Content:
- Taken to task
- A case for the Global South in securing Ukraine peace
- A people still waiting to move out of the margins
Taken to task
Core Issue: Defections and Speaker Inaction
- Frequent misuse of defection loopholes has become a political strategy, particularly by ruling parties to gain legislative strength.
- Speakers, often from ruling parties, have delayed or sat indefinitely on disqualification petitions, rendering the anti-defection law ineffective.
- Example: In Telangana, BRS’s petitions to disqualify 10 MLAs were filed in March-April 2024, but notified only in January 2025.
Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Constitution)
Practice Question : The anti-defection law has failed to curb opportunistic political defections primarily due to the partisan role of the Speaker. In light of recent judicial interventions, critically examine the need for reforms in the adjudicatory mechanism under the Tenth Schedule.
(250 words)
Modus Operandi of Misuse
- Legislators defect post-elections, joining ruling parties en masse.
- Speakers delay adjudication on disqualification, enabling defectors to even become ministers in the meantime.
- Instances in Manipur (late 2010s) and Maharashtra (2022 crisis) show the pattern of systematic delays.
Judicial Intervention and Stand
- The Supreme Court has stepped in to nudge Speakers to act within “a reasonable period”.
- Justice B.R. Gavai clarified: Courts cannot dictate the decision’s content but can enforce timely decision-making.
- In October 2023, SC set a deadline for the Maharashtra Speaker, establishing precedent for judicial timelines.
Constitutional Bench and Its Expectation (May 2023)
- A five-judge Bench upheld the Speaker’s authority, trusting in their impartiality.
- But stressed the importance of reasonable time frames for disposing defection cases.
- This expectation has often failed in practice due to political bias of Speakers.
Call for Reform: Independent Tribunal
- In 2020, the Supreme Court suggested:
- Amending the Constitution to remove Speaker’s sole authority in defection cases.
- Establishing an independent tribunal for unbiased, faster adjudication.
- Parliament has not acted on this recommendation, letting the issue persist.
Broader Democratic Impact
- Unaddressed defections mock democratic mandates and erode public faith in electoral outcomes.
- The lack of punitive consequences for defectors from voters enables this recurring malaise.
- Judiciary, though active, can only go so far without legislative reform and public accountability.
Conclusion: Way Forward
- Judicial pressure on Speakers (e.g., in Telangana) is a temporary remedy.
- Long-term solutions lie in:
- Constitutional amendments to establish an independent adjudicatory mechanism.
- Voter awareness and backlash against opportunistic defections.
- Promoting Speaker neutrality and institutional mechanisms for accountability.
A case for the Global South in securing Ukraine peace
Contextual Background
- The Russia-Ukraine war, now entering its 4th year, is showing signs of fatigue from both parties.
- Recent diplomatic breakthroughs (e.g. maritime and energy truces in Riyadh) indicate the possibility of a fragile ceasefire.
- Western proposals for a NATO or European-led peacekeeping mission are facing political, strategic, and operational challenges.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Practice Question : “The road to peace in Ukraine runs through the Global South.” In this context, critically examine the potential and challenges of a Global South-led UN peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Also discuss India’s role and responsibilities in such an initiative.(250 words)
Why European-led Peacekeeping Is Problematic
- Perception of Bias: Russia perceives any European or NATO-led force as a strategic threat and expansionist move.
- Casus Belli Risk: The presence of NATO troops could provoke further escalation rather than peace.
- Public Opinion: European citizens are largely opposed to sending troops (e.g. Macron’s troop proposal was widely unpopular in France).
- Logistical Dependence: Europe may not be able to sustain such a mission without U.S. support, which is uncertain under Trump-era leadership.
The Case for the Global South
Neutral Credibility
- Countries in the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America) have largely avoided taking sides in the Ukraine conflict.
- India’s diplomacy — engaging both Putin and Zelenskyy — illustrates this principled neutrality.
Avoiding Escalation
- The absence of NATO affiliation reduces chances of confrontation with Russia.
- A non-NATO peacekeeping force is more likely to be accepted by both parties.
UN Peacekeeping Experience
- Africa: African Union (AU) has led missions in Somalia, Sudan, Central African Republic — known for operating in fragile states.
- BRICS Nations: Brazil, India, South Africa, Indonesia — all have strong peacekeeping records under UN missions.
- Smaller States: Nations like Chile bring specialized expertise like demining, crucial for post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine.
India’s Strategic Role
- Legacy: Over 2,90,000 Indian peacekeepers have served in 50+ UN missions.
- Current Deployment: More than 5,000 peacekeepers deployed in 9 of 11 active missions.
- Gender Inclusion: India deployed the first all-women UN police unit in Liberia (2007) — enhances legitimacy and trust.
- Past Leadership: Led UN peacekeeping in Yugoslavia (1992) under Boutros Boutros-Ghali’s request.
- Positioning: India is well-placed due to its balanced relations with Russia, Ukraine, and the West.
Key Requirements for a Successful Global South-led Mission
- UN Authorization: Must be a Security Council-backed operation.
- Clear Ceasefire Agreement: Without a strong and enforceable ceasefire, peacekeeping is unviable.
- Frontline Demarcation: Requires detailed and neutral negotiation to avoid friction.
- Western Financial Support: While leadership comes from the Global South, logistical aid from EU is essential.
- Exclusion of NATO: Ensures neutrality and avoids provoking Russian resistance.
- Inclusion of Women: Proven to increase effectiveness and community engagement in conflict zones.
China vs India: Peacemaker Dynamics
- China’s Proactive Diplomacy: Appointed special envoy for Ukraine; maintaining visibility as potential mediator.
- India’s Hesitation: Despite potential, India hasn’t taken comparable diplomatic leadership.
Wider Implications for the Global South
- Rebalancing Global Power: Peacekeeping in Ukraine allows Global South to shift from passive recipients of global order to active shapers.
- UN Reinvigoration: Offers a chance to reinforce the UN’s role in global peace and security.
- India’s Diplomatic Growth: Leading such a mission would enhance India’s stature as a responsible global power.
Conclusion
A NATO/European-led peace mission risks escalation due to perceived bias and lack of legitimacy.
In contrast, a Global South-led UN mission—credible, neutral, and inclusive—can foster real peace, with India poised to lead and shape a more multipolar global order.
A people still waiting to move out of the margins
Theme & Context
- The article, published around International Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31), focuses on the continued marginalisation of transgender individuals in India.
- Despite legal advancements, transgender persons face exclusion from economic, social, and healthcare systems, highlighting the gap between policy and reality.
Relevance : GS 1(Society) ,GS 2(Social Justice)
Practice Question :Despite legal recognition and policy interventions, transgender persons in India continue to face exclusion from social, economic, and healthcare systems. Critically examine the limitations in the implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Suggest a comprehensive roadmap to ensure real empowerment and inclusion of transgender individuals.(250 words)
Legal Framework vs Ground Reality
- Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019:
- Intended to ensure equality, prohibit discrimination, and facilitate welfare.
- Implementation failure is stark — e.g., only 15,800 of 24,115 ID card applicants received certificates by Dec 2023.
- Certification delays contradict global self-identification norms.
- Act does not address police harassment, family rejection, or mechanisms for social reintegration.
- Delhi Case Study:
- With a transgender population of ~4,200 (2011 Census), only 23 ID cards issued by April 2022 — suggests bureaucratic apathy.
Economic Marginalisation
- Employment and Entrepreneurship:
- 92% excluded from economic activities (NHRC 2018), with many pushed into sex work.
- Transgender unemployment rate at 48% (2022) — far higher than the national average of 7-8%.
- Hiringstagediscriminationprevalent; employed individuals face:
- Workplace hostility
- Lack of gender-neutral facilities
- Peer resistance
- Progressive Examples:
- Tata Steel hired 100+ transgender employees — an isolated case, not industry-wide.
- Financial Exclusion:
- 2024: Finance Ministry’s clarification allowed joint bank accounts & nomination rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- However, broader issues remain: limited credit access, inadequate financial literacy, lack of targeted schemes.
- Required measures:
- Diversity hiring
- Targeted financial inclusion
- Government-backed credit schemes
Educational Challenges
- Transgender Literacy Rate: 56.1% (2011 Census) vs national average of 74.04%.
- Dropouts & Hostility:
- In Kerala, 58% dropped out due to bullying and lack of supportive environments.
- Progressive Interventions:
- Maharashtra: Transgender cells in colleges.
- University of Kerala: Reserved seats, hostel facilities.
- Needed Reforms:
- Inclusive, gender-sensitive curricula
- Financial aid, scholarships, vocational training
- Teacher sensitisation to reduce stigma
Healthcare Disparities
- Limited Access & Discrimination:
- 27% denied care based on gender identity (NALSA survey).
- Existing public health schemes fail to reach or accommodate transgender needs.
- Gender-affirming Treatment:
- High cost (₹2–5 lakh), low insurance coverage.
- ‘Ayushman Bharat TG Plus’ aims for ₹5 lakh coverage, but faces implementation delays.
- Mental Health:
- Grossly under-addressed.
- Lack of trained professionals in trans-specific counselling.
- Policy Suggestions:
- Transgender clinics
- Compulsory medical training in trans health
- Broader mental health outreach
- Insurance inclusion of gender-affirming procedures
Social Inclusion & Representation
- Stereotyped Media Portrayals:
- Despite increased visibility, mainstream narratives still reinforce harmful stereotypes.
- Cultural Interventions:
- Campaigns like ‘I Am Also Human’ by Humsafar Trust play a positive role.
- Festivals like Koovagam (Tamil Nadu) showcase visibility and cultural participation.
- Recommendations:
- Gender sensitisation in schools, colleges, workplaces.
- Diverse representation in cinema, TV, literature.
- Positive role models in public life.
Conclusion: Way Forward
- Mere visibility without structural support is symbolic.
- India must shift from tokenism to transformation:
- Anti-discrimination enforcement
- Inclusive hiring policies
- Entrepreneurial support
- Accessible education & healthcare
- Awareness and sensitisation at all levels
- A whole-of-society approach involving governments, businesses, civil society, and media is essential to truly empower the transgender community and move them out of the margins.
