VELPUR’S COMMUNITY-LED SUCCESS IN ENDING CHILD LABOUR
TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE HINDU
The story of Velpur Mandal in Telangana is being celebrated as a rare and successful example of eliminating child labour through community participation. It was recently highlighted on World Day Against Child Labour (June 12) for its sustainable and people-driven approach.
Child Labour – A Global and Indian Problem
- Child Labour Globally:
- Around 160 million children globally are still working instead of attending school.
- Regions like Africa, Asia, and the Pacific account for nearly 90% of child labour.
- Impact of COVID-19:
- School closures and family income losses forced many children to take up jobs.
- Many have not returned to school since.
- Situation in India:
- Census 2011 reported around 43.5 lakh child labourers aged 5–14 years.
- Common in industries like beedi-making, carpet weaving, and fireworks.
Legal and Policy Framework in India
- 1986: Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act passed.
- 1987: National Policy on Child Labour focused on phased rehabilitation.
- 2016: Amendment Act banned child labour under 14 and hazardous work for 14–18 age group.
- Right to Education Act: Free and compulsory education for 6–14 age group.
The Velpur Model: A Unique Community-Driven Change
- Location: Velpur Mandal, Nizamabad district (now in Telangana).
- Initial Situation: High number of child workers, community resistance, and misinformation.
- Launch of Campaign: Started in June 2001, focused on enrolling every child (5–15 years) in school. After 100 days, Velpur was declared child labour-free on October 2, 2001.
Key Actions Taken
- Community Mobilisation: Public meetings stressed the importance of schooling. Former employers forgave ₹35 lakh of family loans and supported children’s education.
- Government Support: Agreement signed between village heads and government under 1982 AP rules. Guaranteed infrastructure, access, and teachers.
- Social Recognition: Boards put up in villages proudly stating “No child labour in our village.” Celebrated in 2021 during Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Outcomes and Impact
- Sustained Success: Zero dropouts, 100% school retention even 20+ years later. Recognised by ILO, VVGNLI, NHRC, and even President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Training and Policy Value: The model is used in labour training programmes. Presented before Parliamentary Standing Committee in 2022.
Conclusion
Velpur’s success shows that long-term social change is possible when communities lead the movement. Empowering local participation is essential to permanently eliminate child labour.
UDHAMPUR-SRINAGAR-BARAMULLA RAIL LINK (USBRL)
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) has been inaugurated, marking a major step in physically and emotionally connecting Kashmir with the rest of India. It aims to boost regional integration, economic growth, and security in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Features of the Project
- The USBRL is 272 km long, stretching from Udhampur to Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir.
- The route includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, overcoming tough mountainous terrain.
- The Chenab Rail Bridge, part of this link, is the world’s highest railway arch, standing 359 meters above the river.
- The total cost of the project is estimated at around ₹43,780 crore.
Strategic Importance
- Enhances connectivity in a region often impacted by conflict and natural barriers.
- Serves as a symbol of integration, helping to reduce feelings of alienation among people in the Valley.
- Improves movement of people and goods, supporting national unity and internal security.
Economic and Tourism Boost
- Better rail access can spur local businesses, trade, and tourism, which are crucial for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.
- The rail link is expected to make travel safer and more affordable for residents and visitors.
Technological and Engineering Milestones
- Includes the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
- Plans to run Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar, offering fast and efficient travel.
Security and Governance Impact
- Facilitates quicker deployment of forces if needed in sensitive zones.
- Indicates India’s long-term strategic focus on peace, development, and stability post-Operation Sindoor.
Way Forward
- Expand multi-modal connectivity, such as integrating railways with roadways and air networks.
- Parallel investments in education, healthcare, and job creation will help ensure the full benefits of connectivity reach people on the ground.
Conclusion
The USBRL project is more than just a railway line. It is a transformative infrastructure that brings Kashmir closer to the rest of India, paving the way for long-term peace, economic growth, and national integration.
RISE IN VIOLENT CRIMES BY JUVENILES IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Recent data from 2022 shows that nearly 50% of juveniles apprehended in India were accused of violent crimes, raising concerns about the growing trend of serious offences committed by minors. The issue has gained national attention following several high-profile incidents.
Brief Context of the Issue
- A British web series Adolescence recently revived discussions on youth violence and online influence, resonating globally, including in India.
- Cases of young boys involved in murder, assault, and sexual offences have highlighted deeper social and behavioural concerns.
Rising Juvenile Involvement in Violent Crimes
- Definition of Violent Crimes: Includes serious acts such as murder, rape, assault, robbery, arson, and dacoity.
- Excludes: Non-violent crimes like theft, cheating, rash driving, and public misconduct.
- National Trends: Though total juvenile cases dropped from 37,402 in 2017 to 33,261 in 2022,
the share of violent crimes rose from 32.5% to 49.5% in the same period. This means every second juvenile apprehended in 2022 was involved in a violent offence.
State-Wise Trends
- Highest Cases (2017–2022):
- Madhya Pradesh: 21.8% of all violent juvenile crimes.
- Maharashtra: 18%.
- Rajasthan (9.6%), Chhattisgarh (8.4%), and Tamil Nadu (5.8%) follow.
- Delhi’s Notable Share:
- Despite its smaller size, Delhi accounts for 6.8%, possibly due to better case reporting.
- Proportion-wise Hotspots:
- Jharkhand: Highest percentage of violent crimes among juvenile offences (67%).
- Over 60% in Tripura, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Regional Patterns
- Central and eastern States have emerged as violence-prone zones for juvenile crimes.
- Odisha stands out in the region with only 10% of juvenile crimes being violent.
Conclusion
The increasing involvement of minors in violent offences is a serious concern, demanding urgent social, psychological, and legal attention. A mix of awareness, counselling, better policing, and community engagement is vital to reverse this trend.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO THE CASTE CENSUS
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Union Cabinet has approved caste-based data collection in the next national Census. This move follows state-level surveys in Bihar (2023) and Telangana (2025), which revealed deep-rooted social imbalances.
Background of the issue:
- Caste has been a key factor in access to education, jobs, housing, and welfare.
- Yet, India has not had an official caste census since 1931, limiting the ability to plan inclusive development.
- Past attempts like the 2011 SECC were flawed and not officially released.
State Surveys
- Bihar’s 2023 survey:
- OBCs + EBCs form over 63% of the population.
- SCs: 19.65%, STs: 1.68%, General category: 15.52%.
- Around 34% of families earn below ₹200/day, with SCs worse affected.
- Telangana’s 2025 survey:
- BCs: 56.33%, with BC Muslims forming 10.08%.
- These data highlight that marginalised communities form the majority but remain underrepresented in public institutions.
Need for Reliable Caste Data
- In Central Universities:
- Only 4% of professors are OBCs.
- 85% belong to the General category.
- Lack of caste data hinders the implementation of reservation and welfare policies effectively.
What is a Social Management Approach?
- Unlike top-down welfare that assumes “one-size-fits-all,” this method:
- Starts with accurate data on caste and need.
- Targets policies based on historic disadvantage.
- Treats caste as a planning variable, not a taboo.
- Tamil Nadu and Karnataka use such methods to adjust policies on scholarships, reservations, and budgets.
Global Examples
- USA records race/ethnicity data in its Census.
- South Africa and Brazil collect data on language, race, and ethnicity for inclusive policies.
- These examples show how identity data can be used to correct inequalities, not worsen them.
Democratic Value of the Caste Census
- Promotes transparency and accountability.
- Helps track welfare delivery by caste.
- Can reveal elite capture within caste groups.
- Supports social justice movements for land, housing, labour rights, and gender equity.
Conclusion
A caste census is not about dividing society, but about recognising systemic gaps and using data to build a fairer, more inclusive nation.
GOVT’S QUALITY CONTROL PUSH TO BOOST EXPORTS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The central government plans to use Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to raise the standard of Indian exports instead of offering more subsidies, aiming to make industries globally competitive.
Shift from Subsidies to Quality Focus
- The government believes subsidies alone haven’t significantly improved export outcomes.
- Hence, emphasis is shifting to non-subsidy support like: Simplifying land acquisition, Easing regulatory hurdles
- The key focus now is enforcing QCOs to ensure Indian goods meet international quality benchmarks.
What are Quality Control Orders (QCOs)?
- QCOs are legal mandates requiring products made, sold, imported, or exported to follow standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- They aim to prevent sub-standard goods from entering domestic or global markets.
- This applies to both domestic consumption and export production.
Ongoing Debates Around QCOs
Exemptions to Safeguard Exporters
- Certain exporters are exempted from mandatory QCOs, including:
- Units under Advance Authorisation schemes
- Export-Oriented Units (EOUs)
- Companies operating in Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
Special Case – Rare Earth Batteries
- Despite the anti-subsidy stance, the govt is reconsidering support for rare earth battery production, due to: China’s export ban, Urgent need for supply diversification
Industry Demands
- Some sectors continue to demand financial aid. Example: The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) urged a ₹10,000–15,000/kWh subsidy for alternative fuel used in mining machinery.
Conclusion
The government is taking a tougher stance by linking export success to product quality, not subsidies. While this may challenge small firms initially, it seeks to build long-term competitiveness in global trade.
INDIA’S FIRST E-WASTE RECYCLING PARK
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The Delhi government has announced the development of India’s first E-Waste Eco Park at Holambi Kalan, aiming to manage growing electronic waste sustainably and promote a circular economy.
E-Waste Eco Park
- The park will be set up at Holambi Kalan, North-West Delhi.
- It is India’s first integrated facility dedicated to electronic waste recycling.
- Spread across 11.4 acres, it will process up to 51,000 metric tonnes of e-waste every year.
Project Implementation
- Will be developed by DSIIDC (Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation).
- Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) using the DBFOT model: Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer
- The park will be operated under a 15-year concession period.
Separate zones for:
- Dismantling and refurbishing
- Component testing and plastic recovery
- Second-hand electronics market
- Skill development and training centres for informal workers.
- Estimated to generate over 1,000 green jobs.
Importance and Impact
- Expected to handle 25% of Delhi’s e-waste efficiently.
- Promotes sustainable urban infrastructure and smart recycling models.
- Reduces hazardous waste, curbs landfill use, and enables resource recovery.
- Serves as a national model for e-waste management.
Conclusion
The E-Waste Eco Park marks a big step toward formalising India’s e-waste recycling system. It promotes green employment, resource efficiency, and is a model of environmentally responsible urban planning.
POSON POYA FESTIVAL
TOPIC: (GS1) CULTURE: THE HINDU
Sri Lanka observed Poson Poya on June 10–11, 2025, commemorating over 2,000 years since Buddhism was introduced to the island by Arahat Mahinda from India.
What is Poson Poya?
- Celebrated annually on the full moon day of June.
- Second only to Vesak in terms of religious importance in Sri Lanka.
- Commemorates the arrival of Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
- Mahinda’s meeting with King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale is considered a historic spiritual event.
Celebrations and Practices
- Observed across Sri Lanka, with major events in Mihintale and Anuradhapura.
- Pilgrims dress in white, offer prayers at temples, meditate, and practice silence.
- Community activities include: Dansals (free food stalls), Lantern displays, Religious processions and cultural performances
- Promotes Buddhist values of compassion, non-violence (ahimsa), and unity.
Buddhism in Sri Lanka – A Historical Link
- Introduced in 236 BCE during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa.
- Sparked a spiritual and cultural revival across the island.
- Led to construction of stupas, monasteries, and the growth of Theravāda Buddhism.
- Reinforces civilizational ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
Poson Poya is not just a religious celebration but a reminder of the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Sri Lanka. It showcases the influence of Indian Buddhism on Sri Lankan identity and continues to foster shared values across borders.
INDIA–CANADA RELATIONS: A CHANCE TO RESET TIES
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada for the G-7 Summit outreach. This visit is seen as an opportunity to ease diplomatic tensions following the 2023 row over the killing of a Khalistani separatist leader.
Background of the Dispute:
- In 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistani activist, on Canadian soil.
- India firmly rejected these allegations, calling them politically motivated and baseless.
- In response, both countries reduced their diplomatic staff, and India suspended visa services to Canadian citizens.
- Talks on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were also paused, affecting economic engagement.
Issues in Bilateral Relations:
- Khalistani Movement: India considers it a threat to its sovereignty, while some extremist elements in Canada continue to support it. This issue has long caused friction in bilateral ties.
- Diplomatic Strain: The withdrawal of diplomats and suspension of consular services weakened public diplomacy and bilateral engagement.
- Economic Impact: Ongoing trade talks were stalled, including the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), affecting potential economic benefits for both nations.
Recent Positive Developments:
- The upcoming G-7 summit offers a chance for top-level engagement to address core concerns and rebuild trust.
- India has agreed to hold a law enforcement dialogue with Canada, indicating a willingness to cooperate on security matters.
- Resumption of diplomatic dialogue may help normalize ties gradually.
Strategic Importance of the Relationship:
- The Indian diaspora in Canada, numbering around 1.86 million, plays a vital role in connecting the two countries socially and economically.
- While high-level meetings help set the tone, rebuilding the relationship will require consistent engagement at the working level.
Way Forward:
- Restore Diplomatic Channels: Reappoint High Commissioners and resume full consular operations to rebuild confidence.
- Resume Trade Talks: Revive negotiations on FTA or EPTA to enhance economic cooperation.
- Strengthen Mutual Respect: Maintain diplomatic maturity and avoid public confrontations. Respect for each other’s sovereignty should guide future engagement.
G7 COUNTRIES
What is the G7?
- Full Form: Group of Seven (G7)
- Nature: An informal group of advanced industrial economies that meet annually to discuss global economic governance, international security, climate change, and other pressing issues.
- Established: 1975 (initially as G6; Canada joined in 1976)
- Purpose: Coordinate policies on global economic and political matters, especially those related to democracy, free markets, and international cooperation.
List of G7 Countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan
- European Union (EU) also participates in G7 meetings but is not officially a member.
India’s Status
- Not a G7 Member: India is not a formal member of the G7.
- Regular Invitee: India is often invited to attend G7 outreach summits as a guest or special partner, especially in recent years.
Conclusion:
India and Canada must use this opportunity to rebuild ties through dialogue, mutual respect, and shared interests. Strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation can help both nations move forward in a constructive and stable manner.
SHAHED DRONES
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Iranian-origin Shahed drones, widely used by Russia in the Ukraine war, have drawn global attention due to their low cost and ability to conduct precision attacks. Their increasing use in modern warfare raises concerns over drone warfare, defense preparedness, and global arms trade.
What are Shahed Drones?
- Developed by Shahed Aviation Industries in Iran.
- Known as “Geran-2” in Russia.
- Categorized as Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and loitering munitions.
Design and Capabilities
- Single-use drones designed to crash into targets and explode on impact.
- Shahed-136 is the most commonly used model.
- Features a delta-wing shape, around 200 kg in weight, and 2.5–3 meters wingspan.
Range and Speed
- Can fly between 1,000 to 2,500 km.
- Maximum speed: around 185 km/h.
- Launched using rocket boosters, then powered by a piston engine with a distinctive motorbike-like sound.
Navigation and Accuracy
- Operates using pre-set GPS or GLONASS coordinates.
- Difficult to jam due to its pre-programmed path.
- Latest versions may include AI-based targeting systems.
Warhead Types
- Carries various explosives like: High-explosive fragmentation, Thermobaric warheads, Shrapnel-packed charges
Conclusion
Shahed drones have changed the battlefield by offering cost-effective, long-range strike options. Their use reflects a shift in global warfare, where cheap, unmanned weapons can cause high impact, raising challenges for traditional air defense systems.