Current Affairs – February 01, 2025

{GS1 – IS – Issues} Substantive Equality in Child Marriage Laws

• Context (TH): The Allahabad HC annulled a child marriage but upheld the gender disparity in PCMA, 2006, highlighting the need for uniform marriage age and equal legal recourse.

About Child Marriage

• Child marriage is defined as any formal or informal union where a child, either a girl or a boy, is married or cohabits with a partner before reaching the age of 18. This includes legally recognised marriages and customary or traditional unions, where children under 18 live with a partner in a marital relationship.

Status of Child Marriage in India (NFHS-5 Data)

• Prevalence: 23.3% of women (20-24 years) were married before 18, and 17.7% of men (25-29 years) married before 21, a decline from 26.8% in NFHS-4 (2015-16).
• Gender Disparity: 17.7% of men aged 25-29 were married before 21.
• Decline: The prevalence of child marriage has halved from 47% (2006) to 23.3% (2019-21).

Source: UNFPA India

• Regional Disparity: States such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tripura, and West Bengal report higher prevalence than the national average.
  • Bihar: 40.8%
  • West Bengal: 41.6%
  • Rajasthan: 25.4%
  • Kerala: 6.3% (one of the lowest rates in India).
• Cases: The number of registered cases under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act increased from 395 in 2017 to 1050 in 2021.

Global Prevalence

• Global Prevalence: 40 million girls aged 15-19 are married or in unions worldwide.
• Rising Risks: The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the risk of child marriage, with an additional 5 million girls at risk globally between 2020-2025.
• Impact of School Closures: 15 million children may never return to school post-pandemic, increasing vulnerability to early marriage, child labour, and exploitation.

Key Legal Issues and Gaps

Unequal Age of Marriage

Legal Disparity

• Girls of 18 years (considered an adult under Majority Act, 1875).
• Boys of 21 years (creating an artificial difference under PCMA).

Impact

• Extends state and parental control over young adults, limiting their decisional autonomy and dignity.
• Disproportionately affects women’s agency and rights.

Gender-Based Disparity in Annulment

PCMA, 2006

• Allows annulment of child marriage within 2 years of attaining majority.
  • For girls, before 20 years.
  • For boys, before 23 years.

Impact

• Grants men more time to annul marriages, leaving women at a disadvantage.
• Reinforces patriarchal norms of men as decision-makers.

Judicial Perspectives

• Sanjay Chaudhary v. Guddan (2024): Allahabad HC held that males above 18 cannot claim incapacity, as they are criminally liable under PCMA; A common age limit for annulment petitions (20 years) aligns with gender equality.
• T. Sivakumar v. Inspector of Police (2011): Madras HC extended annulment age for males to 23, ensuring they could still annul marriages.
• Independent Thought v. Union of India (2017): SC Struck down marital rape exemption for wives below 18 but also allowed males to file annulment petitions till 23, creating gender disparity.

Challenges of Raising Marriage Age to 21

• Violation of Adult Rights: At 18, individuals gain civil rights like voting and property ownership; delaying marriage contradicts these constitutional rights.
• Criminalization of Self-Initiated Marriages: With nearly 50% of child marriages being self-initiated, raising the age may increase legal harassment of consenting couples.
• Increased State Control: 80% of complaints are filed by families, not the girls; stricter laws may be misused to restrict personal choices.
• Social and Health Risks: Fear of legal consequences may deter young girls from seeking health services, increasing unsafe conditions.
• Family Disruptions: More arrests and legal actions can lead to family separations and burden the criminal justice system.

Societal and Cultural Factors Sustaining Child Marriage

• Deep-Rooted Patriarchy: Women are seen as childbearing partners, while men are viewed as financial providers, reinforcing early marriage norms.
• Economic Pressures: Poverty-stricken families see marriage as financial relief, often influenced by dowry practices.
• Lack of Awareness/Education: Low literacy & ignorance of legal provisions drive higher rates.
• Social Acceptance: Early marriage is normalized in many communities, making legal interventions ineffective.
• Family Control: Marrying daughters early is seen as protecting family honor & ensuring obedience.

Strengthening Child Marriage Prevention

• Uniform Age of Marriage at 18: Ensuring gender equality by setting a common legal age; Eliminates arbitrary age differences that disadvantage women.
• Strengthening Law Enforcement: Strict penalties for facilitators (parents, religious leaders). E.g, Nepal’s stricter laws successfully reduced child marriage.
• Community-Led Awareness Campaigns: Engage local leaders and NGOs to educate families. E.g, Plan India campaigns have reduced child marriages in targeted areas.
• Community-Based Monitoring: Establish village-level child protection committees; Encourage local reporting and intervention mechanisms.
• Education & Economic Empowerment: Free education till 18, skill-building & employment schemes for young women. Eg- Kanyashree Prakalpa (West Bengal) giving cash incentives for girls staying in school.

{GS2 – IR – Issues} Genocide and the World’s Averted Gaze

• Context (TH): As world leaders gather at Auschwitz on its 80th anniversary, the persistent issue of genocide and global indifference remains a critical concern.

Notable Historical Genocides

• The Holocaust (1941-1945): Approximately six million Jews murdered.
• Khmer Rouge (1975-1979): Over two million killed.
• Rwandan Genocide (1994): 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus killed in 100 days.
• Srebrenica (1995): 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys executed.
• Darfur Conflict (2003-present): Ongoing violence leading to mass killings and displacement.

Reasons for Global Indifference

• Political Interests: Nations prioritize political and economic interests over humanitarian concerns, leading to inaction.
• Media Coverage: Limited media attention on certain genocides reduces public urgency & engagement.
• Cultural Disconnect: Genocides in distant regions often evoke apathy due to perceived irrelevance to daily life.
• Bureaucratic Inertia: International organizations face bureaucratic hurdles, leading to paralysis in urgent crises.

Way Forward

• Responsibility to Protect (R2P): Asserts the international community’s duty to intervene when a state fails to protect its citizens from genocide.
• Strengthening International Law: Enhancing legal frameworks to prosecute perpetrators can deter future atrocities.

{GS2 – IR – Issues} Geopolitics of LNG

• Context (IE): Recent geopolitical shifts, especially the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions on Russia and Iran, have influenced global LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) supply and trade.

Impact on Global Gas Markets

• US: US became the top LNG exporter in 2023, exporting 114 bcm, driven by the shale gas boom and Trump-era policies promoting increased oil and gas production and export.
• EU: EU reduced reliance on Russian gas by 80% since the Ukraine war, sourcing more LNG from Norway & the US, causing energy prices to rise 2-3 times, reducing gas consumption & slowing the economy.
• Australia: LNG is Australia’s second-largest export, and higher prices helped its economy grow in 2022 and 2023.
• Qatar: With LNG as its only export, Qatar plays a significant geopolitical role, using its wealth from LNG to influence global energy discussions.
• Economic Slowdown: The EU faces economic slowdown, particularly Germany, which saw no growth in 2024, with projections for zero growth in 2025.
• Major Exporters: US, Australia, and Qatar dominate the global LNG market. Higher gas prices benefit these countries, with the US and Australia seeing strong GDP growth due to increased LNG exports.

Impact on Russia and Iran

• Russia has lost its largest export market (EU), drastically reducing its energy exports, which fell from $193 billion in 2021 to $55 billion in 2023.
• Blocked Access: Despite possessing the largest (Russia) and second-largest (Iran) natural gas reserves, both countries are excluded from the LNG market due to US sanctions.
• Sanctions: US sanctions make it almost impossible for global companies to do business with Russia and Iran, leaving them unable to establish LNG export terminals, further isolating their energy markets.

Impact of the 2022 Gas Price Shock

• 2022 Crisis: Gas prices surged in 2022 due to supply disruptions, but have since fallen, with countries adapting through procurement strategies, subsidies, or price controls.

Impact on Asia and Global South

• Asia: China, Japan, and South Korea, being the largest LNG importers, are better able to handle higher energy prices.
• India: India’s adoption of LNG has slowed due to rising costs, affecting its transition away from coal, which still makes up 50% of its energy mix.
• Global South: Pakistan and Bangladesh, heavily dependent on LNG imports, are severely impacted by high energy costs. This exacerbates economic problems.
• Increased Food Prices: Higher LNG prices directly affect fertilizer production (key for agriculture), leading to higher food prices in Asia and Africa, notably in countries like Egypt and Nigeria.

Way Forward

• Energy Shifts: As geopolitical dynamics continue to shape the global energy market, countries will have to adapt to new energy procurement strategies.
• Focus on Renewable Energy: The global move towards renewable energy will likely continue, though fossil fuels will remain integral for the foreseeable future.
• Diversified Suppliers: Countries will need to diversify their energy sources, especially in light of rising LNG costs and supply chain vulnerabilities.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Achieving Universal Health Coverage in India

• Context (TH): Union Health Minister emphasized India’s approach to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through a “whole of government” and “whole of society” framework.

Need for UHC in India

• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Over 40% of healthcare expenses in India are out-of-pocket, pushing over 60 million Indians into poverty annually.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic underscored urgent need for a robust universal healthcare system.
• Preventive Services: UHC prioritizes preventive health measures, reducing long-term health burdens and improving public health.

Constitutional Provisions

• Decentralized Health System: Empowerment of panchayats and municipalities for strengthening public health.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

• Article 39 (e): Secures workers’ health.
• Article 42: Emphasizes humane working conditions and maternity relief.
• Article 47: Focuses on improving public health, nutrition, and living standards.

India’s Current Strategy and Government Initiatives for UHC

• National Health Policy (1983): Recognized the goal of “Health for All,” emphasizing primary healthcare and equitable resource distribution.
• National Health Policy (2017): Targets UHC with a focus on primary healthcare, prevention, and infrastructure development.
• Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): India’s world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme, covering 500 million vulnerable individuals, includes Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and PM-JAY.
• National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Focuses on rural healthcare, maternal and child health, immunization, and nutrition.

Challenges in Achieving UHC

• Resource Constraints: Low public health expenditure, limiting comprehensive service provision.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Rural areas lack sufficient healthcare infrastructure and trained professionals.
• Healthcare Workforce Shortage, especially in rural regions.
• Fragmented Healthcare System: The mix of public and private healthcare providers leads to inconsistency in access and quality.

Way Forward

• Public Health System: Strengthen preventive, promotive, and curative health services through robust public health infrastructure.
• Private Sector Integration: Collaborate with the private sector to improve healthcare access, quality, and affordability.
• Technology Adoption: Leverage tools like mobile apps and electronic medical records for enhanced healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas.
• Community Health Workers: Train and deploy community health workers to bridge healthcare gaps in remote regions.
• Healthcare Workforce: Expand the number and equitable distribution of healthcare professionals across rural and urban areas.
• World-Class Facilities: Develop state-of-the-art hospitals like AIIMS nationwide for equitable access to advanced medical care.
• Policy and Governance: Ensure cohesive policy frameworks, increased political commitment, and decentralized governance for efficient and accountable healthcare management.

{GS3 – IE – Agri} Advancing India’s Agricultural Economy by 2047

• Context (IE): India aims to modernize its agricultural sector to achieve developed agri-economy by 2047.

Current State of India’s Agriculture

• Workforce Involvement: Approximately 45% of India’s population is employed in agriculture.
• Economic Contribution: The sector contributes about 15% to the national GDP.
• Land Utilization: Agricultural land constitutes 54.8% of India’s total land area, with 180 million hectares being arable—the largest globally.
• Global Standing: India is the world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices, and the second-largest producer of fruits, vegetables, tea, farmed fish, sugarcane, wheat, rice, cotton, and sugar.

Challenges Facing the Agricultural Sector

• Fragmented Landholdings: 86% of farmers own less than two hectares, hindering economies of scale and mechanization.
• Climate Change Impact: Erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events adversely affect crop yields and income stability.
• Water Scarcity: Over-reliance on groundwater has led to depletion in critical regions like Punjab and Haryana; dependence on monsoons makes agriculture vulnerable to droughts.
• Market Inefficiencies: Farmers face challenges in accessing well-developed markets and fair pricing; complex supply chains and intermediaries contribute to price exploitation.
• Post-Harvest Losses: Poor storage and transportation infrastructure lead to significant annual food loss.
• Limited Access to Credit: Small and marginal farmers struggle to access affordable credit and crop insurance, restricting their ability to invest in modern inputs.
• Soil Degradation: Overuse of chemical fertilizers has degraded soil fertility and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Strategic Imperatives for a Developed Agri-Economy

Technological Integration

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Deploy AI for weather forecasting, pest detection, and crop yield optimization; develop vernacular AI platforms for smallholder farmers.
• Robotics and Automation: Develop low-cost robotic solutions tailored for small farms; establish AgTech hubs for testing and deploying automation; promote public-private partnerships to scale robotics innovation.
• Digital Twins: Partner with AgTechs to pilot digital twin projects; train researchers in digital modeling; explore tax incentives for investing in digital twin solutions.

Sustainable Farming Practices

• Regenerative Agriculture: Promote organic and zero-budget natural farming to restore soil health; introduce a national regenerative farming policy; encourage private-sector R&D.
• Climate-Smart Techniques: Scale up micro-irrigation technologies; invest in climate-resilient seed varieties and bio-based crop protection products; leverage AI to develop localized climate advisory systems.

Alternative Protein Development

• Market Expansion: Collaborate with global leaders to improve production and awareness of lab-grown proteins; focus on affordability and scalability.

Blockchain Implementation

• Supply Chain Transparency: Focus on export crops for blockchain scale-up to improve price realization for farmers.

Infrastructure Enhancement

• Supply Chain Improvements: Invest in cold storage, transportation, rural connectivity, and irrigation.
• Expand rural electrification and market linkages to reduce losses and ensure fair pricing.

Farmer Empowerment

• Organizational Support: Strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations to enhance bargaining power.
• Improve Access to credit, insurance, and digital literacy programs; equip smallholders with modern farming practices and training.

Government Initiatives

• Digital Agriculture Mission: Supports digital agriculture through Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES).
• Minimum Support Price (MSP): Ensures a minimum 50% margin over the all-India weighted average cost of production to reduce import dependence and promote diversification.
• Namo Drone Didi Scheme: Promotes drone use in agriculture for crop assessment, land record digitization, and insecticide spraying.
• E-Marketplace Initiatives: Expands e-NAM for transparent bidding and improved market access for farmers.

{Prelims – PIN} Allama Iqbal’s Saare Jahan Se Achha

• Context (IE): Iqbal’s ‘Saare Jahan se Achha’ is featured prominently during the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Republic Day celebrations.

About ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha’

• Original Title: The poem is titled Tarana-e-Hindi (Anthem of the People of Hindustan).
• Written by: Allama Iqbal in 1904.
• First published in Abdul Haleem Sharar’s journal Ittehad on August 16, 1904.
• Initially composed as an Urdu poem for children, expressing pride in Hindustan, which encompasses India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
• Became a rallying cry for India’s freedom struggle against British colonialism, sung by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.
• The tune of ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha’ was later adapted by Pandit Ravi Shankar, incorporating the raga Pilu, which is known for its joyful and vibrant tone.

Biography of Iqbal

• Birth: Muhammad Iqbal, born in Sialkot, now part of Pakistan, in 1877.
• Education: Studied at Government College, Lahore, and later in Europe (England and Germany), where he developed a deep interest in philosophy, politics, and religion.
• Contributions: A renowned philosopher, poet, and politician. Best known for works like Bang-e-Dara and Rumuz-e-Bekhudi.
• Influenced by Sufi mystic Rumi, Iqbal’s writings emphasize spiritual awakening, self-realization & unity.

Other Contributions of Iqbal

• Poetry: Iqbal’s poetry often focused on themes of unity, self-empowerment, and the role of spirituality in personal and collective transformation.
• Political Influence: Advocated for the rights of Muslims in South Asia, leading to the conceptualization of the two-nation theory, which contributed to the creation of Pakistan.
• Other Notable Works: Composed Tarana-e-Mili which promoted Muslim unity and Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua is a prayer for light and enlightenment.