1. Is the Caste Census a Necessary Tool for India?

Context: The idea of a caste census has reignited debates across India, with supporters advocating it as a way to allocate resources, reservations, and policy benefits equitably. However, historical records and the complex realities of caste dynamics in modern India pose significant challenges to its feasibility and utility.

Historical Background of Caste Census in India:

Colonial Beginnings:

• 1871-72 Census: Marked the first caste census, exposing arbitrary and inconsistent classifications.
• 1931 Census: Identified 4,147 castes but underscored inaccuracies as communities often claimed different caste identities across regions.

Post-Independence Complexities: The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 revealed 46.7 lakh caste categories, riddled with 8.2 crore errors, highlighting the complexities of caste classifications.

Challenges in Conducting a Caste Census:

1. Caste Mobility and Misclassification

• Upward Mobility: Communities may claim higher caste affiliations for social prestige.
• Downward Mobility: Some opt for lower caste identities to benefit from reservations.
• Similar-Sounding Castes: Confusion arises due to identical surnames, e.g., ‘Dhanak,’ ‘Dhanuk,’ and ‘Dhanka’ in Rajasthan.

2. Enumerator Bias: Enumerators often rely on assumptions based on surnames rather than directly asking sensitive caste-related questions.
3. Data Accuracy: Even recent efforts, such as the Bihar Caste Census 2022, exposed inconsistencies, undermining the reliability of the data collected.

Proportional Representation: Is It Practical?

The Idea of Proportional Representation:

• Reserved seats are distributed based on caste populations (e.g., 27% reservation for OBCs).

Why It’s Impractical:

• India’s 1.4 billion population includes over 6,000 castes, with an average caste size of 2.3 lakh.
• Smaller castes, e.g., those with only 10,000 members, would require 1.4 lakh vacancies to ensure representation—unfeasible in recruitment systems like UPSC.

Impacts of a Caste Census:

1. Policy Implementation: While intended to promote equitable distribution of resources, complexities in caste data could deepen social divisions.
2. Marginalization of Smaller Castes: Minor castes may face exclusion, as their smaller populations might not justify meaningful representation.
3. Administrative and Financial Strain: Conducting a caste census would require significant logistical resources, potentially diverting attention from key developmental priorities.

Conclusion:

The caste census stems from a desire to ensure equity, but its execution challenges, data reliability issues, and risk of social fragmentation raise questions about its practicality. Rather than relying solely on caste data, alternative approaches focusing on socio-economic upliftment and inclusive development may offer more sustainable solutions for India’s diverse population.

2. Understanding the Akal Takht’s Role and Its Ties with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)

Context: Recently, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked near the Golden Temple, though he remained unharmed.

Badal, already recovering from a fractured foot, was also handed a religious punishment by the Akal Takht for alleged misconduct during the SAD government (2007-2017). Several former cabinet members are similarly serving atonement by performing tasks like cleaning utensils and bathrooms.

What is the Akal Takht?

Establishment of the Akal Takht:

The Akal Takht was founded in 1606 by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, following the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan Dev, at the hands of the Mughals.

• It is located directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).
• The Guru issued the first Hukamnama (edict) from this platform, urging Sikhs to contribute horses and weapons for the community’s defense.

The Dual Significance: Miri and Piri:

• Guru Hargobind introduced two swords symbolizing Miri (temporal power) and Piri (spiritual authority).
• The slightly shorter sword for Miri represented the primacy of spiritual over temporal power.

A Symbol of Defiance:

• The 12-foot-high platform of the Akal Takht stood as a direct challenge to Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s 11-foot-high throne, symbolizing Sikh defiance against oppression.

Evolution of the Akal Takht After Guru Gobind Singh:

• During periods of persecution, the Akal Takht became a rallying point for Sikhs, especially after the execution of Banda Singh Bahadur in 1716.
• Sarbat Khalsa gatherings were held here during Baisakhi and Diwali to make critical decisions for the community.
• The tradition of the Sarbat Khalsa continued into the 19th century, with Maharaja Ranjit Singh holding one of the last assemblies in 1805.

Appointment of the Akal Takht Jathedar:

Early Practices:

Initially, the Sarbat Khalsa appointed the Jathedar during annual gatherings.

Changes During British Rule:

Under colonial rule, the appointment process was influenced by pro-British leaders through the Darbar Sahib committee.

Role of the SGPC:

• With the passage of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, the responsibility shifted to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
• Today, the SGPC oversees gurdwaras across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh.

The Role and Authority of the Akal Takht Jathedar:

Supreme Religious Authority:

The Jathedar of the Akal Takht is the highest temporal and spiritual authority in Sikhism, responsible for guiding the community on key matters.

Power and Jurisdiction:

• The Jathedar can summon any Sikh for trial and issue religious punishments (tankhah) to instill humility and remove ego.
• The position demands a person who is baptized, knowledgeable in Sikh history, and free of moral shortcomings.

Historical Demonstration of Authority:

The Akal Takht’s directives have never been openly defied. Notably, Maharaja Ranjit Singh accepted public punishment at the Akal Takht for moral transgressions.

The Relationship Between SAD and SGPC:

Shared Roots:

• Both the SGPC and SAD originated during the Gurdwara Reform Movement of 1920.
• The SGPC was established to manage Sikh shrines, while the SAD acted as its enforcement arm, combating corrupt priests and British interference.

Three Pillars of Sikh Politics:

• The Akal Takht, SGPC, and SAD form the three pillars of Sikh politics.
• Controlling the SGPC, which appoints the Akal Takht Jathedar, provides the SAD with significant influence.

Akali Influence Over SGPC:

• The SAD dominated the SGPC during the 1960s and 1970s and maintained control even during Punjab’s period of unrest in the 1980s.
• Critics argue that the absence of SGPC elections since 2011 has helped the SAD retain its dominance.

SAD’s Influence on Jathedar Decisions:

The SAD’s control over the SGPC has often led to allegations of political interference in the decisions of the Akal Takht Jathedar.

Conclusion:

The Akal Takht remains central to Sikh governance and spirituality, symbolizing defiance and moral authority. However, its relationship with the SGPC and SAD highlights the intersection of religion and politics, raising questions about the independence of Sikh institutions.

3. India’s Trade Potential in a Changing Global Landscape

Context: India’s trade dynamics are at a critical juncture as global disruptions and geopolitical shifts reshape the international economic order.The NITI Aayog’s Trade Watch Report offers valuable insights into India’s trade prospects, hurdles, and areas of untapped potential, especially in the context of the US-China trade tensions and the evolving China Plus One strategy.

Key Insights from NITI Aayog’s Trade Watch Report:

Challenges in Leveraging the ‘China Plus One’ Strategy:

• India has achieved limited success in attracting multinational corporations looking to reduce their reliance on China.
• Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia outperformed India due to:
  • Cheaper labor costs
  • Simplified tax regimes
  • Lower tariffs
  • Proactive engagement in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Global Trade Fragmentation:

• The US export restrictions on Chinese goods have intensified trade fragmentation.
• India faces stiff competition from Thailand and Malaysia in sectors like electrical machinery.

Geopolitical Realignments and India’s Opportunities:

US-China Trade War: A Mixed Opportunity:

• The escalating trade conflict between the US and China offers potential benefits for India, particularly in:
  • High-tech materials
  • Alternative supply chains
• US Restrictions: Targeted export controls on cutting-edge materials to China.
• China’s Retaliation: Imposed bans on critical raw materials like gallium and germanium.

India’s current share in 70% of global trade is less than 1%, showcasing significant untapped potential.

Strengthening India-US Trade Relations:

The US remains India’s largest trading partner, presenting ample opportunities to expand in goods and services sectors.

Sectoral Challenges and Policy Recommendations:

Iron and Steel Industry Under Pressure:

• A 33% decline in India’s iron and steel exports during Q1 FY25 was driven by weak domestic demand and oversupply in China.
• EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM):
  • Tariffs of 20–35% could reduce India’s export competitiveness.
  • Compliance costs related to emissions reporting may further strain exporters.

Balancing Tariff Policies:

• The government’s proposed 25% hike on steel import duties has raised concerns about reduced competition and higher costs for domestic consumers.
• Policymakers must balance pragmatic protectionism with free trade principles, especially when dealing with opaque practices in global markets.

Recent Policy Initiatives to Boost Trade:

Schemes Supporting Exporters:

1. Interest Equalisation Scheme: Offers cheaper rupee credit to MSME exporters for pre-shipment and post-shipment activities.
2. Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP): Ensures exporters are reimbursed for unrefunded duties and taxes on exported goods.
3. Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG): Facilitates duty-free imports of capital goods to enhance domestic production capacity.

Advances in Trade Facilitation:

• India achieved a 93.55% score in the 2023 UNESCAP Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, surpassing several developed nations like France and Germany.

Collaborative Platforms and International Engagement:

• Trade Connect e-Platform: A digital one-stop solution for MSME exporters offering real-time updates and access to global markets.
• ASEAN-India Trade Talks: Addressed issues like market access, rules of origin, and trade remedies.

Future Pathways for Growth:

Impact of US Trade Policies:

• General US tariffs (e.g., 10%) are unlikely to harm India significantly.
• High tariffs on Chinese goods (up to 60%) could create opportunities for Indian exporters to capture new markets.

Diversifying Markets and Products:

India needs to explore new regions and innovative products to enhance its share in global trade.
Proactive policy measures and infrastructure reforms could position India as a neutral and competitive economy amid global tensions.

Conclusion:

India’s trade potential lies at the intersection of challenges and opportunities. While competitors like Vietnam have benefited more from the China Plus One strategy, India’s strategic advantages remain underutilized in many sectors.

To capitalize on the current disruptions in global trade, India must adopt:

• Dynamic policies to attract foreign investments.
• Robust trade facilitation mechanisms to support exporters.
• Diversified trade partnerships to mitigate geopolitical risks.

With the right reforms, India can rise as a global trade leader amidst the evolving economic landscape.

4. South Africa Takes the Helm of G20 and B20

Context: South Africa has officially assumed the Presidency of the G20 and is now leading the Business 20 (B20), the G20’s designated platform for private sector engagement.

Theme for South Africa’s Leadership:

The theme for South Africa’s presidency is “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”
This theme emphasizes:

• Inclusive economic growth
• Sustainable global trade practices
• Addressing climate challenges

Fostering equality in agricultural development

5. Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Quest to Green Its Deserts

Context: Saudi Arabia is embarking on a bold mission to combat drought, desertification, and the growing environmental challenges of its arid landscape.
Through substantial investments in green technology and regional collaboration, the kingdom aims to transform its deserts into flourishing ecosystems.
Saudi Arabia is also set to host the United Nations COP16 conference, spotlighting its efforts to address climate and environmental issues. However, concerns over greenwashing cast a shadow on the kingdom’s initiatives.

Understanding Greenwashing:

What is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing refers to actions by organizations, governments, or companies that create the illusion of environmental sustainability without delivering real, impactful changes.

• Often a marketing tactic, it portrays projects as eco-friendly, masking continued practices that harm the environment.
• Examples include vague claims like “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” products without transparent certifications or evidence.

Why Critics are Concerned:

Saudi Arabia’s green initiatives face scrutiny for focusing on high-profile projects that critics argue may lack sufficient depth or scale to meaningfully counterbalance the nation’s continued dependence on oil-based revenues.

The Middle East Green Initiative (MGI):

What is MGI?

The Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) is Saudi Arabia’s flagship regional effort to combat climate change and promote sustainability across the Middle East.

Key Goals:

• Planting 10 billion trees to combat desertification and enhance carbon capture.
• Rehabilitating 74 million hectares of degraded land, restoring ecosystems to support biodiversity.
• Building regional collaboration to align with global climate targets.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitments:

To ensure success, the kingdom has:

• Announced the establishment of a dedicated MGI Secretariat to oversee and accelerate projects.
• Pledged $2.5 billion to fund MGI initiatives and improve governance.

Can Saudi Arabia Lead a Green Revolution?

Opportunities:

• Hosting COP16 highlights Saudi Arabia’s desire to be at the forefront of climate action.
• Investments in tree planting, land rehabilitation, and green technology have the potential to address desertification and improve regional climate resilience.

Challenges:

• Greenwashing Concerns: Critics argue that many projects prioritize optics over meaningful environmental impact.
• Dependence on Oil: Saudi Arabia remains one of the largest oil exporters globally, creating a contradiction in its green efforts.
• Scale and Feasibility: Transforming desert landscapes requires massive investments, long-term commitment, and global collaboration, all of which are daunting challenges.

Conclusion:

Saudi Arabia’s ambition to green its deserts reflects a desire to lead the fight against climate change while redefining its environmental image.

However, for the efforts to gain credibility, the kingdom must ensure that its initiatives deliver measurable results beyond symbolic actions. By addressing greenwashing concerns and reducing its reliance on oil, Saudi Arabia could set a global example of how to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

6. Supreme Court Directs Uniform Compliance of the POSH Act

Context: The Supreme Court of India has issued directions to all States and Union Territories for the effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). These directions aim to ensure uniformity and accountability in the implementation of the law across the country.

Key Directions Issued by the Supreme Court:

1. Notification of District Officers: The Appropriate Government is instructed to notify District Officers for each district, who will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the POSH Act. Their key duties include:
   • Ensuring the constitution of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in all organizations within the district.
   • The Internal Complaints Committee (under Section 4 of the POSH Act) must be set up by every employer. This committee is tasked with receiving complaints, conducting inquiries, and recommending actions.
2. Constitution of Local Committees: Under Section 6 of the POSH Act, every district must establish a Local Committee to address complaints of sexual harassment, particularly in cases where:
   • An organization has fewer than 10 workers and is unable to form an Internal Complaints Committee.
   • The complaint is against the employer.
3. Designation of Nodal Officers: Each Block, Taluka, or Tehsil in rural or tribal areas, and municipalities in urban areas must appoint a Nodal Officer. The Nodal Officer will be responsible for ensuring that the POSH Act is being effectively implemented at the grassroots level.
4. Jurisdiction of the Local Committee: The Local Committee’s jurisdiction will cover the area of the concerned district, ensuring that complaints are dealt with at the local level.
5. Introduction of SHeBox: Every state is encouraged to consider establishing a SHeBox, an electronic platform for the registration of sexual harassment complaints. The Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe-Box) will provide a single-window access for women to register their complaints of sexual harassment, ensuring ease of access and confidentiality.

Key Provisions of the POSH Act, 2013:

• Definition of Sexual Harassment: The POSH Act defines sexual harassment broadly to include all forms of harassment, such as:
  • Physical contact
  • Demands for sexual favours
  • Sexually coloured remarks
  • Displaying pornography
  • Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal sexual conduct
• Applicability: The POSH Act applies to all workplaces, covering:
  • Government and private sector organizations
  • Hospitals
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Employer-provided transport
  • Residential spaces visited during employment
• Complaint Committees: The Act mandates the establishment of two types of committees:
  • Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in organizations.
  • Local Committees for cases where ICCs are not constituted or when complaints are against the employer.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s directions serve as a reminder of the importance of preventing sexual harassment in workplaces and ensuring a safe environment for women. By mandating the constitution of Internal and Local Committees, designating Nodal Officers, and encouraging the use of the SHeBox, the Court has strengthened the framework for complaint redressal. This marks a critical step toward enforcing gender equality and protecting the rights of women in India.