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National Space Day is celebrated on 23rd August in India to commemorate the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. 

ISRO’s 25-Year Vision: From Gaganyaan to Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Beyond

• 25-year Roadmap: In December 2023, ISRO announced a 25-year roadmap, until 2047, for Gaganyaan. It intersects with the lunar exploration roadmap in the form of an Indian landing on the Moon by 2040.
• ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ (BAS): ISRO roadmap also includes plans to build an Indian space station called the BAS by 2035.

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About India’s Ongoing Space Missions

After handing over operational responsibilities to NewSpace India, Ltd. (NSIL), ISRO has been prioritising research.

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The Supreme Court recently decided to examine the need for a ‘permanent environmental regulator’ similar to those found in the telecom and electricity sectors.

Background of the News

• The central government in September 2024, notified the formation of a “permanent” Central Empowered Committee (CEC) in response to the 2023 Supreme Court order.
• Initial Formation: The CEC was originally formed in 2002 by the Supreme Court under the TN Godavarman vs Union of India case to monitor compliance with court orders related to forests and wildlife.
• Transition to Permanence: Previously ad hoc, the CEC is now a permanent body following the Supreme Court directions.
  • It was during this hearing of these issues, the SC decided the need to examine the need for a permanent body.
• Role of Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
  • Environmental Watchdog: The CEC has played a crucial role in protecting significant areas like the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and Mollem Goa Project.
  • Project Recommendations: crucial role in protecting the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and Mollem Goa Project.
    • It has recommended against projects that threaten environmental conservation, such as the South Western Railway project in Mollem.
• Concerns on Independence of CEC: 
  • Government Authority: The government retains the final say on whether to accept or reject CEC’s recommendations, with any rejection requiring a written justification.
  • Independence Issues: This structure has raised concerns about the CEC’s independence, as the central government can potentially override state-level decisions.
• Direction to use CAMPA funds: Additionally, a separate hearing by the same Bench reiterates that States and UTs must use their Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) fund exclusively for restoring green cover lost on account of deforestation and not for any other purposes. 
  • The SC was informed by the amicus that the utilization of CAMPA funds had been less than 50% in several States and UTs between 2018 and 2024.

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Recent Environmental Hazards

• Kerala Landslides (2023-2024): Kerala experienced severe landslides during the monsoon, primarily in Idukki, Wayanad, and Malappuram, driven by heavy rainfall and deforestation. 
• Uttarakhand Glacial Outburst (2021): A glacial lake outburst in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, triggered catastrophic flooding, sweeping away hydroelectric stations and damaging villages.
• Assam Floods (2023): Assam faced particularly severe floods in 2023 due to heavy monsoon rains and riverbank erosion, with the Brahmaputra and its tributaries inundating large areas.
• Maharashtra Floods (2021): Heavy monsoon rains in July 2021 triggered severe flooding and landslides across Maharashtra, including Mumbai and Ratnagiri.
• Bihar Floods (2022): Annual flooding in Bihar, exacerbated in 2022 by embankment breaches and deforestation, led to widespread destruction and displacing millions.
• Delhi Air Pollution Crisis (Annual): Delhi suffers severe air pollution each winter, driven by crop residue burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial activities.

Existing Regulatory Authorities in India

• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): It oversees Project Tiger and ensures the protection of tigers and their habitats across India. It was established in 2005 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 following the Tiger Task Force’s recommendations.
• Forest Advisory Committee (FAC): It advises on forest land diversion for non-forest activities, ensuring minimal environmental damage. It was constituted under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
• National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): It advises the government on wildlife conservation policies and project approvals in protected areas. It was established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Standing Committee of the NBWL: Reviews and clears projects impacting wildlife, functioning as the NBWL’s primary decision-making body. It was formed to streamline NBWL’s project approval process.
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): It regulates and monitors air, water, and noise pollution, and advises on pollution control policies.It was established under the Water Act, 1974, and expanded under the Air Act, 1981.
• Central Empowered Committee (CEC): Monitors and reports on compliance with Supreme Court orders related to forests and wildlife. It was formed by the Supreme Court in 2002.
• Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): It combats organized wildlife crime and ensures the implementation of wildlife protection laws. It was established in 2006 under the MoEFCC.
• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): It promotes biodiversity conservation and equitable sharing of benefits from biological resources. It was established in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT): It adjudicates environmental disputes and ensures the enforcement of environmental laws. It was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

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Need for a Permanent Environmental Regulatory Organization

• Fragmented Responsibilities: Current bodies like NTCA, FAC, and CPCB have specialized roles but lack holistic oversight. A permanent regulator would unify and streamline environmental governance.
• Limited Jurisdiction and Enforcement: Existing authorities face challenges in enforcement due to jurisdictional limits. A dedicated regulator would ensure comprehensive and consistent enforcement across regions.
• Complexity of Challenges: Environmental threats like climate change require adaptive strategies. A permanent regulator would integrate advanced scientific research to address evolving issues effectively.
• Accountability and Transparency: The current system lacks transparency and consistency. A centralized regulator would enhance decision-making processes with clear guidelines and reduce arbitrary decisions.
• Aligning national policies with international goals: India’s global environmental obligations are often unmet due to limited mandates of existing bodies. A permanent regulator would align national policies with international goals.

Arguments against formation of Environmental Regulatory Organization

• Duplication of Efforts: India already has specialized regulatory bodies like NTCA, CPCB, and NGT, which effectively address specific environmental issues. 
  • Introducing a new regulator could lead to bureaucratic overlap, duplicating efforts, and slowing down decision-making processes.
• Expertise in Current Bodies: Current bodies have expertise tailored to their mandates, ensuring nuanced and informed decision-making. A centralized regulator might lack the detailed understanding needed for diverse environmental challenges, diluting regulatory effectiveness.
• Potential for Regulatory Overreach: A single regulator could centralize authority, risking overreach and stifling localized initiatives.
• Concentration of Power: The existing multi-tiered system ensures diverse perspectives and balanced decision-making, which might be compromised under a centralized authority.
• Operational Challenges: Merging existing regulators into one entity could be complex, leading to inefficiencies.Establishing a new regulator might cause delays in clearances, negatively impacting ongoing projects.
• Government’s Mixed Response: The government acknowledges potential benefits but also highlights the risk of adding unnecessary complexity to the existing framework. Current oversight mechanisms, including ministries and judicial bodies, may render a new regulator unnecessary.
• Sector-Specific Regulations: Different environmental sectors require distinct regulatory approaches, which existing specialized bodies are better equipped to handle.
• Judicial Oversight: The Supreme Court and NGT already play a crucial role in environmental protection, and a new regulator might undermine their authority.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Existing Bodies: Enhance collaboration among existing regulators like NTCA, CPCB, and NGT to avoid duplication, streamline processes, and build capacity for addressing emerging environmental challenges more effectively.
• Adopting a Hybrid Model: Create a central coordinating authority to oversee specialized bodies while establishing regional branches for localized, context-specific decision-making, ensuring a unified yet flexible approach to environmental governance.
• Enhancing Accountability and Transparency: Implement standardized procedures for environmental impact assessments and approvals, and bolster public participation to ensure consistent, transparent, and accountable decision-making processes.
• Leveraging Technology: Utilize advanced technologies like AI, GIS, and blockchain for real-time monitoring, transparency, and data-driven decisions. Establish innovation hubs within regulatory bodies to foster adaptive strategies for challenges like climate change.
• Ensuring Independence: Protect regulatory bodies from political influence to maintain their independence, with reinforced judicial oversight ensuring decisions are made based on environmental merit rather than external pressures.
• Focus on Sustainability: Align all regulatory actions with sustainable development goals and conduct regular reviews of the regulatory framework to adapt to new challenges and ensure long-term ecological sustainability.
• International Collaboration: Collaborate with international bodies to adopt global best practices in environmental regulation and ensure compliance with international commitments, enhancing India’s role in global environmental governance.

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The Union government released new Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules for seaplanes allowing non-scheduled operators to provide such services.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Launches Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in India

• Simplified Regulations for Seaplane Operations: The DGCA has simplified rules to boost seaplane operations under the UDAN scheme, which has seen limited success so far.
• Relaxed Waterdrome Licensing Requirements: Under the new DGCA norms, waterdrome operations no longer require a specific license, and compliance requirements have been eased.

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About Seaplanes and Waterdromes

Seaplanes: These are aircrafts designed to take off and land on water. They are equipped with floats or a hull instead of traditional landing gear, enabling them to operate on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.

• Types of seaplanes:
  • Flying Boats: These seaplanes have a buoyant hull that allows them to land on water. They typically lack landing gear for operations on land and use the fuselage for buoyancy.
  • Floatplanes: Supported by pontoons (floats) attached beneath the fuselage, these planes can land on water but typically do not have the capability to land on solid ground.
• Features:
• • Versatility: Seaplanes can operate in remote areas without the need for runways, making them ideal for connecting isolated regions.
  • Quick Access: Seaplanes provide rapid access to coastal and inland water bodies, enhancing connectivity in geographically diverse areas.
  • Tourism: Widely used in tourism, providing scenic flights and access to hard-to-reach destinations.
  • Emergency Services: Useful for search and rescue operations, medical emergencies, and disaster response in areas with limited infrastructure.
• Global Operations:
  • Seaplanes operate in countries like the Philippines, Canada, Australia, the United States, Finland, and the Maldives, among others.
  • In India, the commercial seaplane service Jal Hans was launched in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a pilot project in 2010, carrying up to 10 passengers.

Waterdromes: They are designated areas of water bodies used for the landing and takeoff of seaplanes. They are akin to airports but are located on water.

• Features:
• • Infrastructure: Includes facilities like floating jetties, passenger terminals, and refueling stations, often situated near tourist destinations or isolated communities.
  • Regulation: Managed by aviation authorities, ensuring safety and navigation standards similar to traditional airports.
  • Integration: Waterdromes integrate with existing transportation networks, providing seamless connectivity to road, rail, and air services.
• Development Initiatives: The Indian government, under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, has promoted the development of waterdromes to enhance regional air connectivity.

Significance of Seaplanes

• Enhanced Regional Connectivity: In regions where conventional airport infrastructure is not feasible due to land constraints, seaplanes can improve connectivity in such regions.
• Infrastructure Flexibility: Simplified DGCA rules eliminate the need for a specific waterdrome license, making it easier to operationalize seaplanes nationwide.
• Boost to Tourism: Seaplanes can boost tourism by providing access to remote or scenic areas, thereby driving local and national economic growth.
• Environmental and Research Applications: Seaplanes are valuable for environmental monitoring, coastal resource management, and research, enabling access to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach.
• Disaster Relief and Defence: Seaplanes can be instrumental in national disaster relief efforts, coastal defense, and island defense operations, providing rapid response capabilities in times of crisis.
• Pilot and Operator Accessibility: The new rules allow commercial pilots (CPL holders) to qualify as seaplane-rated pilots, increasing the pool of eligible pilots. 
  • Non-scheduled operators can also offer these services, adding flexibility and increasing the availability of seaplane operations.
• Economic Growth: By connecting underserved or isolated regions, seaplanes can foster economic development, particularly through tourism and creating new job opportunities.

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Concerns Regarding the use of Seaplanes and Waterdromes in India

• Environmental Impact: Seaplane operations could disrupt aquatic ecosystems and increase pollution from fuel spills, emissions, and noise, particularly in sensitive marine and freshwater habitats
• Economic Viability: The economic sustainability of seaplane routes is uncertain due to historically low demand and the high operational costs.
• Safety Concerns: Seaplanes face challenges from variable water conditions and debris, with inadequate emergency response infrastructure in isolated areas.
• Regulatory and Infrastructure Challenges: Inconsistent regulations across states and the substantial investment required for infrastructure development, such as jetties and navigational aids, present significant hurdles.

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A new way to know more about the sun’s secrets by studying its magnetic field at different layers of the solar atmosphere has been found by the astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). 

About The Study On Sun’s Magnetic Field

• Published In: The study was accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal.
• Subject:  The astronomers examined an active region (sunspot) with complex features, including multiple umbrae and a penumbra, through simultaneous observations in the Hydrogen-alpha (Ha)  at 6562.8 Angstroms (Å) and Calcium II at 8662 Å lines 
  • The study used data from multiple spectral lines acquired simultaneously to infer the magnetic field’s stratification at various heights of the solar atmosphere

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• Method: The observation Method used for the study is known as Simultaneous Multi line Spectropolarimetry.
  • The technique’s capability has already been demonstrated in other studies to detail the magnetic structure of sunspots, umbral flashes, and chromospheric variations during solar flares.
• Objective: To understand the physical mechanisms behind the processes on the sun’s surface and its layers like the ‘coronal heating problem’ and sunspots etc, measurements of magnetic fields at different heights of the solar atmosphere is  important. 
  • The strength of the magnetic field can be inferred by precise measurements of the spectral line intensities across the Sun in full polarization.
• Data Source: The astronomers have used  data from IIA’s Kodaikanal Tower Tunnel Telescope situated at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.
  • The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO), operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, is known for the discovery of the Evershed Effect in 1909
• Findings of the Study:
  • Magnetic field layers: The study found the values of magnetic fields to be 2000 G at the photosphere and 500 G at the chromosphere. 
  • The Hα line: It is less sensitive to local temperature fluctuations and thus becomes  crucial to infer the chromospheric magnetic field because it allows to probe the chromospheric magnetic field in events with sudden temperature fluctuations, such as flaring active regions
  • Other spectral lines, such as Calcium II 8542 Å, are efficient in probing deeper layers of the solar atmosphere.
  • The results indicate that the Hα line core consistently infers weaker magnetic field strengths than the Ca II 8662 Å line inversions, suggesting that the Hα line samples higher atmospheric layers than the Ca II IR triplet.
• Importance: 
  • Chromospheric Magnetic field’s Stratification: The study with a multi-line approach is crucial for understanding the intricate magnetic field stratification in the chromosphere by  necessitating further spectropolarimetric observations of the Hα line using advanced telescopes with superior spatial and spectral resolution. 
    • Example: Telescopes like the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST, built in Merak village in Ladakh in India) can provide further deep knowledge  into the chromospheric magnetic field’s stratification
  • Future Scope: This study is a remarkable step towards a more detailed and holistic understanding of the Sun’s magnetic field, paving the way for future studies and observations to unravel the complexities of solar magnetic phenomena further.

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Malaysia has introduced a revised conservation scheme where palm oil importing companies can adopt orangutans without them leaving the country.

About Orangutans

• Introduction: Orangutans in Malay and Indonesian, orangutan means “person of the forest”.
• Habitat: Found in peat swamp forests near sea level to mountainous forests, only in Malaysia and Indonesia.
• Characteristics:
  • They have reddish fur, long arms, cheek pads, and opposable thumbs. 
  • They have human-like intelligence and have been known to employ herbal medicine to heal their wounds.
  • They communicate and use sign language.
  • There are three species of Orangutans-the Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli.
• Conservation status: All three species are classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.

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Need of Orangutan Diplomacy for Malaysia

• Economic Dependency on Palm Oil: Palm oil is a significant contributor to Malaysia’s economy, accounting for 5% of the country’s GDP in 2022. Orangutan diplomacy could safeguard this vital industry by improving Malaysia’s global image.
• Countering Negative Publicity: Malaysia has faced significant criticism for deforestation and its impact on wildlife, particularly orangutans. Orangutan diplomacy could help counteract this negative publicity by showcasing the country’s commitment to conservation.
• Strengthening Trade Relations: By using orangutan diplomacy, Malaysia aims to strengthen its trade relations with key palm oil importers, particularly in the face of the EU’s strict deforestation regulations.
• Soft Power Enhancement: Similar to China’s panda diplomacy, Malaysia can enhance its soft power by using orangutans as symbols of its cultural and environmental commitment, thereby gaining goodwill on the international stage.

Concerns regarding Orangutan Diplomacy

• Lack of Genuine Conservation Efforts: Critics argue that the policy may be more focused on public relations than on actual conservation, risking the well-being of orangutans.
• Potential for Exploitation: There is a concern that orangutans could be exploited as diplomatic tools, rather than being part of a sincere conservation initiative.
• Insufficient Habitat Protection: The policy does not adequately address the root cause of orangutan endangerment, which is habitat loss due to deforestation for palm oil plantations.
• Negative International Perception: The international community may perceive the policy as a superficial attempt to appease critics, rather than a genuine commitment to environmental sustainability, potentially leading to further criticism and reputational damage.

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The Prime Minister in his Independence day speech made a bold call for the implementation of a Secular Civil Code (SCC), reigniting a debate that has been lingering for decades.

About Secular Civil Code (SCC)

• Definition: A Secular Civil Code, also known as Uniform Civil Code (UCC), proposes a single set of laws governing personal matters—such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights—for all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
• Diverse Personal Laws: India currently operates under multiple personal laws based on religion, including Hindu law, Muslim law (Sharia), and Christian law.
• Objectives of SCC
  • Unified Legal Framework: The SCC aims to replace these varied legal systems with a common code that applies uniformly to all citizens.
  • Equality and Uniformity: The goal is to achieve legal uniformity both across different communities and within them, ensuring equal rights and protections for men and women.
• Constitutional Provisions: The Directive Principle of State Policies mentioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution provides that “The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India”.
  • However, being a directive principle, it is not justiciable.
  • UCC aligns with liberal ideology and falls under Liberal-Intellectual Principles.
  • Fundamental Rights: Articles 14 (equality before the law), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and 21 (right to personal liberty) support the principles underlying the SCC.

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Historical Context

• British Colonial Period Under British rule, uniform criminal laws were established in India, but family laws remained diverse due to their sensitive nature.
• Constituent Assembly Debates: During the drafting of the Indian Constitution, discussions on the UCC were influenced by various perspectives:
  • Muslim Members raised concerns about the potential impact of a UCC on religious personal laws, advocating for safeguards to protect community-specific practices.
  • Supporters of UCC like K.M. Munshi, Alladi Krishnaswami, and B.R. Ambedkar argued in favor of the UCC to ensure equality and uniformity in civil matters.
• Views of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Ambedkar championed the UCC as a means to ensure secularism by treating all citizens equally under the law. 
  • He highlighted that other laws, such as criminal procedure codes and property laws, already applied uniformly across India, supporting similar consistency in personal laws.

Current Status of Secular Civil Code in India

• No National SCC: India does not currently have a Secular Civil Code implemented nationwide. Instead, personal laws vary by religion, governing issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for different communities.
• Efforts Towards UCC: The Prime Minister has advocated for a secular civil code, echoing Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of a unified legal framework. This call aims to address perceived communal and discriminatory aspects of existing laws and to unify the legal system.
• Supreme Court’s Stance: The SC has emphasized the need for a UCC to eliminate laws that divide the country along religious lines.
• Steps Taken by the Central Government
  • Special Marriage Act, 1954: Provides a secular framework for marriage, applicable to all Indians regardless of religion, including those abroad.
  • Hindu Code Bills (1950s): Introduced to codify and unify personal laws for Hindus, including Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. 
    • The key acts are Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Hindu Succession Act, 1956, Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956
• Steps Taken by States
  • Goa: Goa has a UCC under the Goa Civil Code (Portuguese Civil Code of 1867), which applies uniformly to all Goans, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
  • Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand recently enacted the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024, implementing a UCC for matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, applicable to all residents except Scheduled Tribes.

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Argument in Favour of Secular Civil Code

• Strengthening Secularism: UCC would uphold secularism by removing outdated personal laws that perpetuate inequality. It ensures equal legal treatment for all citizens, irrespective of religion, promoting a unified legal framework that fosters national unity.
• Equality and Social Justice: UCC would eliminate discriminatory practices embedded in personal laws, particularly those affecting women. By standardizing civil laws, it would guarantee equal rights and protections for all, advancing social justice.
  • Even within a religion, there is not a single common personal law governing all its members. E.g. for registration of marriage among Muslims, laws differ from place to place.
• Preservation of Religious Freedom: UCC is focused on civil matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance, leaving religious practices untouched. This approach aligns with practices in other democracies where a common legal framework coexists with religious freedom.
• Modernization of the Legal System: The UCC would streamline and modernize India’s legal framework, replacing the complex and inconsistent personal laws with a simplified system. This would reduce legal uncertainty and prevent the exploitation of legal loopholes.
  • For instance, the case of Sarla Mudgal v Union of India highlighted how individuals could exploit the differences in personal laws to circumvent legal restrictions.
• Judicial Efficiency: Implementing UCC would significantly reduce the burden on the judiciary by resolving numerous personal law disputes efficiently. This would free up resources to address other critical national issues, improving overall judicial effectiveness.
  • With nearly 4.70 crore cases pending across courts in India as of March 2022, the judiciary is struggling to keep up with the backlog
• Global Perception: Adopting a UCC could bolster India’s global reputation by showcasing its dedication to equality, secularism, and human rights.
• Fulfillment of Constitutional Duty: Article 44 of the Indian Constitution mandates that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens.
• Promotes national integration: Uniform Civil Code will separate religion from social relations and personal laws, ensuring equality and thus promoting harmony and national integration.

Arguments Against Secular Civil Code

• Legal Pluralism in Civil Laws: Indian laws already maintain a uniform code in many civil matters, such as the Indian Contract Act and Civil Procedure Code. However, states have made numerous amendments, leading to diversity even within secular civil laws.
• Constitutional Contradictions: Articles 371(A) to (I) and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provide special protections to certain states, reflecting a recognition of regional diversity in family laws. 
  • The inclusion of personal laws in the Concurrent List supports the protection of this diversity, highlighting a contradiction with the push for uniformity under Article 44.
• Cultural and Religious Plurality: The UCC may threaten India’s pluralistic society, where people have deep faith in their religious doctrines. 
  • The 2018 Law Commission of India stated that UCC is “neither necessary nor desirable” at this stage, emphasizing that secularism should ensure peaceful coexistence of cultural differences, not undermine them.
• Essence of Indian Secularism: The Supreme Court in T.M.A Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka highlighted that Indian secularism is about recognizing and preserving diverse identities within a united nation. 
  • The UCC might conflict with this principle by potentially eroding the coexistence of multiple individual identities under a national identity.
• Challenges in Drafting a UCC: The absence of a clear guideline or vision for drafting the UCC is a significant obstacle. The complexity of blending all personal laws or creating a new law that adheres to the constitutional mandate complicates consensus-building.
• Concerns of Minority Communities: Minorities often perceive the UCC as an imposition of a majoritarian outlook, leading to an infringement on their constitutional rights under Articles 25 and 26. 
  • Potential Hindu Bias: The Uniform Civil Code may potentially enforce a code that is influenced by Hindu practices in all communities
• Diverse Rituals and Customs: Tribal communities and other minority groups have distinct marriage and death rituals that differ significantly from Hindu customs. There is concern that the UCC could impose uniform practices, leading to the prohibition of these unique customs.
• Implementation Challenges: Implementing the UCC in a country as diverse as India, where religious communities follow their own personal laws, poses significant challenges. 
  • The Law Commission of India suggested that instead of enforcing a UCC, it is more prudent to study and amend discriminatory practices within existing personal laws.

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Way Forward

• Embracing Diversity over Uniformity: The UCC should recognize India’s multiculturalism, emphasizing that unity is more important than uniformity, as supported by the Indian Constitution.
• Inclusive Consultation with Stakeholders: Broad consultations with religious leaders, legal experts, and community representatives are essential for ensuring the UCC is seen as fair and legitimate.
• Achieving Cultural Sensitivity and Equality: Lawmakers must balance removing unconstitutional practices with respecting cultural traditions, aiming for equality and gender justice.
• Constitutional Protection of Cultural Autonomy: The Constitution supports cultural autonomy, with Article 29(1) safeguarding diverse cultures. Communities should align practices with values to ensure justice.
• Promoting Education and Public Awareness: Effective implementation of the UCC requires educating citizens through extensive outreach efforts to ensure understanding and acceptance.

Conclusion

• Moving beyond outdated and divisive personal laws is essential to achieving the constitutional vision of an India where all citizens are treated equally. under the law. 
• As Babasaheb Ambedkar said, ,“Law and order are the medicine of the body politic, and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered.” The SCC is the medicine India needs to address cure the inequality and injustice that have plagued our society for too long.

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India and Poland elevated their bilateral relations to a “Strategic Partnership” during the Indian Prime Minister’s historic visit, marking a new era of cooperation in defense, security, trade, and technology.

Key Highlights of the Prime Minister’s visit to Poland

This historic event marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years and coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

• Strategic Partnership: This status is reflecting their mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation in key areas such as defence, security, and trade.
  • To implement the Strategic Partnership, both sides agreed to a five-year Joint Action Plan for 2024-2028. 
• Enhancing Defence and Security Cooperation:
  • Strengthening and Deepening Defence Ties: Agreed to fully utilise existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Working Group for Defence Cooperation. 
  • Counter Terrorism: Both reiterated unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
  • Root out Safe Haven: Emphasised that no country should provide a safe haven to those who finance, plan, support or commit terrorist acts. 
  • International Commitment: Both sides stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. 
    • They also reaffirmed the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
• Expanding Trade and Economic Ties:
  • Utilisation of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation: To further intensify bilateral economic relations, stimulate trade and investment, and explore new mutually beneficial areas of cooperation. 
  • Balance on Trade: The leaders also agreed that efforts should be made to balance bilateral trade and expand the trade basket. 
  • Expansion of Economic Cooperation: In sectors such as technology, agriculture, connectivity, mining, energy and environment. 

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• Cooperation in Technology, Energy, and Connectivity:
  • Digitalisation for Development: Acknowledging the critical role of digitalisation in economic and social development, they agreed to bolster bilateral cooperation in this field, including in cybersecurity, to enhance stability and trust. 
  • Emphasis on Connectivity: By commencement of direct flight connections between the two countries and stress the need for a further increase of direct flights connections to new destinations in both countries. 
    • Both sides underlined the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation, and the patency of infrastructure corridors. 
  • Cooperation in Climate Initiatives: Recognising the significant challenges posed by climate change, both leaders agreed on the importance of cooperation in climate action initiatives. 
    • The Indian side encouraged the Polish side to consider its memberships of the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. 
• Multilateral Cooperation and Global Peace:
  • Peace and Rules-based World: They decided to enhance collaboration at multilateral forums to promote respect for rules-based international order and maintain global peace, stability, and security. 
  • Concern on Ukraine: The two leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. 
    • They also noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for the Global South. 
  • Deepening of India-EU Strategic Partnership: It would not only benefit both sides but also have a far-reaching positive impact globally.
    • As the world’s two largest democracies, the EU and India have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development in a multi-polar World. 
  • On India-Pacific: Both reinforced their commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific in accordance with the international law of the sea  (UNCLOS).
• Strengthening Cooperation: Reaffirmed commitment to deepening bilateral, regional, and international cooperation for a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable world. 
  • Regular high-level Contacts: To strengthen bilateral political dialogue and develop mutually beneficial initiatives. 
  • Cooperation between Legislatures: Appreciating the role of parliamentary contacts, the leaders agreed that expanding exchanges and cooperation between their legislatures would significantly deepen bilateral ties and mutual understanding. 
  • People to People ties: They noted the longstanding special people to people ties and agreed to strengthen these further. 
    • Further Expansion: In the areas of culture, education, science, research, and health. 
    • Academic Collaborations: They welcomed efforts to promote and encourage additional steps to establish future-oriented partnerships between academic institutions. 
  • Focus on Tourism: Both acknowledged the role of tourism in driving economic and business opportunities and enhancing understanding between the people of both countries. 

About India-Poland Relations

India and Poland share a long-standing friendly relationship, marked by high level political contacts and vibrant economic engagement.

• Historical Relations: During WWII, between 1942 and 1948, over 6,000 Polish women and children found refuge in two princely states in India, Jamnagar and Kolhapur. 
  • Battle of Monte Cassino: This battle is also known as the Battle for Rome. Indian Troops of the 4th Indian Division fought in the battle.
    • This Battle was a series of four military assaults by the Allies against German forces in Italy during the Italian Campaign of World War II. 
  • Memorials: The Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Memorial was unveiled on October 31, 2014 at the Square of the Good Maharaja, Ochota district in Warsaw.
    • Jam saheb is still referred to as the ‘Good Maharaja’ in Poland. 
      • He was posthumously awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. His legacy is a symbol of compassion and generosity.
    • Memorial plaque for the Valivade-Kolhapur Camp: It was inaugurated in November 2017, near the Monte Casino War Memorial.
    • The Kolhapur Memorial: It is a tribute to the great Royal Family of Kolhapur, who was at the forefront of giving shelter to Polish women and children displaced due to the horrors of World War II.
• Political Relations: Diplomatic relations were established in 1954, leading to the opening of the Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957 and Polish Embassy in New Delhi in 1954. 
  • Shared Ideology: The two countries shared common ideological perceptions, based on their opposition to colonialism, imperialism and racism. 
  • Regular High-level Visits: During the Communist era, bilateral relations were close and cordial, with regular high level visits such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1955.
    • The relationship continued to remain close after Poland chose the democratic path in 1989. 
  • Contemporary: A cordial political relationship has emerged particularly after Poland joined the EU in 2004, and became India’s key economic partner in Central Europe.

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• Economic Relations: India is now the fifth and soon-to-be third-largest economy in the world, while Poland ranks sixth in the EU. 
  • Bilateral Trade: It is substantial and it’s of the order of US$6 billion, which makes Poland India’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe.
    • Key Export Items from India:
      • Textiles and textile articles
      • Base metals
      • Chemicals
      • Machinery and equipment
    • Key Import Items for India:
      • Machinery and mechanical appliances
      • Mineral products
      • Base metals
      • Plastics and rubber
  • Range of Sectors: A number of Indian companies have an active business presence in Poland from IT to pharmaceuticals to manufacturing to farm vehicles to electronics, steel, metals and chemicals.
  • Trading Agreements: India and Poland transitioned to hard currency trading arrangements that were sustained by rising levels of trade as both economies grew in size and heft. 
    • It was coupled with planned trade and economic interactions by state trading organisations, underpinned by the rupee clearing arrangements. 
• Cultural and Educational Relations: Various Polish scholars have translated Sanskrit into Polish as early as in the 19th Century. 
  • Indology: There is a strong tradition of Indology studies in Poland.
    • The Indology Department of the Oriental Institute at the University of Warsaw (established in 1932) is the biggest center for Indian studies in Central Europe. 
    • Study of Indian languages, literature, culture and Indology is also pursued at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and the Wroclaw University. 
    • The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) sponsored the first Central and Eastern European regional conference of Indology in Warsaw University in September 2005. 
      • An MoU for establishment of an ICCR chair of Indian studies at the Jagiellonian University, Krakow was signed in February 2017. 
  • Commemorating Indian leaders: A bust of Mahatma Gandhi that was unveiled in May 2002, has been placed in the library of University of Warsaw. 
    • Cities of Krakow and Lodz also have streets named after Mahatma Gandhi.
    • The Polish Mission organised the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019.
      • The Polish Post (Poczta Polska) issued a Commemorative Stamp on his 150th Birth Anniversary.
    • On the occasion of 550th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Mission and Gurudwara Sahib of Poland jointly organised functions at Gurudwara Sahib, Poland.
  • Friendship Societies: There are a number of Indo-Polish Friendship Societies promoting Indian culture and people-to-people contacts locally. 
  • Indian Community: Estimated at approximately 15,000, the Indian community in Poland, around 5000 students are currently pursuing studies in various universities in Poland and there are over 100 Indian restaurants in Poland.
  • Yoga: Poland has over a 100-year history of yoga. International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated every year with much enthusiasm and participation.
  • Visas: Poland has been included in the e-visa scheme w.e.f August 15, 2015 and now a rising number of Poles are availing the e-visa facilities.
  • Honorary Consulate: Since January 2018, India has an Honorary Consulate in Wroclaw and Poland has two Honorary Consulates in Kolkata and Bengaluru.
    • Also, the Polish Embassy is in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Mumbai.

Significance of India and Poland Relations

• Economic: Poland is the largest economy in Central Europe and in 2024, Poland’s GDP is projected to be approximately $844.6 billion.
  • Over the period 2013-2023, the total bilateral trade with Poland has witnessed an increase of 192% i.e. from US$1.95 billion in 2013 to US$5.72 billion in 2023. 
  • Investment: Indian investments into Poland are estimated at around US$3 billion and Polish investments in India are around US$1 billion. 
    • India is the second-largest market for Polish foreign direct investments in Asia. According to data from the National Bank of Poland, in 2021, the value of Polish investments in India amounted to almost PLN 380 million.
• Strategic Interests: Poland’s location in Central Europe makes it a key player in the EU. For India, engaging with Poland opens doors to the broader European market.
  • Poland’s presidency of the EU in January 2025 will help strengthen India-EU relations.
  • Poland plays a critical role as the West’s hub for operations in Ukraine, leads NATO’s eastern flank, and contributes to the construction of a new security architecture in Europe against Russia.
• Educational and Cultural Exchanges: Many Indian students choose Poland for higher education due to its high-quality institutions and affordable costs.
  • In 2023, a cultural festival in Warsaw showcased Indian art, music, and cuisine that aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties.
• Tourism: With its picturesque landscapes and rich history, Poland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Indian tourists. 
  • The Polish Tourism Organisation has been promoting travel packages to India, highlighting destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, and Goa.

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Challenges between India and Poland

Following factors can be identified as having a hampering effect on the development of cooperation between India and Poland.

• Underestimation of India’s Growing International Role: Poland has underestimated the growth of India’s power in the international arena and its importance to the West. This has resulted in a lack of understanding of India’s stature. 
  • Unlike in the US and Western Europe, in Poland the outdated perceptions of India result in little interest in the country in the media, as well as among the political and business elites.
• Lack of an Attractive Cooperation Offer: With the restructuring of the Polish defence industry, defence cooperation, traditionally strategic Polish-Indian relations has lost importance. 
  • No Significant Results: Cooperation in mining or energy, promoted over the years, has not yielded significant results. 
  • No Offer to Support Programs: Poland, unlike Western European countries, has not made a new offer to support India’s modernisation programmes or flagship initiatives.
  • No Scholarship and Joint Fund: Poland has not decided to propose a special scholarship programme or a joint technology fund that could interest the Indian side and develop people-to-people cooperation.
• Objective Constraints: Poland does not have the strategic resources that India values and seeks, such as energy resources, nuclear fuel, rare earth metals, advanced weaponry, or green technologies. 
  • Competitors: Indeed, Poland and India are often competitors, for example in attracting foreign investment or improving their positions in global value chains.
• Underinvestment in the Relationship: Relationships lacking increased resources and political will could not develop.
  • Personnel and Financial Constraints: The Polish embassy in New Delhi must contend with a country the size of a continent and with a population of more than 1.4 billion. It has only a dozen employees, far fewer than Poland’s staff in China. 
    • These have also prevented the Polish Institute and the PAIH office from being more active, thus affecting the entry of Polish businesses to the Indian market. 
    • Export support programmes (e.g., GoIndia) were long underinvested in and eventually abandoned. 

Recommendations for Poland–India Relations

India and Poland have undergone significant changes in their political and economic systems over the last 45 years. Meanwhile, the international context changed and the world became interconnected. This brings Asia and Europe closer than ever.

• Focus on Research and Development (R&D):  There is a need to prioritise R&D particularly in electromobility, hydrogen-related technologies, green technologies, space sector, climate-friendly mining and agri-food sector, etc. 
• Enhance Business and Startup Collaboration: There is a need to increase joint development of business interactions, including the startup, essential for innovation and growth in both countries.
  • Strengthen Business Cooperation: Business cooperation between the two countries would be significantly strengthened by signing an India-EU trade and investment agreement, which would also enhance Poland’s reputation in the subcontinent.
• Expanding Security and IT Collaboration: There is a need to expand collaboration in security infrastructure, defence and IT sectors.
• Leverage Aviation Linking and Maritime Opportunities: 
  • Direct air connections between New Delhi, Mumbai, and Warsaw should be leveraged to strengthen business, scientific and tourism ties that began in 2019.
  • India’s Sagarmala infrastructure expansion programme provides 30% subsidies for ecological ports and shipyards, presenting a unique opportunity for collaboration with Poland. 
    • Poland, with the largest ship design office in Europe and advanced shipyards capable of constructing modern shipbuilding.
• Address Security Concerns: India needs to adopt a more assertive position at the UN and in diplomatic circles, particularly in the global ramifications of the war that significantly impact India such as rising energy prices, food shortages, and disruptions to supply chains.
• Counterbalance China-Russia Relations: The ongoing war in Ukraine has brought Russia closer to China. Poland should emphasise the importance of preventing closer ties between Russia and China, as this could negatively impact India.
  • Poland should akes into consideration the changes in Asia and the growing significance of India in the global world, especially vis-à-vis an assertive China.
• Adopt a New Perspective: Poland should recognise India as a rising global player and offer comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation, including the supply of military equipment, food, and scarce products, along with loans or grants.
  • Poland needs to support India’s struggle against all kinds of neo-imperialism and military aggression for a “democratic world”. 
    • This support is particularly meaningful in the context of India’s ambitions to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, which Poland endorses.

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