Dismantling the Roots of Left Wing Extremism

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The Left Wing Extremism (LWE), once a major internal security threat, has contracted from the extensive Red Corridor to just 18 districts, driven by targeted development, sustained security operations, leadership crises, and erosion of its grassroots support. 

What are the Major Milestones in India’s Fight Against Left-Wing Extremism? 

• About: LWE (Left-Wing Extremism) refers to the armed insurgency mainly led by Maoist groups, aimed at overthrowing the government through violent means. 
  • Originating from the Naxalbari movement (1967, West Bengal), it is concentrated in parts of central and eastern India.  
• Key Milestones: 
  • Sustained Reduction in LWE Incidents: Left Wing Extremism (LWE) incidents dropped by more than 50% between 2004–14 and 2014–23. 
    • India aims to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026. 
  • Key Operations: In 2024, India’s intelligence operations neutralized 290 Maoists, aided by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and strengthened Special Intelligence Branches. 
    • The Karreguttalu Hill operation (Operation Black Forest) in 2025 achieved the elimination of key Maoist operatives, with security forces emerging unscathed. 

What Additional Strategies Can Strengthen India’s Response to Left-Wing Extremism? 

• Governance & Development: Ensure last-mile delivery, inclusive growth, and infrastructure development in LWE-affected regions to address socio-economic grievances at the grassroots. 
• Enhanced Security Architecture: Implement technology-enabled smart policing, coordinated intelligence sharing, and area domination operations to maintain a sustained security presence. 
• Community-Centric Approach: Promote trust-building, grievance redressal, and participatory local governance to win hearts and minds of affected populations. 
• Rehabilitation & Mainstreaming: Provide surrender-cum-rehabilitation packages, skill development, and livelihood opportunities for former extremists to aid reintegration into society. 
• Inter-Agency & Centre-State Coordination: Adopt a whole-of-government approach with joint task forces, unified command, and real-time decision-making for effective LWE management. 

Related Keywords for Mains 

• “Development Defeats Dissent” – Accelerated infrastructure, livelihoods, and welfare in LWE-hit areas. 
• “Security with Sensitivity” – Balanced use of force with respect for rights and local culture. 
• “Connectivity as Counter-Insurgency” – Roads, telecom, and digital access as enablers of integration. 
• “Education Ends Extremism” – Schools and skill training to break recruitment cycles. 

Conclusion

The sustained decline in Left Wing Extremism reflects the success of India’s multi-pronged SAMADHAN doctrine—Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation and training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based key result areas, Harnessing technology, Action plan for each theatre, and No access to financing. Going forward, consolidating these gains will require deepening last-mile governance and ensuring inclusive development. 

Drishti Mains Question:

What is Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India, and what are the key factors contributing to its decline in India? 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Mains:

Q. The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine that affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (2015) 

Q. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left-wing extremism. (2018) 

Q. What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (2020)

Fast Track Special Courts

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) in Delhi, established under the FTSCs Scheme 2019 for speedy trial of rape and child sexual abuse cases, have disposed of only around 43% of cases as of June 2025. 

• This is significant as the slow disposal rate undermines public confidence (despite dedicated mechanisms) in the justice system's ability to swiftly address crimes of such severity. 

What is the Fast Track Special Courts Scheme? 

• About: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Law & Justice aimed at setting up FTSCs through the Nirbhaya Fund.  
  • Under the scheme, each FTSC is tasked with disposing of at least 165 cases annually. 
  • The scheme has been extended twice, with the latest extension valid until 31st March 2026, aiming to establish 790 FTSCs. 
• Need of FTSCs:  
  • Case Backlogs: Alarmed by the large backlog of rape and POCSO cases, the Supreme Court in July 2019 directed districts with over 100 pending POCSO cases to establish exclusive special courts.  
  • Timely Justice: The POCSO Act, 2012 mandates Special Courts to conclude trials within one year from the date of taking cognizance of the offence. 
  • Deterrence: Harsh punishment can deter crime, but its effectiveness relies on timely trials and swift justice for victims. 
• Performance: As of June 2025, 725 FTSCs (including 392 exclusive POCSO courts) are operational across 29 States/UTs, achieving a 96% disposal rate in 2024 alone.

What are the Challenges in Fast Track Special Courts? 

• Insufficient FTSCs: Of the 1,023 sanctioned FTSCs, only around 700 are functional, and as per estimates around 1,000 more are required to clear the backlog. 
• Quality Concerns: Some critics say FTSCs are a “political gimmick”, as fast-tracking one case delays others by reallocating the same judges. 
• Lack of Specialized Support: Many FTSCs lack victim-friendly facilities such as Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers for survivors and female prosecutors or counselors to guide them through the legal process.

What Measures Can Strengthen Fast Track Special Courts? 

• Judicial Improvements: Appoint Special Judges for POCSO cases, provide sensitization training, and ensure female public prosecutors. 
• Victim Support Facilities: Set up Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centers (VWDCs) in all districts for recording victim statements and holding child-friendly trials in-camera. Deploy child psychologists in FTSCs for pre-trial and trial support as per the FTSCs scheme. 
• Technology in Courts: Upgrade courtrooms with audio-video recording, LCD projectors, and better IT systems for e-filing and digital records. 
• Forensic Strengthening: Expand forensic labs and train staff to clear pending cases faster and deliver timely DNA reports for speedy justice.

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss the key challenges faced by FTSCs and suggest measures to enhance their efficiency and victim sensitivity.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Mains

Q. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. (2016)

Q. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest Some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (2014)

SC Strikes Down Army’s Gender-Based Quota for JAG Recruitment

Source: TH 

Why in News?

The Supreme Court (SC) of India struck down the Indian Army’s policy limiting the appointment of women officers to the Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch, rejected the argument that women cannot serve in counter-insurgency or counter-terror forces, and emphasized gender equality in all combat-support arms.

Note: The JAG is the legal arm of the Indian Army, advising on military law under the Army Act, 1950, and guiding commanders on operational, administrative, and disciplinary matters. 

• JAG officers are commissioned combatants who can be deployed in combat-support roles during wartime. 
• Under Section 12 of the Army Act, 1950, women are eligible to join JAG.  

What are the SC’s Directives on Army JAG Recruitment and Women in Operational Roles? 

• Common Merit List: The SC struck down the Army’s policy reserving six of nine JAG vacancies for men, ruling that the Army and the Union Government cannot limit the number of women officers in the JAG once they are permitted entry under the Army Act, 1950 and directed them to prepare a single merit-based list, ensuring selection solely on merit. 
• Equal Opportunity in Combat-support Roles: The SC held that excluding women from counterinsurgency or counter-terror roles lacks legal basis, violates equality, and stressed that no nation is secure when half its population is held back. 
• Proven Operational Capability: SC highlighted that unlike the Army, other forces have no bar on women in combat roles, citing Captain Ojaswita Shree, Major Dwipannita Kalita, and Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh as examples of women excelling in high-risk duties.  
  • SC noted Major Gopika Bhatti’s convoy command in militant-prone areas and Colonel Anshu Jamwal’s UN Peacekeeping missions in combat zones, questioning the exclusion of such capable officers from deployment in counter-insurgency or counter-terror operations

SC Rulings on Women in the Defence Forces 

• Secretary, Ministry of Defence vs. Babita Puniya (2020): SC mandated Permanent Commission (PC) for women in the Army in all arms where Short Service Commission (SSC) is available. 
  • SC held that women should be allowed to hold command positions and declared the denial of PC based on gender as a violation of Article 14 of the Constitution. 
• Kush Kalra vs. Union of India (2021): SC ordered the entry of women into the National Defence Academy (NDA), allowing them to train for permanent commissions alongside men.

Nari Shakti in Defence

• Over the past decade, women in India’s defence forces have grown from around 3,000 (2014) to over 11,000 (2025), reflecting a major policy and mindset shift.  
• The NDA inducted its first 17 female cadets in 2022, and since then 126 women have joined across four batches, marking a historic step in integrating women across combat support and operational roles.

What is the Significance of Women in Defence Forces? 

• Enhancing Operational Effectiveness: Women enhance modern military operations by contributing diverse skills in, intelligence, logistics, and humanitarian missions, improving situational awareness and decision-making in conflict zones. 
• Strengthening Peace and Security: Women in defence play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable populations, especially women and children, during conflicts. 
  • Gender-diverse forces are more responsive to societal needs, ensuring security strategies are holistic and effective. 
• Social Impact: Women in senior roles inspire and mentor younger officers, boosting career growth and morale.  
  • During Operation Sindoor, Col. Sofia Qureshi and Wg Cdr. Vyomika Singh exemplified leadership and professionalism, leaving a significant social impact. 
  • Integrating women in defence reflects societal progress, ensures representation, upholds Articles 14, 15 and 16, and promotes equality, accountability, and human rights in the armed forces.

Read more:  Challenges and Way Forward for Women in Indian Armed Forces 

Keywords for Mains 

• “Diversity Strengthens Strategy” : Gender inclusion improves operational effectiveness. 
• “Peace Through Inclusion”: Women’s role in humanitarian, peacekeeping, and civic operations. 
• “Combat-Ready Equality”: Women eligible for all combat-support roles. 
• “Merit Over Gender”: Selection in armed forces based on capability, not sex. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Evaluate the role of judicial intervention in ensuring gender parity in national security institutions.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Mains

Q. What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (2019)

India’s First Earth Observation Satellite Constellation

Source:TH

India is set to launch its first fully indigenous commercial earth observation (EO) satellite constellation, led by a private consortium under a public-private partnership model. 

• Bengaluru-based PixxelSpace-led consortium has been selected by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to build and operate India’s first EO satellite constellation.  
  • The consortium will build 12 satellites over five years, and launch, operate them, develop ground infrastructure, and commercialise the data. 
  • The constellation will include a variety of satellites with high resolution, wide coverage, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and hyper-spectral satellites. 
• Developed satellites will provide Analysis Ready Data (ARD) and Value-Added Services (VAS) for climate change monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure, marine surveillance, national security, urban planning and meet global demand for geospatial intelligence. 
  • This initiative ensures data sovereignty and reduces dependence on foreign satellite data. 
• IN-SPACe: It is a single-window, independent, nodal agency under the Department of Space that enables and regulates private sector participation in satellites, launch vehicles, and space services, acting as a link between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and non-governmental entities. 

Read more: Promoting Public-Private Synergy in India's Space Sector 

Negotiations for India-Oman CEPA Concluded

Source: ET

India concluded negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman, aimed at boosting trade and investment. 

• CEPA is a free trade agreement that encompasses trade in goods and services, along with broader economic cooperation in areas such as trade facilitation, competition policy, and intellectual property rights (IPR). 
• It is broader than a standard FTA, also addressing regulatory issues to ensure smooth and predictable trade. 

India-Oman Bilateral Relations: 

• Strategic Partnership: Oman, bordering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, is a key Gulf partner. Diplomatic relations were established in 1955 which was upgraded to strategic partnership in 2008.  
• Trade and Economic Relations: Oman is the third-largest export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for India, following UAE and Saudi Arabia.  
  • Bilateral trade reached USD 10.61 billion (FY 2024-25), with India’s key exports including light oils, rice, machinery, and metals, while imports mainly consisted of crude oil, LNG, fertilizers, and chemicals. 
• Multilateral Cooperation: Oman is an important interlocutor in the GCC, Arab League, and IORA. 

Read More: India-UK Free Trade Agreement, Reviewing Free Trade Agreements   

Dhirio Bull Fighting of Goa

Source: IE 

There has been a demand in Goa to legalize Dhirio or Dhiri bull fighting for cultural and tourism reasons. Despite its ban the practice continues in some villages of Goa.

• Origins & Nature:  It is a traditional Goan sport from the Portuguese era in which 2 specially bred and trained bulls engage in a contest of strength. 
  • It differs from Spanish bullfighting as it involves no matadors or ritual killing. 
• Cultural Significance: Integral to church feasts and agrarian celebrations, it is a popular social event and drawing devoted local followings. 
• Conduct of the Sport: Held in paddy fields or football grounds during village feasts or post-harvest celebrations. 
• Legal Status: It was banned by Bombay High Court in 1997 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The HC decision was upheld by the Supreme Court (SC) in 1997. 
  • Jallikattu (bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu) was banned by SC in 2014 for animal cruelty, but later upheld by SC in 2023 as part of Tamil Nadu’s culture.

Read More: Jallikattu