Mains Paper 2
Context: A Kolkata court has sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in August 2024, even as the public widely demanded the death penalty.
What are the current statistics around the Death Penalty in India? According to the Annual Statistics Report 2023, a total of 561 prisoners in India are currently facing the death penalty. Despite the high number of death sentences, the country records over 31,000 reported rape cases each year, highlighting a gap between the intended deterrent effect of capital punishment and actual crime rates. Additionally, the death penalty in India is often perceived as being applied unfairly, disproportionately affecting the poor and marginalized communities. |
What are the key arguments around the Death Penalty (For/Against)?
The arguments in favour of the death Penalty:
- Retribution and Justice: Advocates of the death penalty argue that it serves as a fair punishment for the “rarest of rare” cases, particularly for severe crimes such as rape and murder. They emphasize the need for justice for victims and their families, often highlighting the sense of closure it provides.
- Deterrence: Some supporters believe that capital punishment helps prevent serious crimes like murder and rape by creating a fear of the ultimate consequence.
- Public Sentiment: In instances of particularly horrific crimes, widespread public outrage often calls for severe measures like the death penalty, viewing it as a representation of society’s moral condemnation.
The arguments against the death penalty:
- Moral and Ethical Concerns: Opponents of the death penalty see it as an act of violence, arguing that using violence to counter violence is unjustifiable. Organizations such as Amnesty International consider it to be cruel and dehumanizing.
- Lack of Deterrence: Research from countries that have abolished capital punishment, such as Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, indicates that crime rates have not increased significantly. This suggests that the death penalty is no more effective in preventing crime than life imprisonment or other forms of punishment.
- Unequal Implementation: Critics highlight that capital punishment is often imposed disproportionately on the poor and marginalized, while wealthy and influential individuals are less likely to face such sentences, raising concerns about systemic bias and inequality.
- Shifting Focus to Root Causes: Rather than emphasizing the death penalty, critics argue that efforts should be directed toward addressing the root causes of violence, such as the cultural acceptance of aggression and toxic masculinity. They advocate for solutions like education, social reforms, and cultural change to prevent crimes like rape and murder.
What are the key reforms and guidelines established after the Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab Case?
- Rarest of Rare Principle: In the landmark case of Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab, the Supreme Court established that the death penalty should be reserved for the “rarest of rare” cases. This decision provided a framework for judicial discretion, ensuring that capital punishment is applied only when the severity of the crime makes life imprisonment inadequate.
- Sentencing Guidelines: The court outlined specific criteria to assess whether a crime justifies the death penalty, taking into account factors such as the gravity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, and whether the accused shows potential for reform. The judgment also stressed the importance of considering “mitigating factors,” such as the offender’s background and personal circumstances.
- Judicial Oversight: The ruling emphasized that any death sentence must undergo judicial scrutiny, with higher courts required to carefully evaluate all aspects of the case before confirming the punishment.
- Emphasis on Rehabilitation: The verdict highlighted the significance of rehabilitation, urging courts to thoroughly examine the possibility of reform before imposing a death sentence.
Way forward:
- Enhancing Judicial Oversight and Transparency: To ensure fair and consistent application of the death penalty, judicial scrutiny should be strengthened with comprehensive reviews of sentencing decisions at various levels. Greater attention should be given to mitigating circumstances and the possibility of rehabilitation, ensuring that capital punishment is applied strictly in the “rarest of rare” cases.
- Emphasis on Prevention and Social Change: Instead of focusing solely on the death penalty, efforts should be directed toward addressing the underlying causes of serious crimes. This involves tackling deep-rooted social issues such as gender inequality, toxic masculinity, and the normalization of violence within society. Investing in education, social reforms, and enhanced support systems for survivors can create a more effective long-term solution.
Foundational values, the journey of the Indian state
Mains Paper 2
Context: As India commemorates 75 years since the implementation of its Constitution, it is crucial to reflect on the nation’s adherence to its fundamental values before shaping the path ahead.
What are the foundational values that define the Indian state? Sovereignty, Democracy, and Republic: The Indian Constitution upholds the nation’s sovereignty and ensures democratic governance by empowering the people to elect their representatives. Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity: These principles, embedded in the Preamble, demonstrate India’s dedication to social democracy and collective well-being. Justice: The Constitution emphasizes social, economic, and political justice to foster an inclusive and equitable society. Federalism: Although not explicitly stated, the constitutional structure is based on federal principles that distribute power between the Union and the States. Secularism: It guarantees the separation of religion from the state, ensuring religious freedom and equal treatment for all citizens. Rule of Law: The Constitution establishes its supremacy, promoting legal equality and accountability for all individuals. Unity in Diversity: It fosters a spirit of harmony and fraternity among India’s diverse cultural, linguistic, and regional communities. |
How have recent legislative and political changes impacted India’s commitment to these values?
- Secularism: India’s constitutional commitment to secularism faces challenges due to laws related to religious identity. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, which grants citizenship to persecuted religious minorities from neighboring countries while excluding Muslims, has sparked concerns about its compatibility with Article 14 (Right to Equality) and the secular foundations of the Constitution.
- Social Justice: Efforts to promote affirmative action through reservations continue, but recent policies have stirred debates on inclusivity. The introduction of the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment has been questioned for excluding marginalized communities already covered under SC/ST/OBC quotas, potentially shifting focus away from addressing caste-based historical injustices.
- Federalism: Changes in legislation have impacted the power balance between the Union and states, raising concerns about cooperative federalism. The revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and its reclassification as Union Territories in 2019 bypassed the state legislature, prompting discussions about its implications for federal principles under Articles 1 and 370.
- Freedom of Speech and Expression: Political developments have contributed to an environment where dissent and criticism of the government are often met with legal action. The application of sedition laws under Section 124A of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against journalists and activists has raised fears of suppressing democratic expression.
- Inclusive Development: While legislative initiatives aim to drive economic progress, they have sometimes overlooked environmental sustainability and the rights of marginalized communities. The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, which seeks to protect tribal rights, has been weakened by recent amendments to environmental laws that prioritize infrastructure development over community welfare.
- Equality and Gender Justice: Although legislative advancements have been made, gaps remain in their execution. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, introduced stricter penalties for crimes against women, reflecting a strong legislative intent. However, issues such as underreporting and delays in justice continue to hinder progress toward gender equality.
Way forward
- Enhancing Judicial Oversight and Protecting Constitutional Rights: To uphold India’s core values, it is crucial to empower the judiciary in protecting constitutional rights, ensuring that laws and policies adhere to the principles of equality, secularism, and justice.
- Developing Inclusive and Transparent Policies: Policy formulation should prioritize inclusive growth, making sure that marginalized communities are adequately represented and not excluded from development initiatives.
- Advancing Inclusive Governance and Social Justice: Affirmative action policies, including reservations, should be continually aligned with the principles of social justice to effectively address both historical and contemporary challenges faced by marginalized groups.
- Upholding Secularism and Safeguarding Fundamental Rights: It is essential to preserve the secular nature of the nation by ensuring that all laws and policies uphold religious diversity and equality in accordance with constitutional provisions.
With 7 fresh members from Africa, Global Plastic Action Partnership expands to 25 countries: WEF
Mains Paper 3
Context: The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), a project by the World Economic Forum, has achieved a major milestone by expanding its network to 25 countries. This growth includes seven new members: Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania, collectively representing a population of over 1.5 billion people.
What is the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP)? The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), an initiative created by the World Economic Forum, is dedicated to addressing global plastic pollution. It aims to promote a circular economy for plastics, focusing on reuse, recycling, and sustainable management to reduce the environmental effects of plastic waste. What are the key components of GPAP? Governance and Structure: GPAP operates with a strong governance system, including a Governing Council, Steering Board, and Advisory Committee, all involving senior leaders from founding organizations like the World Economic Forum. In Indonesia, this governance framework helped establish the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), which oversees efforts to reduce marine plastic pollution. National Action Roadmaps: GPAP works with various stakeholders to develop National Action Roadmaps specific to each country. For example, Vietnam’s National Plastic Action Partnership launched its roadmap in 2022, aiming to cut plastic waste by 50% by 2030 through targeted strategies. Investment Mobilization: GPAP focuses on aligning financial resources with goals to reduce plastic waste. In Ghana, it collaborated with the government and the private sector to attract investments for recycling infrastructure development. Global Collaboration Network: GPAP serves as a platform for global collaboration to tackle plastic pollution. It has facilitated the exchange of best practices between countries like Indonesia and Ghana, helping them implement innovative solutions such as advanced recycling technologies and extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems. |
What is the significance of expanding GPAP to include seven new African countries?
- Expanded Global Coalition: With its growth, GPAP now includes 25 countries, representing more than 1.5 billion people, establishing it as the largest global initiative dedicated to combating plastic pollution.
- Tackling Critical Environmental Issues: The inclusion of these countries highlights a growing awareness of the urgent need to address plastic pollution, which poses significant risks to ecosystems, biodiversity, and public health.
- Encouraging Regional Cooperation: The addition of new African nations promotes regional collaboration and the sharing of best practices in waste management and recycling.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: GPAP’s efforts are anticipated to drive economic development by encouraging the use of sustainable materials and the establishment of recycling infrastructure.
- Commitment to Circular Economy Values: This expansion reinforces a commitment to circular economy principles, focusing on the reuse and recycling of plastics rather than depending on single-use materials.
What are the anticipated environmental and economic impacts of GPAP’s initiatives?
- Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The initiative aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions linked to plastic production and waste management, which currently contributes around 1.8 billion tonnes annually. By promoting a circular economy, GPAP seeks to reduce emissions, particularly methane from landfills. Through the implementation of National Action Roadmaps, the partnership aims to cut land-based plastic leakage by about 80% by 2040, compared to current trends.
- By adopting a circular economy approach, GPAP’s initiatives offer countries the opportunity to recover the economic value lost from plastics, estimated between $80 billion and $120 billion annually due to inefficiencies in existing systems.
- Job Creation: GPAP’s focus on sustainable waste management practices is expected to generate significant employment, potentially creating up to 6 million green jobs globally by 2030. This includes providing safer working conditions for informal waste workers who are vital to recycling and waste management efforts.
- Mobilizing Investment: The partnership has already attracted significant investments, such as $3.1 billion, to support projects aimed at tackling plastic waste. This influx of capital is expected to boost local economies and drive innovation in sustainable materials and recycling technologies.
Way forward:
- Enhance Policy Frameworks and Partnerships: Work together with governments, the private sector, and civil society to create strong policies that enforce regulations and encourage the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks to drive systemic transformation.
- Boost Innovation and Infrastructure: Invest in advanced recycling technologies to develop scalable waste management infrastructure and support research for sustainable alternatives, promoting a circular economy while generating green jobs and minimizing plastic pollution.
NITI Aayog releases Fiscal Health Index, 2025
Mains Paper 3
Context: The NITI Aayog has introduced the Fiscal Health Index (FHI), 2025, to offer a thorough evaluation of the fiscal performance of 18 key states in India.
What is the Fiscal Health Index (FHI)?
- The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) is an initiative by NITI Aayog designed to assess the fiscal health of states and guide reforms for sustainable economic growth. It evaluates states using a composite index based on five key sub-indices:
– Quality of Expenditure
– Revenue Mobilization
– Fiscal Prudence
– Debt Index
– Debt Sustainability
- The report utilizes data from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) for the fiscal year 2022-23, along with trends from 2014-15 to 2021-22.
- The FHI covers states that make significant contributions to India’s GDP, demographics, public expenditure, and revenues.
About the NITI Aayog:
Aspect | Details |
Full Name | National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) |
Established | January 1, 2015 |
Purpose | To promote cooperative federalism, foster innovation, and facilitate the development of strategic initiatives for the country’s progress. |
Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
Key Objective | To act as a think tank, provide strategic and technical advice to the central and state governments, and design policies for sustainable development. |
Structure | Composed of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, along with Chief Ministers of states and Union Territories, and experts from various sectors. |
Governance Body | Governing Council (chaired by the Prime Minister) and various sub-committees |
Main Functions | – Policy formulation and strategic planning. – Development of action plans for inclusive growth. – Facilitating monitoring and evaluation. |
Focus Areas | – Economic Policy – Infrastructure development – Social Justice – Education and Skill Development – Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
Key Initiatives | – Aspirational Districts Programme – Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) – NITI Aayog’s Data Governance Framework |
Collaboration | Collaborates with ministries, states, and the private sector for policy planning and execution. |
Vision | To create a “New India” by 2047, achieving sustainable growth and providing equal opportunities for all sections of society. |
Key Highlights:
- Top Performers:
- Odisha: Ranked first (67.8), demonstrating excellence in debt management and sustainability.
- Chhattisgarh: Secured second place (55.2), highlighting strong fiscal prudence.
- Goa: Achieved third position (53.6), indicating well-balanced fiscal practices.
- Underperformers:
- Kerala: (29.7), facing difficulties with weak debt sustainability and expenditure quality.
- Punjab: (28.4), dealing with low revenue mobilization and significant deficits.
- West Bengal: (27.8), encountering challenges in debt management and fiscal control.
- Andhra Pradesh: (26.9), constrained by substantial fiscal deficits.
- Regional Insights:
- Southern States: Telangana leads with a score of (47.5), while Tamil Nadu (30.2), Kerala (29.7), and Andhra Pradesh (26.9) trail behind.
- Developmental Expenditure: The leading states allocate as much as 73% of their total expenditure towards growth-oriented activities.
Significance
- Promotes fiscal discipline by providing data-driven insights.
- Guides reforms tailored to each state to address imbalances.
- Encourages positive competition between states.
- Supports cooperative federalism in line with the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.”
- Monitors fiscal health annually to ensure ongoing progress.
India becomes largest importer of Tea from Kenya
Mains Paper 3
Context: India, the second-largest tea producer globally after China, has emerged as the largest importer of tea from Kenya, marking a shift in the dynamics of global tea trade.
Key Highlights of Tea Trade Imports surged from 3.53 million kg in 2023 to 13.71 million kg in 2024, reflecting a notable 288% increase. The average price of Kenyan tea imported to India stood at ₹156.73 per kg, considerably lower than the ₹252.83 per kg that Assam tea fetched at auctions until October 2024. India’s tea exports grew by 13%, rising from 184.46 million kg in 2023 to 209.14 million kg in 2024. Assam and West Bengal were the primary contributors to the exports, making up the majority of the tea sent abroad. |
About Tea Board of India
- The Tea Board of India was established in 1954 under the Tea Act, 1953, replacing the Central Tea Board and the Indian Tea Licensing Committee.
- It was initially formed through the Indian Tea Cess Bill (1903) to promote Indian tea both domestically and internationally.
- Headquartered in Kolkata, the board operates 23 offices across India, including zonal, regional, and sub-regional offices.
- As a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, it has 31 members, including representatives from Parliament, tea producers, traders, and trade unions.
- The board provides financial and technical support for tea cultivation, production, and marketing, backs research and development to enhance tea quality, and ensures compliance with pesticide residue regulations.
Tea Crop in India Under the Treaty of Yandabo (1826), the East India Company took control of Assam, which laid the groundwork for India’s commercial tea industry. In the 19th century, the British introduced tea to India to break China’s monopoly, setting up the first commercial tea garden in Chabua, Assam, in 1837. Tea thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, requires 150–300 cm of annual rainfall, and prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil for optimal growth. India is the world’s second-largest tea producer and the largest consumer, accounting for 30% of global tea consumption, with major production areas in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. |