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 uncommon and profitable instance of eliminating youngster labour by group participation. It was just lately highlighted on World Day In opposition to Baby Labour (June 12) for its sustainable and people-driven method.
Baby Labour – A International and Indian Drawback
- Baby Labour Globally:
- Round 160 million kids globally are nonetheless working as an alternative of attending college.
- Areas like Africa, Asia, and the Pacific account for almost 90% of kid labour.
- Influence of COVID-19:
- Faculty closures and household revenue losses pressured many kids to take up jobs.
- Many haven’t returned to high school since.
- Scenario in India:
- Census 2011 reported round 43.5 lakh youngster labourers aged 5–14 years.
- Frequent in industries like beedi-making, carpet weaving, and fireworks.
Authorized and Coverage Framework in India
- 1986: Baby Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act handed.
- 1987: Nationwide Coverage on Baby Labour targeted on phased rehabilitation.
- 2016: Modification Act banned youngster labour below 14 and unsafe work for 14–18 age group.
- Proper to Training Act: Free and obligatory training for six–14 age group.
The Velpur Mannequin: A Distinctive Neighborhood-Pushed Change
- Location: Velpur Mandal, Nizamabad district (now in Telangana).
- Preliminary Scenario: Excessive variety of youngster employees, group resistance, and misinformation.
- Launch of Marketing campaign: Began in June 2001, targeted on enrolling each youngster (5–15 years) at school. After 100 days, Velpur was declared youngster labour-free on October 2, 2001.
Key Actions Taken
- Neighborhood Mobilisation: Public conferences pressured the significance of education. Former employers forgave ₹35 lakh of household loans and supported kids’s training.
- Authorities Assist: Settlement signed between village heads and authorities below 1982 AP guidelines. Assured infrastructure, entry, and academics.
- Social Recognition: Boards put up in villages proudly stating “No youngster labour in our village.” Celebrated in 2021 throughout Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Outcomes and Influence
- Sustained Success: Zero dropouts, 100% college retention even 20+ years later. Recognised by ILO, VVGNLI, NHRC, and even President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Coaching and Coverage Worth: The mannequin is utilized in labour coaching programmes. Offered earlier than Parliamentary Standing Committee in 2022.
Conclusion
Velpur’s success exhibits that long-term social change is feasible when communities lead the motion. Empowering native participation is crucial to completely get rid of youngster labour.
UDHAMPUR-SRINAGAR-BARAMULLA RAIL LINK (USBRL)
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Hyperlink (USBRL) has been inaugurated, marking a serious step in bodily and emotionally connecting Kashmir with the remainder of India. It goals to spice up regional integration, financial development, and safety within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Options of the Challenge
- The USBRL is 272 km lengthy, stretching from Udhampur to Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir.
- The route contains 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, overcoming robust mountainous terrain.
- The Chenab Rail Bridge, a part of this hyperlink, is the world’s highest railway arch, standing 359 meters above the river.
- The full value of the challenge is estimated at round ₹43,780 crore.
Strategic Significance
- Enhances connectivity in a area usually impacted by battle and pure boundaries.
- Serves as a image of integration, serving to to scale back emotions of alienation amongst individuals within the Valley.
- Improves motion of individuals and items, supporting nationwide unity and inside safety.
Financial and Tourism Increase
- Higher rail entry can spur native companies, commerce, and tourism, that are essential for Jammu and Kashmir’s economic system.
- The rail hyperlink is anticipated to make journey safer and extra inexpensive for residents and guests.
Technological and Engineering Milestones
- Contains the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
- Plans to run Vande Bharat Categorical trains between Katra and Srinagar, providing quick and environment friendly journey.
Safety and Governance Influence
- Facilitates faster deployment of forces if wanted in delicate zones.
- Signifies India’s long-term strategic focus on peace, improvement, and stability post-Operation Sindoor.
Approach Ahead
- Develop multi-modal connectivity, equivalent to integrating railways with roadways and air networks.
- Parallel investments in training, healthcare, and job creation will assist guarantee the total advantages of connectivity attain individuals on the bottom.
Conclusion
The USBRL challenge is greater than only a railway line. It’s a transformative infrastructure that brings Kashmir nearer to the remainder of India, paving the best way for long-term peace, financial development, and nationwide integration.
RISE IN VIOLENT CRIMES BY JUVENILES IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Current knowledge from 2022 exhibits that just about 50% of juveniles apprehended in India had been accused of violent crimes, elevating issues in regards to the rising pattern of great offences dedicated by minors. The difficulty has gained nationwide consideration following a number of high-profile incidents.
Transient Context of the Difficulty
- A British net sequence Adolescence just lately revived discussions on youth violence and on-line affect, resonating globally, together with in India.
- Circumstances of younger boys concerned in homicide, assault, and sexual offences have highlighted deeper social and behavioural issues.
Rising Juvenile Involvement in Violent Crimes
- Definition of Violent Crimes: Contains critical acts equivalent to homicide, rape, assault, theft, arson, and dacoity.
- Excludes: Non-violent crimes like theft, dishonest, rash driving, and public misconduct.
- Nationwide Developments: Although complete juvenile instances 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 identical interval. This implies each second juvenile apprehended in 2022 was concerned in a violent offence.
State-Smart Developments
- Highest Circumstances (2017–2022):
- Madhya Pradesh: 21.8% of all violent juvenile crimes.
- Maharashtra: 18%.
- Rajasthan (9.6%), Chhattisgarh (8.4%), and Tamil Nadu (5.8%) observe.
- Delhi’s Notable Share:
- Regardless of its smaller dimension, Delhi accounts for 6.8%, probably attributable to higher case reporting.
- Proportion-wise Hotspots:
- Jharkhand: Highest proportion of violent crimes amongst juvenile offences (67%).
- Over 60% in Tripura, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Regional Patterns
- Central and japanese States have emerged as violence-prone zones for juvenile crimes.
- Odisha stands out within the area with solely 10% of juvenile crimes being violent.
Conclusion
The growing involvement of minors in violent offences is a critical concern, demanding pressing social, psychological, and authorized consideration. A mixture of consciousness, counselling, higher policing, and group engagement is important to reverse this pattern.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO THE CASTE CENSUS
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Union Cupboard has authorised caste-based knowledge assortment within the subsequent nationwide Census. This transfer follows state-level surveys in Bihar (2023) and Telangana (2025), which revealed deep-rooted social imbalances.
Background of the difficulty:
- Caste has been a key think about entry to training, jobs, housing, and welfare.
- But, India has not had an official caste census since 1931, limiting the power to plan inclusive improvement.
- Previous makes an attempt just like the 2011 SECC had been flawed and never formally launched.
State Surveys
- Bihar’s 2023 survey:
- OBCs + EBCs type over 63% of the inhabitants.
- SCs: 19.65%, STs: 1.68%, Normal class: 15.52%.
- Round 34% of households earn beneath ₹200/day, with SCs worse affected.
- Telangana’s 2025 survey:
- BCs: 56.33%, with BC Muslims forming 10.08%.
- These knowledge spotlight that marginalised communities type the bulk however stay underrepresented in public establishments.
Want for Dependable Caste Knowledge
- In Central Universities:
- Solely 4% of professors are OBCs.
- 85% belong to the Normal class.
- Lack of caste knowledge hinders the implementation of reservation and welfare insurance policies successfully.
What’s a Social Administration Strategy?
- Not like top-down welfare that assumes “one-size-fits-all,” this methodology:
- Begins with correct knowledge on caste and wish.
- Targets insurance policies primarily based on historic drawback.
- Treats caste as a planning variable, not a taboo.
- Tamil Nadu and Karnataka use such strategies to regulate insurance policies on scholarships, reservations, and budgets.
International Examples
- USA information race/ethnicity knowledge in its Census.
- South Africa and Brazil gather knowledge on language, race, and ethnicity for inclusive insurance policies.
- These examples present how id knowledge can be utilized to appropriate inequalities, not worsen them.
Democratic Worth of the Caste Census
- Promotes transparency and accountability.
- Helps monitor welfare supply by caste.
- Can reveal elite seize inside caste teams.
- Helps social justice actions for land, housing, labour rights, and gender fairness.
Conclusion
A caste census isn’t about dividing society, however about recognising systemic gaps and utilizing knowledge to construct a fairer, extra inclusive nation.
GOVT’S QUALITY CONTROL PUSH TO BOOST EXPORTS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The central authorities plans to make use of High quality Management Orders (QCOs) to boost the usual of Indian exports as an alternative of providing extra subsidies, aiming to make industries globally aggressive.
Shift from Subsidies to High quality Focus
- The federal government believes subsidies alone haven’t considerably improved export outcomes.
- Therefore, emphasis is shifting to non-subsidy assist like: Simplifying land acquisition, Easing regulatory hurdles
- The important thing focus now’s implementing QCOs to make sure Indian items meet worldwide high quality benchmarks.
What are High quality Management Orders (QCOs)?
- QCOs are authorized mandates requiring merchandise made, offered, imported, or exported to observe requirements set by the Bureau of Indian Requirements (BIS).
- They goal to stop sub-standard items from getting into home or world markets.
- This is applicable to each home consumption and export manufacturing.
Ongoing Debates Round QCOs
Exemptions to Safeguard Exporters
- Sure exporters are exempted from necessary QCOs, together with:
- Items below Advance Authorisation schemes
- Export-Oriented Items (EOUs)
- Corporations working in Particular Financial Zones (SEZs)
Particular Case – Uncommon Earth Batteries
- Regardless of the anti-subsidy stance, the government is reconsidering assist for uncommon earth battery manufacturing, attributable to: China’s export ban, Pressing want for provide diversification
Trade Calls for
- Some sectors proceed to demand monetary support. Instance: The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) urged a ₹10,000–15,000/kWh subsidy for different gasoline utilized in mining equipment.
Conclusion
The federal government is taking a harder stance by linking export success to product high quality, not subsidies. Whereas this will problem small companies initially, it seeks to construct long-term competitiveness in world commerce.
INDIA’S FIRST E-WASTE RECYCLING PARK
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The Delhi authorities has introduced the event of India’s first E-Waste Eco Park at Holambi Kalan, aiming to handle rising digital waste sustainably and promote a round economic system.
E-Waste Eco Park
- The park can be arrange at Holambi Kalan, North-West Delhi.
- It’s India’s first built-in facility devoted to digital waste recycling.
- Unfold throughout 11.4 acres, it’s going to course of as much as 51,000 metric tonnes of e-waste yearly.
Challenge Implementation
- Can be developed by DSIIDC (Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Growth Company).
- Constructed below a Public-Non-public Partnership (PPP) utilizing the DBFOT mannequin: Design, Construct, Finance, Function, and Switch
- The park can be operated below a 15-year concession interval.
Separate zones for:
-
- Dismantling and refurbishing
- Element testing and plastic restoration
- Second-hand electronics market
- Talent improvement and coaching centres for casual employees.
- Estimated to generate over 1,000 inexperienced jobs.
Significance and Influence
- Anticipated to deal with 25% of Delhi’s e-waste effectively.
- Promotes sustainable city infrastructure and sensible recycling fashions.
- Reduces hazardous waste, curbs landfill use, and permits useful resource restoration.
- Serves as a nationwide mannequin for e-waste administration.
Conclusion
The E-Waste Eco Park marks a giant step towards formalising India’s e-waste recycling system. It promotes inexperienced employment, useful resource effectivity, and is a mannequin of environmentally accountable city planning.
POSON POYA FESTIVAL
TOPIC: (GS1) CULTURE: THE HINDU
Sri Lanka noticed Poson Poya on June 10–11, 2025, commemorating over 2,000 years since Buddhism was launched to the island by Arahat Mahinda from India.
What’s Poson Poya?
- Celebrated yearly on the full moon day of June.
- Second solely to Vesak when it comes to spiritual significance in Sri Lanka.
- Commemorates the arrival of Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
- Mahinda’s assembly with King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale is taken into account a historic non secular occasion.
Celebrations and Practices
- Noticed throughout Sri Lanka, with main occasions in Mihintale and Anuradhapura.
- Pilgrims gown in white, provide prayers at temples, meditate, and observe silence.
- Neighborhood actions embrace: Dansals (free meals stalls), Lantern shows, Non secular processions and cultural performances
- Promotes Buddhist values of compassion, non-violence (ahimsa), and unity.
Buddhism in Sri Lanka – A Historic Hyperlink
- Launched in 236 BCE in the course of the reign of King Devanampiyatissa.
- Sparked a non secular and cultural revival throughout the island.
- Led to development of stupas, monasteries, and the expansion of Theravāda Buddhism.
- Reinforces civilizational ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
Poson Poya isn’t just a non secular celebration however a reminder of the deep cultural and non secular bonds between India and Sri Lanka. It showcases the affect of Indian Buddhism on Sri Lankan id and continues to foster shared values throughout borders.
INDIA–CANADA RELATIONS: A CHANCE TO RESET TIES
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to go to Canada for the G-7 Summit outreach. This go to is seen as a possibility to ease diplomatic tensions following the 2023 row over the killing of a Khalistani separatist chief.
Background of the Dispute:
- In 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being concerned within 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, each nations decreased their diplomatic workers, and India suspended visa companies to Canadian residents.
- Talks on the proposed Free Commerce Settlement (FTA) had been additionally paused, affecting financial engagement.
Points in Bilateral Relations:
- Khalistani Motion: India considers it a menace to its sovereignty, whereas some extremist components in Canada proceed to assist it. This situation has lengthy precipitated friction in bilateral ties.
- Diplomatic Pressure: The withdrawal of diplomats and suspension of consular companies weakened public diplomacy and bilateral engagement.
- Financial Influence: Ongoing commerce talks had been stalled, together with the Early Progress Commerce Settlement (EPTA), affecting potential financial advantages for each nations.
Current Optimistic Developments:
- The upcoming G-7 summit presents an opportunity for top-level engagement to handle core issues and rebuild belief.
- India has agreed to carry a regulation enforcement dialogue with Canada, indicating a willingness to cooperate on safety issues.
- Resumption of diplomatic dialogue might assist normalize ties progressively.
Strategic Significance of the Relationship:
- The Indian diaspora in Canada, numbering round 1.86 million, performs an important function in connecting the 2 nations socially and economically.
- Whereas high-level conferences assist set the tone, rebuilding the connection would require constant engagement on the working stage.
Approach Ahead:
- Restore Diplomatic Channels: Reappoint Excessive Commissioners and resume full consular operations to rebuild confidence.
- Resume Commerce Talks: Revive negotiations on FTA or EPTA to reinforce financial cooperation.
- Strengthen Mutual Respect: Preserve diplomatic maturity and keep away from public confrontations. Respect for one another’s sovereignty ought to information future engagement.
G7 COUNTRIES
What’s the G7?
- Full Kind: Group of Seven (G7)
- Nature: A casual group of superior industrial economies that meet yearly to debate world financial governance, worldwide safety, local weather change, and different urgent points.
- Established: 1975 (initially as G6; Canada joined in 1976)
- Function: Coordinate insurance policies on world financial and political issues, particularly these associated to democracy, free markets, and worldwide cooperation.
Listing of G7 International locations: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan
- European Union (EU) additionally participates in G7 conferences however isn’t formally a member.
India’s Standing
- Not a G7 Member: India isn’t a proper member of the G7.
- Common Invitee: India is commonly invited to attend G7 outreach summits as a visitor or particular companion, particularly in recent times.
Conclusion:
India and Canada should use this chance to rebuild ties by dialogue, mutual respect, and shared pursuits. Strengthening diplomatic and financial cooperation may help each nations transfer ahead in a constructive and steady method.
SHAHED DRONES
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Iranian-origin Shahed drones, broadly utilized by Russia within the Ukraine warfare, have drawn world consideration attributable to their low value and skill to conduct precision assaults. Their growing use in trendy warfare raises issues over drone warfare, protection preparedness, and world arms commerce.
What are Shahed Drones?
- Developed by Shahed Aviation Industries in Iran.
- Generally known as “Geran-2” in Russia.
- Categorized as Unmanned Fight Aerial Automobiles (UCAVs) and loitering munitions.
Design and Capabilities
- Single-use drones designed to crash into targets and explode on influence.
- Shahed-136 is probably the most generally used mannequin.
- Includes a delta-wing form, round 200 kg in weight, and 2.5–3 meters wingspan.
Vary and Pace
- Can fly between 1,000 to 2,500 km.
- Most velocity: round 185 km/h.
- Launched utilizing rocket boosters, then powered by a piston engine with a distinctive motorbike-like sound.
Navigation and Accuracy
- Operates utilizing pre-set GPS or GLONASS coordinates.
- Troublesome to jam attributable to its pre-programmed path.
- Newest variations might embrace AI-based focusing on programs.
Warhead Sorts
- Carries varied explosives like: Excessive-explosive fragmentation, Thermobaric warheads, Shrapnel-packed fees
Conclusion
Shahed drones have modified the battlefield by providing cost-effective, long-range strike choices. Their use displays a shift in world warfare, the place low cost, unmanned weapons may cause excessive influence, elevating challenges for conventional air protection programs.
The put up Every day Present Affairs 12-June-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.