Forward

• The Juanga tribe faces socio-economic and cultural challenges that require targeted policy interventions.
• Government programs must be effectively implemented to improve their living conditions while preserving traditional customs.
• Protecting tribal land and forest rights is crucial for their sustainable development.

Exam Relevance

• Indian Society & Tribes → PVTGs and tribal rights.
• Governance & Social Issues → Role of NHRC and government initiatives.
• Current Affairs → Tribal welfare and human rights concerns.

5. Aadhaar Good Governance Portal – Governance

Why in News?

• The central government launched the Aadhaar Good Governance Portal to streamline the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests.
• Developed by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Aligned with the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules, 2025.
• Aims to enhance service delivery and improve ease of living for citizens.

Key Features & Functionality

• Simplifies Aadhaar Authentication Process
  • Provides Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for entities seeking Aadhaar authentication.
  • Guides organizations through the application and onboarding process.
• Face Authentication (Upcoming Feature)
  • Future integration of face authentication technology for private-sector applications.
  • Will allow authentication anytime, anywhere, improving accessibility.
• Supports Governance & Welfare Delivery
  • Enables efficient identity verification for government and private services.
  • Strengthens the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), PDS, and other welfare schemes.

Overview of Aadhaar

• Aadhaar = 12-digit unique identification number issued by UIDAI.
• Launched in 2009 to ensure universal and verifiable identity.
• Linked to biometric and demographic data for authentication.
• Mandatory for many government schemes, and widely used in banking, telecom, and digital services.

Significance & Impact

• Enhances Digital Governance
  • Reduces bureaucratic delays and simplifies authentication processes.
• Improves Service Delivery
  • Strengthens targeted subsidy programs (e.g., LPG, PDS, MNREGA).
• Boosts Digital Inclusion
  • Enables access to government and private-sector services remotely.
• Addresses Security & Privacy Concerns
  • Aadhaar authentication follows strict data protection protocols to prevent misuse.

Conclusion & Way Forward

• The Aadhaar Good Governance Portal is a major step toward digital transformation, improving service efficiency and governance transparency.
• Future developments, like face authentication, will further enhance accessibility.
• Balancing security and privacy concerns remains a key challenge for Aadhaar-based authentication systems.

Exam Relevance

• Governance & E-Governance → Aadhaar’s role in digital transformation.
• Indian Economy & Welfare Schemes → Aadhaar’s impact on DBT and financial inclusion.
• Science & Technology → Future of biometric authentication.
• Current Affairs → Recent developments in Aadhaar-based governance.