Society 

India takes 24th spot in free speech survey - The Hindu

A new global survey by the Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank, has ranked India 24th out of the 33 countries surveyed on the question of support for free speech. 

Findings of the Report

• Top rankers: Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0).
• Maximum improvement: Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0).
• Findings on India
  • Maximum support: Majority of Indians support free speech without government censorship.
  • Support to govt restriction: 37% Indians supported restrictions on criticism of policies (highest among surveyed countries).
  • Low actual free speech protection: India, Hungary, and Venezuela showed it despite public support, indicating democratic backsliding.

Delhi Police to create ‘Shishtachar’ squads to check harassment of women in public spaces - The Hindu 

Delhi Police will launch dedicated squads, ‘Shishtachar (etiquette)’, to check sexual harassment of women in public places.

Shishtachar Squad

• Overview: Anti-eve-teasing initiative by Delhi Police to enhance women’s safety in public spaces.
• Inspiration: Inspired by UP’s Anti-Romeo Squads, focusing on prevention, intervention, and victim assistance.
• Composition: One inspector, one sub-inspector, five male officers, four female officers; technical support from the Anti-Auto Theft Squad.
• Hotspot Identification: District DCPs to compile a list of high-risk areas for women.
• Patrolling & Checks:
  • Regular patrols in vulnerable areas.
  • Surprise checks by plain-clothed officers in public transport.
  • Coordination with DTC staff to encourage reporting of harassment cases.

Polity 

What factors influence women’s political participation? - The Hindu

The participation of women in Indian politics has been a subject of extensive discourse among scholars, especially given the paradox that while India has produced several influential women leaders, overall political engagement among women remains poor. Unlike many countries where the gender gap in political participation began narrowing in the 1990s, India saw this shift only in the 2010s.

Women’s Political Participation in India

• Overview: Despite producing influential women leaders, India’s overall female political engagement remains low.
• Gender gap in political participation: It narrowed only in the 2010s, unlike other countries where it started in the 1990s.
• Factors influencing women's political behavior: Caste, class, religion, and region.
• Women’s voter turnout: It has increased, but does not translate to real political power.

Challenges in Political Engagement

• Dependence on spouse: 14% of women consult their spouses before voting, indicating limited independence in decision-making.
• Low workforce participation: Despite rising literacy and employment, there is low workforce participation among women.

Intersectional Factors

• Women’s voting behavior: Not solely based on gender but also caste, class, and regional dynamics.
• State-specific trends: They influence women’s political choices rather than a unified national voting pattern.
• Impact of Regional parties: Regional parties in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal shape women’s voting preferences differently.

World Affairs 

What is happening in Balochistan? - The Hindu

Recently, militants of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked a train in the mountainous region between Quetta and Sibi in Pakistan. After releasing the women and children, the BLA militants demanded the release of their compatriots from prison in exchange for the remaining passengers. The government of Pakistan refused to negotiate and launched a military operation to free the passengers,which caused 21 civilian fatalities.

Balochistan Insurgency and Security Crisis

• Multiple insurgencies in Balochistan: Multiple insurgencies in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and mid-2000s.
• Demands: Basic services, economic rights, and an end to enforced disappearances.
• Issues: Balochistan is rich in resources (coal, copper, gold, gas), yet Baloch people remain economically deprived.

Impact of CPEC 

• No local consultation: Infrastructure projects (Gwadar Port) were built without local consultation, causing displacement & demographic concerns.
• Insurgents oppose CPEC: Attacks on Chinese nationals raise concerns in Beijing.
• China’s action: China may deploy private security to protect its personnel in Pakistan.

Challenges in Balochistan 

• Low population of Balochistan: It makes insurgency containment easier for security forces.
• Lack of international support: India cannot provide material aid due to geographical distance.
• Iran’s opposition: Iran opposes Baloch separatism due to its own Baloch population; Tehran has conducted missile strikes in Balochistan.
• Pakistan-Taliban tensions: Taliban does not recognize Durand Line, refuses to curb TTP activities.
• Possible TTP-BLA coordination: It poses a dual threat to Pakistan’s western border.

Pakistan’s Domestic Challenges

• Military’s declining credibility in Pakistan.
• Current civilian leadership lacks public support.
• Decentralization and revenue-sharing could address grievances, but continued military repression may sustain unrest.

The MAGA effect outside US - Indian Express

As United States President’s aggressive and erratic positions on tariffs trigger global disorder, upends growth projections and rattles markets across geographies, his desire to make good on his promise of “making America great again” has had one consequence: it’s making the world work again.

Global Economic Trends & Trade Policies

• Raised tariffs since 2016: Affected 500+ product categories, reversing the previous trend of tariff reduction.
• Tariff cuts in the Union Budget (2024): Lowered customs duty from 11.66% to 10.66%.
• Reasons for Policy shift: Driven by Trump's reciprocal tariff plans starting April 2.

China: Push for Domestic Consumption

• 30-point plan of China: To boost consumer spending, marking the most significant policy intervention in 40 years.
• Aim: Shift from an export-driven economy to a consumption-led model.
• Chinese Policies: Wage increases, better work-life balance, and childcare support.

Europe: Increased Defence Spending

• Preparation for reduced US security guarantees under US: Germany to bypass debt constraints to fund defence and infrastructure (€500 billion).
• EU Commission: Called defence spending increase a "watershed moment".
• Deficit concerns: Concerns for France, Italy, and Belgium.
• Canada: It is exploring closer trade ties with Europe, with 44% of Canadians open to EU membership.

Issues in US

• Trade war: Likely to increase inflation and fiscal deficits.
• Potential decline in foreign investment: Due to uncertainty.
• Retaliation by China & EU: Targeted tariffs on American farm goods.
• Consumer confidence declining: Poses risks to US economic stability.

Environment 

Livelihoods and ecology: behind Kerala protests over offshore mining plan - Indian Express

Kerala has been witnessing protests over proposed mining off its coast. Last week, MPs and legislators staged a protest in Delhi against the move. Earlier this month, the state Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to drop the offshore mining plan.

Amended Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, 

• Amendment: 2023 to allow private sector participation in offshore mining.
• Earlier control on offshore excavation: Previously controlled by central bodies like GSI, Indian Bureau of Mines, and Atomic Minerals Directorate.
• New provision: Introduced competitive auction process for resources such as polymetallic nodules, lime-mud, and construction sand.
• First e-auction of 13 offshore blocks:
  • 3 blocks off Kerala coast
  • 3 blocks off Gujarat coast
  • 7 blocks in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Lease period: 50 years.
• Definition of "offshore areas": Territorial waters, continental shelf, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and other maritime zones.
• Rights: Centre has exclusive rights over offshore mineral resources.
• Ambit of Fishing and related activities: Such activities up to 12 nautical miles are a State subject under the Seventh Schedule.

Concerns 

• Livelihood concerns: Kollam Parappu (Quilon Bank) is a highly productive fishing ground on India’s southwest coast.
• Impact of seabed mining: It could reduce marine catch by causing water clouding, blocking light penetration, and reducing the euphotic zone needed for photosynthesis.
• Sediment plumes from mining: They could spread over thousands of square kilometers, harming aquatic ecosystems.
• Disruption of fishing activities: Toxic substance release and large mining vessels may disrupt fishing activities and endanger fishermen.
• No direct benefits to Kerala: Entire mining royalty goes to the Centre.