9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – August 5th, 2023

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

India@75, Looking at 100: From Mathura to Manipur: The journey for gender justice

Source: The post is based on the article “India@75, Looking at 100: From Mathura to Manipur: The journey for gender justice” published in “The Indian express” on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- social issues

News: The author discusses the increasing violence against women in India. Despite reforms, incidents like rapes continue to rise. Key cases like the Mathura rape and Delhi gang rape shaped legal changes. However, current events, like conflicts in Manipur, show persisting challenges. The article questions India’s progress on gender justice as it nears 100 years of independence.

About Current State of Gender Justice in India

Gender justice in India faces serious challenges due to high violence rates against women.

In 2021, India saw 31,677 registered rape cases, showing an increase from 2020.

Despite laws like the 2012 POCSO Act, these incidents continue, including 10% involving minors.

Important cases like Mathura, Delhi, and Hathras have led to law reforms.

However, gender-based violence persists during conflicts, like in Manipur.

As India approaches 100 years of nationhood, it’s crucial to address these systemic issues.

How have rape laws evolved?

Start of Movement: The Mathura rape case in 1979 ignited the campaign against rape.

1983 Amendment: After the case, rape laws saw the first amendment. Minimum seven years for general rapes and ten years for aggravated ones were set.

Vishaka Guidelines: Introduced in 1997, these led to the 2013 act against workplace sexual harassment.

2012 Change: POCSO Act introduced, addressing sexual crimes against children under 18. It expanded the definition of sexual assault.

Post Delhi Gang Rape: After the 2012 incident, the rape law further evolved, including wider definitions from POCSO into the section 376 of the IPC.

2019 Update: Kathua case’s aftermath led to death penalties for rape of minor girls under 12.

Caste-based Atrocities: Cases like Hathras underline the need for laws recognizing caste-related sexual violence.

What notable cases marked the campaign?

Mathura Case (1979): A tribal girl raped by policemen, leading to a Supreme Court judgment.

Rameeza Bi & Maya Tyagi: Husbands killed by police; both women raped.

Suman Rani (1989): Sentence reduced due to the victim’s “character and conduct”.

Bhanwari Devi (1992): Acquitted due to caste beliefs; sparked workplace harassment guidelines.

Khairlanji Massacre (2006): Dalit family targeted; mother and daughter gang-raped.

Kathua Case (2018): Muslim girl raped and murdered; led to death penalty for rape of minors under 12.

Hathras Case (2020): Dalit woman raped by upper-caste men; delayed medical care and controversial cremation.

Manipur Conflict: Ethnic conflict saw increased sexual assaults, compelling national attention.

GS PAPER - 2

Express View on Delhi services Bill: A self-goal

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on Delhi services Bill: A self-goal” published in “The Indian express” on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.

News: This article discusses the GNCTD Bill, which can allow the central government in India to override decisions of Delhi’s elected officials. This raises concerns about democracy and federalism. The article also critiques regional parties supporting this bill, warning it could harm their political influence.

About Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill (GNCTD Bill)

The GNCTD Bill allows the central government to override Delhi’s elected decisions.

Once passed, the Lieutenant-Governor (Centre’s nominee) becomes the final authority in Delhi.

Previously, the Supreme Court ruled Delhi’s elected government had more powers.

BJD and YSRCP, two regional parties, support the bill, which could affect their future political influence.

What are the issues with GNCTD Bill?

Central Overreach: The GNCTD Bill enables the central government to overrule the decisions of Delhi’s elected government.

Lieutenant-Governor’s Power: The Lieutenant-Governor, appointed by the Centre, becomes the final decision-maker in Delhi, bypassing elected representatives.

Contradicts Supreme Court: The bill goes against a recent Supreme Court decision that granted Delhi’s elected government more powers.

Undermines Democracy: The bill challenges the fundamental promise of electoral democracy and the federal spirit of the Indian Constitution.

Federal Concerns: By impacting Delhi’s autonomy, there’s a fear that other states might face similar central interventions.

Erodes Checks and Balances: The bill could weaken the balance of power, concentrating authority with the Centre rather than distributing it federally.

Workplace safety is not negotiable at any level

Source– The post is based on the article “Workplace safety is not negotiable at any level” published in the “mint” on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Vulnerable sections of the population. GS1- Social empowerment

Relevance: issues related to women

News– The article deals with the issue of sexual harassment of women at workplaces.

What are some statistics related to sexual harassment of women at workplace?

According to a 2022 report by the International Labour Organization, nearly 23% of employed individuals globally experienced violence and harassment at work.

In India, an analysis conducted by Mint revealed that the country’s leading publicly traded companies witnessed a significant 70% increase in sexual harassment complaints during the period of 2022-23.

This rise in reported cases was particularly prominent among 23 large-cap firms.

Which factors are responsible for increased reporting of sexual harassment cases at workplaces?

In the previous fiscal year, a significant number of employees transitioned back to work on hybrid models after the pandemic-induced shift to remote work. The increase in reported cases of harassment could potentially be attributed to this shift.

The rise in reported cases could also be explained by improved reporting mechanisms due to clearer guidelines and policies implementation.

There is  a greater sense of confidence in the redressal process and people now feel more empowered to come forward and seek resolution

In Indian workplaces, awareness of rights and grievance mechanisms has increased significantly since the introduction of the Supreme Court’s Vishaka guidelines in 1997.

These guidelines laid the foundation for the Sexual Harassment of Women in the Workplace Act of 2013, commonly known as the PoSH Act.

Well-managed companies are educating their staff about this law seriously. As a result, office employees now have a clearer understanding of the scope of the PoSH Act and the various forms of harassment.

The global movement of speaking up and exposing predators has also influenced India Inc. Employers have established Vishaka panels to address harassment cases. Discussions about gender ratio and autonomy have become common topics in office conversations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted companies to address the emotional and physical safety of their employees.

Well-managed companies have established a PoSH apparatus. But, they are exceptions. The majority of formal and informal organisations in the country lack adequate safety measures.

Way forward-

It is crucial to recognize that this law is to safeguard every individual across all levels of employment, regardless of positions.

Addressing this challenge requires collective effort from all stakeholders. Gender justice must be at the forefront of this endeavor.

Details Awaited – Personal data protection bill this time does well to emphasise purpose limitation. But subsequent rules are the key

Source: The post is based on the article Details Awaited – Personal data protection bill this time does well to emphasise purpose limitation. But subsequent rules are the key” published in The Times of India on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Relevance: About Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023

News: Recently, the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha after the changes made on recommendation of the parliamentary committee.

What are the key provisions of the new Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023?

The Bill has three notable features:

Firstly, it emphasizes purpose limitation to prevent data misuse, ensuring that even unwittingly given consent does not grant access beyond the specified purpose.

For example, a food delivery app may in its fine print also seek the phone contact list. The bill clearly spells out that even if consent is unwittingly given, purpose limitation will apply. In this example, the phone contact list will be out of bounds for the app.

Secondly, individuals have the right to have their data erased.

Thirdly, the bill introduces consent managers, licensed intermediaries, to help people navigate the legal aspects of consent.

However, the effectiveness of the bill depends on the subordinate legislation or rules that the government will later draft.

Must Read: Data Protection Bill approved by Cabinet: Content, concerns and The dangers in the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill

What can be the way ahead?

First, the drafted rules should provide clear definitions for exemptions from the checks imposed by data protection law.

Currently, the government has a broad exemption for using the personal data for upholding sovereignty and public order. However, these exceptions should be more specific and precise, considering that governments collect significant amounts of personal data.

Second, privacy being a fundamental right, the bill needs to be thoroughly debated in the Parliament. However, considering India’s significant amount of unprotected personal data, the bill’s passage should not be delayed.

Age of consent: Explained, pointwise

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Introduction

Recently, the Bombay High Court said that it is high time India considered reducing the age of consent for sex. The court pointed out that after the enactment of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, many adolescents are being prosecuted for consensual relationships with minor girls. While the Supreme Court and several High Courts have underlined concerns over criminalisation of adolescent sex, the 22nd Law Commission of India is set to release its report on the minimum age of consent under the POCSO Act. These developments have revived the debate about the revision of the age of consent in India.

What is age of consent?

‘Age of consent’ refers to the legally defined age at which an individual is considered capable of granting consent for sexual activities. The age of consent was 16 prior to the enactment of POCSO Act.

The POCSO Act categorizes any sexual acts involving individuals under 18 as criminal offenses, irrespective of whether actual consent exists between the minors.

This is based on the legal presumption that individuals below 18 are incapable of providing consent in the legal context.

What are the salient features of POCSO Act?

The POCSO Act was passed in 2012. The Act was further amended in 2019 to introduce more stringent punishments, including the death penalty, for committing sexual crimes against children. This was done to deter perpetrators and prevent such crimes.

Following are the salient features of the Act:

  1. “Children” according to the Act are individuals aged below 18 years. The Act is gender-neutral.
  2. The Act defines different forms of sexual abuse including but not limited to sexual harassment, pornography, and penetrative & non-penetrative assault.
  3. The Act stipulates that such steps must be taken which makes the investigation process as child-friendly as possible and the case is disposed of within one year from the date of reporting of the offense.
  4. The Act provides for the establishment of Special Courts for the trial of such offenses and matters related to them.
  5. Section 42 A of the Act provides that in case of inconsistency with provisions of any other law, the POCSO Act shall override such provisions.
  6. The Act calls for mandatory reporting of sexual offenses. A false complaint with intent to defame a person is punishable under the Act.

Read more: What is the POCSO Act?

What are the judgements of various High Courts?

In Vijayalakshmi vs State (2021) the Madras High Court stated that punishing an adolescent boy, who enters into a relationship with a minor girl by treating him as an offender, was never the objective of POCSO Act.

In 2021, the Delhi High Court in AK v. State Govt of NCT of Delhi stated that the intention of POCSO was to protect children below the age of 18 years from sexual exploitation and not to criminalise romantic relationships between consenting young adults.

In Dharmendra Singh v State Govt of NCT (2020), the Delhi High Court has attempted to increase the chances of bail of an accused by issuing guidelines that pertain to close-in-age exemptions, available in statutory rape cases in most US states. Also known as the Romeo-Juliet law, it provides a degree of protection to the offender where the age difference between him and the victim is within the stipulated limit.

A bench of Karnataka High Court urged the Law Commission of India to have a rethink on the criteria for age of consent, taking into consideration the ground realities.

Recent judgements

  1. The Delhi High Court released a 25-year-old accused on bail on the premise that the 15-year-old girl had eloped with him on her own.
  2. The Bombay High Court quashed the conviction of a 25-year-old man under POCSO on the grounds that he had consensual sex with the 17-year-old girl.
  3. The Madras High Court not only quashed an FIR registered under POCSO and consequential criminal proceedings, but also directed the Director General of Police to produce the reports of all such pending cases before the Court.
  4. The Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed an FIR registered under POCSO and all criminal proceedings on the basis that the sexual relationship was consensual. The Court recommended that the Indian government consider reducing the age of consent of the female prosecutor from 18 to 16 years.

What are the issues with current age of consent?

Tool to control girls: An analysis of romantic relationships from Assam, Maharashtra and West Bengal revealed that in 80% of cases, the girls’ family lodged a complaint under POCSO when she had eloped with a partner or a pregnancy came to light. At least 17 High Courts across the country have quashed cases of consensual relationships under POCSO Act. Women’s rights activists claim that the POCSO Act has become a tool for families to control girls, especially where inter-faith and inter-caste relationships are involved.

Victimisation of the “consenting” girl: POCSO, Medical Termination of Pregnancy act and the Child Marriage Act create a complex socio-legal web. This deprives the minor girl of the rights to dignity, liberty, sexual and reproductive health, and undermines her privacy.

Ignores social reality: The criminalization of adolescent sexuality ignores social reality. According to the NFHS-5, for instance, 39 per cent women had their first sexual experience before turning 18. NFHS-5 also provides additional evidence of sexual engagement among unmarried adolescent girls. It reports contraception use by 45 per cent of unmarried girls in the age group of 15-19 years.

Burden on courts: The number of juveniles (especially those between the ages of 16 and 18) apprehended under the POCSO Act in the country has seen a staggering jump of 180 per cent between 2017- 2021 according to the National Crime Records Bureau’s report. The data says that in 2021, 53,873 cases were filed under the Act, and these cases formed 36 per cent of all crimes against children. Officials and activists say that slapping Pocso cases on cases of adolescent love affairs is clogging the system, which already has too many pending cases to deal with.

What should be the way forward?

There is need to evolve a separate procedure for children while dealing with POCSO cases.

The Bureau of Police Research and Development could analyse the cases of consensual sex, age-wise, across States and help the Central government in taking a decision of reducing the age of consent based on that study.

Some leverage should be allowed to the judiciary to interpret consent in cases of the victim being of lower age based on the child’s understanding of consequences.

The Supreme Court must step in to quickly resolve the gap between the laid down law (as understood by the investigating agencies) and the different interpretations by the High Courts.

The severe punishments under POCSO should be re-examined to ensure that they are deterrents but not excessively harsh.

Conclusion

The courts have rightly said that it is high time the legislature looked into the grey area resulting in criminalising consensual teenage relationships, by reducing the age of consent from 18 to 16 years. This will ensure reforms and access to sexual and reproductive health services to adolescents, along with comprehensive sex education to help them make informed decisions.

Sources: The Hindu (Article 1 and Article 2)

 

GS PAPER - 3

How a nuclear ‘chain reaction’ and neighbourhood challenges led to India acquiring its n-weapons”

Source: The post is based on the article “How a nuclear ‘chain reaction’ and neighbourhood challenges led to India acquiring its n-weapons” published in “The Indian express” on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Security challenges

News: In this article author discusses J. Robert Oppenheimer’s regret over creating the atomic bomb. The article traces India’s nuclear journey, from Nehru’s early decisions to Vajpayee’s nuclear tests in 1998. Current global tensions around nuclear weapons are highlighted, with India’s role in promoting disarmament emphasized.

How did India evolve its nuclear power?

India’s Evolution of Nuclear Power:

Initial Approach:

Prime Minister Nehru was against atomic bombs but wanted nuclear power.

Dr. Homi J Bhabha was chosen to lead India’s nuclear program.

Reason for Development:

After China’s nuclear test in 1964, India felt the need for its own nuclear capabilities.

Early Testing:

India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

External Influences:

In 1985, US President Reagan informed Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi about Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.

Rajiv Gandhi then began considering developing India’s own bomb.

Further Testing and Evolution:

Prime Minister Vajpayee oversaw nuclear tests in 1998.

These tests were a response to perceived threats from China.

Diplomatic Moves Post-Testing:

India engaged with the US, resulting in a strategic partnership involving technology cooperation.

What is India’s current stance on nuclear power?

India’s Current Stance on Nuclear Power:

Political Utility Emphasized:

After the 1998 tests, India highlighted the political benefits of its nuclear actions.

Despite international criticism, these tests boosted India’s strategic autonomy in decision-making.

Strategic Partnerships Formed:

Talks between Jaswant Singh and Strobe Talbott solidified the India-US relationship.

This led to the Indo-US nuclear deal, promoting cooperation in defense and technology sectors.

Promotion of Peace and Deterrence:

India’s nuclear weapons are primarily for deterrence.

In the 2019 Balakot surgical strike, even though India had nuclear capabilities, it opted for conventional warfare, ensuring peace.

Global Leadership in Disarmament:

Ahead of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan emphasized a nuclear-free world.

As the G20 chair, India has the moral authority and opportunity to spearhead efforts in nuclear disarmament.

Overall, India maintains a careful balance between demonstrating its nuclear capabilities and promoting global peace.

What’s the Global Perspective on Nuclear Weapons?

Oppenheimer’s Remorse:

Oppenheimer regretted his role in creating the atomic bomb.

He believed it would end wars, but it started a US-USSR nuclear arms race.

Cold War Impact:

After the bombings in Japan, a nuclear race began, defining the Cold War era.

Current Tensions:

President Putin uses strong nuclear rhetoric regarding the Ukraine conflict.

India has voiced concerns over such aggressive postures.

Push for Disarmament:

Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, seeks a world without nuclear weapons.

India, being the G20 chair, can lead global disarmament initiatives.

Lessons from a load carrier

Source: The post is based on the article “Lessons from a load carrier” published in “Business standard” on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Security challenges and their management in border areas;

News: The author highlights the Indian Army’s use of Stallion vehicles and their costs. He suggests standardizing military gear for easier logistics. The article promotes involving civilian networks in military logistics and using retired military staff for maintenance. The aim is efficient logistics management.

How would the Indian army be able to standardize a load carrier?

The Indian Army can standardize a load carrier as follows:

Single Vehicle Type: Choose mainly one type of vehicle, like the Stallion by Ashok Leyland, which is already heavily used by the army. For example, the army operates about 50,000 Stallions today.

Commonalities: Even if different vehicles are used, ensure they have basic similarities with the primary chosen type. Like, base vehicle types should have common spare parts with marginally different types.

Reduce Spare Parts Inventory: By standardizing, the army can reduce the number of spare parts needed. For instances, the Soviets simplified logistics by using standard parts across different vehicles.

Involve Civil-Retail Network: Use Ashok Leyland’s wide truck network to simplify delivery and maintenance processes. Like, the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur can anticipate and cater to vehicle service needs through local retailers.

What are the benefits of standardizing a load carrier?

Cost Efficiency: Reduced need for various spare parts. For example, each Stallion costs 230 lakh, with a yearly fleet renewal of about 21,500 crore.

Simplified Logistics: Easier inventory management and reduced complexities. Like, Soviet Union simplified their military logistics by using standardized parts across different equipment.

Maintenance Predictability: Easier to anticipate servicing needs and spare parts consumption. Such as, Vehicle Factory Jabalpur can pre-ship components based on anticipated consumption.

Civil-Retail Involvement: Opportunity to involve local retail networks for better delivery and maintenance. For example, Ashok Leyland’s network can be used for transporting Stallions directly to military units.

Re-employment: Retired military personnel can maintain equipment they are familiar with. Like, Ex-servicemen can service equipment they used during service.

Six years of GST: Compensation cess still needs to be sorted out

Source– The post is based on the article “Six years of GST: Compensation cess still needs to be sorted out” published in the “mint” on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Government budgeting

Relevance: Issues related to GST

News– The article explains the issues related to GST compensation cess.

What are some facts related to GST compensation cess?

The funding for GST compensation was sourced from a cess imposed on specific goods listed in a schedule to the 2017 Act. These mainly include tobacco, coal-based solid fuels, and fossil-fuelled motor vehicles.

The schedule was also open-ended, allowing for the inclusion of any other supplies. This approach represented an exceptional statutory commitment to provide additional revenue.

What are facts and statistics related to shortage in cess collection?

Pandemic led to a significant increase in the required compensation while the collections from the cess declined. To address this discrepancy, the Centre resorted to special borrowing to cover the deficit in GST compensation.

During the 49th meeting of the GST Council in February 2023, the outstanding payments for June 2022 amounting to ₹0.16 trillion, were announced.

During the five-year statutory period, states received a total of ₹5.89 trillion in GST compensation, averaging ₹1.18 trillion per year.

However, the average annual revenue from the cess was only ₹0.96 trillion. It is falling below the average annual compensation required.

The cess collection for the entire financial year 2022-23 is totaling ₹5.76 trillion. It is still lower than the ₹5.89 trillion payout.

The shortage in cess collection was not evenly distributed across all years. There was a surplus in the pre-pandemic year 2018-19. Yet ,₹0.15 trillion of arrears remained unpaid until the beginning of 2022-23.

The likely reason for this delay is the late supply of audited figures of state revenues.

What is the government’s future plan for cess?

In September 2021, during the 45th meeting of the GST Council, it was proposed to extend the cess until March 2026 to cover the repayment of the Centre’s special borrowing used to compensate for the pandemic years.

In the most recent meeting, the GST Council recommended amending the Compensation Act rules to broaden the definition of taxable vehicles under the cess.

Way forward-

GST Compensation Act does allow for a surplus in the compensation fund to be divided between the Centre and states in a specified manner. But, once its statutory function is fulfilled, it should be reclassified separately from the Compensation Act.

There is a need to consider repurposing and renaming the compensation cess on items like tobacco, coal, and fossil-fuelled transportation as a Pigouvian levy on goods with negative health or climate impacts.

However, the utilization of the proceeds from such a climate cess should be guided by experts working in India on climate action. Additionally, the process to track the effectiveness of these critical expenditures needs to be carefully designed.

Why is the Biological Diversity Bill facing opposition?

Source– The post is based on the article “Why is the Biological Diversity Bill facing opposition?” published in “The Hindu” on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy

Relevance: Issues related to global economic development

News– Recently Parliament passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

Why are there issues with the Bill?

The Bill provides exemptions for “codified traditional knowledge” and the AYUSH industry concerning benefit sharing. It deprives local communities of the advantages related to accessing biological resources.

The lack of a precise definition for “codified traditional knowledge” opens the door to potential exploitation.

This exemption is regressive because the legislation was initially enacted to guarantee “fair and equitable sharing of benefits.”

The Bill replaces criminal offences with monetary penalties. It raises concerns about potential resource exploitation.

To what extent has the Act been implemented?

According to a 2022 investigation conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment, many States lack data on the funds received from companies and traders for access and benefit sharing.

In cases where money was collected, it was not shared with local communities.

A 2016 study conducted by legal researchers revealed numerous challenges in various States regarding the implementation of provisions of the Act, particularly those related to access and benefit sharing.

What is viewpoint of industry about the Act?

The industry has expressed dissatisfaction with the regulations and has resorted to legal action seeking relaxation.

For instance, in 2016, the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board issued a notice to Divya Pharmacy for violating the Act by using biological resources without prior notification to the Board.

The company challenged the notice in the Uttarakhand high court, but the court ruled against them.

In 2015, representatives from Gujarat’s Ayurveda industry requested the central government to postpone the implementation of access and benefit sharing provisions, seeking relief for the sector.

However, the then Environment Minister stated that the industry had to deposit an amount towards these provisions and no exemptions could be granted.

The Bill explicitly mentions that stakeholders from various sectors, including the Indian system of medicine, seed, industry, and research sectors, expressed concerns about the need to simplify, streamline, and reduce compliance burden.

The objective of the Bill is to create a favourable environment for collaborative research and investments.

India needs evidence-based, ethics-driven medicine

Source– The post is based on the article “India needs evidence-based, ethics-driven medicine” published in “The Hindu” on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and Technology

Relevance: Issues related to taditional system of medicine

News–  Supporters of Hameopathy have argued in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia recently for expanding its use by citing demand and decolonisation, disregarding its flaws.

What are issues related to safety and efficacy of Homeopathy?

The evidence supporting the efficacy of homoeopathy is lacking in strength.

The initial double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT), conducted and well-documented is known as the Nuremberg Salt Test (1835).

It concluded that the symptoms or changes attributed to the effects of homoeopathic medicines were merely products of imagination and preconceived notions.

Multiple systematic reviews have consistently found that homoeopathic treatments lack clinically significant effects across different ailments, population groups, study types.

Recently, researchers discovered that over half of the 193 homeopathic trials conducted in the last two decades were not registered.

Unregistered trials displayed some evidence of efficacy, but registered trials did not. It cast doubt on the validity and reliability of the evidence.

The World Health Organization  has issued warnings against homoeopathic treatments for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, flu, and infant diarrhea. It has asserted that it has no place in their treatment protocols.

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that homoeopathy does not effectively treat cancers.

On the contrary, homoeopathic treatments have been linked to both non-fatal and fatal adverse events, and exacerbation of existing conditions.

What are issues related to standards used in evidence-based medicine for judging the effects of homoeopathy?

Supporters of homoeopathy argue that the standards commonly used in evidence-based medicine are not appropriate for evaluating its “holistic effects.” However, this claim can be refuted for several reasons.

  1. The standards used in evidence-based medicine are not arbitrary choices made by allopathic practitioners for their own benefit.

They are established through collaboration among a global community that includes epidemiologists, biostatisticians, quality improvement researchers, implementation managers, and others.

Various disciplines outside of medicine, such as psychology, economics, community health, implementation science, and public policy, have successfully adapted evidence synthesis methods to support their claims.

On the other hand, proponents of homoeopathy have not been able to develop valid alternative evidence synthesis frameworks to test its efficacy and safety.

  1. The argument that evidence-based medicine is “reductionist” and cannot accommodate holistic approaches is not entirely accurate.
  2. Evidence-based medicine does not solely focus on establishing empirical evidence. It also seeks to explain the underlying mechanisms that support the evidence.

However, over the past century, there has been no substantial evidence to explain the proposed mechanisms of action for homoeopathy.

There is an argument that a pluralistic approach in medicine can help to decolonize medicine.

However, homoeopathy’s introduction in India was during the colonial period. It raises questions about its traditional tag, as it was brought in during colonial times for colonial benefits.

Some homoeopathy supporters offer testimonials from prominent figures like Gandhi and Tagore. However, there is limited mention of homoeopathy in Gandhi’s writings. There is no evidence that Tagore favoured it.

Chawal Is The New Oil

Source: The post is based on the article Chawal Is The New Oil” published in The Times of India on 4th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy –Growth & Development

Relevance: About ban on the export of rice

News: Russia’s decision to abandon the Black Sea grain deal is contributing to the global food price volatility. Further, India’s ban on exporting certain varieties of rice is further exacerbating the situation as India has a 40% share of world rice exports.

What are the reasons for imposing a ban on the export of rice?

Political Reasons: There are political reasons like the upcoming election which has made the government control the rising prices domestically.

Strategic Reasons: The government is using export restrictions not only for managing domestic inflation but also as a leverage tool.

In 2022, despite the wheat ban, India made exceptions for discretionary export approvals to support neighboring and vulnerable countries.

As a result, Egypt, which imported 80% of its wheat requirements from Russia and Ukraine, became the largest recipients of Indian wheat.

This support from India in the midst of the crisis helped in improving the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Hence, India strategically utilized a commodity to safeguard its political interests and it is likely to adopt a similar approach for the recent rice export ban.

Read More: India’s rice export curbs could prove too myopic for its good

What may be the impact of ban on farmers?

The ban may upset those farmers who benefit from high-priced exports.

However, the government has taken this political risk because the number of large farmers with surplus for export or to sell under the MSP is relatively small compared to the majority of Indian subsistence farmers.

Moreover, while the MSP offers protection to farmers during periods of low global cereal prices, export curbs serve as a trade-off during years of high global prices.

What lies ahead?

Using essential commodities, including food for securing geo-political interest is not a new concept. Oil has been often used to secure geo-political interest by the OPEC countries in the response of geopolitical events.

Even the American President Eisenhower used food to support newly independent developing countries and gain their allegiance against communism.

Hence, prioritizing critical international relationships through a focused export program offers India greater benefits than a free market approach in cereals trade.

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