SUPREME COURT ON MUSLIM INHERITANCE LAW
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU
Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India recently heard a petition challenging discriminatory provisions in Muslim inheritance law under the Shariat Application Act, 1937.
Background: Muslim Inheritance Law
- Muslim inheritance rules are based on Islamic jurisprudence (Shariat).
- Generally, female heirs receive a smaller share than male heirs in certain situations.
- Example:
- A daughter may receive half the share of a son.
- Widows may receive one-eighth or one-fourth depending on whether the deceased has children.
- These provisions were formally recognized in India through the Shariat Application Act, 1937.
- The Act ensures that Muslim personal law prevails over customary practices in matters of family law.
Key Observations of the Supreme Court
- The Court noted that inheritance laws involve complex religious and social considerations.
- Striking down certain provisions of the Shariat Act may create a legal gap in inheritance rules for Muslims.
- The Court highlighted that Parliament is better suited to undertake comprehensive reforms.
- Judges referred to Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which encourages the State to strive for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
- The bench also emphasized that courts must carefully examine whether personal law provisions violate fundamental rights such as Article 14 (Right to Equality).
Constitutional Provisions Involved
- Article 14 – Guarantees equality before law and equal protection of laws.
- Article 15 – Prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Article 25 – Protects freedom of religion and religious practices.
- Article 44 – Directs the State to work towards a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens.
These provisions create a balance between religious freedom and gender equality.
Uniform Civil Code (UCC):
- Uniform Civil Code refers to one common set of civil laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens irrespective of religion.
- It aims to ensure legal uniformity and gender justice.
- The Goa Civil Code is often cited as an example of a common family law system in India.
- The issue of UCC frequently arises in debates related to personal law reforms and women’s rights.
Major Challenges
- Religious Sensitivity: Personal laws are closely linked with religious identity and traditions.
- Political Debate: UCC often becomes a politically sensitive issue.
- Legal Complexity: Different communities follow diverse inheritance rules, making uniform legislation difficult.
- Gender Justice Concerns: Some personal laws contain provisions perceived as discriminatory against women.
Way Forward
- Gradual Reforms: Personal laws may be progressively reformed to ensure gender equality.
- Consultative Approach: Government should involve religious scholars, women’s groups, and legal experts.
- Codification of Personal Laws: Clear codification can reduce ambiguities and discriminatory practices.
- Awareness and Debate: Public discussion is necessary to balance constitutional values and cultural diversity.
Conclusion
The debate over Muslim inheritance law and gender equality highlights the challenge of balancing religious freedom with constitutional rights. A careful and consultative legislative approach is essential to ensure both social harmony and equal justice.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND ITS GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Why in News?
Iran’s senior leader Ali Larijani recently warned that if tensions escalate with the United States, the Strait of Hormuz could become a “strait of defeat” for the U.S.
Geographical Features of the Strait of Hormuz
- The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south.
- It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, which further leads to the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
- The narrowest part of the strait is about 33 km wide, while the shipping lane for vessels is even narrower.
- Due to this limited width, it is classified as a strategic maritime chokepoint.
- It plays a crucial role in global maritime trade and energy security.
Global Energy Importance
- The strait is the primary route for transporting crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Gulf region to global markets.
- According to recent energy estimates, about 20% of the world’s petroleum consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz daily.
- Major oil-exporting countries using this route include:
- Saudi Arabia
- Iraq
- United Arab Emirates
- Kuwait
- Qatar (major LNG exporter)
- Disruption in this route can cause sharp increases in global oil prices and energy market instability.
Strategic and Military Significance
- The region has a heavy military presence, including naval forces of the United States, Iran, and allied Gulf countries.
- The U.S. Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, monitors maritime security in the Persian Gulf region.
- Iran has repeatedly warned that it could block the strait during conflicts or sanctions pressure.
- Such a blockade could disrupt global trade, shipping routes, and energy supplies.
Recent Geopolitical Tensions
- Relations between Iran and the United States have remained tense due to issues like nuclear sanctions and regional conflicts.
- Iran has occasionally threatened to restrict or control passage through the Strait of Hormuz in response to economic sanctions.
- Western nations consider the strait an international waterway that must remain open for navigation.
- Any closure or conflict in the region could lead to major geopolitical and economic consequences globally.
Implications for India
- Energy Security: India imports a large portion of its crude oil from Gulf countries, making the strait vital for India’s energy needs.
- Trade Routes: A significant share of India’s maritime trade with West Asia and Europe passes through this route.
- Indian Diaspora: Millions of Indian workers live in Gulf countries, making stability in the region important for India.
- Strategic Diplomacy: India maintains balanced relations with Iran, the U.S., and Gulf nations to protect its economic and security interests.
Challenges and Risks
- Military conflicts between regional powers.
- Piracy or maritime security threats.
- Economic shocks due to disruption of energy supplies.
- Rising geopolitical rivalries in West Asia.
Way Forward
- Strengthening international maritime cooperation to ensure safe navigation.
- Encouraging diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions between regional powers.
- Diversifying energy sources and supply routes to reduce dependence on a single chokepoint.
- Promoting global energy security mechanisms through multilateral forums.
Conclusion
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical energy corridors in the world.
Ensuring peace, maritime security, and diplomatic stability in the region is essential for the global economy and energy markets.
AMENDMENT TO FDI RULES FOR COUNTRIES SHARING LAND BORDER WITH INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet recently modified the 2020 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules related to investments from countries sharing a land border with India.
Press Note 3 (2020):
Press Note 3 was issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in April 2020.
- It stated that any FDI from countries sharing a land border with India must obtain prior government approval.
- The rule applied to the following neighboring countries:
- China
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Myanmar
- Afghanistan
- The rule also covered cases where the beneficial owner of an investment belonged to these countries, even if the investment came through another nation.
- The objective was to protect Indian companies from hostile or opportunistic acquisitions during financial vulnerability.
Recent Amendment by the Union Cabinet
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved changes to the FDI rules framed in 2020.
- The amendment introduces a “beneficial ownership” provision in the FDI framework.
- Non-controlling stakes up to a limited threshold (around 10%) held by investors from land-border countries may now be allowed through the automatic route.
- Such investments must still follow sectoral caps, entry conditions, and reporting requirements under India’s FDI policy.
- The investor and the investee company must submit detailed information to the DPIIT and other regulatory bodies.
Reasons for the Policy Change
- Ease of Doing Business: To simplify procedures for small or minority investments.
- Encouraging Capital Flow: Limited relaxation can attract more foreign investment into Indian industries.
- Maintaining Security Checks: Even with relaxation, sensitive sectors remain carefully monitored.
- Balancing Economic and Strategic Interests: India aims to maintain economic openness while safeguarding national security.
Concerns and Challenges
- National Security Risks: Investments from strategic rivals may create security vulnerabilities in critical sectors.
- Corporate Control Issues: Minority investments may still influence decision-making in sensitive industries.
- Monitoring Beneficial Ownership: Identifying the ultimate owner of investments can be complex.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Relations with neighboring countries, especially China, remain sensitive.
Importance for India
- Ensures better regulation of foreign investments.
- Helps maintain economic growth and investor confidence.
- Protects strategic sectors such as telecom, infrastructure, and technology.
- Strengthens India’s balanced approach between openness and national security.
Conclusion
The amendment to FDI rules for land-border countries reflects India’s attempt to balance investment inflows with strategic security concerns. Careful monitoring and transparent policies will be essential to protect national interests while encouraging economic development.
NO-FAULT COMPENSATION POLICY FOR ADVERSE EVENTS AFTER COVID-19 VACCINATION
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU
Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India has asked the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to consider framing a no-fault compensation policy for serious adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 Vaccination in India
- India launched the COVID-19 vaccination programme in January 2021.
- Major vaccines used included:
- Covishield (developed by AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India)
- Covaxin (developed by Bharat Biotech with ICMR support)
- By 2023–2024, India had administered over 2.2 billion vaccine doses, covering a vast majority of the population.
- The vaccination drive significantly reduced hospitalisation and mortality rates during later waves of the pandemic.
Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)
- AEFI refers to any medical event that occurs after vaccination, which may or may not be caused by the vaccine.
- These events can be classified into:
- Minor reactions – mild fever, soreness at injection site.
- Severe reactions – allergic reactions or other rare complications.
- In India, AEFI cases are monitored through the National AEFI Surveillance Programme.
- Reports indicate that serious AEFI cases are extremely rare, occurring in a very small percentage of vaccinated individuals.
What is a No-Fault Compensation Policy?
- A no-fault compensation system allows individuals to receive compensation for vaccine injuries without needing to prove negligence or fault.
- The objective is to provide quick financial relief to affected individuals or families.
- This approach recognizes that vaccination is a public health measure undertaken for societal benefit.
- Compensation helps maintain public trust in vaccination programmes.
Global Practices
Several countries already have vaccine injury compensation programs, such as:
- United States – National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
- United Kingdom – Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme.
- Canada and Germany – provide government-backed compensation for vaccine injuries.
- These systems generally provide financial assistance for severe or permanent injuries caused by vaccines.
Key Observations by the Supreme Court
- Vaccination programmes are conducted in the interest of public health and collective safety.
- When the State promotes vaccination, it should consider mechanisms to support individuals who suffer rare adverse effects.
- The Court clarified that it does not intend to question the safety or effectiveness of vaccines.
- Instead, the aim is to examine the possibility of a fair compensation framework.
Challenges in Implementing the Policy
- Establishing Causation: Determining whether the vaccine actually caused the injury can be complex.
- Financial Implications: A compensation scheme may require substantial government funding.
- Risk of Misuse: False or exaggerated claims may arise without proper verification systems.
- Administrative Mechanism: Efficient systems are required to evaluate and process claims quickly.
Way Forward
- Establish a transparent and scientific review mechanism for assessing AEFI cases.
- Introduce a limited no-fault compensation scheme for severe cases.
- Strengthen AEFI surveillance systems and reporting mechanisms.
- Continue public awareness campaigns to maintain trust in vaccination programmes.
Conclusion
A no-fault vaccine compensation policy can balance public health priorities with individual rights and welfare. Such a framework would strengthen public confidence in immunisation programmes while ensuring support for rare adverse cases.
SHESHNAAG-150 SWARM DRONE
TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY: INDIAN EXPRESS
Why in News?
India is developing a long-range swarm attack drone called Sheshnaag-150, capable of striking targets over 1,000 km away.
What is Sheshnaag-150?
- Sheshnaag-150 is a long-range autonomous swarm drone system designed for coordinated military strikes.
- It is built using AI-based swarm intelligence, allowing multiple drones to operate together.
- The drone can carry explosive payloads to destroy enemy infrastructure, vehicles, or troop formations.
- It is designed for deep-penetration missions in hostile territories.
Key Features
- Weight: Around 150 kg.
- Payload Capacity: Approximately 25–40 kg, enabling the drone to carry warheads or surveillance equipment.
- Operational Range: More than 1,000 km, allowing long-distance strategic missions.
- Endurance: Can remain airborne for over five hours, enabling surveillance and loitering attacks.
- Autonomous Swarm Technology: Multiple drones coordinate simultaneously to overwhelm enemy defence systems.
- AI-based Target Identification: Equipped with real-time surveillance and automated strike capability.
- GPS-Denied Navigation: Uses visual navigation systems, allowing operation even when GPS signals are jammed.
Swarm Drone Technology
- Swarm drones are multiple UAVs that coordinate using AI algorithms.
- They operate collectively to confuse enemy radar and defence systems.
- Widely seen as the future of warfare, with increasing use in conflicts such as Ukraine and West Asia.
- They enable low-cost yet high-impact military operations.
ANAVARAN PORTAL (DEFORESTATION ALERT SYSTEM)
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: DOWN TO EARTH
Why in News?
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) recently halted the Anavaran deforestation alert system, which was designed to detect forest cover loss.
About the Anavaran Portal
- The Anavaran system was launched in January 2024.
- It was developed by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
- The portal aimed to detect forest loss and degradation using satellite data.
- It provided location-based alerts every 15 days to state forest departments.
- These alerts allowed authorities to conduct targeted field inspections.
Technology Used
- The system operated on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform.
- It used Sentinel-2 optical satellite imagery for forest monitoring.
- During cloudy seasons, it relied on Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data.
- Machine learning algorithms analyzed satellite images to identify deforestation patterns.
Forest Survey of India (FSI)
- FSI is a national organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- It was established in 1981, replacing the Pre-Investment Survey of Forest Resources (PISFR) project started in 1965.
- FSI’s key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring forest resources.
- Conducting National Forest Inventory.
- Providing training and research support.
- It publishes the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) every two years.
Importance of Deforestation Monitoring
- Helps track illegal logging and forest encroachment.
- Supports climate change mitigation and carbon monitoring.
- Protects wildlife habitats and biodiversity hotspots.
- Assists governments in implementing forest conservation policies.
Challenges
- Cloud cover and seasonal variations affecting satellite monitoring.
- Limited field verification capacity in remote areas.
- Need for better coordination between central and state agencies.
- Balancing development activities and forest conservation.
KIMBERLEY PROCESS CERTIFICATION SCHEME (KPCS)
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Why in News?
India currently holds the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
Conflict Diamonds
- Conflict diamonds, also called blood diamonds, are rough diamonds used to finance rebel groups and armed conflicts.
- These diamonds were widely reported during the 1990s civil wars in African countries such as Sierra Leone, Angola, and Liberia.
- They entered global markets through illegal trading networks, making origin tracking difficult.
- International pressure led to the creation of global certification mechanisms.
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
- Established in 2003 through collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society.
- It is a voluntary international certification system to regulate the trade of rough diamonds.
- Currently includes over 80 participating countries, covering more than 99% of global rough diamond trade.
- Each shipment of rough diamonds must carry a Kimberley Process Certificate confirming it is conflict-free.
- Trade with non-participating countries is prohibited.
India’s Role in the Global Diamond Industry
- India is the largest diamond cutting and polishing centre in the world.
- The country processes nearly 90% of the world’s rough diamonds by volume.
- India exported about $13 billion worth of cut and polished diamonds in 2024–25.
- The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) implements the Kimberley Process in India.
Importance of the Kimberley Process
- Prevents illegal and conflict-driven diamond trade.
- Promotes ethical sourcing and transparency in the global diamond market.
- Protects the reputation of the global jewellery industry.
- Helps maintain consumer confidence in diamond products.
DARKNET AND ILLEGAL ONLINE ACTIVITIES
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Why in News?
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently dismantled the ‘Team Kalki’ darknet drug network, which was operating across India.
What is the Darknet?
- The darknet is a section of the internet that cannot be accessed through standard web browsers or search engines.
- It requires specialized tools such as TOR (The Onion Router) or similar encryption technologies.
- Users remain anonymous because their identities and locations are concealed through multiple layers of encryption.
- The darknet is considered a subset of the deep web.
How Darknet Works
- Websites on the darknet use encrypted networks and anonymous routing systems.
- The TOR network routes internet traffic through several servers to hide the user’s identity.
- Transactions are often conducted using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Monero.
- These features make it difficult for authorities to trace illegal activities.
Illegal Activities on the Darknet
- Drug trafficking and illegal narcotics trade.
- Sale of weapons and counterfeit documents.
- Distribution of illegal digital content.
- Cybercrime services, including hacking tools and stolen data.
- Money laundering through cryptocurrencies.
Law Enforcement in India
- Agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Cyber Crime units monitor darknet activities.
- Operations often involve digital forensics and international cooperation.
- Laws such as the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 are used to tackle such crimes.
Challenges
- High anonymity and encryption make investigations difficult.
- Darknet marketplaces frequently change domains or shut down quickly.
- Cross-border nature of cybercrime complicates enforcement.
- Rapid growth of cryptocurrency-based transactions.
