SUPREME COURT'S GENDER SENSITIVITY HANDBOOK (2026)
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court has released a new report titled “Judgments and Gender: Sensitivity and Compassion in Writing Judgments”, replacing the 2023 Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes.
Combating Gender Stereotypes.
- The judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring justice not only through its decisions but also through the manner in which victims and witnesses are treated.
- Recognising the need for a more humane justice system, the Supreme Court has introduced the Gender Sensitivity Handbook, 2026.
- The report aims to promote empathy, dignity, and fairness in judicial proceedings, particularly in cases involving women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Background
- The report was prepared following the Supreme Court’s suo motu intervention in a 2025 Allahabad High Court judgment, which was criticised for its insensitive interpretation of an attempted rape case.
- During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that the 2023 handbook had limited practical impact and stressed the need for guidelines based on Indian realities.
- Consequently, the National Judicial Academy (NJA) constituted an expert committee under Justice Aniruddha Bose to prepare practical recommendations.
Major Features of the Handbook
Victim-Centric Justice
- Encourages courts to adopt a compassionate approach while dealing with victims and witnesses.
- Emphasises that judges should combine legal knowledge with empathy during trials.
- Seeks to prevent secondary victimisation caused by insensitive courtroom practices.
Compassionate Court Practices
- Witnesses should be treated with respect and dignity to encourage truthful testimony.
- Courts should ensure that victims receive legal aid and support persons at the earliest stage.
- Recommends pre-trial counselling to reduce fear and emotional stress.
- Advises courts to provide a comfortable environment by offering basic facilities such as seating and drinking water.
Fair Trial Procedures
- Judges should actively prevent humiliating or irrelevant cross-examination, especially regarding a survivor’s personal or sexual history.
- Supports in-camera proceedings, use of video conferencing, and protection of victims’ identities through initials or pseudonyms.
- Highlights the effective implementation of the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018 and Victim Compensation Scheme, 2018.
Language and Judicial Writing
- Recommends replacing emotional, moralistic, or stereotypical expressions with neutral and respectful language.
- Discourages the use of religious or cultural references while delivering judgments.
- Advises judges to avoid offensive expressions in regional languages as well.
Inclusive Approach
- Promotes the use of gender-neutral and inclusive terminology.
- Introduces the SOGIESC framework (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) to ensure respectful treatment of LGBTQIA+ persons.
- Recognises the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse individuals within the justice system.
How It Differs from the 2023 Handbook
- The 2023 handbook mainly focused on removing gender stereotypes from judicial language.
- The 2026 report expands its scope to include courtroom behaviour, victim support, privacy, witness protection, and judicial conduct.
- Unlike the earlier handbook, it is based on field studies, trial court judgments, and stakeholder feedback, making its recommendations more practical.
Significance
- Promotes a victim-friendly justice system.
- Strengthens access to justice for women, children, and vulnerable communities.
- Encourages gender-sensitive and inclusive judicial practices.
- Enhances public confidence in the judicial process through dignity and fairness.
Conclusion
By combining legal fairness with compassion, it seeks to improve the experience of victims and witnesses without compromising judicial independence. Its effective implementation can strengthen public trust and promote a more sensitive and accessible justice delivery system.
INDIAN STATISTICAL INSTITUTE (ISI) BILL, 2026
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2026 was recently introduced in the Lok Sabha to replace the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959.
Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
- The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is one of India’s premier institutions for statistics, mathematics, data science, and quantitative research.
- The proposed ISI Bill, 2026 seeks to modernise its governance by replacing the existing society-based structure with a statutory institution.
- While the government views it as a governance reform, many faculty members and students fear it may reduce the institute’s academic independence.
Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
- Founded in 1931 by renowned statistician P.C. Mahalanobis.
- Declared an Institution of National Importance under the ISI Act, 1959.
- Headquarters at Kolkata, with centres in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Tezpur.
- Recognised globally for research in statistics, mathematics, computer science, economics, and data analytics.
- At present, it functions as a registered society governed by a General Body and a 33-member Council.
Why was the New Bill Introduced?
- The existing governance system is considered large and slow in decision-making.
- No major reforms have been introduced for several decades.
- Review committees recommended a smaller and more efficient governing body.
- The government aims to bring ISI’s governance closer to institutions such as the IITs and IIMs.
Key Provisions of the ISI Bill, 2026
- ISI will become a statutory body corporate created through an Act of Parliament.
- All assets, employees, academic programmes, and liabilities will automatically transfer to the new institution.
- The President of India will act as the Visitor of the institute.
- A new 11-member Board of Governors will replace the existing 33-member Council.
- An Academic Council will oversee academic matters such as courses, examinations, and academic standards.
- The Director will be selected through a search-cum-selection committee and appointed by the Board.
- The Visitor will have powers to order inquiries and remove the Director under specified conditions.
Concerns Associated with the Bill
- Greater government representation in the Board may reduce institutional autonomy.
- The Director’s appointment process is viewed as increasing executive influence.
- Faculty and students argue that the Bill lacked adequate stakeholder consultation.
- Omission of the institute’s headquarters from the Bill has led to concerns, though the government has denied any relocation plans.
Government’s Stand
- The reforms aim to improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
- Existing employees’ service conditions and academic programmes will remain protected.
- Consultations with experts and stakeholders were conducted before introducing the Bill.
- The government maintains that the objective is administrative modernisation, not interference in academic functioning.
Conclusion
The ISI Bill, 2026 seeks to modernise the governance of one of India’s leading research institutions through a more streamlined administrative framework. A balanced approach that combines effective governance with institutional independence will be crucial for the institute’s future.
FCRA BILL AND CONCERNS
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU
The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill was introduced in the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Introduction
- The FCRA framework regulates foreign contributions to ensure transparency and prevent misuse.
- The new amendment bill seeks to strengthen compliance, address lapses in registration, and introduce stricter asset assessment mechanisms.
- However, it has triggered political and social debate due to its potential implications for NGOs, religious institutions, and educational bodies dependent on foreign funding.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Section 14B – Cessation of Certificates: Provides for penal action against institutions whose FCRA registration has lapsed, ensuring accountability for past investments.
- Section 16A – Renewal Process: Introduces stricter renewal norms for FCRA certificates, requiring continuity in management and compliance.
- Section 16B – Asset Assessment: Establishes a new framework for evaluating assets of institutions receiving foreign contributions.
Government’s Position
- Ensuring transparency: The government argues the bill will prevent misuse of foreign funds and strengthen institutional accountability.
- Continuity in management: Emphasis on ensuring that institutions maintain compliance even after lapses in registration.
- Political outreach: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated willingness to soften provisions to address opposition concerns.
Challenges
- Impact on minorities: Religious and minority institutions fear exclusion due to stricter renewal norms.
- Autonomy issues: Critics argue the bill could undermine independence of NGOs and educational institutions.
- Political debate: Opposition leaders demand clarity on police action against protesters and seek assurances that the bill will not be misused.
Broader Implications
- Institutional credibility: Strengthening compliance may improve transparency but risks alienating genuine organisations.
- Foreign funding flows: Stricter rules could reduce inflows, affecting social and developmental projects.
- Judicial scrutiny: Past amendments have faced challenges in courts, raising questions about constitutional validity.
Conclusion
The FCRA Amendment Bill reflects the government’s intent to tighten regulation of foreign contributions for transparency and accountability. A balanced approach is essential to ensure that regulation does not stifle genuine social and developmental work while safeguarding national interests.
MSME SUSTAINABLE ZED CERTIFICATION SCHEME
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The MSME Sustainable (Zero Defect, Zero Effect – ZED) Certification Scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises aimed at promoting quality-driven and environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Objectives
- Quality improvement: Helps MSMEs upgrade manufacturing processes and meet international benchmarks.
- Environmental sustainability: Encourages adoption of cleaner technologies and pollution-control measures.
- Women empowerment: Provides 100% subsidy on certification costs for women-owned MSMEs.
Features of the Scheme
- Certification levels: Enterprises can achieve Bronze, Silver, and Gold certifications, reflecting progressive improvement in quality and sustainability.
- Financial support:
- Up to 75% subsidy on testing, system, or product certification (maximum ₹50,000).
- ₹2 lakh for consultancy and handholding support.
- ₹3 lakh for adopting cleaner technologies and Zero Effect solutions.
- Policy integration: 22 States and Union Territories have incorporated ZED into their industrial policies, offering additional incentives to certified MSMEs.
Significance
- Strengthens global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs.
- Promotes eco-friendly manufacturing practices aligned with sustainable development goals.
- Encourages inclusive growth by supporting women entrepreneurs and small enterprises.
- Enhances credibility of MSMEs in supply chains through internationally recognised certification.
Conclusion
By combining financial support, certification incentives, and state-level integration, the scheme ensures that Indian enterprises can achieve global standards while contributing to sustainable growth.
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CELL SCIENCE (NCCS)
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
A recent NCCS study has identified nearly 200 new microbial strains, highlighting how gut health is influenced by diet, geography, and lifestyle. The findings underline the importance of developing an India-specific microbiome map.
About NCCS
- Autonomous organisation: Functions under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
- Location: Situated on the campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra.
- Origins:
- Began as the National Tissue Culture Facility (1986).
- Became the National Facility for Animal Tissue and Cell Culture Collection (NFATCC) in 1988.
- Renamed as NCCS in 1996.
Mandate and Functions
- National Cell Repository: Maintains and distributes authenticated animal cell lines to universities and research institutions at affordable costs.
- Research focus: Engaged in advanced studies across:
- Cell Biology and Cancer Biology.
- Structural Biology, Bioinformatics, and Omics.
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and Microbiology.
- Neurobiology and Stem Cell Biology.
- Human resource development: Provides teaching and training to build expertise in cell biology.
Research Contributions
- Tackles cancer, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and regenerative medicine using integrated approaches.
- Hosts the DBT-funded National Centre for Microbial Research, which collects, identifies, and preserves microbial cultures from diverse ecological niches.
- Maintains the third-largest microbial collection globally, strengthening India’s position in microbiome and microbial diversity research.
Significance
- Enhances India’s scientific capacity in cell and microbiome research.
- Supports affordable access to cell lines and microbial cultures for academic institutions.
- Contributes to global knowledge on gut health and microbial diversity, with direct implications for public health and personalised medicine.
Conclusion
The National Centre for Cell Science plays a pivotal role in advancing India’s research in cell biology and microbiome studies. Its work not only addresses pressing health challenges but also strengthens India’s scientific infrastructure, making it a hub for cutting-edge biomedical research.
THE ENGLISH CHANNEL
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
Recently, French coastguards rescued 157 migrants from a boat that caught fire in the English Channel, highlighting the risks faced by people attempting dangerous crossings.
About the English Channel
- Geographical identity: A narrow extension of the Atlantic Ocean separating southern England from northern France.
- Strait of Dover: Its narrowest point, only 34 km wide, connects the Channel to the North Sea.
- Dimensions: Roughly 563 km long and 246 km wide, covering an area of about 75,000 sq. km.
- Names: Known as the “English Channel” since the 18th century; the French call it “La Manche” due to its sleeve-like shape.
Climate and Islands
- Climate: Temperate maritime, with mild summers and cool winters.
- Islands: Includes the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark).
Historical Importance
- Natural barrier: Protected Britain from invasions.
- Major events:
- Norman Conquest (1066).
- Napoleonic Wars.
- World War I operations.
- World War II – Dunkirk evacuation (1940) and Normandy landings (1944).
Economic and Strategic Role
- Shipping hub: One of the busiest sea routes, handling nearly 20% of global maritime trade.
- Ports:
- UK – Dover, Portsmouth, Southampton.
- France – Calais, Cherbourg, Le Havre.
Channel Tunnel
- Fixed link: A 50 km rail tunnel connecting Folkestone (UK) with Coquelles near Calais (France).
- Structure: Comprises two rail tunnels and a central service tunnel.
- Record: Longest undersea tunnel section in the world (37.8 km).
Conclusion
The English Channel is not only a vital geographical and historical landmark but also a crucial artery for global trade and connectivity. Its strategic importance continues today, symbolised by the Channel Tunnel, which remains the only fixed link between Great Britain and mainland Europe.
ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE CASES UNDER PMLA
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a record 1,080 cases under PMLA in 2025-26, the highest in four years, but secured convictions in only 43 cases over the last five years, reflecting a very low conviction rate.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
- The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) empowers the ED to investigate financial crimes linked to money laundering.
- While the number of cases registered has risen sharply, the slow pace of convictions raises questions about effectiveness, judicial delays, and the robustness of investigations.
Case Registration Trends
- Rising cases: 1,080 cases in 2025-26, compared to 775 in 2024-25 and 698 in 2023-24.
- Five-year total: 4,622 cases registered between 2021-22 and 2025-26.
- Decline and rise: After a dip in 2022-23 and 2023-24, registrations picked up again in the last two years.
Conviction Record
- Low conviction rate: Only 43 convictions in five years, amounting to less than 1%.
- Year-wise data:
- 2021-22: 3 cases.
- 2022-23: 9 cases.
- 2023-24: 13 cases.
- 2024-25: 9 cases.
- 2025-26: 9 cases.
- Accused convicted: 104 individuals convicted in total, with the highest number (38) in 2024-25.
Prosecution Complaints and Arrests
- Prosecution complaints: 2,444 cases filed before Special Courts under PMLA.
- Arrests: 1,243 accused arrested during the period.
- Trial delays: Most cases remain pending at various stages of trial.
Income Tax Department Cases
- Prosecution cases: 2,127 cases filed between 2021-22 and 2025-26.
- Convictions: 233 convictions in five years.
- Acquittals: 854 acquittals, with 293 in 2025-26 alone.
- Lowest filings: 432 cases in 2025-26, the lowest in three years.
Key Issues
- Slow conviction rate undermines deterrence.
- Judicial delays and complex financial investigations prolong trials.
- High acquittals in tax cases raise concerns about quality of evidence and prosecution.
- Political debates around ED’s functioning and selective targeting add to institutional credibility challenges.
Conclusion
The sharp rise in ED cases under PMLA reflects growing vigilance against money laundering, but the low conviction rate highlights systemic weaknesses. Strengthening investigation quality, ensuring faster trials, and improving coordination with tax authorities are essential to make financial crime enforcement credible and effective.
