Reforms for Combating Honour Killings

Source: HT 

Why in News?

In an honour killing case in Madhya Pradesh, a girl was shot dead by her family for wanting to marry someone of her choice, against their wishes. 

What is Honour Killing? 

• About: Honour killing is the murder of a family member, typically a woman, by relatives or community members in response to perceived dishonor or shame brought to the family.  
  • These acts are often rooted in strict cultural, social, and religious norms regarding family honor, morality, and social behavior. 
  • The concept of honor is often tied to women's behavior regarding issues like marriage, relationships, sexuality, and modesty. 
• Key Statistics: As per the National Crime Records Bureau data (NCRB), the number of honour killings reported in India was 25 each in 2019 and 2020, and 33 in 2021. But these figures could be much higher than mentioned. 
• Causes:  
  • Caste System: Fear of losing caste status drives violence, especially against inter-caste or same gotra marriages. 
  • Patriarchal Norms: Women's right to choose a partner is often denied, with marriage seen as a family honour transaction. 
  • Caste Panchayats: These informal bodies, controlled by dominant caste males, impose punishments, including killings, for violating caste norms. E.g., Khap Panchayats. 
  • Gender Imbalance: Skewed sex ratios lead to violence against women, especially when marriage choices defy traditional norms. 
  • Social Status: Ascribed social status is prioritized over personal achievements, causing family honour to override personal choice. 
• Consequences: 
  • Violation of Human Rights: It is a blatant violation of the fundamental human right to life. It perpetuates gender inequality, reinforcing patriarchal norms. 
  • Social Impact: Surviving families and communities suffer deep psychological trauma and long-term mental health issues. 
  • Governance Challenges: Weak legal frameworks or societal acceptance result in perpetrators evading justice, undermining the rule of law. 
  • Cultural Backwardness: It prevents women’s education and employment, reinforcing regressive traditions and hindering progress. 
  • International Repercussions: Honor-based violence draws global human rights scrutiny, impacting diplomatic relations.

What are Legal Provisions to Check Honour Killing? 

• Sections 299-304 of IPC (Now BNS): Penalises any person guilty of murder and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. 
  • Murder and culpable homicide can result in life imprisonment or death. 
  • Culpable Homicide is causing death with criminal intent or negligence. 
• Section 307 of IPC: Penalises attempt to murder with imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine. 
  • Section 308 of IPC penalises attempt to commit culpable homicide by imprisonment for up to 3 years or with fine or with both. 
• Section 34 and 35 of IPC: Penalises criminal acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. 

What is the Judicial Stand on Honour Killing? 

• Lata Singh vs State Of UP Case, 2006: The Supreme Court (SC) condemned the harassment and violence faced by young couples in inter-caste marriages, calling honour killings barbaric and stressing harsh penalties for perpetrators. 
• State Of U.P vs Krishna Master Case, 2010: SC held the perpetrators of an honour killing accountable and sentenced them to life imprisonment.  
  • SC stressed the importance of accountability for heinous crimes. 
• Arumugam Servai vs. State Of Tamil Nadu Case, 2011: SC clarified that parents can sever ties but cannot intimidate or harass children for inter-caste marriages.  
  • SC directed the government to provide legal protections for inter-caste couples and take action to prevent harassment or violence. 
• Shakti Vahini Case, 2018: SC ruled that honor killings are a violation of fundamental rights and emphasized the need for strict action against such crimes.    
  • SC directed State Governments to prevent honour killings by setting up special cells and protecting couples facing family threats. 

Way Forward 

• New Legislation: A dedicated anti honour killing law is needed to provide targeted protection, ensure accountability, standardize legal procedures, align with international human rights standards, and promote societal change.  
• Electoral Disqualification: Convicts of honour killings should be barred from elections for at least five years, sending a strong message that such individuals should not hold power, thereby reducing the practice's social legitimacy. 
  • It will check caste-community based panchayats and prevent justification of such honour killing orders and acts. 
• Fast Track Courts: Specialized fast-track courts for honour killings should be set up to ensure swift justice, preventing delays that undermine victims' rights. 
• Amendment to Special Marriage Act, 1954: Amend the Special Marriage Act, 1954 to shorten the registration period from one month to one week, protecting couples from potential threats or violence. 
  • Introduce a provision in the IPC defining honour killing and specifying punishments, helping the legal system address and deter such crimes. 

Drishti Mains Question: What are the legal provisions and judicial stand on honor killings in India? What reforms are needed to address them?

Combating Adolescent Pregnancy in India

Source: DTE 

Why in News? 

The study, Teenage Pregnancy and Motherhood in India: Exploring Status and Identifying Prevention and Mitigation Strategies, highlights the ongoing challenge of adolescent pregnancies in the country. 

What are the Findings of the Study Regarding Adolescent Pregnancies in India? 

• Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage: Teenage pregnancy in India is linked to child marriage and gender inequality.  
  • While child marriage rates have dropped (from 47% in 2005 to 24% in 2020), teenage pregnancies remain high (6%), especially in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Rajasthan. 
• Societal and Economic Factors: Key drivers of teenage pregnancies include poverty, societal norms, and lack of  reproductive education.  
  • Early marriage is often seen as a financial solution, and young brides face pressure for early motherhood to prove marital success. 
• Regional Variation: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21) found that 6.8% of women aged 15-19 were pregnant or had given birth, with West Bengal (16%) and Bihar (11%) having the highest rates. 
• Lack of Support and Welfare Gaps: Teenage mothers face stigmatization and lack institutional support, leading to school dropout and perpetuating poverty.  
  • Welfare schemes often exclude them due to age-based eligibility, denying vital resources. 
• Policy Gaps: Despite efforts, policy bottlenecks prevent effective services for teenage mothers.  
  • Exclusion from welfare programs intended to reduce teenage pregnancies worsens their socio-economic situation. 

What are the Impacts of Adolescent Pregnancy? 

• Maternal Health Risks: Adolescent mothers face higher risks of anaemia, preterm labor, and maternal mortality. 
  • According to NFHS-5, many adolescent mothers lack access to essential healthcare services, exacerbating risks. 
• Child Health and Stunting: Children born to adolescent mothers are at a higher risk of low birth weight, stunted growth, and higher infant mortality rates. 
  • A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) revealed that stunting and underweight prevalence was 11% points higher among children born to teenage mothers. 
• Societal Consequences: Teenage pregnancy poses health risks for both mother and child, such as maternal complications and child malnutrition, while severely limiting economic and educational opportunities for young mothers. 
  • Teenage mothers often drop out of school, limiting their economic opportunities and perpetuating poverty cycles (Intergenerational Poverty).  
  • According to 2019 data, 55% of unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls result in abortions, many of which are unsafe in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 
• Gender Inequality & Violence: Gender inequality and patriarchal norms further marginalize adolescent mothers, denying them opportunities to rebuild their lives. 
  • Child marriage leads to increased domestic violence, and perpetuates gender inequality. Also, these practices  limit opportunities for young girls. 

What are the Schemes for Maternity Health, Education, and Avoid Teenage Pregnancy? 

• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): PMMVY provides Rs 5,000 to pregnant and lactating mothers aged 19 years and above for their first live birth, promoting better maternal health and nutrition.  
  • The age requirement reinforces efforts to combat adolescent pregnancies and child marriage. 
• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): JSY promotes institutional deliveries by providing financial incentives to pregnant women aged 19 years and above, especially in rural areas, and ASHAs. 
  • The age criterion is a significant measure to counter adolescent pregnancies and child marriage. 
• Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK): RKSK targets adolescents aged 10-19 years, focusing on nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being, thereby directly addressing issues related to adolescent health and early marriages. 
• Balika Samriddhi Yojana: BSY provides financial incentives to BPL families for girl child education, encouraging school retention and delaying marriage, thereby improving girls' socio-economic and educational status. 
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): ICDS provides nutrition, immunization, health check-ups, and pre-school education for children under six years of age, along with support for pregnant and lactating women. 
• School Health and Wellness Program: Introduced in 2020 under Ayushman Bharat, it focuses on adolescent health for students aged 6-18 years, including sexual and reproductive health education, mental health counseling, and hygiene awareness. 
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme: It aims to prevent gender-biased sex selection and promote education and empowerment of girls up to 18 years of age, with a focus on improving the child sex ratio and ensuring equal opportunities. 

Way Forward 

• Role of Education: Comprehensive reproductive education must be integrated into school curriculums to address taboos and promote safe reproductive practices. 
  • Programs like Kanyashree Prakalpa in West Bengal, offering financial incentives to delay marriage, should be scaled up nationwide. 
• Community Involvement: Local committees can monitor and prevent child marriages, creating awareness about the adverse impacts of teenage pregnancies. 
  • Active involvement of parents, teachers, social workers and healthcare workers in educating adolescents about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is crucial. 
  • Incentivizing local workers like ASHA, Anganwadi workers, and Police Sakhi is crucial in tackling child marriage.  
  • A successful example of this approach is seen in Assam, where local workers have been effectively mobilized to combat child marriage. 
• Policy Recommendations: Strengthen enforcement of laws such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 to deter early marriages. 
• Improved Data Collection: Establish a national database on teenage pregnancies and conduct longitudinal studies to design targeted interventions. 

Drishti Mains Question:  How can India improve reproductive healthcare access and education in preventing teenage pregnancies?

Global Risks Report 2025

Source: LM 

Why in News? 

The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the 20th Global Risks Report 2025. 

What are Key Findings of the Global Risks Report 2025?

• Top Risks for India: The report highlighted the top five risks for India include water supply shortages, misinformation and disinformation, erosion of human rights and civic freedoms, pollution (air, water, and soil), and labour and talent shortages. 
• Top Global Risks: 
  • Immediate Risks (Next 2 years): Misinformation and disinformation, Extreme weather events, and State based armed conflict. 
  • Long-Term Risks (Next 10 Years): Extreme weather events, Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse and Critical changes to earth systems. 

 

• Geopolitical Bridges: India and Gulf countries are emerging as key multilateral alternatives amid rising US-China rivalry, bridging the West and East to reduce tensions and promote cooperation. 
• Trade Protectionism: Inflation Reduction Act, 2022 of US and Make in India in India highlights the growing trend of geoeconomic confrontation and trade protectionism. 
  • Non-tariff barriers, such as subsidies and industrial policy, are emerging as key drivers of protectionism. 
• Multilateral Solutions: Rising geopolitical tensions, the fracturing of global trust, and the climate crisis need multilateral solutions for achieving cooperation across borders. 

PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Source: PIB 

Why in News?  

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued operational guidelines for the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, detailing RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) and Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) models.  

• These guidelines will supplement the existing consumer-driven implementation of rooftop solar installations through the  National Portal of the scheme. 

What are the Key highlights of the Guidelines for the PM-Surya Ghar? 

• Two Models for Solar Installation: 
  • RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) Model: Third-party entities invest in rooftop solar installations. Consumers only pay for the electricity consumed, without bearing upfront costs. Excess power can be sold to DISCOMs. 
  • Utility Led Aggregation (ULA) Model: Power distribution companies (DISCOMs) or state-designated entities install rooftop solar systems for residential households. 
• Payment Security Mechanism (PSM): A Rs 100 crore PSM fund has been established to de-risk investments in RESCO-based rooftop solar models. It can be enhanced with additional grants, subject to Ministry approval. 

What are the Key Facts About PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana? 

• About: The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), aims to provide free electricity to one crore households by installing rooftop solar panels.  
  • With a total budget of Rs 75,021 crore, the scheme is planned for implementation until FY 2026-27.  
    • It offers up to 300 units of free electricity per month and provides a subsidy covering up to 40% of the installation cost, promoting widespread solar energy adoption across the country. 
• Eligibility: Indian citizens, homeowners, valid electricity connection, no prior solar subsidy.  
• Implementation: The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana will be implemented by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIA) at the state level.  
• Key Components:  
  • Central Financial Assistance (CFA): Provides financial support to residential consumers for installing rooftop solar panels through the National Portal. 
  • Model Solar Village: Create one Model Solar Village per district, promoting solar energy adoption. 
    • Villages with populations over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special states) are eligible for selection, and are evaluated on renewable energy capacity six months after being identified by the District Level Committee (DLC).  
      • The village with the highest RE capacity in each district receives Rs 1 crore in financial assistance. 
• Expected Outcomes: 
  • The scheme is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 720 million tonnes over the lifetime of the rooftop systems. 
  • An estimated 17 lakh direct jobs will be generated across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, installation, and operations. 
  • The scheme will contribute 30 GW to India’s solar energy capacity through residential rooftop systems. 
  • Households can earn income by selling surplus electricity to DISCOMs, with systems like the 3 kW rooftop setup generating over 300 units per month. 

Semi-Dirac Fermion and Fundamental Particles

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

Physicists from Columbia University and Pennsylvania State University discovered a unique particle known as the semi-Dirac fermion. 

• This finding not only offers fresh insights into the properties of fundamental particles but also holds potential implications for  quantum physics. 

What is a Semi-Dirac Fermion?  

• About: A semi-Dirac fermion is a particle that has mass when moving in one direction but not in a perpendicular direction, which is a unique behavior. It was discovered in the crystalline material zirconium silicon sulphide (ZrSiS). 
• Dirac Fermions vs. Semi-Dirac Fermions: 
  • Dirac Fermions: Have mass and are distinct from their anti-particles. 
  • Semi-Dirac Fermions: Have mass along certain directional axes and can behave differently under various conditions. This unique mass behavior is due to their interaction with electric and magnetic forces in specific materials. 
• Quasiparticles: The semi-Dirac fermion is a quasiparticle, meaning it behaves like a single particle under specific conditions but is made up of multiple energy packets or particles (similar to protons). 

What are Fundamental Particles? 

• About: Fundamental particles, or elementary particles, make up atoms and lack internal structure.  
  • The Standard Model of particle physics explains 17 fundamental particles, divided into fermions and bosons,  which are the building blocks of matter and energy, excluding gravity. 

• Fermions and Bosons:  
  • Fermions: These particles make up matter and follow the Pauli Exclusion Principle (no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state), which helps them maintain their form and not collapse.  
    • They have odd half-integer spins (angular momentum) (1/2, 3/2, and 5/2). 
    • They include protons, neutrons, electrons, neutrinos, and quarks. These are the basic building blocks of everything around us. 
    • Fermions can be further classified as Dirac or Majorana fermions. 
      • Dirac fermions are fermions that may or may not have mass but are always different from their anti-particles (particles with opposite charge and properties). 
      • Majorana fermions are fermions that are also their own antiparticles. 
  • Bosons: Bosons are responsible for transmitting forces between particles. Unlike fermions, bosons do not follow the Pauli exclusion principle, can exist in large numbers in the same quantum state, as observed in phenomena like superfluidity and leading to the formation of a Bose-Einstein Condensate (bosonic atoms are cooled to near absolute zero). 
    • Bosons include photons, gluons, and  Higgs boson, all of which act as force carriers. They have whole number spins (0, 1, 2, etc.). 
    • Bosons are divided into two categories as gauge bosons and scalar bosons.  
      • Gauge bosons (spin of 1), such as photons, gluons, carry fundamental forces like electromagnetic, strong, and weak nuclear forces.  
      • Scalar bosons, with a spin of 0, include the Higgs boson, which is responsible for giving particles mass. 
• Applications: Fundamental particles have various applications, including in medical imaging, nuclear energy (neutrons in fission).  
  • They also play a key role in quantum computing, particle therapy for cancer treatment, and electronics, where electrons power devices like transistors and semiconductors.  
  • These particles are central to advancing both practical technologies and fundamental physics research. 

Symbols of State

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Tripura unveiled its first official state emblem after approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).  

• The proposal for the emblem of the Government of Tripura has been approved under Rule 4(2) of the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007. 

 

What are the Provisions Related to the State’s Flag, Emblem and Song? 

• State Flag: States in India can have a state flag, as long as it does not supersede or contradict the Indian national flag as per the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. 
  • The Supreme Court of India (SC) in S. R. Bommai v. Union of India Case 1994 ruled that states can have their own flags, as long as they do not dishonor the national flag.  
    • SC further stated that the Constitution of India does not prohibit states from having their own flags.  
    • It held that the state flag should always be flown below the national flag, cannot be flown alongside it, and cannot be used for official or statutory purposes. 
• State Emblem: The State Emblem of India is regulated under the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005.  
  • States in India can adopt their emblem but require Union Home Ministry approval for state symbols.  
  • Authorized uses of states’ emblems include official seals, stationery, vehicles, and key public buildings. Unauthorized use for personal, organizational, or commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. 
• State Song: India lacks uniform legislation on state songs, which are typically approved by state legislatures or executives. These songs reflect the state's heritage and are sung at official events, ensuring respect for national unity and the national anthem. 
  • Example: West Bengal announced Poila Baisakh (first day of the Bengali month of Baisakh) as State Day (or Bangla Divas), and Banglar Mati Banglar Jal, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, as the State Song.

What is the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950? 

• About: 
  • The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 prohibits the unauthorized use of national emblems, names, and symbols for commercial purposes by private entities without proper permission. 
  • The Act also extends to state symbols, meaning that state emblems and names are protected under this legislation as well to ensure that state symbols are not misused for commercial purposes without proper authorization. 
• Prohibition of Improper Use : 
  • Section 3 of the Act prohibits the use of names or emblems listed in the Schedule, or their imitations, for trade, business, profession, or as trademarks/patents, without prior approval from the Central Government or an authorized officer. 

Threats to Wild Bees

Source: DTE 

A study published in journal Science, has revealed that over 70% of wild bee species, crucial for pollination, are at risk from pesticide residues in soil. 

• Key Finding of the Study: Current pesticide risk assessments mainly focus on honey bees, ignoring the impact on wild bees that nest in the soil.  
  • Pesticides like cyantraniliprole harm wild bees by reducing their survival and reproductive success, threatening future generations. 
• Importance of Bees: Bees are vital for pollinating many food crops, contributing directly to food security. A third of the world’s food production depends on them according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 
  • Honey bees, living in large colonies, use social detoxification strategies (collective behaviors to manage toxins) to buffer pesticide impacts. Wild, solitary bees lack this protection and are more vulnerable to pesticide exposure.  
• Pollination: It is the process of transferring pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, which allows the plant to reproduce.  
• Pollinator Decline Impact: The decline in wild bees populations due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change threatens plants that rely on bees for pollination, impacting global food security, Beekeeping (or apiculture) and biodiversity. 

Read more: World Bee Day 

Gaddi Dog

Source: DTE 

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR) has officially recognized the Gaddi dog, an indigenous breed from the Himalayan region. 

• The Gaddi dog is the fourth indigenous canine breed to be registered, following the Rajapalayam and Chippiparai breeds of Tamil Nadu and the Mudhol Hound of Karnataka. 
• The breed, named after the Gaddi tribe of Himachal Pradesh, is used to guard sheep and goats from predators and is nicknamed the ‘Indian Panther Hound’ or ‘Indian leopard Hound’ for its ability to fend off carnivores like the Snow Leopard. 
  • The Gaddi tribe of Himachal Pradesh is a semi-nomadic community traditionally involved in shepherding and wool processing. 
• Physical Features: The Gaddi dog is known for its massive, arched neck and a robust muscular body, with a black coat and occasional white markings.     
• Population Decline: The Gaddi dog, with a population under 1000, is facing extinction due to gene pool dilution and lack of breeding programs. 
• Conservation Effort: The recognition aims to help conserve the Gaddi breed, which is not yet acknowledged by major kennel clubs. 

Read more: Dholes 

Reevaluating Obesity Metrics

Source: HT 

The long-standing reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI) for diagnosing obesity is increasingly being questioned due to its limitations. 

• BMI can overestimate obesity in muscular individuals like athletes and underestimate obesity in those with excessive fat but low muscle mass. 
• The Lancet recommends using alternative metrics such as waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, and waist-height ratio, which consider gender, age, and ethnicity differences. 
  • Obesity should be classified as pre-clinical (no organ dysfunction) and clinical (with organ dysfunction and activity impairment). 
• BMI is a measure used to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight for a given height. It is calculated using a person's weight and height. 
• Obesity in India: As per The Lancet, 70% of India's urban population is classified as obese or overweight. 
  • India ranks 3rd, just behind the US and China, in the list of top 10 countries with the highest number of obese individuals. 
  • Obesity is a health condition caused by excessive body fat, diagnosed when BMI is 30 or higher. 

Read More: Growing Obesity in India 

Interpol’s Silver Notice

Source: TH 

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has emphasized that the new Interpol ‘Silver Notice’ is a more effective tool than Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) for tracing illicit assets across borders. 

Silver Notice 

• INTERPOL Silver Notice was launched in 2023 as part of a pilot phase, running until 2025, following consultations during the 2022 United Nations (UN) General Assembly.  
  • The initiative involves 52 countries, including India. 
• It is aimed at identifying and recovering criminal assets linked to illegal activities and trace laundered assets such as properties, vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses. 
• It enables member countries to request information about assets connected to criminal activities like fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental crimes.  

INTERPOL Notices: 

• INTERPOL Notices are international alerts that enable police in member countries to share crime-related information. 
• There are 8 types of Notices, in addition to the INTERPOL-UN Security Council (UNSC) Special Notice. 

 

• Notices can be requested by: 
  • A member country’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau (BHARATPOL in India). 
  • United Nations, International Criminal Tribunals and the International Criminal Court. 
• India has launched the 'BHARATPOL' portal to enhance the efficiency of Indian investigation agencies. 

INTERPOL:  

• INTERPOL is a global police organization that facilitates international cooperation to control crime.  
• It was founded in Vienna in 1923 and is headquartered in Lyon, France. 
• India became a member of INTERPOL in 1949. 

Read More: Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty: India- Poland, Notices of Interpol