Content :
- Turning tide
- Grind along
- The long fight for accessibility, dignity in Indian prisons
- Clearing the air on Delhi’s pollution crisis
Turning Tide
Relevance: GS 3 (Economy )
Practice Question :
Discuss factors responsible for higher exports and lower imports. Examine the challenges and suggest some key measures. (250 words)
- Q2 Decline: Goods exports dropped by an average of 5.8% in the first two months of Q2, with only a 0.5% rise in September.
- October Rise: Exports rose by 17.25% in October to reach $39.2 billion, which is the second-highest monthly figure of the year; the Christmas season creates demand in developed economies.
- Annual Target: Exports of service have risen 14.6% by September, which boosts confidence in reaching the $800 billion target of 2024-25.
- Non-Petroleum Exports: A 25.6% increase, marking the highest-ever tally for the first seven months at $211.3 billion.
Petroleum Sector Issues
- Import Surge: Oil imports increased 13.2% in October, reaching $18.3 billion—up 46.4% from September.
- Export Decline: Petroleum exports have declined for five consecutive months, falling 22% in October to $4.6 billion, the lowest in almost three years.
- Oil Trade Deficit: The oil trade deficit hit $13.7 billion in October, which is a record.
Overall Trade Balance
- Import Bill Increase: The total import bill rose to $66.3 billion in October, largely due to oil and gold imports.
- Widening Trade Deficit: The trade deficit has expanded to its second and third-highest levels in the past three months.
Global Trade Context
- Forecasts: WTO predicts global trade growth at 3% in 2025, up from 2.7% in 2024.
- Geopolitical Risks: Economic slowdown in China and ongoing global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine crisis affecting trade stability
- U.S. Policy Shifts: There is speculation that the new government may put higher import tariffs and incentives for domestic production, which influences the global trade landscape.
Key Takeaways for India
- India should be cautious in its policies; it should not attract unnecessary scrutiny from the United States.
- India should closely monitor oil market trends and should focus on reducing oil import bills.
- India should focus on increasing non-petroleum exports.
Grind Along
Relevance : GS 2( Polity ), GS 4 (Ethics )
Practice Question:
Explain why it is important for public figures to choose their words carefully. (150 Words )
- Context: The actor Kasthuri was recently arrested due to her remarks about the Telugu community at an event in Chennai. A few days later, bail was granted to her.
- Importance of Public Speech: Public figures must be mindful of their words because today’s digital age enables permanently recorded statements and wide circulations.
- Legal Principles: Generally, the principle “bail is the rule and jail is an exception” should be considered, highlighting the importance of not using arrest as a first response in every situation.
- Custodial Interrogation: In this case, there was no need for custodial interrogation since the basic material was already with the police, and there was no immediate threat to law and order.
- Freedom of Expression: While freedom of expression is vital in a democratic society, it is bound by reasonable restrictions to ensure it does not harm others.
Broader Implications
- Responsible Speech: Public speakers should choose their words carefully to ensure their words do not negatively impact any community.
- State Response: The state should consider arrest only when it is necessary instead of rushing for arrest.
Conclusion
The case highlights the significance of balancing the Right to do (free speech) with the Right thing to do (social responsibility).
The Long Fight For Accessibility, Dignity in Indian Prisons
Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice )
Practice Question:
Shed light on issues faced by prisoners with disabilities in prisons of India. Suggest key measures for their betterment. (250 words)
Professor G.N. Saibaba’s Case:
- Saibaba, a quadriplegic, was imprisoned in 2014 despite a lack of concrete evidence.
- Experienced severe neglect at Nagpur Central Jail, including inadequate wheelchair accessibility and cramped “anda cell.”
- Faced daily challenges with basic tasks like using the toilet, fetching water, and bathing.
- Exonerated in 2024, but died shortly after, highlighting the toll of neglect.
General Conditions in Indian Prisons:
- Indian prisons are overcrowded, with over 5.73 lakh prisoners, exceeding their capacity of 4.36 lakh.
- Chronic issues of violence, abuse, and neglect persist in prisons.
- Prisoners with disabilities are more vulnerable to abuse from both staff and other inmates.
- Special needs for prisoners with disabilities are largely ignored or unmet.
Father Stan Swamy’s Case:
- Father Swamy, with Parkinson’s disease, was denied basic assistive items like a straw and sipper while imprisoned.
- This denial of basic care violated his legal rights under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016).
Accessibility Issues in Prisons:
- A 2018 audit of Delhi’s prisons revealed gaps such as unfunctional wheelchairs, inaccessible cells, and limited access to essential facilities.
- The lack of accessible toilets, mulaqat rooms, and recreational spaces further exacerbates the challenges for prisoners with disabilities.
Legal Framework and Rights:
- The Constitution guarantees prisoners’ rights to equality, liberty, and dignity.
- The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities prohibits torture and inhumane treatment of prisoners with disabilities.
- India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) and the Model Prison Manual (2016) outline the need for accessible prison facilities.
- Despite these legal frameworks, enforcement remains weak, and prisoners with disabilities continue to suffer.
Political and Public Indifference:
- Many people believe prisoners deserve their suffering, fostering public indifference and a lack of political will for reform.
- The government’s failure to prioritize prison reforms undermines the legal protections for prisoners with disabilities.
The Way Forward:
- Immediate reforms are needed to ensure accessible and dignified conditions for prisoners with disabilities.
- State governments must take responsibility for ensuring legal protections and accommodating prisoners with disabilities.
- Stronger enforcement of existing laws and policies is essential to prevent further abuse and neglect.
Clearing the Air on Delhi’s Pollution Crisis
Relevance: GS 3 (Environment )
Practice Question:
Discuss potential causes for Delhi’s air pollution. Analyse current measures in reducing pollution levels and suggest key measures. (250 words )
Historical Context and Challenges:
- Efforts to combat Delhi’s air pollution date back to 1984 with M.C. Mehta’s public interest litigation.
- Despite many measures, the growing economy and population have outpaced these efforts.
- Urban toxicity is described as a ‘wicked problem’ requiring long-term measures, similar to issues faced in Los Angeles.
Government and Judicial Actions:
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) began addressing air pollution by asking the government to list its causes.
- The National Clean Air Programme (2019), with its collaborative approach, has made minimal impact.
- The Supreme Court holds the right to a clean environment as a fundamental right and has been questioning the government’s efforts and the effectiveness of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Sources of Pollution:
- Vehicular emissions and traffic congestion are significant contributors to year-round toxicity in Delhi.
- In Delhi, Los Angeles, and Beijing, 60% of air toxicity comes from vehicles, 20% from soil dust, and less than 20% from other sources.
- Stubble burning contributes less than 1% to Delhi’s PM 2.5 levels on specific dates.
Challenges with Dispersed Sources:
- Addressing dispersed pollution sources like vehicular emissions involves societal factors and lacks viable options.
- Historical example: Rahul Bajaj and vehicle emission standards delays due to technological constraints from foreign collaborators.
Farmer’s Dilemma:
- Farmers in Haryana and Punjab face challenges due to delayed sowing practices to conserve groundwater, affecting pollution levels in Delhi.
- The Supreme Court’s role isn’t to adjudicate between the fundamental rights of farmers and Delhi residents but to address management plans.
Comparison with Beijing:
- Beijing employs a techno-political management system with public awareness, accurate monitoring, and preemptive measures.
- Beijing uses PM 2.5 sensors throughout the city and has significantly more public transport options compared to Delhi.
Recommendations:
- The Court should mandate the Graded Response Action Plan and develop a toxicity management plan for Delhi and surrounding areas with proper budgetary and political support.
- Moving away from temporary solutions, a focus on transformative actions is necessary.
