GENDER EQUITY IN URBAN BUREAUCRACY
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The rising tempo of urbanisation in India has highlighted the pressing want for gender steadiness in metropolis planning and governance. Regardless of rising feminine illustration on the grassroots, girls stay underrepresented in city bureaucracies, particularly in decision-making roles.
City Transformation in India
- By 2050, over 800 million Indians will dwell in city areas.
- This shift calls for inclusive and gender-sensitive planning to make sure honest entry to companies and infrastructure.
- Constitutional reforms just like the 73rd and 74th Amendments supplied 33% reservation for girls in native governments.
- Some states have prolonged this to 50% for Panchayats and City Native Our bodies (ULBs).
Hole in City Paperwork
- Whereas girls’s participation in native politics has grown, city administrative management stays male-dominated.
- Girls make up solely 20% of the Indian Administrative Service and even much less in municipal and engineering roles.
- Solely 11.7% of India’s city workforce in core companies like city planning, transport, and engineering are girls.
- This gender hole impacts how cities are designed and whom they serve.
Why Gender Fairness Issues in City Governance
- Cities with out gender-responsive planning typically ignore girls’s security, mobility, and wishes.
- For instance, 84% of girls in Delhi depend on public/shared transport, but city planning nonetheless provides precedence to vehicles and highways.
- Together with extra girls in paperwork helps align metropolis planning with actual wants and improves security, entry, and public companies.
Missed Alternatives in Gender Budgeting
- Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) is a vital instrument to make sure that insurance policies profit all genders.
- States like Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have began implementing GRB.
- Nonetheless, on the metropolis stage, GRB isn’t used, making city improvement much less inclusive.
- Nations like Rwanda, Brazil, and South Korea have used GRB to enhance healthcare, schooling, and girls’s mobility.
Means Ahead
- Institutionalise GRB in all city our bodies, backed by capability constructing and funding.
- Improve girls’s illustration in city planning, budgeting, and administrative posts.
- Guarantee gender fairness by means of coverage reforms, management coaching, and inclusive design of city companies.
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
- 33% Reservation: Reserves one-third (33%) of seats for girls within the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
- Additionally Contains SC/ST Quota: Throughout the 33%, reservation is supplied proportionately for SC and ST girls.
- Applies to Lok Sabha & State Assemblies: Does not apply to Rajya Sabha or Legislative Councils.
- Implementation after Delimitation: Will likely be carried out solely after the following delimitation train (probably after 2026 Census and delimitation).
- Reservation Validity: Reservation will proceed for 15 years, however might be prolonged by Parliament.
- No Quota for OBCs: The invoice does not embody a separate quota for OBC girls, which has been a requirement from some political events.
Girls’s Participation in Latest Lok Sabha Elections (2024)
- File Variety of Girls Elected: 74 girls MPs elected to the 18th Lok Sabha – highest ever, however nonetheless solely about 13.6% of complete MPs.
- Extra Girls Candidates: Over 800 girls contested in 2024, in comparison with 724 in 2019.
- Low Illustration Regardless of Rising Numbers: Girls make up virtually half of India’s inhabitants, but their illustration in Parliament continues to be low.
- States with Excessive Girls Winners: States like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha had comparatively higher illustration of girls MPs.
Conclusion:
As India strikes towards turning into a $5 trillion economic system, cities should work for everybody. Inclusive and gender-balanced city governance is crucial to constructing fairer, safer, and extra equal cities—particularly for girls.
WEST ASIA RESET AND GLOBAL DE-ESCALATION
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The current ceasefire between Israel and Iran marks a big turning level in West Asia’s geopolitical panorama. This improvement alerts a broader reset within the area, with world implications for peace and safety.
Background of the Disaster
- The current navy confrontation between Israel and Iran noticed assaults on Iranian nuclear services and missile responses.
- America supported Israel’s actions, with most world powers remaining silent.
- A ceasefire was later introduced, marking the start of a strategic pause in hostilities.
New Energy Steadiness in West Asia
- With Iran’s nuclear program now reportedly neutralized, Israel turns into the one nuclear energy within the area.
- Over 40,000 American troops are stationed within the area, solidifying U.S. dominance.
- Regional gamers like Gulf nations, Egypt, and Jordan at the moment are pressured to regulate to this new actuality.
Considerations Over Regional Stability
- Iran’s allies (Syria, Hezbollah, and Houthis) suffered within the battle, weakening Iran’s affect.
- Nonetheless, consultants warn that destabilizing Iran might empower extremist teams like ISIS and al-Qaeda.
- A weakened Iran might also make approach for proxy conflicts and energy vacuums in locations like Syria and Iraq.
Position of the US
- U.S. actions have been seen as supporting a shift in regional order, favoring Israel.
- Critics argue that America’s silence on Palestinian statehood and Gaza blockade provides to regional unrest.
- Whereas the ceasefire is welcomed, it’s seen as a short-term de-escalation, not a everlasting resolution.
International Reactions and Strategic Implications
- European nations, Russia, and China largely selected to not intervene, regardless of their formal partnerships with Iran.
- This silence displays the world acceptance of the West Asia reset, although it might include long-term penalties.
- Analysts imagine this might redraw the political map of West Asia, giving more room to Israel and diminishing the Arab world’s affect.
India’s Place
- India has remained impartial, avoiding statements in favour of both facet.
- With giant diaspora populations and strategic pursuits within the area, India prefers to keep balanced ties with each Israel and Iran.
Conclusion:
The ceasefire between Israel and Iran could look like a constructive improvement, however the deeper geopolitical shifts sign long-term instability. True peace would require inclusive options and recognition of all regional considerations—particularly the rights of Palestinians.
NUCLEAR BRINKMANSHIP – IRAN, ISRAEL & U.S. TENSIONS
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS
After days of heavy navy exchanges, Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire. Nonetheless, considerations have grown over nuclear tensions as Israel reportedly focused Iran’s nuclear websites with assist from the U.S.
Background of the Battle
- A 12-day-long trade of missile strikes and air assaults between Iran and Israel not too long ago befell.
- Following this, each nations agreed to a ceasefire, however the battle raised world alarms over potential nuclear escalation.
- Israel’s actions included pre-emptive assaults on Iranian nuclear services, with U.S. backing.
Points within the Present Disaster
- Iran is a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has allowed worldwide inspection of its nuclear program.
- Nonetheless, current assaults could have broken Iran’s uranium enrichment services, rising the chance of nuclear retaliation.
- Iran had earlier agreed to the Joint Complete Plan of Motion (JCPOA) in 2015 with the P5+1 nations, together with the U.S.
- The deal collapsed after the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA beneath President Trump, resulting in renewed tensions.
Considerations Over Nuclear Escalation
- Israel’s refusal to signal the NPT or enable inspections raises fears of double requirements and nuclear hypocrisy.
- Iran’s inner debate on quitting the NPT and constructing nuclear weapons is gaining traction in response to exterior threats.
- These actions could result in regional instability and nuclear arms race, particularly with Russia’s involvement in Ukraine.
International Implications
- This example highlights the failure of worldwide nuclear norms, the place highly effective nations act with out accountability.
- There’s a want for world nuclear disarmament, particularly amongst declared and undeclared nuclear powers.
BACKGROUND OF THE CONFLICT
Iran is a Shia-majority Islamic Republic, and Israel is a Jewish state. They don’t share diplomatic ties and are long-time rivals in West Asia.
- Iran helps teams like Hezbollah (Lebanon) and Hamas (Palestine) that oppose Israel.
- Israel views Iran as a main safety menace, particularly as a consequence of Iran’s nuclear program.
Points within the Battle
Iran’s Nuclear Program:
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- Iran is enriching uranium, which may very well be used to develop nuclear weapons.
- Israel fears Iran may make an atomic bomb, threatening its existence.
- In 2015, Iran signed the Joint Complete Plan of Motion (JCPOA) with the P5+1 nations (US, UK, Russia, China, France + Germany), agreeing to restrict its nuclear actions.
- In 2018, U.S. beneath Trump withdrew from JCPOA, and Iran resumed nuclear actions.
Israel’s Pre-emptive Strikes:
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- Israel has allegedly carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and navy websites inside Iran and Syria.
- In April 2025, Israel launched airstrikes on Iran’s uranium enrichment websites, resulting in extreme tensions.
Iran’s Response:
-
- Iran launched missile and drone assaults focusing on Israeli cities and navy bases.
- The trade of fireside lasted over 12 days, elevating fears of a wider conflict in West Asia.
Worldwide Reactions
- The United States supported Israel, offering diplomatic and probably navy assist.
- European nations, Russia, and China largely stayed silent or prevented intervention.
- A ceasefire was declared in June 2025, after rising world considerations over nuclear escalation.
Present Scenario
- Iran’s nuclear services are believed to be broken.
- Israel stays the solely nuclear-armed nation in West Asia.
- Iran could rethink its dedication to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
International Considerations
- Concern of nuclear conflict or unintentional battle.
- Chance of proxy wars intensifying in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
- Threat of empowering terrorist teams like ISIS and al-Qaeda as a consequence of instability.
India’s Place
- India has not taken sides and referred to as for peace and de-escalation.
- With residents in each nations, India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate over 2,800 Indians from Iran and Israel in June 2025.
Conclusion:
The current developments mark a harmful section in nuclear diplomacy. The world should push for restraint, accountability, and renewed world dedication to peace to keep away from repeating the darkest moments of the Chilly Conflict.
OPERATION SINDHU – EVACUATION FROM IRAN AND ISRAEL
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: HINDUSTHAN TIMES
India is regularly winding down its evacuation efforts from Iran and Israel beneath “Operation Sindhu” following a ceasefire between the 2 nations. The assistance desk in Iran’s Mashhad metropolis has been closed, and additional evacuations shall be evaluated over the following two days.
Background of the Battle
- A navy battle erupted between Iran and Israel on June 13, 2025, affecting Indian nationals residing in each nations.
- In response, India initiated a large-scale evacuation mission referred to as Operation Sindhu.
Present Developments
- With the ceasefire now in impact, India has began closing the assistance desk in Mashhad, Iran.
- The evacuation course of is being regularly shut down, although officers will monitor the scenario for the following two days.
- The choice was taken after observing a discount in hostilities post-ceasefire.
Evacuation Particulars
- A complete of 2,295 Indians have been introduced again from Iran thus far beneath this operation.
- Round 292 Indians returned from Mashhad in a particular flight on June 24.
- A gaggle of 161 evacuees from Israel got here through Amman, Jordan.
- One other 268 Indians have been airlifted from Israel to Delhi through an Indian Air Power (IAF) C-17 flight, which stopped in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh.
- Total, about 594 Indians have returned from Israel as a part of Operation Sindhu.
Authorities’s Advisory
- The Indian Embassy has requested folks to not journey to Mashhad for evacuation as the method is almost full.
- Residents in misery can nonetheless contact the embassy by means of emergency channels.
INDIA’S MAJOR EVACUATION MISSIONS
Operation Ganga (2022)
- Location: Ukraine
- Purpose: Russia-Ukraine Conflict
- Evacuated: Over 22,500 Indian nationals, largely college students
Vande Bharat Mission (2020–21)
- Location: International (70+ nations)
- Purpose: COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns
- Evacuated: Over 70 lakh (7 million) Indians stranded overseas
Operation Samudra Setu (2020)
- Location: Center East and Maldives
- Purpose: COVID-19 pandemic
- Evacuated: Over 3,000 Indians
Operation Rahat (2015)
- Location: Yemen
- Purpose: Civil conflict and Saudi-led airstrikes
- Evacuated: Over 4,700 Indians and 960 international nationals
- Transport Used: Indian Air Power, Navy, and Air India
- Recognition: Praised internationally for rescuing residents of 41 nations
Operation Maitri (2015)
- Location: Nepal
- Purpose: Earthquake catastrophe
- Evacuated: Over 5,000 Indian nationals, helped Nepali residents
- Additionally Offered: Medical assist, rescue groups, reduction provides
Conclusion:
With the ceasefire holding, India is cautiously wrapping up Operation Sindhu, guaranteeing all residents in peril zones are safely evacuated whereas maintaining diplomatic choices open for additional help if required.
GLOBAL SDG INDEX 2025
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONEMNT: THE HINDU
India has entered the highest 100 for the primary time within the 2025 Sustainable Improvement Objectives (SDG) Index, bettering its place from 109th in 2024 to 99th globally.
What’s the SDG Index?
- The SDG Index tracks progress of 17 Sustainable Improvement Objectives set by the UN in 2015.
- It’s revealed by the UN Sustainable Improvement Options Community (UNSDSN).
India’s Progress in 2025 Report
- India ranks 99th out of 167 nations, with a rating of 67 factors.
- This marks a giant enchancment from the 109th rank in 2024.
- India had ranked 121st in 2021 and 112th in 2023.
Regional Comparability
- China: forty ninth (rating: 74.4)
- USA: forty fourth (rating: 75.2)
- Bhutan: 76th, Bangladesh: 114th, Pakistan: a hundred and fortieth
- Maldives and Sri Lanka: 53rd and 93rd respectively
Challenges Famous
- The report highlights India’s structural points like inequality, restricted fiscal house, and local weather vulnerability.
- Solely 15 nations globally are on monitor to attain SDGs by 2030.
What are Sustainable Improvement Objectives (SDGs)?
- SDGs are world objectives set by the United Nations (UN) to enhance life for folks and shield the planet.
- There are 17 objectives with 169 particular targets to be achieved by the 12 months 2030.
- They cowl areas like poverty, well being, schooling, gender equality, clear water, clear power, and local weather motion.
- These objectives apply to all nations, wealthy and poor ,and goal to depart nobody behind.
When and Why Had been SDGs Launched?
- SDGs have been adopted in 2015 on the UN Sustainable Improvement Summit in New York.
- They changed the sooner Millennium Improvement Objectives (MDGs) (2000–2015).
- Purpose: To create a greater, extra equal, and sustainable world by 2030.
Conclusion:
India’s entry into the highest 100 displays constructive progress, however long-term improvement depends upon tackling inequality and bettering social and environmental sustainability.
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE OF PARLIAMENT
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Lok Sabha Speaker not too long ago inaugurated a nationwide convention to commemorate the seventy fifth anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) of the Parliamentary Estimates Committee at Mumbai’s Vidhan Bhavan.
Estimates Committee
- First established in 1950 as a monetary committee of Parliament.
- Contains 30 members, all elected from the Lok Sabha (no Rajya Sabha member).
- Members are chosen yearly by the Lok Sabha.
- Ministers can’t be half of the Committee. If a member turns into a minister later, they’re routinely disqualified.
- The Speaker of Lok Sabha appoints the Chairperson from among the many members.
Features of the Estimates Committee
- Evaluations the finances estimates of ministries/departments.
- Suggests find out how to cut back bills, enhance administrative effectivity, and reform techniques with out altering coverage route.
- Can suggest various insurance policies to enhance efficiency and reduce prices.
- Verifies whether or not the allotted funds are used correctly and successfully.
- Recommends how finances estimates needs to be introduced for higher understanding.
Working of the Committee
- After formation, the committee selects estimates from particular ministries or departments for detailed evaluation.
- It could actually study any challenge of particular curiosity that arises or is referred by the Speaker or the Home.
- Might kind Sub-Committees or Examine Teams for deeper evaluation.
- Findings and recommendations are submitted as Stories to the Lok Sabha.
Comply with-up Mechanism
- Involved ministries should reply to the committee’s recommendations inside six months (or as directed).
- These responses are reviewed and compiled into an Motion Taken Report, which can also be introduced to the Lok Sabha.
- Ultimate authorities responses are tabled within the type of Statements.
Limitations
- The committee does not evaluation Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) that fall beneath the Committee on Public Undertakings.
- It’s not necessary for the committee to check your complete annual finances.
- Even when the committee hasn’t submitted a report, Calls for for Grants might be voted on.
Conclusion
The Estimates Committee performs a key function in guaranteeing transparency and effectivity in authorities spending. Because it marks 75 years of service, its function in finances oversight and monetary self-discipline stays very important for parliamentary accountability
INDIA’S FIRST OFF-GRID GREEN HYDROGEN PILOT PLANT
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Adani Group has arrange India’s first off-grid inexperienced hydrogen plant in Kutch, Gujarat. This 5 MW solar-powered mission helps the objectives of the Nationwide Inexperienced Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
In regards to the Inexperienced Hydrogen Pilot Plant
- The plant is situated in Kutch district, Gujarat.
- Developed by Adani New Industries Restricted (ANIL), the clear power unit of Adani Enterprises.
- It’s a 5-megawatt off-grid facility that generates inexperienced hydrogen utilizing photo voltaic power.
What’s an Off-Grid Inexperienced Hydrogen Plant?
- Makes use of electrolysis powered solely by renewable sources like photo voltaic or wind.
- “Off-grid” means it shouldn’t be related to the principle electrical energy community.
- Runs independently utilizing its personal power manufacturing and storage techniques.
Options of the Plant
- Powered fully by photo voltaic panels with a Battery Power Storage System (BESS).
- The system shops extra power to make sure 24/7 operations even when daylight is unavailable.
- Features a totally automated electrolyser that adjusts in actual time to photo voltaic power variations.
- Referred to as a closed-loop system, this setup improves security, flexibility, and effectivity.
Alignment with Nationwide Inexperienced Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)
- Helps India’s goal of decreasing dependence on power imports.
- Promotes clear power use in heavy industries like metal and fertilizers.
- Goals to spice up India’s transfer in direction of Atmanirbhar Bharat and carbon neutrality.
Conclusion
The launch of this off-grid hydrogen plant marks a significant step in India’s inexperienced power journey. It units a mannequin for future renewable power tasks and strengthens India’s dedication to sustainable, self-reliant power options.
NAVYA INITIATIVE
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Authorities of India has launched the NAVYA Initiative, a joint pilot mission by the Ministries of Girls and Baby Improvement and Talent Improvement, to empower teenage women by means of vocational coaching beneath the Viksit Bharat@2047 Imaginative and prescient.
What’s NAVYA Initiative?
- NAVYA stands for “Nurturing Aspirations by means of Vocational Coaching for Younger Adolescent”.
- It’s a joint pilot programme by:
- Ministry of Girls and Baby Improvement (MWCD)
- Ministry of Talent Improvement and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
Goal of NAVYA
- To equip women aged 16–18 years (who’ve accomplished not less than Class 10) with vocational expertise.
- Focuses on coaching in non-traditional and rising job sectors.
- Helps the broader objective of women-led improvement and financial inclusion.
The place Will It Be Applied?
- Launched in 27 districts throughout 19 states.
- Covers aspirational districts and northeastern states — focusing on underserved and distant areas.
- Ensures inclusive participation of susceptible and marginalized communities.
Options
- The programme will make the most of present schemes just like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
- Ministries will formally collaborate to create a converged framework for skilling adolescent women.
- Builds confidence, life expertise, and employability amongst younger women.
Significance of NAVYA
- Reinforces the imaginative and prescient of Viksit Bharat@2047 by making ready women to actively contribute to a self-reliant and inclusive India.
- Goals to create future-ready girls with related job expertise.
- Promotes gender fairness and girls empowerment by means of talent improvement.
Conclusion
NAVYA displays the federal government’s dedication to empowering adolescent women by means of sensible expertise, guaranteeing they develop into energetic contributors to India’s progress story and brokers of change of their communities.
The submit Each day Present Affairs 25-June-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.