Dec 11 2024

The recent  comments made by the Allahabad High Court judge alleged against the Minority community at an event have reignited debates on judicial conduct and accountability.

Background

  • Alleged Communal Statements: Statements included references to polygamy, Halala, triple talaq, and the Uniform Civil Code.
  • Supreme Court’s Response: It said details have been asked from the Allahabad High Court and that the “matter is under consideration”.

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About Code of Conduct Of Judges

  • The Code of Conduct for Judges refers to a set of ethical guidelines and standards that judges must adhere to in order to maintain integrity, impartiality, and public confidence in the judicial system.
  • Codes of conduct are essential to guide judges in navigating the complexities of their role while maintaining public trust. 

Necessity of a Code of Conduct for Judges in India

  • Safeguarding Judicial Integrity: Judicial integrity is a cornerstone of strong judicial systems and a necessary prerequisite for the rule of law, the right to a fair trial and the public trust in the judiciary.
    • The Code of Conduct For Judges ensures that judges maintain impartiality and independence in their judgments.
    • Prevents any behavior that could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
  • Upholding Public Trust: Judicial authority is rooted in public acceptance and faith in the system.
    • Ethical conduct reassures citizens of the judiciary’s fairness and transparency.

Consequences for Judges Who Violate the Code of Conduct in India

  • Impeachment
    • The most severe consequence for a judge in India found guilty of misconduct is impeachment.
    • Under Article 124(4) of the Indian Constitution, a judge of the Supreme Court or High Court can be removed through impeachment by Parliament for proven misbehavior or incapacity.
    • The process requires a motion to be introduced in either House of Parliament, followed by investigation and a vote. 
    • The motion must be approved by a majority of two-thirds of the members present and voting in both Houses.
  • In House Procedure: As per the established “In-house procedure” for the Higher Judiciary, the Chief Justice of India is competent to receive complaints against the conduct of Judges of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justices of the High Courts. 
    • Similarly, the Chief Justices of the High Courts are competent to receive complaints against the conduct of High Court Judges.
  • Public Reprimand or Suspension: For less severe violations, judges may receive a formal reprimand or temporary suspension from their duties.
    • The severity of the action depends on the nature of the violation and its impact on the judiciary’s integrity.
  • Transfer to Another Bench: In some instances, a judge found guilty of misconduct may be transferred to another bench or location as a corrective measure.

  • Guidance in Complex Situations: Provides judges with a structured framework to navigate ethical dilemmas.
    • Helps avoid conflicts of interest and maintain professional standards.
    • Ensuring Accountability: Establishes benchmarks for acceptable behavior in and out of court.
    • Promotes accountability within the judiciary, safeguarding its credibility.
  • Strengthening the Rule of Law: Ethical conduct by judges reinforces the principles of justice, equality, and fairness.
    • Enhances the judiciary’s role as a guardian of the Constitution and democratic values.
  • Preventing Bias and Misconduct: Acts as a deterrent against personal bias or misconduct that could affect judicial decisions.
  • Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity: Codes like the Bangalore Principles emphasise understanding and respecting societal diversity.
    • Helps judges treat all litigants equally, irrespective of their background.
  • Protecting Judicial Independence: Preserves the judiciary’s autonomy by fostering self-regulation and discipline.

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Code of Conduct For Judges In India

  • The Supreme Court of India, in its full Court meeting on 7th May, 1997, adopted two Resolutions namely 
    • “The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life” which lays down certain judicial standards and principles to be observed and followed by the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
    • “In-house procedure” for taking suitable remedial action against judges who do not follow universally accepted values of Judicial life including those included in the Restatement of Values of Judicial life.
  • Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002): In 2003, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights adopted the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct,
    • It presents a framework to regulate judicial conduct. 
      • Maintaining Confidence: Judges’ conduct, both in and out of court, must enhance confidence in their impartiality and independence.
      • The behaviour of a judge must “reaffirm the people’s faith in the impartiality of the judiciary”
      • Freedom of Expression: Judges are entitled to freedom of speech but must exercise it to preserve judicial dignity and impartiality.
      • Diversity and Equality: Judges must understand and respect societal diversity and treat all individuals equally in judicial and personal conduct.
      • Public Accountability: Judges must remain conscious of being under public gaze at all times.

Consequences of Lapses In Judicial Conduct

  • Undermine Judicial Credibility: Public trust in the judiciary diminishes, leading to skepticism about the fairness of judicial decisions.
  • Encourage Political Polarisation: Perceived biases in the judiciary can exacerbate divisions in society.
  • Impact the Rule of Law: Judicial impartiality is critical to upholding the rule of law.
    • Ethical lapses risk turning the judiciary into a partisan institution, threatening the democratic fabric.
    • Diminished judicial integrity can weaken democratic governance.
  • Increased Calls for Accountability: Incidents of unethical behavior can lead to public and institutional demands for accountability.
    • Could result in disciplinary action, including impeachment or voluntary retirement of the judge.

Global Best Practices:

  • Queja System of Chile: The Queja system in Chile allows for the discipline of judges for acts that are not criminal but are considered immoral or unethical.
    • It addresses judicial misconduct or abusive judicial actions that do not necessarily involve criminal offenses.
  • United Kingdom: In 2004, the UK published its Guide to Judicial Conduct. 
  • Inspector General: Senegal and Tunisia have introduced the position of an inspector general to oversee judicial conduct. 
  • Magna Carta of European Judges: In 2000, the Council of Europe established the Council of European Judges (CCJE) to act as an advisory body to the Committee of Ministers and the Council of Europe on the independence and impartiality of judges.

Way Forward

  • Regular Training and Sensitization: Judges should undergo periodic training on ethical standards, societal diversity, and contemporary issues to align their perspectives with evolving societal norms.
    • Example: Judges should be counseled to avoid statements that suggest prejudice against individuals and groups or opinions about issues that may arise in litigation.
  • Enhanced Transparency: Judicial decisions and conduct must be transparent, fostering accountability and public trust.
  • Mechanisms for Ethical Oversight: Strengthening in-house grievance redressal systems and empowering oversight committees can ensure swift action against ethical violations.
    • Example: There is a need to reconsider  the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010 that provided for establishing the National Judicial Oversight Committee, the Complaints Scrutiny Panel, and an investigation committee.
  • Advisory Councils: The Judicial ethics advisory committees can be established to address unresolved questions and guide judges who are uncertain about the propriety of their conduct. 
    • These committees can be composed of sitting or retired judges.
    • For instance, most U.S. states have their own advisory committees to support judicial ethics.

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Conclusion

  • Judges must uphold dignity and avoid behavior that undermines the judiciary’s integrity, ensuring public trust and confidence in justice.
  • As custodians of justice, their conduct in both personal and professional matters must inspire public confidence, reinforce trust in the rule of law, and reflect the highest ethical standards. 

The tragic death of an Ernst & Young (EY) employee reportedly due to the overwhelming pressures of work, has highlighted the ‘Right to Disconnect’ as an important labor and human rights issue. 

Background

  • Long Working Hours for Indian Women in Professional Jobs: Indian women in fields like auditing, Information Technology, and media work more than 55 hours a week, according to a report by The Hindu.
  • Work Hours for Marginalised Sections: The working hours for women from marginalised communities, especially those in the unorganised sector, are more varied and often longer.
  • Mental Health Impact of Workplace Stress: A study by ADP Research Institute reveals that 49% of Indian workers report that workplace stress negatively affects their mental health.

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About Right To Disconnect

  • The Right to Disconnect empowers employees to avoid answering calls, emails, or messages related to work during non-working hours. 
    • It recognizes that constant connectivity can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased productivity, as employees anticipate work tasks even during personal time. 
    • By enshrining this right, employees gain the freedom to reclaim personal time, ensuring mental and physical well-being.
  • Origin of Right to Disconnect: The concept of disconnecting from work finds its roots in Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 
    • Article 24 states that ‘Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.’

Benefits of Right to Disconnect

  • Better Mental Health: Reduces stress, job dissatisfaction and prevents burnout.
  • Improved Work-Life Balance: Creates clear boundaries between personal and professional life.
  • Increased Productivity: Recharged employees are more focused and efficient.
  • Physical Well-being: Promotes restorative sleep and reduces health risks.
  • Enhanced Creativity: Time away from work fosters innovative thinking.

Consequences of Not Being Disconnected From Work

  • Increased Stress and Anxiety: Constantly being connected to work raises anxiety levels as employees are always anticipating the next task, email, or call. 
    • This persistent state of readiness prevents full relaxation, leading to emotional and mental exhaustion.
  • Burnout Risk: The lack of a clear boundary between work and personal time increases the risk of burnout.
    • Studies published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology show that the risk of burnout significantly increases when employees don’t have time to disconnect and recharge.
  • Disrupted Sleep Patterns, Poor Cognitive Functions: Constant work engagement, such as checking emails or responding to messages late into the evening, disrupts sleep
    • Poor sleep affects cognitive functions like memory, focus, and decision-making, which in turn hinders productivity and creativity.
  • Reduced Job Satisfaction: When work constantly intrudes on personal time, employees feel their autonomy is compromised. This leads to frustration and resentment toward their job, decreasing overall job satisfaction.
  • Paradox of Overwork: While overwork may seem like a way to increase productivity, it often leads to mistakes and inefficiencies, causing a cycle where employees feel the need to work even longer to compensate for the errors made due to exhaustion.
  • Negative Impact on Creativity: The inability to fully disconnect from work stifles creativity, as employees lack the mental space needed for innovation. 
  • Screen Time: The prevalence of technology in the workplace has led to prolonged screen time, which can adversely affect health.
    • A recent research conducted by Workplace Intelligence indicates that employees spend an average of 96.1 hours per week in front of screens, which equates to nearly four full days. 

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Right To Disconnect In India

  • India lacks specific laws recognising the right to disconnect.
  • However, the Constitution, the Directive Principles of State Policy, and various judicial pronouncements have spoken of the right to work in a conducive and healthy environment.
  • Provisions:
    • Article 21 of the Indian Constitution: Guarantees every citizen the Right to Life and Liberty. 

International Right To Disconnect Laws

  • France: France became the first country to formally recognise this right through its El Khomri Law in 2017. 
    • Employees cannot be penalised for not responding to work outside hours.
  • Portugal: Portugal has a Right to Disconnect law, which makes it illegal for employers to contact employees outside working hours, except in emergencies. 
  • Spain: Article 88 of the Organic Law 3/2018 on the Protection of Personal Data and Guarantee of Digital Rights in Spain states that the Digital rights laws protect personal time and family privacy.
  • Ireland: Recognised the right to disconnect for employees.
  • European Parliament: In January 2021, the European Parliament passed a resolution advocating for the Right to Disconnect across member states.
  • Australia: In 2024, the Australian Parliament passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment, which gave employees the right to disconnect from work outside of working hours. 

      • The expression ‘life’ enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right to livelihood, better standards of life, and the right to leisure.
    • Article 38 of the Constitution mandates that “the State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people”. 
    • Article 39(e) of the Directive Principles of State Policy directs the state to direct its policy towards securing the strength and health of its workers.
  • Judicial Precedents in India
    • Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997): The Supreme Court ruled that sexual harassment at the workplace violates fundamental rights, recognised the right to dignity at the workplace, and issued guidelines to ensure that there is a safe working environment for women and gender equality.
    • Ravindra Kumar Dhariwal v. Union of India (2021): The Court read Article 14 to include ideas of inclusive equality to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities
      • Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said that an employer must consider an employee’s individual differences and capabilities. 
    • Praveen Pradhan v. State of Uttaranchal (2012): The High Court of Uttarakhand prohibited workplace humiliation under the pretext of administrative control and discipline.
  • Legislative Efforts in India: 
    • In 2018, a Private Member Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, which delineated the right to disconnect from work after working hours. 
    • The bill included the provision of a penalty of 1% of the total remuneration of all employees to be paid by companies for noncompliance with its provisions.
    • No significant progress has been made.
  • Breach of Dignity In Indian Workplace: Despite the clear recognition of workplace dignity and directives for employers to be mindful of mental health concerns, as well as laws holding them accountable for violating working hours, breaches of dignity remain prevalent in Indian workplaces.

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Arguments For India Not Adopting the Right to Disconnect

  • Economic Context: India’s growing youth population and private sector thrive on high performance. 
    • The “Right to Disconnect” may not be feasible in a competitive economy like India’s, where rapid progress and innovation are critical.
    • Reducing work hours could slow down development and impair the ability to respond to market demands, potentially harming India’s economy in the long run.
  • The Importance of Work as Identity: In India, work is more than just a means to an end; it is a source of identity, pride, and purpose
    • Disconnecting from work could reduce the drive for achievement and success.
  • Global Innovations and Work Ethic: Many significant advancements have come from cultures that prioritize long hours and intense focus. 
  • Cultural and Constitutional Considerations: The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to profession, reflecting the societal importance placed on hard work and ambition
    • The concept of “Right to Disconnect” may clash with these values.
  • Risk of Diminished Productivity: Excess focus on leisure slows down medium-performing workers while high-performing professionals will almost always be on the top of the ladder.
  • Differences in Work Culture: 
    • Example: India vs. Iceland: Iceland has a higher concentration of public-sector jobs, which are less driven by strict productivity metrics, unlike India’s private sector industries that rely on high performance for growth and sustainability.
    • Unlike India, many developed countries have strict labour rules and work duration is limited to 35 hours each week. 

Challenges in Implementation of Right to Disconnect

  • Lack of Standard Definition: A major challenge in implementing the Right to Disconnect is the lack of a clear standard for defining appropriate working hours, which can differ widely between individuals and professions.
    • Example: IT professionals typically work 45 to 50 hours a week, with some industry leaders, such as Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, advocating for 70-hour weeks.
  • Different Professions have different requirements: Professions such as security, healthcare, and emergency services require  round-the-clock availability, making a uniform measure of working hours impractical across various fields.
  • Enforcement Difficulties: Enforcing right-to-disconnect laws can be challenging for small companies and startups, which often struggle to comply with rigid regulations due to limited resources and flexibility.
  • Impact on Promotions and Incentives: Employees may fear that exercising the right to disconnect could negatively affect their career progression.
    • As requesting to disconnect might be perceived as a lack of commitment.
  • Subjectivity in Determining Reasonableness: Deciding whether communication outside working hours is reasonable can be subjective. 
    • Example: There will be different interpretations of words like emergencies, urgent tasks,etc. which can cause potential disputes between employees and employers.
  • Time Zone Challenges: For companies with global operations, managing the right to disconnect becomes more complex due to different time zones.
  • Dispute Resolution: Disputes may arise regarding the implementation of the right to disconnect. 
    • Example: In Australia, unresolved disputes are initially handled internally and can be escalated to a governing body, such as the Fair Work Ombudsman, to ensure fair treatment and compliance with labor laws.
  • Technological Dependence: In an increasingly digital world, where technology allows for seamless communication and collaboration, disconnecting could create operational inefficiencies, particularly in industries reliant on quick responses and dynamic working conditions.

Recommendations of the Economic Survey, 2024

  • Extension of Overtime Working Hours: Proposal to increase working hours beyond the current limit under the Factories Act, which restricts overtime to 75 hours per quarter.
  • Reduction in Overtime Wages: Suggests reducing the overtime wages to make additional work hours more economically viable for employers.
  • Increasing Workers Monetisiable Time: Advocates for policies that maximises the productive and monetisable time of Indian Workers to boost overall earnings.
  • Relaxation of Work Hour Restrictions: Recommends flexibility in laws regulating work hours, including the existing cap of 48 hours per week and a daily maximum of 10.5 hours (including rest periods).

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Way Forward

  • Establish Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Time: Employers should implement policies that respect work-life balance, such as limiting after-hours communication. 
  • Encourage Time Off and Regular Breaks: Promoting the use of vacation days, personal time, and regular breaks during the workday is crucial for employee well-being. 
    • Research shows that employees who take regular time off report higher job satisfaction and increased productivity when they return to work.
  • Offer Flexible Work Schedules: Providing employees with flexible work hours allows them to better manage their personal and professional responsibilities, contributing to a healthier work-life balance.
  • Foster a Culture of Disconnecting After Work: Companies should create a culture where disconnecting from work after hours is encouraged, not only accepted
    • Managers can set the tone by refraining from sending after-hours emails or messages and prioritizing personal time.
  • Pilot Programs: Testing policies in specific industries before nationwide rollout of the Right to Disconnect.
  • Support Mental Health and Well-Being: Employers should provide access to counseling services, wellness programs, and mental health days
    • These resources help employees manage stress, maintain mental well-being, and prevent burnout, ensuring a healthier, more productive workforce.

Conclusion

There is a need to recognise the diverse nature of work across sectors and develop a flexible framework that accommodates specific challenges while safeguarding employees’ right to disconnect.

Madhav Gadgil, a veteran Indian ecologist, was named a 2024 ‘Champion of the Earth’ by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

  • The recognition is in the “Lifetime Achievement” category for his decades-long contributions to environmental protection.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Establishment: Founded in 1972 after the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm.

Role: 

  • Leading global environmental authority
  • Coordinates UN environmental activities
  • Promotes sustainable development
  • Provides scientific assessments
  • Encourages international cooperation

Awards:

  • Champions of the Earth: Recognizes outstanding environmental leaders.
  • Young Champions of the Earth: Honors young environmental innovators.

Initiatives:

  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Sustainable consumption and production
  • Chemical and waste management
  • Disaster and conflict environmental assessments

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About the ‘Champion of the Earth’ Award

  • UNEP’s ‘Champion of the Earth’ award is the UN’s highest environmental honor, recognizing outstanding environmental leaders since 2005.
  • It is an annual award that acknowledges individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental conservation.
  • ‘Champions of the Earth’ Awardees: Indian  Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, was conferred the Champions of the Earth Award 2018 for Policy Leadership.

Category Awardee(s) Country
Lifetime Achievement Madhav Gadgil India
Policy Leadership Sonia Guajajara Brazil
Inspiration and Action Amy Bowers Cordalis, Gabriel Paun US, Romania
Science and Innovation Lu Qi China
Entrepreneurial Vision Sekem Egypt

Madhav Gadgil’s ContributionsWestern Ghats Conservation: Chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (2011).

  • Authored the “Gadgil Report,” which highlighted the ecological threats and proposed community-centric conservation strategies.
  • Recommended declaring 75% of the 129,037 sq. km Western Ghats area as environmentally sensitive due to its unique biodiversity.
  • Recommendations have faced resistance and remain partially implemented. 
  • Subsequent reports, like the Kasturirangan report, diluted its recommendations and reduced the  Environmentally sensitive region.

Aspect Gadgil Committee Report Kasturirangan Committee Report
Focus Ecologically sensitive conservation with community involvement Balanced approach with development and conservation
ESA Coverage Recommended 75% of the Western Ghats (129,037 sq. km) as environmentally sensitive Reduced to 37% of the Western Ghats as environmentally sensitive
Approach Emphasized community participation in decision-making Categorized areas into cultural (human settlements) and natural (non-human) regions
Activity Classification Red: Prohibited activities (e.g., mining, stone quarrying)

Orange: Regulated with permissions

Green: Permitted activities like agriculture and horticulture

Similar classification but with greater emphasis on allowing developmental activities in cultural regions
Stakeholder Inclusion Strongly recommended consultation and involvement of local communities Limited local participation; decisions more aligned with central and state agencies
Implementation Resistance Faced strong opposition from development and industrial sectors Accepted more widely but criticized for diluting ecological recommendations
Conservation Scope Advocated for stricter conservation measures for biodiversity protection Aimed to balance ecological preservation with developmental needs

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    • Status of Implementation: Since 2014, the Union Environment Ministry has issued five draft notifications to declare the Western Ghats ecologically sensitive.
    • Final notification remains pending due to objections from various States
  • Grassroots Environmental Engagement: Promoted community-driven conservation initiatives, safeguarding forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems.
    • Supported marginalized communities, empowering them to protect their local environments.
  • Academic Contributions: Authored seven books and over 225 scientific papers.
    • His research shaped public opinion and official policies on biodiversity conservation.
  • Advocacy and Vision Emphasized the role of communication and grassroots activism in driving environmental change.
    • Continues to inspire collective action to address ecological crises.
  • Other Awards and Recognition: Gadgil’s wide-ranging contributions throughout the years have earned him some of India’s highest civilian honours including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards.
    • He also received  the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the Volvo Environment Prize . 
    • He is often known as ‘“people’s scientist”

Astronomers have discovered a protoplanetary disk (a swirling ring of gas and dust) in the GG Tau A system, located 489 light-years from Earth.

Key Highlights of the Discovery

GG Tau A System

  • The discovery offers valuable insights into planet formation in multi-star environments.
  • Researchers from the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) in Odisha utilized advanced radio telescopes in Chile’s Atacama Desert for the study. 
  • They detected emissions from key molecules in the disk, helping to analyze its composition.
  • The study focused on the disk’s mid-plane, where temperatures drop to 12-16 K.
    • These low temperatures freeze carbon monoxide, enabling gas and dust clumping which is an essential process for planet formation.

About Stars

  • Stars are fundamental building blocks of galaxies, serving as individual celestial bodies.
  • They are composed mostly of hydrogen and helium and undergo nuclear fusion, which powers their emission of light and heat.

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About GG Tau A System

  • Triple-Star System: GG Tau A consists of three interacting stars, located 489 light-years from Earth.
  • Young Age: The system is only 1–5 million years old, making it ideal for studying early planetary formation.
  • Planet-Birth Environment: The system features a gas and dust disk, which serves as the birthplace of planets.
  • Star Interactions: The three stars interact with each other, significantly affecting the disk and making planet formation more unpredictable compared to single-star systems.
  • Unique Forces: Forces between the stars cause the disk to behave differently, offering insights into the complexities of multi-star environments.

Significance of the Discovery

  • The study provides valuable insights into planet formation in multi-star systems, an area that is challenging to observe.
  • Understanding the disk’s chemical composition and physical conditions contributes to studying the origins of planets.
  • The findings offer clues about the diversity of exoplanets across the universe.
  • Highlights the differences in planet formation between single-star systems (e.g., the Sun), binary-star systems, and multi-star systems.

India, along with South Africa, Namibia, and Turkey, opposes the China-led Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement ahead of the WTO General Council meeting on December 16-17 in Geneva.

WTO General Council

  • The WTO General Council is a continuous body that meets regularly throughout the year.
  • Meetings: The General Council convenes multiple times a year, both formally and informally. Formal meetings are typically held every few months, while informal meetings can occur more frequently.
  • Purpose: The primary functions of the General Council are:
    • Decision-making: It exercises the authority of the Ministerial Conference when it’s not in session.
    • Oversight: It oversees the WTO’s work programs and activities.
    • Dispute Settlement: It functions as the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) to resolve trade disputes between WTO members.
    • Trade Policy Review: It oversees the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) to monitor the trade policies of WTO members.
  • Participation: All 164 member countries of the WTO are represented in the General Council. Each member country sends delegates to participate in the meetings. The meetings are typically attended by senior trade officials, diplomats, and experts.
  • Decision-Making Process: The WTO operates on a consensus-based decision-making process. This means that decisions are typically made by general agreement among all member countries. 
    • However, in cases where consensus cannot be reached, decisions can be made by a three-fourths majority vote at the level of the Ministerial Conference and the General Council.

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More on the News

  • The IFD agreement has gained the support of 128 out of 166 WTO members, including Pakistan. 
  • India’s Position: However, India and the opposing nations argue it undermines the policy space of weaker countries.
    • The opposition coincides with shifting global investment flows, as investments move away from China due to a potential US-China trade war and weakening consumer demand in China.
  • India’s Suggestion:  Separately, India has advocated for a “per capita distribution of subsidies” criterion to address concerns about overfishing and overcapacity within the WTO framework. 

About the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD)

  • Objective: To improve the global investment climate and foster international cooperation to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) among WTO members.
  • It is based on most-favoured-nation (MFN) treatment, and is open to all WTO members to join.
  • Proposed in 2017: Initiated by China and countries heavily reliant on Chinese investments and launched at the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11).
  • Supporters: Backed by countries with significant sovereign wealth funds and developing nations seeking to attract FDI.
  • Potential benefits: 
    • Creating clear and consistent global benchmarks for investment facilitation.
    • Reducing regulatory uncertainty, minimizing transaction costs, and making it easier for investors to invest.
    • Anchoring domestic investment facilitation reforms in shared international commitments.
    • Providing a global forum to promote best investment facilitation practices.

Concerns Raised Against the IFD

  • Threat to Policy Space: India and other opposing nations believe the agreement would limit the policy autonomy of weaker nations, particularly in regulating foreign investments.
  • Misconceptions Among Supporters: India contends that many nations supporting the IFD are under the false impression that it will universally benefit them.
  • Potential Impact on Sovereignty: Experts argue the pact may harm India’s interests and restrict its ability to implement policies on FDIs based on national priorities.
  • Unequal Power Dynamics: With 128 countries supporting the agreement, including Pakistan, and the US choosing to stay out, India highlights the tremendous pressure from China to gain global consensus.

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India Call on Fishery Subsidies

  • India’s Advocacy: India has proposed a “per capita distribution of subsidies” criterion to address overfishing and overcapacity issues at the WTO.
  • Comparison of Subsidies:
    • India’s annual fisheries subsidy: $35 per fisher.
    • European nations’ subsidy: $76,000 per fisher.
  • Document Submission: India presented a paper, ‘Designing Disciplines for the Overcapacity and Overfishing Pillar: A Case for Intensity-Based Subsidies Approach’, for discussion at the WTO meeting.
  • Fairness in Subsidy Distribution: India emphasized that annual aggregate subsidies are not an accurate measure, as they include both beneficial and subsistence subsidies, which do not contribute to overfishing or overcapacity.
  • Proposed Solution: A per capita criterion can provide a more fair and accurate basis for managing overfishing, balancing stock sustainability with livelihood concerns.
Additional Reading: WTO

Recently India Skills Report 2025 was released based on a comprehensive Global Employability Test (GET) conducted across the country.

  • The report surveyed over 6.5 lakh youth and captured insights from 1,000 corporations spanning 15 industries.

About The India Skills Report

  • Published by Wheebox in collaboration with esteemed organizations such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Association of Indian Universities, highlights India’s growing potential as a global talent hub.
  • Purpose: The India Skills Report is an annual initiative designed to:
    • Assess Employability: Evaluate the readiness of Indian youth for current job markets.
    • Track Skill Trends: Understand emerging sectors and skills shaping the future workforce.
    • Promote Global Mobility: Highlight India’s capacity to contribute talent to the global economy.
  • The 2025 edition reflects significant improvements in employability and provides actionable insights to bridge skill gaps in a rapidly evolving job market.

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Key Findings of the India Skills Report 2025

Overall Employability Trends

  • National Employability: The employability rate in India has reached 54.81%, a notable increase from 51.25% in 2024.
  • Decade of Growth: Over the last decade, employability has risen from 33% to over 50%, reflecting a 17% increase.
  • Youth Focus: Among the 22–25 age group, employability rates are high, particularly in states like Kerala, which boasts an 87.47% employability rate for this demographic.
  • Gender Variation: Gender analysis shows that the employability rate for men is expected to rise to 53.5 per cent in 2025 from 51.8 per cent in 2024.
    • Meanwhile, for women the employability rate is projected to decline to 47.5 per cent from 50.9 per cent during the same time period.
  • Varying Employability: Management graduates (78 per cent) have the highest global employability, followed by engineering students (71.5 per cent), MCA students (71 per cent) and science graduates (58 per cent).
  • Top States for Employability: Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala lead the rankings.

Global Trends in Workforce Demand

Emerging Technologies Driving Workforce Needs

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): The global AI market is projected to grow to $1.81 trillion by 2030, creating a surge in demand for AI professionals.
    • India’s workforce is increasingly prepared for these sectors.
  • Cloud Computing and Automation: Businesses are increasingly adopting cloud-based solutions, with cloud-related roles expected to increase by 50% by 2025.
  • Robotics: Automation in manufacturing and logistics is fueling demand for robotics engineers and technologists.

Sustainability and Green Energy

  • Sustainability Experts: As industries pivot toward green technologies, roles in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability are expanding
  • Green and Fintech Sectors: The construction and financial industries project high demand for engineers, planners, and fintech specialists, with 400,000 roles anticipated by 2030.
  • Construction and Infrastructure: The $2.5 trillion global construction industry requires engineers and urban planners to meet sustainability goals and infrastructure demands.

Healthcare and Aging Populations

  • Global Shortages: Europe faces a deficit of 1.6 million healthcare workers by 2030.
  • Healthcare Innovation: Increasing demand for telemedicine, biotech, and medical device professionals to cater to aging populations worldwide.

Digital Skills for a Global Economy

  • IT Professionals: Europe’s IT industry alone requires 20 million digitally skilled professionals to address rising digitalization.
  • Hybrid Work Models: Digital nomadism and remote work have unlocked cross-border job opportunities for tech-savvy professionals.

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India’s Opportunity

  • Global Talent Mobility: India is positioned as a leader in global talent mobility.
    • Long-term, internationally certified training programs with embedded language modules are critical for boosting early work opportunities and enhancing global competitiveness.
  • Impact on Global Economy: Hybrid work models and digital nomadism could contribute $500 billion to the global economy by 2030, with India playing a central role.

Government’s Skill Development Initiatives

Government Initiative Brief Overview Launched Target
National Policy on Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (NPSDE) Framework for skill development aligned with market needs; focuses on entrepreneurship and employability. 2015 Create 500 million skilled workers by 2022.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Provides short-term skill training and certification; incentivizes skill development through financial rewards. 2015 Train 10 million youth by 2022.
Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Offers vocational training for non-literate and semi-literate individuals in rural and urban areas. 1967 (revamped) Empower marginalized groups with skills.
Skill India Digital Hub Platform Centralized e-learning platform for skill training and resources; includes AI and AR-based training tools. 2023 Promote digital skill development nationwide.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Integrates vocational education into mainstream schooling; emphasizes flexible learning and employability. 2020 Equip students with skills for future jobs.

The Central Government has requested all states to classify snakebite cases and deaths as “notifiable diseases.”

Key Highlights of the Directives

  • Under the relevant provisions of the State Public Health Act or other applicable legislation, reporting suspected and probable snakebite cases and deaths will be mandatory.
  • This directive applies to both government and private health facilities, including medical colleges.
  • The initiative aligns with the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE).

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About Notifiable Diseases

  • Notifiable diseases are those legally required to be reported to government authorities.
    • These include infections likely to cause outbreaks or deaths, necessitating quick investigation and public health measures.

National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE)

  • Launch: Launched by the Union Health Ministry in 2023.
  • Objectives: Aims to reduce snakebite deaths and disabilities by half by 2030.
  • Implementation: Involves a multi-pronged approach, including:
    • Awareness campaigns: Educating the public about snakebite prevention and first aid.
    • Capacity building: Training healthcare professionals in snakebite management.
    • Anti-venom supply: Ensuring adequate and timely availability of anti-venom.
    • Research and development: Supporting research on snakebite toxins and treatment.
    • Community engagement: Involving local communities in prevention and control efforts.

  • Responsibility: State governments are responsible for notifying diseases and implementing reporting mechanisms. The list of notifiable diseases varies across states based on regional health concerns.
  • Purpose: 
    • Notifying diseases enables authorities to monitor and manage outbreaks effectively.
    • It facilitates early warnings of outbreaks, allowing for timely interventions.
    • This process supports better allocation of healthcare resources and targeted public health measures.
  • Examples of Notifiable Diseases: Commonly notified diseases include tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis.
  • Global Perspective: The WHO’s International Health Regulations mandate the reporting of specific diseases to ensure global health security.

About Snakebites

Notifiable Disease

  • Epidemiology: India records the highest number of snakebite incidents globally.
    • According to WHO, there are 3-4 million snakebite cases annually in India, resulting in over 58,000 deaths
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified snakebite envenoming as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) since 2017, underscoring its significant public health impact.
  • High-Risk Areas: Snakebite incidents are prevalent in rural regions with significant agricultural activity and forested areas.
    • States with higher risks include Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
  • Premature Death: The 2020 Indian Million Death Study identified snakebites as a preventable cause of premature death.

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Challenges with Snakebites

  • Diversity of Snake Species
    • India is home to over 310 snake species, 66 of which are venomous.
    • The “Big Four” snakes are responsible for90% of snakebite cases:
      • Indian cobra, Common krait, Russell’s viper, and Saw-scaled viper
  • Antivenom Limitations
    • Current antivenoms are effective against approximately 80% of snakebite cases.
    • Antivenoms are not effective against all species or regional venom variations.
    • Differences in venom toxicity exist across snake species, geographic regions, and even age groups.
  • Recommended Solutions: Experts recommend setting up regional venom collection banks to improve the effectiveness of antivenom production.
  • Legal Restrictions: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, imposes restrictions on venom extraction, impacting the development of region-specific antivenoms.

A marbled duck, an uncommon winter migrant last seen at Sultanpur National Park in 1990, was recently spotted by bird enthusiasts, marking a significant sighting for the region.

About Marbled Duck

Marbled Duck

  • The marbled duck is also commonly referred to as the marbled teal.
  • Characteristics: This species is a small duck characterized by a black bill and gray-brown plumage with distinctive spotting.
  • Distribution: The marbled duck is native to the central and southwestern Palearctic region, with a range extending from Central Asia to northwest Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.
  • Migratory Patterns: Ducks from colder regions migrate south during winter to warmer areas such as North Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
  • Habitat: The marbled duck prefers temporary or semi-permanent wetlands, particularly those with shallow water areas.
    • It thrives in brackish wetlands with well-structured vegetation.
    • The species is adaptable and can inhabit both natural and artificial wetlands.
  • Social Nature: The marbled duck is gregarious, non-territorial, and generally non-aggressive.
  • Mating Patterns: Monogamous pairs form annually during the autumn season.
  • Conservation Status: The marbled duck is classified as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List.

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Marbled Duck

About Sultanpur National Park

  • Location: Sultanpur village, Gurugram district, Haryana
  • Status: Recognised as a Ramsar site.
  • Significance: A birdwatcher’s paradise, known for its diverse avian species.
  • Key Features:
    • A man-made lake attracts a variety of resident and migratory birds.
  • Conservation Efforts: The park is managed by the Haryana Forest Department.

Researchers from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have developed the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery, capable of powering devices for thousands of years.

Half Life means half the atoms in a sample will change into other atoms, a process known as “decay,” in that amount of time.

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About Carbon-14 Diamond Battery

  • Battery Mechanism: The battery operates by utilizing the radioactive decay of carbon-14, an unstable isotope of carbon with a half-life of 5,700 years, ensuring a long operational lifespan.
    • It functions similarly to solar panels, but instead of capturing light particles, it harnesses fast-moving electrons within a diamond structure to generate energy.
  • Encased in a diamond structure, the battery safely absorbs short-range radiation and generates low levels of electricity without leakage.

Applications

  • Electrical Appliances: The battery produces a low-power output, making it unsuitable for high-power consumer electronics like laptops and smartphones.
  • Space: It has potential applications in powering active radio frequency tags used for tracking spacecraft or payloads on Earth and in space.
    • The battery is ideal for space missions due to its long-lasting power, which can support satellites for extended duration.
  • Medical Devices: It is suitable for powering medical devices such as pacemakers, hearing aids, and ocular devices.
  • Nuclear waste management: By extracting carbon-14 from nuclear waste, it helps manage radioactive material, reducing overall radioactivity and storage costs.

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Challenges to Market Introduction

  • High Cost: The high cost associated with plasma deposition technology poses a barrier to large-scale production.
  • Regulatory compliance: Safely handling radioactive isotopes requires strict regulatory compliance and specialized processes.
  • Scalability of production: The scalability of production remains a challenge for widespread adoption and commercial viability.

A recent research paper titled, “The Standard Model CP Violation is Enough” has given new insights into the Matter- Antimatter Asymmetry question grappling the in Particle Physics community. 

About Antimatter

  • Antimatter is the twin or Mirror Particle of almost all the subatomic particles that make up our universe. These are a group of particles that have opposite electrical charges to their ordinary Matter counterparts. 
    • Example: The antimatter counterpart of an electron (negative charge) is a positron (with a positive charge) and protons (positive charge) is an antiproton (a negative charge).
  • Presence: Antimatter do have Mass and all the subatomic particles in matter either have their own anti-twins (antiquarks, antiprotons, antineutrons, and antileptons such as antielectrons) or they straddle the boundary between matter and antimatter.
  • Short lived: Antimatter annihilates when it comes in contact with normal matter and the annihilation process of an antiproton reacting with a proton takes nanoseconds 
  • Discovery: 
    • Paul Dirac (British physicist) in the year 1928 in an equation first predicted that every particle has an anti-particle with the same mass, but opposite charge.
    • 1932: A positive electron was discovered in cosmic rays and was called ‘positron’. 
    • 1955: An ‘anti-proton’ was produced at the ‘Bevatron’ accelerator in Berkeley, which was specially built for this purpose.

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  • Formation: Antimatter particles is being created using ultra-high-speed collisions at particle accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider operated by CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) at Geneva. 
    • Experiments at CERN create antihydrogen (the antimatter twin of the element hydrogen) with the most complex antimatter element produced to date is antihelium, the counterpart to helium.
  • Application: Antimatter science can be applied in various fields like 
    • Medical Imaging: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans use Positrons to create high-resolution images of the body. 
    • Cancer Treatment: Antiprotons are used in cancer treatment to target tumors. 
    • Interstellar Travel: Antimatter- Matter collision can be used to fuel interstellar travel as  it releases large amounts of energy when it annihilates with matter. 
      • NASA is exploring the possibility of using the energy produced by matter-antimatter collisions to send a probe to the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri.
    • Developing Stronger Materials: Researchers can use antimatter to discover atomic level vulnerabilities and develop stronger materials for building. 
    • Antimatter has been considered as a trigger mechanism for nuclear weapons. 

Google’s Willow Chip

Context: Google has unveiled its next-generation chip called ‘Willow’, that solved in under five minutes a computation so complex, it would have taken a supercomputer around 10 septillion years to complete.

About Willow Chip

  • Willow Chip is Google’s next-generation quantum computing chip, representing a significant step toward building practical quantum computers.
  • Fabrication and Design
    • Built at Google’s facility in Santa Barbara, California, USA.
  • Superconducting Transmon Qubits: Willow operates using superconducting transmon qubits, which are tiny electrical circuits designed to exhibit quantum behavior.
    • These circuits function like artificial atoms and maintain quantum states critical for computation.
  • Cooling for Stability: Qubits are cooled to temperatures just above absolute zero to reduce vibrations and external disturbances.
    • This extreme cooling minimises errors by maintaining the delicate quantum states necessary for accurate calculations.
  • Error Reduction: Tackles quantum errors caused by qubits interacting with their environment.
    • Implements real-time quantum error correction, crucial for maintaining computational accuracy.
  • Applications of Willow: Google envisions Willow contributing to advancements in: Drug discovery, Fusion energy research, Battery design for energy storage and sustainability.

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Ways in which Quantum Chips Differ from Regular Chips

  • Regular Chips: Use ‘bits’ that represent either 0 or 1 to process information.
  • Quantum Chips: Use ‘qubits’, which can represent 0, 1, or both simultaneously (superposition), enabling faster and more complex calculations.

 

Voronezh Radar System

Context: India is set to finalize a landmark USD 4 billion defence deal with Russia to acquire the advanced Voronezh series radar system.

About Voronezh Radar

  • The radar is capable of detecting and tracking ballistic missiles and aircraft at distances of up to 8,000 km.
  • It operates as part of the Missile Attack Early Warning System, providing comprehensive detection of missile threats and space activity.
  • The system is strategically designed for optimized detection capabilities against diverse threat vectors.
  • Technology Used: The radar employs phased array technology for rapid electronic steering of the beam.
    • Phased array technology arranges antennas to electronically steer the beam in multiple directions.
    • This method is more efficient and less mechanically complex than older radar systems.

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Significance

  • The agreement is part of India’s air defence modernization efforts to address evolving security challenges.
  • The deal aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, with 60% of the radar components to be manufactured domestically.

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