Sep 09 2024

Parliamentary Standing Committee

Parliamentary Standing Committee

Context: Efforts are underway to finalise the department-related Standing Committees of Parliament.

About Parliamentary Committees:

  • A Parliamentary committee is a committee of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected or appointed from amongst the members of the house or nominated by the Speaker or Chairman. 
    • Rooted in the British parliamentary tradition, India’s parliamentary committees derive their authority from the Indian Constitution under Article 105 (powers and privileges) and Article 118 (regulation of business)
  • These committees are classified into two types: 
    • Standing Committees and 
    • Ad Hoc Committees
  • Standing Committees are permanent bodies tasked with handling specific areas of public policy or administration, while Ad Hoc Committees are temporary, formed for particular purposes or to review specific bills, and are dissolved once their objectives are fulfilled.
    • The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), responsible for overseeing government expenditure, 
    • The Estimates Committee, tasked with reviewing government spending to ensure efficiency, and 
    • The Public Undertakings Committee, which evaluates the performance of public sector enterprises. 
    • Additionally, there are specialised committees focused on the welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
  • Some of the power and functions of the Parliamentary committees:
    • Reviewing and scrutinising the work of the government
    • Power to summon ministers and officials
    • Examination of bills
    • To make recommendations

Biden to host Quad Summit 

Biden to host Quad Summit

Context: India and the United States have mutually agreed to swap hosting responsibilities for the Quad Summit.

More about the news

  • The Quad Summit, initially planned for India, will now be hosted by the U.S, with India set to host the event in 2025.

About the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue): 

  • The QUAD is a strategic forum comprising India, United States, Japan, and Australia aimed at promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. 
  • Established in 2007 and revitalised in 2017 
  • QUAD focuses on regional security, economic cooperation, infrastructure development, maritime security, and disaster relief. 
  • Quad also aims to counterbalance the growing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific

Significance of the swap:

  • Strengthening Quad Alliances: The U.S. hosting the summit emphasises the growing importance of Quad cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Diplomatic Flexibility: Swapping years for hosting demonstrates global diplomacy’s adaptability while ensuring key summits continue.
  • Political Transitions: The 2024 summit serves as a farewell for Biden and Kishida, adding historical significance due to impending leadership changes.
  • Economic and Strategic Focus: The summit remains a platform for discussing regional security, technology, and economic strategies.
  • India’s Diplomatic Role: India’s hosting in 2025 will elevate its global diplomatic standing and showcase its leadership in international affairs.

WHO Unveils Global Framework for Pathogen Origin Investigation 

WHO Unveils Global Framework for Pathogen Origin Investigation

Context: The WHO has launched a comprehensive global framework to guide investigations into the origins of pathogens.

More About the News:

  • The framework has been developed by the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) to streamline the investigation of pathogen origins and address gaps in outbreak investigation methods.

About the Framework:

  • This framework provides detailed guidance for conducting pathogen origin studies, particularly addressing key areas such as:
    • Early Investigation of Outbreaks: Focusing on identifying the first cases and clusters, collecting samples, and defining the characteristics of the novel pathogen involved for diagnostic purposes.
    • Human and Animal Interface: The framework includes studies to identify potential animal reservoirs and intermediate hosts, as well as reverse zoonoses, where pathogens may spread from humans back to animals.
    • Use of Advanced Technologies: It emphasises genomic and phylogenetic studies to trace the evolution of pathogens and investigate environmental and vector sources of infections​
  • Significance:
    • Strengthening Global Health Security
    • Promoting Scientific Collaboration
    • Boosting Transparency in Investigations
    • Enhancing Early Detection Systems
    • India’s Role in Global Health Leadership

Swiss Peace Process

Swiss Peace Process

Context: The Swiss-mediated peace process between Ukraine and Russia has brought the spotlight on India’s diplomatic position.

About Swiss Peace Process for Ukraine: 

  • It refers to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine by utilising Switzerland’s neutral status as a platform for dialogue and negotiation.
  •  Objective: To facilitate dialogue and negotiations aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has been ongoing since February 2022.
  • Key Summits and Declarations: A significant event was the Bürgenstock Summit (June , 2024), which followed a series of four earlier international meetings.
  • Focus Areas: The Swiss Peace Process has concentrated on several critical areas such as Nuclear Safety, Food security, Humanitarian issues etc.
  • Participants: The summit brings together representatives from around 80 countries, international organisations, and peace advocacy groups.
  • India’s position: After the Swiss Peace Summit in June, India had disassociated itself from its outcome as it did not involve Russia at the table.

Venezuela

Venezuela

Context: Venezuela’s opposition candidate fled to Spain on Saturday amidst the political turmoil.

About Venezuela:

  • Location and Boundary: Northern coast of South America, covering 916,445 sq.km (353,841 sq mi). 
    • The country is bounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the North, Guyana in the East, Brazil in South and Colombia in the west.
  • Capital: Caracas
  • Geography: Geographical features include the northern Andean Mountain ranges, Orinoco River basin with expansive Llanos plains, Lake Maracaibo (South America’s largest lake), and Angel Falls (world’s highest waterfall).
  • Major Rivers:
    • Rio Negro (2,250 km): A tributary of the Amazon, shared with Colombia and Brazil.
    • Orinoco (2,101 km): South America’s third-longest river, shared with Colombia
  • Resources: Holds the world’s largest oil reserves, along with significant deposits of coal, iron ore, bauxite, and gold.
  • Languages: Official language is Spanish (98.2%)

 

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A recent study has shed light on the effects on Indian Monsoon by seasonal changes in the Arctic sea ice levels.

About the Study

  • Published In: The Study is published in the journal Remote Sensing of Environment 
  • Conducted By: The research is a collaboration between India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and South Korea’s Korea Polar Research Institute.
  • Subject: To check how the Arctic sea ice levels affect atmospheric circulations that in turn influence the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall.
  • Arctic Sea Ice LevelsData Source: Observational data from the period of  1980 to 2020 were used along with climate models (specifically Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phases 5 and 6)
  • Findings:
    • Role of Climate Change: Climate Change accelerates the reduction of Arctic sea ice and exacerbates the variability and unpredictability of the ISMR
      • Lower Arctic sea ice can lead to more frequent and severe droughts in western and peninsular India regions while causing excessive rainfall and flooding in central and northern India.
    • Influence Monsoon Onset: Lower sea ice levels in the upper latitudes (mainly in the Barents-Kara Sea region encompassing the Hudson Bay, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Sea of Okhotsk) delay the monsoon’s onset rendering it more unpredictable.
    • Changes in Several Atmospheric Systems: 
      • Increased Sea Ice Levels in the Central Arctic: It results in the heat transfer from the ocean to the atmosphere triggering a cyclonic circulation at slightly lower latitudes (North Atlantic)
      • Rossby Waves:The cyclonic circulation bolsters the Rossby waves resulting in high pressure over northwest India and low pressure over the Mediterranean region.
        • These are fast-flowing streams of air high in the atmosphere created by the earth’s rotation and differences in temperature and weather systems that move west to east.
      • Strengthening Jet Stream: The circulation strengthens the Asian jet stream over the Caspian Sea, causing the subtropical easterly jet (a jet stream blowing over the Indian subcontinent during summer to shift northward)
      • An anomalous high pressure region is created over Central Asia as a result disrupting atmospheric stability over the Indian landmass and bringing more rain over western and peninsular India.
    • Low sea ice over the Barents-Kara Sea region:
      • It triggers a series of air currents that produce an anomalous high pressure over southwest China.
      • The heat from the Barents-Kara sea creates an anticyclonic circulation (calm, clear skies) over northwest Europe disturbing the upper atmospheric region over subtropical Asia and India.
      • The instability along with high surface temperature of the Arabian Sea promotes high rainfall over northeastern India while leaving central and northwest regions of the country with deficient rainfall.

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Indian Monsoon

Monsoon is a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing, or strongest, winds of a region. 

  • Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall: India gets southwest monsoon winds in the summers (formation of an intense low-pressure system ie. ITCZ due to differential heating over the Tibetan Plateau) 
    • Coriolis Force:  The Coriolis Force deflects the Trade winds towards the Indian landmass after they cross the equator. 
    • The winds blowing  over the Arabian Sea picks up moisture and deposit that as rain over India.
    • Branches: The southwest monsoon splits into two branches ie. The Arabian Sea arm (brings rain to the west coast)  and the Bay of Bengal arm (brings rain to India’s eastern and northeastern parts) over the landmass. 
      • Convergence: The arms finally converge over Punjab and Himachal Pradesh as the Arabian Sea arm moves inward and the Bay of Bengal arm moves along the Himalaya.
  • India Winter Monsoon Rainfall: The northeast monsoons is the reversal phase of monsoon during the winters (due to the high-pressure cells that are formed over the Siberian and Tibetan plateaus.)
  • Arctic Sea Ice LevelsFactors affecting the onset of monsoon
    • Intense low-pressure formation over the Tibetan Plateau due to intense heating of landmass during summers
    • The permanent high-pressure cell in the South of the Indian Ocean near madagascar
    • Subtropical jet stream
    • African Easterly jet (Tropical easterly jet)
    • low-pressure systems (or monsoon depressions), presence of ITCZ (InterTropical Convergence Zone)
    • Global Atmospheric Circulations: The surface temperatures of the Indian, the Atlantic, and the Pacific Oceans affect the ISMR.
    • The Circum-Global Teleconnection (CGT): It is  a large-scale atmospheric wave flowing at the mid-latitudes, seems  to significantly influence the monsoon as well.

 

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India has launched its first registry for patients needing hand transplants.

Registry of hand transplants

  • The registry, under the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), aims to ensure transparent and priority-based allocation of donated hands.
  • Patients requiring hand transplants can register with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) under the “bone” category. 

About Hand Transplantation

Hand Transplantation

  • Hand transplantation is a surgery where a new hand or arm from a donor is attached to someone who has lost their own hand or arm.
    • Hands fall under the category of ‘composite tissue’.
  • Registered Hospitals: There are currently nine hospitals registered for performing hand transplants in the country.
  • Conditions for Hand Donation
    • Brain Death: Hands can be donated after the donor has been declared brain dead.

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Composite tissue

  • These are types of tissue which are made of more than one type of cell or tissues such as skin, muscle, nerves, tendons, bone, and blood. 
  • These tissues work together to perform a specific function. 
    • Cardiac Death: In some cases, hands can also be donated after cardiac death. 
      • However, this requires that the donation takes place within 30 minutes of the heart stopping.

Benefits and Challenges of Hand Transplantation in India

Benefits

  • Improved Quality of Life: Hand transplantation can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals who have lost one or both hands. 
    • It can restore functionality, independence, and self-esteem.
  • Increased Access: The establishment of a national registry will improve access to hand transplants by facilitating the efficient allocation of donated organs.

Challenges

  • Lack of Donated Hands: The primary challenge is the shortage of donated hands.
  • Logistical Difficulties: Transporting donated hands across the country can be logistically challenging.
  • Surgical Complexity: Hand transplantation is a complex procedure requiring specialized expertise.
  • Financial Costs: The procedure can be expensive.
  • Other Risks: infection, nerve damage, and blood vessel problems. 

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Regulatory Framework for Organ Transplantation in India

  • Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994

  • THOTA 1994 Provides the legal framework for organ transplantation in India.
    • Organ Donation: Organs can be donated by deceased individuals or living donors.
    • Altruistic Donations: Donations from distant relatives, in-laws, or long-time friends are allowed but require additional checks.
    • Unrelated Donors: Must provide documents to prove a long-term connection.
    • Organ Trafficking: Offering or paying for organs is illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a fine.
    • Brain Death: Brain stem death is legally recognized as death.
    • Transplantation Rules: The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules 2014 promote organ donation from deceased donors.
  • National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)

    • NOTTO provides a national system for organ procurement and distribution.
      • National Organ Transplantation Guidelines

        • Removed Age Cap: There is no longer an upper age limit for organ recipients.
        • No Domicile Requirement: Patients can register for organs in any state.
        • No Registration Fees: States are instructed to discontinue registration fees.
      • Organ Transport Policy

        • Uniform Policy: A uniform policy has been finalized to speed up organ transport between hospitals.
        • Involvement of Ministries: The policy was created by Niti Aayog with input from various ministries.

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The European Space Agency/Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency BepiColombo mission has successfully completed its fourth of six gravity assist flybys at Mercury.

About BepiColombo

BepiColombo is an international mission consisting of two spacecraft riding together to Mercury to orbit and study the planet from unique vantage points.

  • The spacecraft were launched on October 20, 2018, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana. It is scheduled to begin orbiting Mercury in 2025.
  • Objective: To study Mercury’s magnetic field, its composition, the geology of its surface, and its interaction with the solar wind.
  • The mission will also investigate the planet’s exosphere and study its geological history.
  • It is a joint mission between the  European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japanese counterpart JAXA.
    • ESA’s Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) will study the planet’s surface and interior.
    • JAXA’s Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MIO) will study the planet’s magnetic field.
    • ESA is also responsible for the launcher, the interplanetary cruising engine, and the placement of BepiColombo into Mercury’s orbit.

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Significance

  • First-ever image of South Pole: This flyby was particularly notable as it delivered the first-ever image of Mercury’s elusive South Pole.
  • Data Collection: The flyby provided scientists with a rare chance to gather important data on Mercury’s magnetic field and exosphere
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Bolivia declared a national emergency due to raging forest fires.

About Bolivia

Bolivia

  • Bolivia is a landlocked country located in western-central South America.
  • It is named after independence fighter Simon Bolivar.
  • Location: The country is located in the rugged Andes Mountain, with a highland plateau and lowland plains in the Amazon basin.
  • One-third of the country is within the Andean mountain range. 
  • Bordering Countries: It borders the countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru.
  • Capital: The constitutional capital is Sucre, while the seat of government and executive capital is La Paz.
  • Bolivia shares control of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest lake navigable to large vessels, at 12,500 feet above sea level.

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Assistive technologies like specialised wheelchairs, running blades, release braces have revolutionised para sports, giving athletes better inclusivity and performance.

About Assistive Technology

  • Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.
‘Equipped for equity’ campaign 

  • It calls upon governments to reduce or eliminate taxes on assistive technology, integrate assistive technology into primary health care and ensure its widespread access.
  • These Aids Could Be: 
    • Physical products such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, hearing aids, prostheses, walking devices or continence pads
    • Digital such as software and apps that support communication and time management
    • Adaptations to the physical environment, For example, portable ramps or grab-rails.
  • WHO is the Secretariat for the Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) Initiative.

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Need of assistive technologies

  • Globally, more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products.
  • With an ageing global population and a rise in noncommunicable diseases, an estimated 3.5 billion people will need assistive technology by 2050.

Benefits

Assistive Technology

  • Equity: Assistive technology is gradually bridging the gap for para-athletes and regular able-bodied ones. 
    • For Example: Neuro-prosthetics interfaces with the human nervous system to overcome lack of muscular strength.
  • Rehabilitation: Assistive technology is temporarily used by people recuperating from an accident or illness and rehabilitating them towards normal life.
    • For example:  hearing aids, wheelchairs, therapeutic footwear.
  • Self Reliance: Timely provision of assistive technology for older people can improve their independence and safety as well as enable them to live at home for as long as possible.

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Limitations

  • High Costs: High costs due to over-priced assistive products and associated service delivery cost.
  • Limited access: Limited physical and geographical access puts assistive technology out of reach for many potential users.
  • Sociodemographic barriers: Sociodemographic barriers hinder equitable universal access to assistive technology.
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The restrictive nature of legal provisions for live-in couples allows social conservatism to influence the Justice System.

Live In Relationship

  • About: A live-in relationship is basically an arrangement made by two people in a romantic and sexual relationship where both partners tend to cohabit with each other just like they are married. This term is generally applied to those couples who are not married.
  • Status in India: Live-in relationships are not explicitly recognized by Indian law, but they are also not illegal. 
  • Legal provisions supporting live-in relationships: 
    • Article 19: Grants the right to freedom of speech and expression, and the right to reside and settle in any part of India’s territory.
    • Article 21: Protects the right to life and personal liberty.
  • Recognition for the first time in court: 
    • The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) recognized live-in relationships for the first time. 
    • It provides rights and protection to women who are not legally married but live with a man in a relationship similar to marriage, giving them rights similar to, though not the same as, a wife.
    • The law offers protection against domestic violence to women in such setups and property rights to children of such couples.

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Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 

  • According to sub-section (f) of section (2) of the PWDVA Act, a ‘domestic relationship’ is defined as a relationship between two people who live, or have lived together at any time, in a shared household. This includes relationships by blood, marriage, or those similar to marriage, adoption, or family members living together as a joint family.

 

Implication of Live in Relationship on Marriage as an Institution

  • Changing social norms: Live-in relationships reflect shifting attitudes towards traditional marriage, especially among younger generations.
    • The acceptance of cohabitation may lead to people marrying later in life, if at all.
  • Redefinition of Commitment: Live-in relationships challenge traditional notions of commitment by demonstrating that long-term relationships can exist without formal marriage. 
  • Influence on Marriage Rates: The rise of live-in relationships might contribute to a decline in marriage rates, as some individuals may prefer cohabitation over formal marriage. This shift could alter demographic patterns and societal expectations regarding marriage.
  • Impact on Family Structures: Live-in relationships can lead to more diverse family structures and dynamics. This shift may influence how society defines family roles and parenting.
  • Impact on divorce rates: Some argue that live-in relationships might reduce divorce rates by allowing couples to assess compatibility before marriage.
    • Live-in relationships can serve as a “trial run” for couples before committing to marriage.

Issues With respect to Live In Relationship Couples

  • Legal Ambiguity in Live-in Relationships : While live-in relationships are not illegal, they lack the rights and social acceptance that come with marriage.
  • Emotional, Physical and Psychological Risks: In Chawali v. State of U.P. (2015), the Allahabad High Court, cautioned about the emotional and psychological risks of live-in relationships. 
    • The court noted, “In some cases, live-in relationships may lead to negative outcomes, such as sexual exploitation, physical violence, emotional abuse or involvement in crimes. 
    • While not all live-in relationships have harmful consequences, courts lack a reliable way to assess the true intentions of individuals entering such relationships.”
  • Privacy Concerns: Cases like the Shraddha Walker incident highlight how live-in relationships can sometimes lead to breaches of privacy and personal data, especially when they become the focus of media attention
  • Lack of Social Acceptance : Live-in-relationship challenges traditional norms of family and marriages in India. Many consider them to be a “western concept”, leading to societal disapproval from families.
  • Negotiating Law is a challenge for the Live In Couples: Courts interpretations often expose live-in couples to vulnerability as they uphold traditional practices during trials, leaving the live-in couples without full legal protection.
    • Example: Madhya Pradesh High Court (2024): In 2024, the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed the plea of an interfaith couple seeking police protection and marriage registration, stating that their union (Muslim man and “fire-worshipper” woman) was not valid under Muslim law.
      • The couple failed to prove financial dependency or long-term cohabitation, which were deemed essential to prove a relationship akin to marriage.
  • Social Stigma: Live-in relationships are still viewed with suspicion or disapproval. This can lead to social isolation and a lack of support from family and friends.

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Need to Rethink Laws and Social Practices in India

  • Utilise Law as a Corrective Tool: It is important to debate and refine the role of law as a means to address and correct prevalent discrimination, ensuring legal frameworks better support and protect all individuals.
  • Leverage Pluralism: India’s religious and legal pluralism offers a crucial opportunity to rethink and realign the connections between law and social practices.
  • Empower Non-State Actors: Support for non-state actors who help individuals express their autonomy is essential. This can lead to shifts in societal attitudes and encourage positive change.
  • Transform Socialization and Community Networks: Initiatives should aim to transform attitudes towards socialisation and create supportive community networks that embrace diversity and inclusivity.

Conclusion

Live-in relationships in India are increasingly recognized, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes and legal frameworks. While legal protections exist, social stigma still persists. There is a need for continued reforms and awareness efforts to ensure equal rights and respect for the Live in couples in the society.

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Key Judgements on Live-in Relationships in India

  • Badri Prasad v. Director of Consolidation (1978): The Supreme Court upheld the legality of a 50-year live-in relationship, recognizing its validity under the law.
    • The Court held that live-in relationships in India are legal but subject to caveats like age of marriage, consent and soundness of mind.
  • Payal Sharma v. Nari Niketan (2001):
    • The Allahabad High Court ruled that a man and woman can live together without marriage, if they choose to.
    • The court noted that although this may be seen as unethical by society, it is not prohibited by law.
    • The ruling emphasised the distinction between law and morality.
  • Lata Singh v. State of UP (2006): The Supreme Court ruled that Live-in or marriage-like relationship is neither a crime nor a sin though socially unacceptable in this country”.
  • D.Velusamy vs D.Patchaiammal (2010):  The Supreme Court laid down criteria for live-in relationships to be legal.
    • The couple must hold themselves out to society as being akin to spouses.
    • They must be of legal age to marry.
    • They must be otherwise qualified to enter into a legal marriage, including being unmarried.
    • They must have voluntarily cohabited and held themselves out to the world as being akin to spouses for a significant period of time.
  • Kattukandi Edathil Krishnan & Another v. Kattukandi Edathil Valsan & Others (2022): The Supreme Court ruled that children born to partners in live-in relationships can be considered legitimate. 
    • Such children are eligible to be part of family succession.
  • Supreme Court’s Observation on Live-in Relationships:
    • A special three-judge bench, including Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Justices Deepak Verma, and B.S. Chauhan stated that live-in relationships are not inherently invalid.
    • The bench asserted that living together is a right to live under Article 21 of the Constitution, questioning whether such arrangements constitute any legal offence.
    • The Supreme Court back in 2009 observed that it is not necessary for a woman to strictly establish the marriage to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the Cr.P.C. 
      • A woman in a live-in relationship may also claim maintenance under Section 125 of the Cr.P.C.

 

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Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government has called for reviving the the “spirit of SAARC,” underlining that the bloc can solve many of the region’s problems.

SAARC is No Longer Functioning Properly

  • Exists Only on Paper: He said that although the SAARC was formed with a great cause, it now exists only on paper and is not functioning.
  • Meet of SAARC Nations Heads: Mr. Yunus mentioned that he would try to get the heads of state of SAARC nations together meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

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About South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

  • Establishment: The SAARC was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka in December 1985. 
  • Members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 
  • Observers: Australia, China, European Union, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius, Myanmar, and United States of America.
  • Authority: The Meetings of the Heads of State or Government of Member States is the highest decision making authority under SAARC. 
  • Hosts: Summits are usually held biennially hosted by a Member State in alphabetical order. 
    • The Member State hosting the Summit assumes the Chair of the Association.

SAARC

The Failures of SAARC

  • Postponed Summits: Over 30 years, SAARC summits have been postponed more than 10 times, often for political reasons.
    • For instance, the 2016 SAARC Summit, scheduled in Islamabad, was canceled after India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Afghanistan refused to participate after the Uri terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Nepal has been making efforts to activate the regional grouping, which has not been very effective since 2016.
  • Lack of Trust: The distrust between India and Pakistan has significantly hampered SAARC’s progress, with Pakistan often stalling key initiatives.
    • Examples include the blocking of the SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) and the SAARC satellite project proposed by India.
  • Lack of Political Will: There has been a consistent lack of political will among member states to transform SAARC into a dynamic regional grouping.
    • South Asia remains one of the most underdeveloped regions, with significant socioeconomic challenges like poverty, unemployment, and inequality
  • Weak Economic Integration: According to the Brookings Institution, Owing to protectionist policies, high logistics cost, lack of political will and a broader trust deficit, intra-regional trade in South Asia remains well below its potential at 5% of the region’s global trade. 
    • Initiatives like the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), though implemented in 2006, have seen minimal success in fostering trade and investment in the region.
  • Security Challenges: SAARC has struggled with security cooperation due to differing threat perceptions among member states.
    • India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism from Pakistan remain unresolved, stalling progress in regional security initiatives.
  • Perception of India’s Dominance: Smaller member states view India as a dominant “Big Brother” due to its larger geography, economy, and military strength. 
    • This creates apprehension about India’s intentions in the region and hinders cooperation.
  • Rise of BIMSTEC as an Alternative: In recent years, BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) has emerged due to its more cordial member relations and shared objectives.
    • BIMSTEC links South and Southeast Asian countries, providing an alternative to the stagnating SAARC.

SAARC

Need to Revive SAARC Grouping

  • Addressing Regional Challenges: South Asia faces common challenges like poverty, climate change, terrorism, and energy crises, which transcend borders. SAARC can provide a platform for addressing these collectively.
  • Global Relevance: With global power blocs like ASEAN and the EU gaining prominence, South Asia risks marginalization
    • Reviving SAARC can strengthen the region’s global positioning.
  • Boosting Intra-Regional Trade: Intra-regional trade in South Asia remains low at 5%. Reviving SAARC could enhance economic ties through full implementation of SAFTA, fostering regional interdependence and easing political tensions.
    • Regional projects, including energy pipelines and cross-border roads, can accelerate growth. 
  • Climate Change: SAARC can provide a cooperative framework for disaster management, technological sharing, and climate resilience strategies.
  • Security Cooperation: SAARC has the potential to serve as a platform for intelligence-sharing and joint action against issues like terrorism and cross-border criminal activities
  • Conflict Resolution: SAARC can act as a confidence-building measure, keeping dialogue open through economic and cultural exchanges, even amid political tensions.
  • Cultural and Educational Exchange: Reviving SAARC can promote tourism, cultural exchanges, and academic collaborations, fostering mutual understanding and trust among member nations.
  • Migration and Labor Rights: SAARC can ensure better protection for migrant workers by creating frameworks for labor laws and safe migration within the region, benefiting millions of workers.
    • For instance, Bangladesh seek help from India to convince Myanmar to take back its population of the Rohingya. 

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Significance of SAARC Grouping for India

  • Soft Power Influence: SAARC is the multilateral platform where India is the dominant player, allowing it to exert soft power across South Asia.
    • For example, South Asian University (SAU) serves as a key example of India’s soft power, attracting students from countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. 
  • Neighborhood First Policy: SAARC aligns with India’s focus on strengthening ties with its immediate neighbors, enhancing regional cooperation and development.
  • Geostrategic Counter to China: India can counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative Project by fostering economic cooperation and development through SAARC, engaging its neighbors in mutual growth efforts.
  • Regional Stability: SAARC can help build mutual trust, especially between India and Pakistan, ensuring that regional interests take precedence over bilateral disputes.
  • Global Leadership Role: Through SAARC, India can showcase its leadership in South Asia by assuming additional responsibilities, strengthening its global image.
  • Boost to Act East Policy: By linking South Asian economies with Southeast Asia, SAARC can further India’s Act East Policy, promoting economic integration and growth, particularly benefiting India’s underdeveloped eastern regions.
  • Potential for Exports: Economic integration within SAARC can open up larger markets for Indian companies, boosting revenues and expanding export opportunities.

Way Forward for Reviving SAARC Grouping

  • Need for Consensus: For SAARC to be effective, member countries must agree on necessary reforms
    • However, differences, particularly between India and Pakistan, make achieving consensus challenging.
  • Learning from the European Union (EU): While the EU has achieved significant progress through cooperation, SAARC is yet to reach similar levels of success in regional integration.
  • Alternative Development Models: In the face of increasing Chinese investments, SAARC can serve as a platform for advocating sustainable development alternatives, opposing trade tariffs, and negotiating better terms for South Asian labor globally.
  • Cultural Affinity: SAARC represents the shared cultural, linguistic, religious, and historical identity of South Asia, emphasizing the region’s natural geographic and social connections.
  • Maintaining Regional Peace: Member countries should explore SAARC’s potential to maintain peace and stability in South Asia by addressing shared security challenges and fostering cooperation.
  • People-to-People Contact: SAARC should promote greater people-to-people interaction in a region that comprises a quarter of the world’s population.

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Conclusion

Reviving SAARC is crucial for addressing regional challenges, enhancing cooperation, promoting stability, and strengthening South Asia’s global presence through collective economic and strategic initiatives.

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