12 JULY 2025 The Hindu Current Affairs Simplified - UPSC FOUNDATION
Tags:
India Gender Gap Report 2025, Simultaneous Elections Bill, English Medium Debate, US Sanctions UN Gaza, Electoral Reforms, Women’s Rights, NEP Policy, UN ICC ICJ, Human Rights, Constitution Amendment, Care Economy, Education Language Policy, Parliamentary Oversight, Israel Gaza War, Global Inequality, Policy Blind Spots
Simultaneous Election Bill – Concerns by Former CJIs (All Points Included)
1. Context and Purpose
A Joint Parliamentary Committee is reviewing two major bills:
Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024
Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
These aim to enable simultaneous elections across India for Parliament and State Assemblies.
2. Concern: Excessive Powers Given to Election Commission (EC)
Former CJIs D.Y. Chandrachud and J.S. Khehar stated that the Bill gives the EC unlimited powers to decide when and whether to hold elections in a State.
The law includes no oversight clause to check or monitor these powers.
Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi also raised similar concerns in an earlier meeting.
3. Bill Does Not Violate Basic Structure
Both Justice Chandrachud and Justice Khehar clarified that the Basic Structure of the Constitution is not violated by the proposed Bill.
4. Suggestion: Role for Parliament or Union Cabinet
Justice Khehar suggested that Parliament or the Union Council of Ministers should be involved in deciding when State elections are to be held.
This relates to Section 82A(5) of the Bill, which currently states:
If the EC feels State Assembly elections cannot be held with the general Lok Sabha elections, it may recommend to the President to declare that the Assembly election be conducted later.
5. Issue with ‘Remaining Term’ Clause
Both CJIs pointed out a loophole: If a State Assembly is dissolved early, the law says elections must be held for the remaining term.
Justice Khehar questioned the usefulness of holding elections for only a short period—for example, three months or even a week.
Justice Chandrachud agreed and suggested that Parliament must clearly define what is meant by the "remaining period."
Relevance for CBSE Classes 10, 11, 12 (All Subjects)
This topic relates to Political Science, Legal Studies, and Civics. It highlights how constitutional changes and electoral reforms can affect the roles of institutions like the EC and Parliament. Students can learn about separation of powers, judicial oversight, and amendment procedures under the Indian Constitution.
Top Vocabulary (With Simple Meanings)
Unbridled – Uncontrolled or without limits
Oversight – Monitoring or supervision
Amendment – A change or addition to a legal document
Loophole – A weakness in a law that can be misused
Simultaneous – Happening at the same time
Remaining period – The time left in an Assembly’s term
Envisaged – Planned or intended in a proposal
U.S. Sanctions on UN Official – Dangerous and Absurd
1. U.S. Sanctions on Francesca Albanese
The United States has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in occupied Palestinian Territories since 1967.
The U.S. action came after she criticised Israel’s war in Gaza.
Sanctions were announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The scope of the sanctions is unclear but likely includes travel and visa bans, and possible asset freezes.
2. Reaction from the United Nations
The UN and top UN Human Rights Council officials called this a “dangerous precedent”.
Ms. Albanese’s position is mandated by the UN Human Rights Council.
U.S. actions undermine global multilateral institutions by treating UN work as criminal.
3. Albanese’s Reports and Statements
In a June report, she urged international organisations to prosecute corporate and multinational companies helping to fund the war.
She has accused Israel of carrying out the “cruellest genocide” in Gaza and of taking over the Gaza Strip.
She has also called for investigation into the “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation”, a U.S.-Israeli NGO.
4. Political Background
These U.S. actions are seen as linked to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, during which he announced that his government would nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
5. U.S. Justifications and Legal Concerns
The U.S. claims Ms. Albanese is being sanctioned for engaging with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC had already been sanctioned by President Donald Trump through an executive order.
Marco Rubio argued that she tried to prosecute U.S. and Israeli nationals without their consent, but this claim is not legally valid.
He also accused her of antisemitism and supporting terrorism, but these allegations are not supported by facts.
6. ICC and ICJ Role
The ICC and International Court of Justice (ICJ) have received petitions from over 40 countries and international organisations demanding action against Israel.
It is unreasonable to hold Ms. Albanese responsible for the ICC or ICJ’s independent actions.
7. Absurdity of U.S. Focus
With rising deaths in Gaza and no ceasefire or hostage deal, the U.S. focusing on one UN official is called absurd and outrageous.
The action appears to be an attempt to silence a critical voice, using the power of the most influential country.
8. Global Reaction and Call for Ceasefire
Global outrage over Israel’s actions in Gaza and U.S. support for them is growing.
The BRICS summit, which India also joined, condemned these actions.
There is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, not pressure on individuals like Ms. Albanese.
Relevance for CBSE Classes 10, 11, 12 (All Subjects)
This topic connects to Political Science, Legal Studies, and International Relations. It shows how international laws and human rights are challenged by powerful nations, and helps students understand the roles of the UN, ICC, and ICJ, and the idea of sovereignty vs global accountability.
Top Vocabulary (With Simple Meanings)
Sanctions – Punishments like bans or restrictions imposed by a country
Rapporteur – A person officially appointed to report on a specific issue
Multilateral – Involving many countries or organisations
Genocide – Mass killing of a particular group of people
Precedent – An earlier action that sets an example for future situations
Mandated – Officially required or authorised
Outrageous – Shockingly bad or unacceptable
English Dreams – Imposing Any Language as the Medium of Instruction is Unacceptable
India Gender Gap Report 2025, Simultaneous Elections Bill, English Medium Debate, US Sanctions UN Gaza, Electoral Reforms, Women’s Rights, NEP Policy, UN ICC ICJ, Human Rights, Constitution Amendment, Care Economy, Education Language Policy, Parliamentary Oversight, Israel Gaza War, Global Inequality, Policy Blind Spots
A Joint Parliamentary Committee is reviewing two major bills:
Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024
Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
These aim to enable simultaneous elections across India for Parliament and State Assemblies.
Former CJIs D.Y. Chandrachud and J.S. Khehar stated that the Bill gives the EC unlimited powers to decide when and whether to hold elections in a State.
The law includes no oversight clause to check or monitor these powers.
Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi also raised similar concerns in an earlier meeting.
Both Justice Chandrachud and Justice Khehar clarified that the Basic Structure of the Constitution is not violated by the proposed Bill.
Justice Khehar suggested that Parliament or the Union Council of Ministers should be involved in deciding when State elections are to be held.
This relates to Section 82A(5) of the Bill, which currently states:
If the EC feels State Assembly elections cannot be held with the general Lok Sabha elections, it may recommend to the President to declare that the Assembly election be conducted later.
Both CJIs pointed out a loophole: If a State Assembly is dissolved early, the law says elections must be held for the remaining term.
Justice Khehar questioned the usefulness of holding elections for only a short period—for example, three months or even a week.
Justice Chandrachud agreed and suggested that Parliament must clearly define what is meant by the "remaining period."
This topic relates to Political Science, Legal Studies, and Civics. It highlights how constitutional changes and electoral reforms can affect the roles of institutions like the EC and Parliament. Students can learn about separation of powers, judicial oversight, and amendment procedures under the Indian Constitution.
Unbridled – Uncontrolled or without limits
Oversight – Monitoring or supervision
Amendment – A change or addition to a legal document
Loophole – A weakness in a law that can be misused
Simultaneous – Happening at the same time
Remaining period – The time left in an Assembly’s term
Envisaged – Planned or intended in a proposal
The United States has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in occupied Palestinian Territories since 1967.
The U.S. action came after she criticised Israel’s war in Gaza.
Sanctions were announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The scope of the sanctions is unclear but likely includes travel and visa bans, and possible asset freezes.
The UN and top UN Human Rights Council officials called this a “dangerous precedent”.
Ms. Albanese’s position is mandated by the UN Human Rights Council.
U.S. actions undermine global multilateral institutions by treating UN work as criminal.
In a June report, she urged international organisations to prosecute corporate and multinational companies helping to fund the war.
She has accused Israel of carrying out the “cruellest genocide” in Gaza and of taking over the Gaza Strip.
She has also called for investigation into the “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation”, a U.S.-Israeli NGO.
These U.S. actions are seen as linked to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, during which he announced that his government would nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The U.S. claims Ms. Albanese is being sanctioned for engaging with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC had already been sanctioned by President Donald Trump through an executive order.
Marco Rubio argued that she tried to prosecute U.S. and Israeli nationals without their consent, but this claim is not legally valid.
He also accused her of antisemitism and supporting terrorism, but these allegations are not supported by facts.
The ICC and International Court of Justice (ICJ) have received petitions from over 40 countries and international organisations demanding action against Israel.
It is unreasonable to hold Ms. Albanese responsible for the ICC or ICJ’s independent actions.
With rising deaths in Gaza and no ceasefire or hostage deal, the U.S. focusing on one UN official is called absurd and outrageous.
The action appears to be an attempt to silence a critical voice, using the power of the most influential country.
Global outrage over Israel’s actions in Gaza and U.S. support for them is growing.
The BRICS summit, which India also joined, condemned these actions.
There is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, not pressure on individuals like Ms. Albanese.
This topic connects to Political Science, Legal Studies, and International Relations. It shows how international laws and human rights are challenged by powerful nations, and helps students understand the roles of the UN, ICC, and ICJ, and the idea of sovereignty vs global accountability.
Sanctions – Punishments like bans or restrictions imposed by a country
Rapporteur – A person officially appointed to report on a specific issue
Multilateral – Involving many countries or organisations
Genocide – Mass killing of a particular group of people
Precedent – An earlier action that sets an example for future situations
Mandated – Officially required or authorised
Outrageous – Shockingly bad or unacceptable
1. English as an Aspiration and Uneven Policy
English medium education is an aspiration for many Indians.
State policy on the medium of instruction has been uneven across time and regions.
The ongoing language debate is connected to the Bharatiya Janata Party's efforts to implement a three-language policy.
A key issue in this debate is the choice of the medium of instruction.
English medium education is an aspiration for many Indians.
State policy on the medium of instruction has been uneven across time and regions.
The ongoing language debate is connected to the Bharatiya Janata Party's efforts to implement a three-language policy.
A key issue in this debate is the choice of the medium of instruction.
2. Mother Tongue and Learning
Educationists argue that instruction in the mother tongue helps children achieve better learning outcomes in early stages.
This view is supported by pedagogical research.
However, it cannot operate in isolation from factors like:
Constitutional rights
Ground realities
In India, even identifying a child’s mother tongue is often contested due to linguistic diversity.
Educationists argue that instruction in the mother tongue helps children achieve better learning outcomes in early stages.
This view is supported by pedagogical research.
However, it cannot operate in isolation from factors like:
Constitutional rights
Ground realities
In India, even identifying a child’s mother tongue is often contested due to linguistic diversity.
3. Constitutional Rights and Supreme Court Judgment
The freedom of expression and choice is a constitutional right.
In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled against a 1994 Karnataka government order that made Kannada compulsory as the medium till Class 4.
The Court stated:
Children have the right to choose.
The state cannot impose its view on what is good for them.
Private educational institutions also have the right to offer education based on market demand.
The freedom of expression and choice is a constitutional right.
In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled against a 1994 Karnataka government order that made Kannada compulsory as the medium till Class 4.
The Court stated:
Children have the right to choose.
The state cannot impose its view on what is good for them.
Private educational institutions also have the right to offer education based on market demand.
4. National Education Policy (NEP) and English
The National Education Policy (NEP) promoted by the Centre has an anti-English tone.
This goes against popular aspirations.
States like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu:
Promote their local language and culture
Also support English education through aided English medium schools
Demand for English medium education is increasing, even in Hindi-speaking regions.
This demand is largely met by substandard and expensive private institutions.
The National Education Policy (NEP) promoted by the Centre has an anti-English tone.
This goes against popular aspirations.
States like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu:
Promote their local language and culture
Also support English education through aided English medium schools
Demand for English medium education is increasing, even in Hindi-speaking regions.
This demand is largely met by substandard and expensive private institutions.
5. English and Social Empowerment
English skills help individuals and India in the global services sector.
Subaltern caste groups use English education to empower themselves and gain social mobility.
English remains a tool for upward mobility.
If government schools do not offer English medium instruction, only richer families can access it via private schools.
This leads to the reproduction and worsening of social inequalities, which is the opposite of education’s purpose.
English skills help individuals and India in the global services sector.
Subaltern caste groups use English education to empower themselves and gain social mobility.
English remains a tool for upward mobility.
If government schools do not offer English medium instruction, only richer families can access it via private schools.
This leads to the reproduction and worsening of social inequalities, which is the opposite of education’s purpose.
6. Final View
Knowledge of English is empowering and leads to opportunities.
While a debate on its role at the primary level can continue,
The true test of any education policy is:
How well it supports the ambitions of the most disadvantaged sections.
View India’s Gender Gap Report Ranking as a Warning
Knowledge of English is empowering and leads to opportunities.
While a debate on its role at the primary level can continue,
The true test of any education policy is:
How well it supports the ambitions of the most disadvantaged sections.
1. India’s Global Role vs Gender Equality
India is a global economic power, digital innovator, and has the world’s largest youth population.
But the Global Gender Gap Report (2025) by the World Economic Forum shows India is far behind in gender equality.
India ranks 131 out of 148 countries, with low scores in:
Economic participation
Health and survival
These are not just social issues — they show a structural failure slowing national growth.
India is a global economic power, digital innovator, and has the world’s largest youth population.
But the Global Gender Gap Report (2025) by the World Economic Forum shows India is far behind in gender equality.
India ranks 131 out of 148 countries, with low scores in:
Economic participation
Health and survival
These are not just social issues — they show a structural failure slowing national growth.
2. Health Gaps and Neglect
Although education levels for women have improved, women’s health and autonomy remain weak.
India has a skewed sex ratio at birth, showing strong son preference.
Women’s life expectancy is now lower than men’s.
Causes include:
Poor reproductive health services
Lack of preventive care and nutrition
Worst impact on rural and low-income women
More funding is needed for primary health care to improve access to education and health services.
Without good health, economic participation is not possible.
Although education levels for women have improved, women’s health and autonomy remain weak.
India has a skewed sex ratio at birth, showing strong son preference.
Women’s life expectancy is now lower than men’s.
Causes include:
Poor reproductive health services
Lack of preventive care and nutrition
Worst impact on rural and low-income women
More funding is needed for primary health care to improve access to education and health services.
Without good health, economic participation is not possible.
3. Widespread Anaemia
According to NFHS-5, nearly 57% of Indian women (15–49 age group) are anaemic.
This affects their ability to study, work, or carry pregnancies safely.
This serious but correctable issue shows that women’s health is not treated as a national priority.
According to NFHS-5, nearly 57% of Indian women (15–49 age group) are anaemic.
This affects their ability to study, work, or carry pregnancies safely.
This serious but correctable issue shows that women’s health is not treated as a national priority.
4. Low Economic Participation
India ranks 143rd in Economic Participation and Opportunity.
Women earn less than one-third of what men earn.
Labour force participation of women is very low.
In 2015, McKinsey projected that closing gender gaps could add $770 billion to GDP by 2025.
But in 2025, India has missed this opportunity.
At this rate, it could take more than 100 years to close the gender gap — and India is even slower than that.
India ranks 143rd in Economic Participation and Opportunity.
Women earn less than one-third of what men earn.
Labour force participation of women is very low.
In 2015, McKinsey projected that closing gender gaps could add $770 billion to GDP by 2025.
But in 2025, India has missed this opportunity.
At this rate, it could take more than 100 years to close the gender gap — and India is even slower than that.
5. Unpaid Work and Under-Representation
Women are engaged in informal and low-income work and are under-represented in key areas like:
Boardrooms
Budget decisions
Women’s real-life challenges are often ignored in policies.
Indian women do 7 times more unpaid domestic work than men (Time Use Survey).
This unpaid work is:
Invisible in national data
Not supported by public policy
Investing in care infrastructure (like childcare, eldercare, and maternity benefits) would:
Reduce this burden
Help women enter or rejoin the workforce
The lack of care services shows both a gender and economic failure.
Women are engaged in informal and low-income work and are under-represented in key areas like:
Boardrooms
Budget decisions
Women’s real-life challenges are often ignored in policies.
Indian women do 7 times more unpaid domestic work than men (Time Use Survey).
This unpaid work is:
Invisible in national data
Not supported by public policy
Investing in care infrastructure (like childcare, eldercare, and maternity benefits) would:
Reduce this burden
Help women enter or rejoin the workforce
The lack of care services shows both a gender and economic failure.
6. Policy Changes Needed
Central and State governments should:
Use time-use surveys
Do gender budgeting
Invest directly in care services
Uruguay and South Korea are examples of countries that have done this with good results.
Central and State governments should:
Use time-use surveys
Do gender budgeting
Invest directly in care services
Uruguay and South Korea are examples of countries that have done this with good results.
7. Ageing Population and Future Needs
India is facing a demographic shift:
Senior citizens will double by 2050, becoming 20% of the population
Most will be very old women, especially widows
Fertility rates are already below replacement level (NFHS-5).
The working-age population will shrink and elderly care needs will grow.
To keep economic growth, India must make sure women are healthy, supported, and working.
India is facing a demographic shift:
Senior citizens will double by 2050, becoming 20% of the population
Most will be very old women, especially widows
Fertility rates are already below replacement level (NFHS-5).
The working-age population will shrink and elderly care needs will grow.
To keep economic growth, India must make sure women are healthy, supported, and working.
8. Gender Equality as a National Priority
Gender equality is not just a rights issue — it is an economic and demographic need.
If women leave or are excluded from work:
The dependency ratio rises
Fewer workers will have to support more people
This will hurt fiscal stability
To fix this, India needs connected policies on:
Health
Labour
Social protection
Gender equality is not just a rights issue — it is an economic and demographic need.
If women leave or are excluded from work:
The dependency ratio rises
Fewer workers will have to support more people
This will hurt fiscal stability
To fix this, India needs connected policies on:
Health
Labour
Social protection
9. Final Message
India already has policies and slogans, but it needs real action and investment:
In public health that puts women first
In care services to reduce unpaid work
In policies that treat women as key economic contributors, not just beneficiaries
The Gender Gap Report is not just a ranking — it is a warning:
Unless India treats gender equality as central to its economic and demographic future, it risks losing the progress it has made.
India already has policies and slogans, but it needs real action and investment:
In public health that puts women first
In care services to reduce unpaid work
In policies that treat women as key economic contributors, not just beneficiaries
The Gender Gap Report is not just a ranking — it is a warning:
Unless India treats gender equality as central to its economic and demographic future, it risks losing the progress it has made.
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