1. NAKSHA Scheme: Revolutionizing Urban Land Records

Context: The NAKSHA (NAtional Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) scheme is an ambitious project aimed at modernizing urban land records in India. Launched under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), this initiative strives to improve transparency in land ownership and transactions, helping to streamline urban governance. The Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, is spearheading the implementation of this scheme.

NAKSHA Scheme: Scope, Funding, and Implementation:

Mapping Urban Areas for Better Governance:

The NAKSHA initiative focuses on mapping towns and cities across India, ensuring improved land governance. In its initial phase, it has been introduced as a pilot project across 152 urban local bodies in 26 states. It targets cities with a land area less than 35 sq km and a population under 2 lakh, and is set to be completed within a year. The pilot phase will serve as a model for expanding the project to cover more urban areas.

100% Centrally Funded:

NAKSHA is a 100% centrally funded project, with an aim to gradually expand its coverage. The government’s plan includes covering 4,142.63 sq km in the initial phase, with future expansion to 4,912 urban local bodies across the country.

Objectives and Benefits of NAKSHA:

A Comprehensive Geospatial Database:

NAKSHA will establish a comprehensive geospatial database for urban land records, integrating aerial surveys and field data with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology. The key objectives of the scheme are to:

• Enhance land governance and simplify property record management.
• Support efficient urban planning by improving data accuracy.
• Facilitate faster property transactions, ensuring smoother and transparent dealings.
• Improve decision-making, leading to better urban development policies.

Addressing Urban Land Record Challenges:

Urban Land Record Update Needs:

While rural land records have seen significant improvements, many cities still struggle with outdated or unstructured land records. Except for a few states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa, many urban areas still lack proper land maps. This creates inefficiencies in governance and taxation. The NAKSHA initiative seeks to fill these gaps, addressing the historical challenges of urban land record maintenance.

Government Support and Budget Announcements:

The NAKSHA scheme was first proposed in the Union Budget 2024, which highlighted the importance of GIS mapping for urban land records. The government also focused on:

• Digitization of urban land records.
• Introducing an IT-based system for property administration and tax management.
• Strengthening the financial position of urban local bodies. The initiative was reaffirmed in Budget 2025, where emphasis was placed on urban reforms and the launch of the National Geospatial Mission under PM Gati Shakti.

How the NAKSHA Survey Will Be Conducted:

Innovative Use of Drone Technology:

One of the highlights of the NAKSHA scheme is its use of drone technology for precise aerial surveys. The drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras:

• Simple cameras for general imagery.
• Oblique angle cameras with LiDAR sensors, offering 5 cm resolution—much sharper than satellite imagery. These drones will capture detailed images that are then processed to create accurate maps and land records.

Three-Stage Survey Process:

1. Drone Survey & Data Collection:
   • Aerial drones capture detailed images of the survey area.
   • The collected data is processed to create visual land records.
2. Field Survey & Data Verification:
   • Ground surveys will be conducted to verify the property tax, ownership, and registration records.
   • Based on this, 2D/3D models are created, and a draft of the land ownership details is published.
3. Public Review & Finalization:
   • A public review process is held where claims and objections are considered.
   • Grievances are addressed, and the final land maps are published.

Conclusion: The Future of Urban Land Records:

The NAKSHA initiative is a transformative step towards modernizing urban land records, making them more accurate, transparent, and efficient. By leveraging geospatial data and cutting-edge survey technology, NAKSHA will enhance urban planning, streamline property transactions, and improve governance. As the project progresses, it promises to bring about significant changes in how land records are managed, benefiting urban dwellers and municipal authorities alike.

2. Madras High Court’s Ruling on Night Arrests of Women: Understanding BNSS & CrPC Provisions

Context: The Madras High Court has recently addressed the issue of nighttime arrests of women, ruling that the restriction on such arrests under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, is directory, not mandatory. This decision has sparked discussions on the balance between women’s rights, law enforcement duties, and public safety.

BNSS Nighttime Arrest of Women: Latest Developments:

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court examined the validity of an arrest made at 8 PM, initially ruling it a violation of Section 46(4) of the CrPC. However, a larger bench later clarified that the restriction on night arrests is not absolute, meaning that while safeguards exist, violations do not automatically render an arrest illegal.

Key Safeguards for Arresting Women at Night:

1. Restrictions on Arrest Timing: As per Section 43(5) of BNSS (earlier Section 46(4) of CrPC), a woman cannot be arrested between sunset and sunrise, except under exceptional circumstances.
2. Magistrate’s Permission Requirement: In exceptional cases, a woman police officer must obtain prior written approval from the jurisdictional magistrate before making an arrest.
3. Protection Against Physical Contact: The arresting officer must not touch the woman, except in cases where the arrest is made by a woman police officer or circumstances require it.
4. Ambiguity in ‘Exceptional Circumstances’: While the provision is meant to ensure women’s safety, it does not clearly define what qualifies as an exceptional case, leading to uncertainty in its application.

Madras High Court’s Ruling on Section 46(4) of CrPC:

1. The Provision is Directory, Not Mandatory: The Court observed that Section 46(4) does not specify penalties for non-compliance, suggesting that it is a guideline rather than a strict rule.
2. Public Duty of Police Officers: Law enforcement officers perform a public duty, and rigid adherence to procedural restrictions should not hinder their ability to act swiftly in serious cases.
3. Practical Challenges in Heinous Cases:

• In cases of grave crimes committed by women at night, immediate arrest may be necessary.
• If a magistrate is unavailable, delayed action could allow the accused to escape, which may pose a risk to public safety.

Historical Background of Section 46(4) of CrPC:

135th Law Commission Report (1989):

• Recommended that women should not be arrested between sunset and sunrise.
• In urgent cases, an arrest report with reasons had to be submitted to a superior officer and the magistrate.

154th Law Commission Report (1996):

• Reaffirmed the 135th report’s recommendations regarding night arrests of women.

Incorporation into CrPC (2005):

• Based on these recommendations, Section 46(4) was added to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to enhance safeguards for women.

Supreme Court’s Perspective on Night Arrests of Women:

• The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court had ruled that no woman should be detained without a lady constable and never after sunset or before sunrise.
• The Supreme Court later noted that strict adherence to this rule could create practical difficulties in certain situations.

Impact of the Madras High Court Ruling:

1. The Rule is Not Absolute:

• The Court clarified that the restriction under Section 46(4) of CrPC/43(5) of BNSS is not an absolute prohibition.

2. Justification Required for Non-Compliance:

• Failure to comply with the rule does not make an arrest automatically illegal. However, the police must provide a valid reason for any deviation from the procedure.

3. Need for Clear Guidelines:

• The Court directed police authorities to establish clear guidelines defining what constitutes “exceptional circumstances” to ensure the provision is not misused.

Conclusion:

The Madras High Court’s ruling on night arrests of women seeks to balance women’s legal protections with practical law enforcement needs. While the BNSS and CrPC provisions offer safeguards, they are not absolute, meaning that law enforcement agencies must justify any deviation from the standard procedure. The ruling also highlights the need for clearer guidelines to ensure that women’s rights and public safety are both upheld effectively.

3. Rise in Women’s Workforce Participation: Insights from the Time Use Survey 2024

Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024, offering valuable insights into how Indians allocate their time across work, caregiving, and leisure activities. This is the second all-India survey, following the first one conducted in 2019.

A significant takeaway from the latest survey is the increase in women’s participation in employment-related activities, marking a shift from unpaid domestic work to paid employment. This change reflects evolving labor market dynamics, economic progress, and social transformation in India.

Key Findings of the Time Use Survey 2024:

Increase in Workforce Participation:

• Women’s engagement in employment-related activities has grown from 21.8% in 2019 to 25% in 2024.
• For men, the participation rate increased from 70.9% to 75%.
• Although the gender gap remains considerable, the upward trend for women signifies a positive economic shift.

Decline in Time Spent on Unpaid Domestic Work:

• Women spent 305 minutes per day on unpaid domestic work in 2024, down from 315 minutes in 2019, reflecting a gradual transition to paid employment.
• In contrast, men spent only 88 minutes per day on domestic chores, highlighting the persistent gender imbalance in household responsibilities.

Women’s Role in Caregiving:

• 41% of women (aged 15-59) engaged in caregiving, compared to only 21.4% of men in the same age group.
• Women spent an average of 137 minutes per day on caregiving, almost double the 75 minutes spent by men.
• Despite the increase in paid work participation, women continue to bear a disproportionate caregiving burden.

Impact of Changing Work Dynamics:

Economic Benefits:

The shift of women from unpaid domestic duties to paid jobs brings several economic advantages:

• Higher Household Incomes – More earning members contribute to financial stability.
• Boost to Economic Growth – Increased female labor force participation enhances national productivity.
• Labor Formalization – More women in paid jobs mean better social security and workplace protections.

Social and Policy Implications:

While progress is evident, gender disparities persist, necessitating:

• Skill Development Programs to help women secure higher-paying jobs.
• Flexible Work Policies, including remote work and part-time options, to balance professional and domestic responsibilities.
• Government Support Measures, such as maternity benefits, affordable childcare, and financial incentives to encourage women’s workforce participation.

Leisure and Cultural Activities:

• On average, individuals aged 6 and above spent 171 minutes daily on leisure, cultural, and mass-media activities.
• Men (177 minutes) spent slightly more time than women (164 minutes) on these activities, reflecting the gendered division of time use.

Education and Self-Care Trends:

• 89.3% of children (aged 6-14) participated in educational activities, spending 413 minutes per day on studies.
• Across all age groups, individuals dedicated 708 minutes daily to self-care and personal maintenance.

Future Outlook and Recommendations:

1. Strengthening Skill Training:

• Expanding vocational training programs for women in IT, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

2. Creating More Job Opportunities:

• Encouraging industries to hire more women through affirmative action and policy incentives.

3. Enhancing Social Security Benefits:

• Strengthening maternity benefits, pension schemes, and workplace protections for female workers.

4. Workplace Inclusivity Initiatives:

• Promoting gender-sensitive policies in both urban and rural employment sectors to ensure equal opportunities.

Conclusion:

The Time Use Survey 2024 highlights a positive shift toward greater female workforce participation in India. However, gender disparities in employment, domestic work, and caregiving remain significant. Strategic policy interventions, skill development, and supportive work environments are essential to empower more women to transition from unpaid labor to meaningful employment.

A continued focus on gender equity will not only enhance economic growth but also contribute to India’s social progress and overall development. 

4. U.S. Aligns with Russia at UN, Calls for ‘Swift End’ to War

5. India-EU Strengthen Strategic Ties: Focus on Defence, Security, and Trade Amid Ukraine Crisis

Context: India and the European Union (EU) are set to deepen their defence, security, and economic collaboration in 2025, with multiple key proposals under discussion. The two sides aim to strengthen their strategic partnership, addressing areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and trade negotiations, especially in the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict and ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks.

Key Areas of Cooperation:

1. Defence and Security Partnership:

• The EU plans to deploy a liaison officer at India’s Navy’s Information Fusion Centre, reinforcing maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
• Counter-terrorism cooperation will be a priority, focusing on the growing security risks posed by commercial drones and other emerging threats.

2. India’s Stance on the Ukraine Conflict:

• The EU is seeking India’s support in enforcing sanctions against Russia, amid growing concerns over Russia’s economic resilience.
• India maintains a neutral position, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomatic resolutions to ensure regional stability.

3. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Talks:

• India and the EU are actively negotiating an FTA, with the tenth round of discussions scheduled for March 2025 in Brussels.
• The EU aims to lower tariffs on key exports such as whiskey, wine, and automobiles, which currently face high trade barriers in India.
• However, India is focused on protecting its domestic industries, particularly small businesses, steel, and aluminium sectors, which could be impacted by the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

4. Boosting Connectivity and Technology Collaboration:

• Both sides are working on strengthening connectivity through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor and expanding undersea cable networks.
• Technology cooperation remains a priority, particularly in areas such as green hydrogen, electric vehicle (EV) battery innovation, and space technology.

Understanding Open and Closed Economies:

What Defines an Open or Closed Economy?

Economies are categorized based on the movement of goods, services, capital, and labor across borders.

Closed Economy: Characteristics & Example:

A closed economy is one that does not engage in international trade, meaning no exports or imports.

Features:

• Self-sufficient, relying entirely on domestic production.

• No foreign investments or capital inflows.
• No dependence on global markets for essential resources.
• Example: North Korea follows a largely closed economic model.

Open Economy: Characteristics & Example:

An open economy actively engages in international trade and investment.

Features::

• Imports and exports of goods and services.
• Foreign direct investment (FDI) and cross-border capital flows.
• Integrated with global markets, making it susceptible to external economic fluctuations.
• In an open economy, residents can work, trade, and invest freely across international borders.
• Example: The United States and most modern economies function as open economies.

India’s Economic Model: A Balance Between Open and Closed Policies:

• India follows a mixed economic model, combining aspects of an open economy while retaining protectionist policies in certain sectors.
• Liberalization in 1991 marked a turning point, opening India’s markets to global trade and investment.
• Despite increased global integration, India continues to impose tariffs and trade barriers on key imports to protect domestic industries.

Conclusion:

The India-EU partnership is entering a new phase, with expanded cooperation in defence, security, and trade. While India remains cautious on sanctions against Russia, its commitment to FTA negotiations, maritime security, and technological collaboration highlights the growing significance of its ties with the EU. Striking a balance between economic openness and protectionism will be crucial for India as it navigates global trade and geopolitical challenges.

6. CBSE to Introduce Biannual Board Exams from 2025-26

Context: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed a new draft policy to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year, starting from the academic session 2025-26. This initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to provide students with an opportunity to enhance their performance and reduce academic stress.

Key Highlights of the Proposed Policy:

1. Exam Schedule and Structure:

• The first board exam will take place from February 17 to March 6.
• The second board exam is scheduled from May 5 to 20.
• The policy has been released for public feedback, inviting opinions from schools, teachers, parents, and students.

2. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Influence:

• The NEP 2020 recommends multiple opportunities for students to enhance their scores instead of relying on a single exam attempt.
• This system aims to reduce exam pressure, allowing students to perform at their best.

Implementation Plan:

• The biannual exam system will be introduced for both Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.
• The first board exam will begin on the first Tuesday after February 15, 2026.
• The improvement exam (second attempt) will take place in July 2026.

Students’ Choice and Result Mechanism:

1. Flexibility for Students:

• Students can choose to appear for the second exam if they wish to improve their scores.
• If a student is satisfied with their first attempt, they can opt-out of the second exam.

2. Result Calculation and Marksheet Details:

• The first attempt score will be available on DigiLocker for Class 11 admissions if a student decides not to take the second exam.
• The final mark sheet and pass certificate will include:
  • Marks obtained in the first exam.
  • Marks obtained in the second exam (if attempted).
  • Marks from internal assessments and practicals.
• The higher of the two scores will be considered for the final result.

Conclusion:

The proposed policy is a student-friendly reform, aiming to reduce academic stress and provide multiple chances for better performance. CBSE will finalize the policy after reviewing feedback from all stakeholders, ensuring a well-structured and effective implementation.