5th April 2025-Current Affairs

1. Lokpal and Lokayukta: A Decade of Underutilized Potential – Governance

Why in News?

After 12 years of its enactment, the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 has yielded limited outcomes:

• Only 24 investigations and 6 prosecution sanctions approved.
• Raises questions about the institution’s effectiveness in fighting high-level corruption.

Background & History

Objectives of the Act

• Establish an independent body to investigate corruption allegations against:
  • Public servants
  • Union ministers
  • Members of Parliament
  • Even the Prime Minister (with some exceptions)
• Create Lokayuktas at the state level for similar accountability mechanisms

Composition & Appointment

Lokpal

• PM (Chair)
• Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha)
• Chief Justice of India / SC Judge
• Eminent Jurist

Lokayukta (State-Level)

• Must be established by each state under the Lokpal Act
• Powers and structure are state-specific
• Handles corruption complaints against:
  • State ministers
  • MLAs
  • Government officials

Powers and Limitations

Powers

• Can order CBI investigations
• Can initiate prosecution before special courts
• Can seize documents and summon public officials

Limitations

• Delayed appointments (Lokpal was set up only in 2019)
• Low case disposal rate
• Limited independence from the government
• No prosecution wing of its own – depends on existing agencies
• Whistleblower protection mechanism is still weak

Key Statistics (As of 2024)

Why It Matters

• India ranks 93 out of 180 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) (2023)
• Strong institutions like Lokpal are essential for:
  • Public trust
  • Rule of law
  • Democratic accountability
• Without functional Lokpals/Lokayuktas, public grievances remain unaddressed, and corruption thrives

Way Forward

Conclusion

The Lokpal and Lokayukta were born from public demand for cleaner governance. Yet, without institutional strengthening, political will, and public pressure, they risk becoming symbolic. Strengthening these watchdogs is critical for India’s anti-corruption architecture and democratic integrity.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q1. The Lokpal is appointed by:

A) Chief Justice of India
B) Prime Minister directly
C) President of India based on recommendation of a selection committee
D) Vice President of India

Correct Answer: C) President of India based on recommendation of a selection committee

Q2. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The Lokpal can investigate corruption cases against the Prime Minister.
2. All states are mandated to establish Lokayuktas under the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013.
3. The Lokpal can order prosecution independently without referral to any other agency.

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 only
D) All of the above

Correct Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
(Statement 3 is incorrect — Lokpal depends on other agencies like CBI for prosecution.)

Mains:

1. “The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, though a landmark legislation, has not lived up to its promise.” Examine the causes for its underperformance and suggest reforms.

2. Discuss the role of independent anti-corruption institutions in ensuring good governance in India. Illustrate with examples.

2. Declining Fertility Rates in India: Demographic Dividend at Risk? – Indian Society

Why in News?

According to the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study 2021, India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined from 6.18 in the 1950s to 1.9 in 2021, slipping below the replacement level of 2.1. Projections indicate a further fall to 1.04 by 2100, raising serious socio-economic and political concerns—particularly for southern Indian states.

What is Total Fertility Rate (TFR)?

TFR is the average number of children a woman is expected to bear during her reproductive life (15–49 years), based on current birth rates.

• Replacement-level fertility = 2.1 (needed to maintain population size)
• TFR < 2.1 → Population decline & ageing
• India’s TFR (2021): 1.9
• Projected by 2100: 1.04

Key Factors Behind India’s Fertility Decline

1. Early Family Planning Adoption

• States like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala adopted population control policies in the 1950s–70s
• E.g., Andhra Pradesh’s TFR is 1.5, comparable to Scandinavian nations

2. Female Empowerment

• Higher literacy and female workforce participation lead to delayed marriage and childbirth
• Kerala reached replacement-level fertility as early as 1988

3. Societal & Cultural Shifts

• Aspirations for education, careers, and better lifestyles
• Smaller families seen as economically manageable

4. Urbanization & Cost of Living

• Urban life = less space, higher education/childcare costs
• Evident in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi

Challenges Arising from Falling Fertility

1. Ageing Population

• Southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu will face:
  • Shrinking working-age population
  • Increased health and pension burdens
  • Risk of “Japan-style demographic stagnation”

2. Political Representation

• Post-2031 Census delimitation may reduce Lok Sabha seats of southern states due to slower population growth
• Raises concerns over federal equity and North-South divide

3. Labour Shortage & Economic Productivity

• Declining fertility → smaller workforce → lower GDP growth
• Rising dependency ratio (retired vs working population)

4. Migration & Regional Disparity

• Northern states (e.g., Bihar, UP) with high fertility will supply migrants
• May lead to cultural, linguistic tensions and economic dependence

Way Forward: Adapting to a Low-Fertility Future

Conclusion

India’s falling fertility rate is a double-edged sword—a sign of social progress but also a demographic warning. Southern states are already entering the post-demographic dividend phase, necessitating urgent policy responses to maintain economic vitality and social balance. Managing this shift with federal sensitivity, strategic planning, and inclusive governance will define India’s long-term trajectory.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q1. What is the replacement-level fertility rate required to maintain population size in a country?

A) 1.5
B) 2.1
C) 2.5
D) 3.0

Correct Answer: B) 2.1

Q2. Which of the following states in India achieved replacement-level fertility earliest?

A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Maharashtra
C) Kerala
D) Punjab

Correct Answer: C) Kerala

Q3. Which of the following factors contribute to declining fertility rates?

1. Higher female education
2. Urbanization
3. Early marriage
4. Rising cost of living

A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 4 only
D) All of the above

Correct Answer: A) 1, 2 and 4 only
(Early marriage tends to increase fertility.)

Mains:

1. “India’s declining fertility rate reflects demographic maturity but creates new governance challenges.” Discuss.

2. Examine the implications of fertility decline on India’s federal structure and political representation, especially in light of the upcoming delimitation exercise.

3. India’s Roadmap to a Healthy Nation by 2047 – Governance

Why in News?

As part of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, India recognizes that health and human productivity are central to its development goals. The government is now focused on establishing a robust, inclusive, and digitally empowered health ecosystem by 2025, serving as the foundation for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improved national well-being by 2047.

Key Goals by 2047

Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

UHC ensures that every citizen receives the healthcare they need without facing financial hardship.

Key Focus Areas:

• Public financing: Increase health spending to 2.5–3% of GDP
• Primary healthcare reform: Strengthen Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) at the grassroots
• Financial protection: Expand Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) to cover more citizens
• Health workforce: Address shortages of doctors, nurses, ASHAs, ANMs

Digital Health Mission: The Backbone of Future Healthcare

🔹 Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

• Creation of unique health IDs for all individuals
• Digitization of health records, prescriptions, diagnostics
• Interoperability across public and private health facilities

🔹 Role of Technology

• AI/ML in diagnostics and telemedicine
• IoT devices for chronic disease monitoring
• Teleconsultation platforms like eSanjeevani to bridge rural-urban gaps

Data-Driven Health Governance

• Epidemiological surveillance systems to track outbreaks and trends
• Disaggregated data helps:
  • Address non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
  • Track mental health trends
  • Improve maternal and child health outcomes

Quote-worthy line: “You can’t fix what you can’t measure.” — underscores the role of real-time health data in decision-making

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

• Digital health startups and private hospitals can fill gaps in:
  • Diagnostics and AI tools
  • Remote care and specialist access
  • Medical record integration
• Partnerships enable scale, innovation, and cost-effectiveness

Challenges to Overcome

Way Forward

Conclusion

India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 hinges on a healthy, productive, and empowered population. Achieving Universal Health Coverage, powered by digital innovation and data-driven governance, is not just a health goal—it is a national development imperative. The time to act is now. By 2025, laying the groundwork for an integrated, inclusive, and future-ready health system will be critical for realizing the dream of a Viksit Bharat.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q1. Which of the following is/are components of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?

1. Creation of unique Health IDs
2. Digitalization of medical records
3. Mandatory teleconsultation for rural patients

Options:

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) All of the above

Correct Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Q2. The term “Universal Health Coverage” implies:

A) Free healthcare for all citizens, irrespective of income
B) Access to quality health services without financial hardship
C) Healthcare delivery only through government institutions
D) Health insurance for the organized sector

Correct Answer: B) Access to quality health services without financial hardship

Mains:

1. “India’s path to becoming a developed nation by 2047 must be rooted in robust public health systems.” Discuss with reference to Universal Health Coverage and digital healthcare.

2. Evaluate the role of digital technologies in transforming India’s health system. What are the key challenges in ensuring equitable access?

4. Recasting Insolvency Resolution: Fixing the Fault Lines in IBC Implementation – Economy

Why in News?

Though hailed as a landmark reform, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 is now facing criticism due to growing inefficiencies, especially in the functioning of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and NCLAT. With the average resolution time increasing to 716 days in FY 2023–24, stakeholders are calling for a complete institutional overhaul.

What is the IBC, 2016?

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code was enacted to:

• Consolidate and streamline existing insolvency laws
• Provide a time-bound resolution process (original target: 180 days, extendable to 330 days)
• Enhance creditor rights and improve India’s ease of doing business

Key Issues in Implementation

1. Overburdened NCLT & NCLAT

• Originally created to adjudicate corporate insolvency
• Now also handles cases under Companies Act, Competition Act, etc.
• Result: Heavy backlog, procedural delays, and overcentralization

🕒 FY 2023–24: Average resolution time = 716 days, far above the statutory limit

2. Lack of Specialized Expertise

• Judges often lack domain knowledge in finance, insolvency, or valuation
• Leads to inefficient hearings and poor quality orders

3. Institutional Lag

• NCLT was conceptualized in 1999, but operationalized only in 2016
• It has not evolved with the increasing economic complexity or case volume

4. Creditor & Investor Uncertainty

• Delays in resolution affect:
  • Recovery rates for banks and creditors
  • Investor confidence and capital inflows
  • Business exits, leading to economic inefficiency

Impact on the Economy

Reforms & Way Forward

1. Hybrid Adjudication Model

• Combine judicial experience with technical expertise
• Specialized benches for:
  • Financial restructuring
  • MSME insolvency
  • Cross-border cases

2. Strengthen Institutional Capacity

• Appoint more NCLT/NCLAT members
• Expand infrastructure and digital courtrooms
• Fill vacancies faster through streamlined recruitment

3. Alternative Mechanisms

• Promote pre-pack insolvency schemes for faster resolution
• Encourage out-of-court settlements and mediation frameworks

4. Monitoring & Accountability

• Performance metrics for tribunals
• Fix timelines for each stage of the insolvency process
• Enable real-time tracking of case progress

5. Technological Integration

• Use AI and case management software for triaging cases
• Digitize filings, arguments, and judgments

Global Best Practices

Conclusion

The IBC has transformed India’s insolvency landscape, but its promise is at risk due to judicial overload, procedural delays, and lack of specialization. Recasting insolvency resolution requires institutional innovation, regulatory flexibility, and human capital investment. Only then can India deliver on its aspiration of becoming an investment-friendly, high-growth economy.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q1. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 is applicable to:

1. Companies
2. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
3. Individuals and Partnership firms
4. Cooperative societies

Choose the correct option:

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2, 3 and 4
D) 2 and 4 only

Correct Answer: B) 1, 2 and 3 only
(Cooperative societies are not currently covered under IBC.)

Q2. Which of the following tribunals is responsible for adjudicating insolvency resolution under the IBC?

A) Central Administrative Tribunal
B) National Green Tribunal
C) National Company Law Tribunal
D) Securities Appellate Tribunal

Correct Answer: C) National Company Law Tribunal

Mains:

1. “While the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code has improved India’s insolvency framework, the implementation bottlenecks undermine its success.” Discuss.

2. Evaluate the role of judicial institutions in ensuring effective insolvency resolution in India. What reforms are needed in the functioning of the NCLT and NCLAT?

5. ILO Report on International Migrants: A Gendered Labour Perspective – International Relations

Why in News?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) released its Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers (2022) in Geneva, highlighting:

• A global migrant population of 284.5 million
• 255.7 million migrants of working age (15+)
• Persistent gender disparities in migration and labour market access

Key Takeaways

Gendered Dimensions of Migration

1. Societal & Cultural Barriers

• Women face restricted mobility due to traditional gender norms
• Migration often viewed as a male-led economic strategy

2. Labour Market Segmentation

• Women migrants are overrepresented in:
  • Domestic work
  • Caregiving
  • Hospitality
• Men dominate construction, manufacturing, and agriculture – often with better pay and conditions

3. Employment Barriers for Migrant Women

Major Host Countries

• 68.4% of migrants reside in high-income economies
• Top 5 destinations:
  • United States
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia

These countries attract migrants due to higher wages, labour shortages, and aging populations.

Sectoral Distribution of Migrant Workers

Regional Distribution

• Europe & Central Asia – 34.5%
• Americas – 27.3%
• Asia & Pacific – 16.2%
• Africa & Middle East – Remaining proportion
• Most migration is south-north, driven by wage differentials and job opportunities

Why It Matters for India

• India is the world’s largest source of international migrants
• Indian women migrants (especially to Gulf countries) often work in domestic roles with poor labour protections
• Policy interventions needed to:
  • Improve pre-departure training
  • Ensure labour rights abroad
  • Recognize informal care work
  • Integrate gender-sensitive migration strategies

Way Forward

Conclusion

The ILO report emphasizes that migration is not gender-neutral. Women migrants face systemic disadvantages, despite their critical role in global care economies. Addressing these challenges through inclusive, rights-based, and gender-responsive migration governance is essential for achieving equitable development and labour justice across borders.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q1. According to the ILO Global Estimates 2022, what percentage of international migrants reside in high-income countries?

A) 50%
B) 68.4%
C) 34.5%
D) 77%

Correct Answer: B) 68.4%

Q2. Which of the following sectors is most dominated by migrant women?

A) Construction
B) Agriculture
C) Caregiving and domestic work
D) Mining

Correct Answer: C) Caregiving and domestic work

Mains:

1. “The global migration narrative must shift to include gender-responsive frameworks.” Discuss in light of the ILO’s 2022 report on international migrant workers.

2. Examine the socio-economic challenges faced by migrant women globally. What role can India play in advocating for safe and fair migration?