Passive Euthanasia and the Right to Die with Dignity

Source: IE

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has instructed a hospital to constitute a medical board to assess a petition seeking passive euthanasia for a 32-year-old individual who has remained in a “persistent vegetative state” for the past 12 years. 

• A Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) is a medical condition in which a person loses higher brain functions (like awareness, thinking, and purposeful movement) but retains basic bodily functions such as breathing, circulation, sleep–wake cycles, and reflexes.

What is Euthanasia? 

• About: Euthanasia refers to intentionally accelerating a person’s death to prevent further suffering from an incurable or terminal illness. It involves a painless, deliberate act aimed at relieving physical, emotional, or spiritual distress. It is of two types: 
  • Active Euthanasia: It involves deliberately ending a patient’s life. It can take different forms:  
    • Voluntary, where the patient consciously opts for death;  
    • Non-voluntary, where the decision is made for an incompetent patient; and  
    • Involuntary, where death is caused without consent (almost illegal in all countries). 
  • Passive Euthanasia: It allows a terminally ill patient to die naturally by withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment.  
    • This approach aims to uphold the right to die with dignity and prevent prolonged, futile suffering in irreversible medical conditions. 
• Legal Standing in India: 
  • Active Euthanasia: Indian law prohibits active euthanasia. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, categorizes any deliberate act causing death as an offense, prosecutable under its sections on culpable homicide (Section 100) or murder (Section 101). 
  • Passive Euthanasia: The Supreme Court (SC) has recognised passive euthanasia under certain restrictions, as long as it is in the best interests of the patient and follows the law. 
    • Article 21 guarantees that no one shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except by law, and the Supreme Court interprets it to include health, livelihood, privacy, shelter, and dignity, but it does not include the right to die, except under certain circumstances allowing a dignified death 
  • Law Commission Stand: The 241st Report of the Law Commission (2012) clarified that a competent patient can refuse life-sustaining treatment without legal consequences, and doctors acting according to the patient’s informed wishes are not guilty of abetment or culpable homicide. 
• Related Judicial Pronouncements:  
  • Maruti Shripati Dubal v. State of Maharashtra (1987): The Bombay High Court held that the right to die forms part of the right to life under Article 21, and that individuals who are terminally ill or experiencing severe pain should be allowed to choose to end their lives. 
  • Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996): The SC stated that the right to life does not include the right to die, emphasizing that life is a natural gift that should be preserved rather than terminated. 
  • Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011): The SC allowed withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, even for patients who cannot make decisions but only under strict legal and medical safeguards. 
  • Common Cause v. Union of India (2018): The SC noted that active euthanasia (deliberate action to cause death) and passive euthanasia (withdrawing life-saving treatment) are distinct, stating that passive euthanasia may be permitted in rare cases.  
    • The Court established that a terminally ill patient has a fundamental right to die with dignity, which includes the right to refuse medical treatment through advance medical directives, known as living wills. 
• Supreme Court Directives on Euthanasia:  
  • Original 2018 Directives: The 2018 guidelines required a two-stage medical review: 
    • Primary Medical Board: Constituted by the hospital, including the Head of the treating department and at least 3 specialists from general medicine, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, psychiatry, or oncology, each with 20 years of experience. 
    • Secondary Medical Board: Appointed by the district collector, including the Chief District Medical Officer as Chairman and three expert doctors from the same fields. 
  • 2023 Modifications: The Supreme Court retained both boards but reduced the experience requirement from 20 years to five and set a 48-hour time limit for opinions.  
    • The secondary board now excludes the Chief District Medical Officer, allows a nominee by the District Medical Officer, and both boards have three members each. 
• Global Position on Euthanasia: Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium allow both euthanasia and assisted suicide for anyone experiencing unbearable suffering with no chance of improvement.  
  • Switzerland permits non-physicians to help the terminally ill commit suicide, though active euthanasia is illegal.  
  • Australia also allows both types, limited to adults with full decision-making capacity who have a terminal illness. 
  • These global variations highlight how euthanasia remains ultimately an ethical question, shaped less by medical capacity and more by each society’s moral principles, values, and philosophical traditions.

What are the Key Ethical Perspectives on Euthanasia?

Arguments FOR Euthanasia (Pro-Choice)	Arguments AGAINST Euthanasia (Pro-Life)
Supremacy of Autonomy (Libertarianism): Drawing from John Stuart Mill’s Liberalism, proponents argue that an individual is sovereign over their own body and mind. Therefore, a competent adult has the libertarian right to self-determination, including the choice to end their life when it becomes unbearable, without state interference.	The Sanctity of Life (Deontology): Immanuel Kant’s Deontological ethics asserts that human life is an "end in itself" and never a means to an end. Therefore, intentionally destroying life—even to escape pain—treats humanity merely as a tool, violating the Natural Law duty to preserve life regardless of its quality.
Minimizing Suffering (Utilitarianism): Based on Jeremy Bentham’s Act Utilitarianism, the moral worth of an action is determined by its ability to maximize happiness and minimize pain. Since prolonged agony serves no purpose, euthanasia is viewed as a compassionate, rational choice that reduces the net suffering in the world.	Value of Endurance (Virtue Ethics): Virtue Ethicists argue that suffering, while painful, is a part of the human condition that calls for the virtues of courage and endurance. Gandhian ethics (Ahimsa) generally rejects active killing, suggesting that spiritual strength is found in facing life's natural end rather than prematurely escaping it.
Beneficence Over Biology: The medical principle of Beneficence (acting in the patient's best interest) implies that a doctor's duty is to relieve suffering. When a cure is impossible and pain is unmanageable, aiding a peaceful death is seen as fulfilling the humanitarian obligation of the medical profession.	"Do No Harm" (Non-Maleficence): The core of medical ethics, rooted in the Hippocratic Oath, is Primum non nocere (First, do no harm). Opponents argue that a doctor is a healer, not an executioner; engaging in euthanasia corrupts the telos (purpose) of medicine and destroys the doctor-patient trust.
Rational Resource Management (Pragmatism): From a pragmatic utilitarian standpoint, maintaining life support for PVS (Persistent Vegetative State) patients consumes scarce medical resources. Redirecting these funds to treatable patients upholds the principle of Distributive Justice, ensuring the greatest good for the greatest number.	The "Slippery Slope" (Rule Utilitarianism): Rule Utilitarians warn that even if a specific case of euthanasia seems merciful, legalizing it creates a dangerous rule. It risks a "Slippery Slope" where society eventually starts justifying the involuntary killing of the elderly, disabled, or poor to save costs, leading to moral decay.

Did you Know? 

• Euthanasia and assisted suicide are different: euthanasia involves someone, usually a doctor, directly ending a patient’s life, while assisted suicide provides the means or guidance for a person to end their own life.  
• Suicide tourism, or euthanasia tourism, occurs when patients travel to countries where these practices are legal. Switzerland is a major destination, attracting patients mainly from the UK, Germany, and France. 

Conclusion 

The Supreme Court’s intervention reinforces India’s evolving approach to the right to die with dignity, combining legal safeguards with compassionate care through a structured, medically-reviewed passive euthanasia process.

Drishti Mains Question:

Differentiate between active and passive euthanasia. What are the procedural safeguards mandated by the Supreme Court for the withdrawal of life support?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q. What is the key difference between active and passive euthanasia? 
Active euthanasia involves a direct act to end a life (e.g., lethal injection), while passive euthanasia is the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment to allow a natural death from the underlying illness. 

Q. Which landmark Supreme Court judgment recognized the 'Right to Die with Dignity' as part of Article 21?
The Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) judgment recognized this right and legally permitted passive euthanasia and 'living wills' in India. 

Q. How did the Supreme Court recognize passive euthanasia in India? 
In Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011) and Common Cause v. Union of India (2018), the SC legalized passive euthanasia and advance medical directives under Article 21. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims 

Q. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (2018) 

(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.   

(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.   

(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.   

(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.   

Ans: (c)

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Mains

Q. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care.Discuss. (2020)

India’s Evolving Counterterror Response Since 26/11 Attacks

For Prelims: National Security Guard (NSG), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), Territorial Waters, CERT-In.    

For Mains: Key Changes Made to India's Counter-terrorism Infrastructure Post 26/11 Attack, Limitations Continue to Impede India’s Counter-terrorism Capabilities and Measures can be Taken to Strengthen Counter Terrorism Efforts. 

Source: TH

Why in News? 

The President honoured the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 26/11 attack and urged everyone to renew their commitment to fight terrorism in all forms. 

• On 26^th November 2008, 10 armed terrorists linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) carried out coordinated strikes in Mumbai, leading to the tragic loss of 166 lives, including 18 security personnel, over a 60-hour ordeal.

What Major Reforms were Introduced in India’s Counter-terrorism Framework Following the 26/11 Attacks?

• Legal Reforms: The enacted National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008 that established the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as a federal body to investigate terror cases, overcoming inter-state coordination issues. 
  • The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) was amended to broaden the definition of a terrorist act.  
• Bolstering Intelligence: The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), established in 2010, serves as a key counter-terrorism initiative by creating a secure, integrated database that enables security agencies to share information and track suspects using data from multiple government sources.  
  • It further strengthened the national intelligence architecture by enhancing the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) to enable real-time information coordination.   
• Coastal Security Reinforcement: India implemented a multi-layered defense system, with the Indian Navy responsible for overall maritime security and the Indian Coast Guard managing territorial waters and coordinating with marine police stations.  
  • A Coastal Surveillance Network of radar sensors was also installed along the coastline to monitor vessel movement in real-time. 
• Modernization of Police and Special Forces: To ensure a faster response, many states created their own Special Forces, such as Force One in Maharashtra, while the NSG was decentralized with four regional hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata for rapid, pan-India deployment. 
• Soft Target Protection: Security for major soft targets like hotels and airports was drastically upgraded with enhanced protocols, CCTV cameras, and access control. 
  • Simultaneously, India’s cyber security was strengthened by empowering CERT-In to counter digital threats.

Which Key Limitations Continue to Impede India’s Counter-terrorism Capabilities?

• Lack of a National Counter-Terrorism Doctrine: India still lacks a unified, long-term counter-terrorism doctrine, resulting in a predominantly reactive approach that intensifies only after major attacks.  
  • Without a clear strategic framework, policies tend to vary with political leadership, preventing a consistent and bipartisan national security approach. 
• Fragmented Intelligence Apparatus: A critical weakness is the persistent stove-piping of intelligence, where agencies like the IB, R&AW, and state police lack seamless integration, hindering the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC).  
  • The November 2025 Red Fort car blast exposed serious coordination gaps as earlier seizures of explosives by neighbouring states were not properly linked or shared.  
  • Critics argue that poor information integration at the MAC prevented timely action by the Delhi Police. 
• Legal and Judicial Lacunas: India's judicial process for terror cases remains hampered by weak prosecution, where shoddy investigation and witness intimidation often cause cases to collapse despite strong initial evidence. 
  • For instance, in July 2025, a special NIA court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, noting that the prosecution failed to prove the charges, giving the accused the benefit of doubt. 
• Technological Lacunas: Security agencies lack effective counter-narrative strategies against extremist propaganda and have uneven cyber forensics capabilities to track sophisticated online terror activities. 
  • Terror groups now use dead-drop methods (saving drafts in shared email accounts without sending them) and peer-to-peer crypto transfers to evade traditional surveillance, while intelligence agencies struggle with a shortage of cyber-intelligence analysts and linguistic experts needed to decode such encrypted communications. 
• Manpower & Capacity Crises: As of July 2025, the NIA faced a 28% staff shortage with 541 vacancies, leaving key operational posts, especially Inspectors and DSPs, undermanned and forcing reliance on deputation instead of a specialized cadre.  
  • State Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) units also remain under-equipped, lacking dedicated firing ranges, modern night-vision gear, and forensic labs, as repeatedly noted by CAG audits. 

What Measures can be Taken to Strengthen Counter-terrorism Efforts? 

• Deepen Tech Integration with MAC: Integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with the MAC data feeds.  
  • This can analyze vast amounts of intercepted data (chats, financial transactions, travel records) to identify patterns, predict potential attacks, and flag suspicious networks far more efficiently than human analysts alone. 
• Strengthen Police at the Last Mile: Since state police are the first responders, strengthening their capacity requires continuous funding for modern equipment, specialized counter-terrorism training, and seamless MAC/SMAC intel-sharing systems to ensure timely, actionable responses. 
• Strengthen Legal Provisions: Strengthening counter-terror justice requires fast-track courts to expedite trials that act as a deterrent, alongside regular review and amendment of laws like UAPA to address modern threats while ensuring safeguards. 
• Cripple Terror Financing: Strengthen the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to monitor hawala transactions, cryptocurrency payments, and shell companies funding terrorism, while enhancing international cooperation with FATF to target safe havens. 
• International Cooperation: Deepen intelligence sharing by enabling real-time, actionable exchanges with key partners like USA, Israel, France, and Gulf countries to disrupt plots from abroad. 
  • Apply diplomatic pressure through multilateral forums (UN, G20, BRICS, SCO) to isolate state-sponsors of terrorism, supported by initiatives like the "No Money for Terror" conferences.

Conclusion 

Future counter-terrorism strategies in India must build on post-26/11 reforms by addressing fragmented intelligence, judicial gaps, cyber threats, and manpower shortages. Emphasizing a unified doctrine, advanced technology integration, and stronger international cooperation will create a proactive, resilient, and coordinated counter-terrorism architecture.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Examine the key changes made to India's coastal security architecture post-26/11. To what extent have they addressed the vulnerabilities exposed during the attacks?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q. Which major institutional reforms were implemented after 26/11? 
Key reforms included creation/strengthening of the NIA, expansion of coastal surveillance networks, strengthening of the Multi-Agency Centre, NATGRID development, NSG hub decentralisation and state-level special forces (e.g., Force One). 

Q. How does the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) strengthen counter-terrorism? 
NATGRID creates an integrated database for security agencies to share information and track suspects using data from various government sources, enhancing intelligence coordination. 

Q. What persistent lacunae continue to hinder India’s counter-terrorism capacity? 
Persistent issues include intelligence stove-piping, uneven state police capabilities, technological shortfalls in cyber and surveillance, judicial/prosecution weaknesses, and gaps in doctrine and rehabilitation programs. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  

Mains

Q. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (2017) 

Q. Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country? (2015) 

Q. Cyber warfare is considered by some defence analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same. (2013)

Manual Scavenging

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

The Calcutta High Court ordered Rs 30 lakh compensation for each of the four sewer workers who died in a 2021 manual scavenging incident in Kolkata’s Kudghat area, condemning the authorities’ “serious negligence” and directing governments to raise outdated compensation norms fixed at Rs 10 lakh since 1993. 

What is Manual Scavenging? 

• About: According to the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (PEMSR) Act, 2013, Manual Scavenging is the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing, or handling human excreta from insanitary latrines, open drains, pits, railway tracks or any other notified space. 
• Legal Framework: It is officially banned in India since the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993. 
  • Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 bans employment of manual scavengers, ensures their rehabilitation, and makes every offence cognizable and non-bailable. 
  • The SCs and the STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 criminalizes the employment of Scheduled Castes in manual scavenging. 
  • Manual scavenging violates fundamental rights, particularly Article 17 (abolition of untouchability) and Article 21 (right to life with dignity). 
• Supreme Court (SC) Guidelines:  The Supreme Court in Dr. Balram Singh vs Union of India (2023) ordered for full mechanisation of sewer cleaning, and banned human entry except in rare cases with proper protective gear.  
  • It declared rehabilitation and prompt compensation for sewer deaths a constitutional right, asked states to link support with NAMASTE and social security schemes, and sought a central portal to track deaths and benefits. 
• Current Status ( as of 2024): Out of 766 districts, 732 have declared themselves manual scavenging-free, yet as of 2024, around 58,000 manual scavengers remain identified in India. 

What are the Major Challenges Faced by Manual Scavengers? 

• Intergenerational Entrapment: Manual scavenging is not only a job—it is a system that destroys physical capacity, confidence, and future opportunities, locking entire families into generational bondage. 
• Health Risks: Exposure to human waste and toxic gases like hydrogen sulphide makes manual scavengers highly vulnerable to diseases such as  Hepatitis, Tetanus, Cholera, and asphyxiation. 
• Social Stigma: Labeled as “untouchables,” they face deep-rooted caste-based discrimination, reinforcing social exclusion and systemic marginalization. 
  • The ILO notes that women manual scavengers face double discrimination (caste, gender), which creates a triple burden (caste, gender, and degrading occupation), trapping them in the most unsafe and stigmatised work and worsening their social and mental well-being that lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. 
• Economic Challenges: Paid below minimum wage and often employed on daily-wage or contractual terms, they lack job security, social protection, and alternative livelihood options, keeping them trapped in poverty. 
• Substance Abuse: Many resort to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, humiliation, and physical hardship, further impacting their health and well-being. 
• Delayed or Denied Compensation: Compensation for sewer deaths is often delayed, disputed, or inconsistently disbursed. Many victims receive far less than the mandated amount or nothing at all.  
  • The issue is worsened by outdated norms like the Rs 10 lakh compensation fixed in 1993 has lost much of its real value, as highlighted by the Calcutta High Court. 
• Operational Challenge: Lack of training for manual scavengers in operating modern sewer-cleaning machines, leading to skill gaps, underuse or misuse of equipment, and workers being pushed back into unsafe manual cleaning.

What Measures can be Taken to End Manual Scavenging in India? 

• Shift to Full Mechanisation: Ensure 100% machine-based cleaning of sewers, septic tanks, drains, sludge, and waste through well-equipped Sanitation Response Units (SRUs) and trained operators. 
• Stronger Institutional Systems: Create a Responsible Sanitation Authority in every district, set up SRUs in all municipalities, and run 24x7 helplines for reporting blockages and emergencies. 
• Strict Legal Enforcement: Strictly enforce the PEMSR Act, 2013 by treating sewer deaths as culpable homicide, penalising violators, and ensuring timely compensation.  
  • Move beyond one-time payments by creating long-term pathways for dignity, secure livelihoods, and social mobility for affected families. 
• Regulation and Oversight: Maintain the legal distinction between sanitation workers and manual scavengers, regulate private de-sludging operators, and strengthen monitoring through NHRC recommendations. 
• Financial Support: Provide concessional loans under Swachhta Udyami Yojana for procuring mechanised cleaning equipment and widen Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) coverage for rehabilitation and enterprise support. 
  • Offer skill training under PM-DAKSH for waste management and machine operations, and prioritise employment in ULBs and relevant works under MGNREGA. 

Conclusion

Eliminating manual scavenging demands full mechanisation, strict enforcement, and dignified rehabilitation to end caste-based exploitation. Stronger institutions and safer working conditions will advance SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 8 (decent work), helping India uphold dignity and equality for all.

Drishti Mains Question:

Examine the adequacy of the PEMSR Act, 2013 in eradicating manual scavenging in India. What implementation reforms are needed?

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q. What is the PEMSR Act, 2013? 
The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, bans employment of manual scavengers, makes offences cognizable and non-bailable, and mandates rehabilitation measures.

Q. What are the Supreme Court directives in Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India (2023)?
The SC ordered a fresh national survey, full mechanisation of sewer cleaning (human entry only in exceptional cases), mandatory PPE, prompt compensation and rehabilitation, and a central portal to track deaths and benefits.

Q. Why is mechanisation essential to end manual scavenging? 
Mechanisation (SRUs, machines, trained operators) removes the need for human entry into sewers, reduces health risks, ensures compliance with law, and provides scalable safety-compliant sanitation services.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims

Q. ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to (2016)

(a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood

(b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood

(c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers

(d) release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them

Ans: (c)

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Mains 

Q. What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018)

Q. “To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing the water,sanitation and hygiene needs the identification of the beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with anticipated outcomes.” Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (2017)

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and His Major Social Reforms

Source: News on AIR

Why in News? 

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule’s death anniversary was observed on 28th November, honouring his legacy as a pioneering social reformer who championed education as the catalyst for enduring social transformation.

How did Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Contribute to India’s Social Reform Movement?

• About Jyotiba Phule: A 19th-century social activist, thinker, and writer who dedicated his life to challenging the caste system and empowering the downtrodden, including SCs, STs, OBCs, Shudras, and women. 
  • Phule's perspective transformed after reading Thomas Paine's "Rights of Man," which inspired his lifelong commitment to social justice and equality. 
• Prominent Contributions: 
  • Anti-Caste Movement: Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) in 1873 to combat caste-based discrimination, and challenge Brahminical dominance.  
    • The organization spread its message through mediums like the newspaper Deenbandhu and folk dramas. 
  • Educational Revolution: In 1848, Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule pioneered women's education by establishing India's first school for girls at Tatyasaheb Bhide's residence in Pune.  
    • Savitribai became India's first female teacher. They also started night schools in 1855 for workers, farmers, and women. 
  • Literary Contributions: Phule articulated his revolutionary ideas through influential works: 
    • Tritiya Ratna: A conversation between a Kunbi (lower caste) woman, a Brahman, and a commentator, exposing the cunningness of the Brahman. 
    • Gulamgiri: Comparing caste oppression to slavery. 
    • Shetkaryacha Asud: Exposing peasant exploitation. 
    • Sarvajanik Satya Dharma: Promoting rational religious thought. 
    • Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje  Bosale Yanche Powada: Reinterpreted Shivaji as a non-Brahmin leader. 
  • Progressive Ideologies: He championed women’s rights, particularly widow remarriage, and established shelters for widows and orphans, while critiquing the 1857 Revolt as an upper-caste power struggle.  
    • He organized a strike of barbers convincing them to refuse to shave the heads of widowed women (a humiliating upper-caste tradition). 
    • He also supported British rule for its potential to dismantle traditional hierarchies and advocated economic empowerment alongside social reform. 
    • Jyotirao Phule championed Pandita Ramabai's conversion to Christianity in his work, Satsar. 
• Legacy: He was bestowed the title of Mahatma in 1888 by social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar for his extraordinary contributions, inspiring future leaders like Dr BR Ambedkar and laying the foundation for anti-caste movements in India. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q. Who was Mahatma Jyotiba Phule? 
A 19th-century social activist, thinker, and writer who fought caste discrimination and promoted education, equality, and women’s empowerment. 

Q. How did Phule contribute to women’s education? 
Alongside Savitribai Phule, he established India’s first girls’ school (1848) in Pune and later started night schools for marginalized communities. 

Q. What was the primary objective of the Satyashodhak Samaj? 
The Satyashodhak Samaj, founded in 1873, aimed to fight caste-based discrimination and Brahminical dominance, and promote social equality and rational thinking among exploited castes. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  

Q. Satya Shodhak Samaj organized (2016)

(a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar  

(b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat  

(c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra  

(d) a peasant movement in Punjab  

Ans: (c)

Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets

Source:PIB

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets, a Rs 7,280-crore, seven-year programme aimed at building domestic Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) capacity.

What are the Key Facts About Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets?

• About: The scheme seeks to establish 6,000 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity in India.  
  • The scheme supports complete value-chain integration, covering the conversion of oxides to metals, metals to alloys, and alloys to finished sintered magnets.  
  • This will help India develop its first-ever domestic REPM manufacturing ecosystem, reducing external vulnerabilities. 
• Incentive Structure: The financial package includes  Rs 6,450 crore in sales-linked incentives over five years and Rs 750 crore in capital subsidy. 
  • These incentives aim to attract major investors, promote large-scale production, and ensure global competitiveness of Indian-made rare earth magnets. 
• Beneficiary Allocation: A total manufacturing capacity of 6,000 MTPA will be distributed among five beneficiaries selected through global competitive bidding. 
  • Each beneficiary may receive up to 1,200 MTPA, ensuring balanced participation and strong industrial competition. 
• Duration of the Scheme The scheme will run for 7 years, comprising a 2-year gestation period for facility setup and 5 years of incentive disbursement.  
  • This phased approach ensures adequate time for infrastructure creation and sustained production. 
• Need: India’s demand for rare earth permanent magnets is set to double by 2030, yet the country remains heavily import-dependent, bringing in over 53,000 metric tonnes in 2024–25.  
  • With China controlling the supply chain and tightening export rules, Indian EV and auto makers faced delays, supply uncertainty, higher costs, and production risks.  
  • These challenges prompted industry calls for support, making domestic REPM manufacturing crucial for reducing import dependence and boosting technological self-reliance. 
  • Strengthening domestic manufacturing will improve supply chain resilience, support clean mobility, enhance energy security, and align with India’s long-term targets under Net Zero 2070 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

What are the Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs)?

• About: REPMs are high-performance magnets made from rare earth elements such as samarium (Sm), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy), and cerium (Ce).  
  • Compared to ferrite or AlNiCo magnets, REPMs offer a much higher maximum energy product,  greater coercivity, stronger magnetic output in compact sizes, and superior performance in high-precision or high-power applications.  
  • This makes them indispensable for high-efficiency motors and miniaturised devices. 
• Sintered REPMs: These are produced through a process called sintering, where fine rare-earth alloy powders are compacted under pressure and then heated at high temperatures to form dense, strong magnetic structures. 
  • These magnets especially sintered NdFeB (neodymium-iron-boron) and SmCo (samarium-cobalt) magnets are the strongest commercially available permanent magnets and are essential for high-efficiency electric motors and advanced technological applications. 
• Importance of REMPS for India’ EV Ecosystem: Rare earth magnets, especially NdFeB types, are vital for EV traction motors, steering, braking, and other components, improving efficiency, power output, and battery range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q. What is the objective of the REPM manufacturing scheme? 
To establish an integrated domestic ecosystem for sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets with 6,000 MTPA capacity, reducing import dependence and securing supply for EVs, defence and high-tech sectors. 

Q. How will beneficiaries be chosen and allocated capacity? 
Five beneficiaries will be selected through global competitive bidding; each may receive up to 1,200 MTPA to ensure balanced participation and industrial competition. 

Q. Why is domestic REPM manufacturing strategically important for India? 
It mitigates supply-chain risks from concentrated global suppliers (notably China), secures critical inputs for EV motors, renewables and defence, and advances technological self-reliance.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Q. Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why? (2012)

1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export. 
2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country. 
3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c) 

Central Empowered Committee (CEC)

Source: IE

The Supreme Court (SC) of India has halted any move to dissolve the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), insisting that the body can only be disbanded with its approval, after concerns were raised about overlapping roles with the National Green Tribunal (NGT). 

• The Cabinet Secretariat said that since the NGT is now strong and fully functional, the need for the CEC should be reviewed, and asked the Environment Ministry to send the issue to the Law Commission. 

Central Empowered Committee (CEC) 

• About: It was created in 2002 on a SC order in the T.N. Godavarman case (1995) and was given statutory status in 2023 through a Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notification issued on the SC’s directions. 
• Mandate: CEC monitors compliance with SC orders on environment, forest and wildlife matters, conducts field inspections, and submits independent fact-finding reports to SC. 
  • It reviews cases of non-compliance, oversees issues like encroachment removal and compensatory afforestation, and considers petitions from aggrieved persons to support the Court’s environmental oversight. 
• Composition:  The CEC consists of a chairperson, three expert members (one from each environment, forest, wildlife), and a member secretary, who are civil servants appointed by the MoEFCC. 
• Impact: CEC reports assisted the court in issues like Goa’s first tiger reserve (Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary), tourism regulation in Sariska Tiger Reserve, tree-felling in Hyderabad's Kancha Gachibowli and mining in the Aravallis. 

Role of CEC Vs NGT 

• NGT: The NGT, set up under the NGT Act, 2010, is a quasi-judicial tribunal that hears original applications under laws like the Water Act 1974, Air Act 1981, Forest Conservation Act 1980, and Environment Protection Act 1986. 
• While the NGT adjudicates disputes, the CEC provides technical, factual, and compliance-focused support directly to the Supreme Court. 

Read more: National Green Tribunal (NGT) 

IMF Classifies India’s Exchange Rate Regime to a Crawl-Like Arrangement

Source: FE

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reclassified India’s de facto exchange rate regime from a “stabilised” system to a crawl-like arrangement. 

• A crawl-like arrangement implies the exchange rate stays within a 2% band around a trend for at least six months, meaning it is not fully floating. 
  • A floating exchange rate is determined by market forces and fluctuates freely, while a fixed exchange rate is set and maintained by a government or central bank 
    • India currently uses a managed float system, where the RBI intervenes in the market to manage extreme fluctuations while allowing the market to determine the general trend. 
• The classification is based on the IMF’s Articles of Agreement and its Article IV surveillance of exchange arrangements, which assesses the currency’s actual movement and the policy commitment to a specific exchange rate path. 
  • A crawl-like arrangement differs slightly from the IMF’s “crawling peg.” While a crawling peg involves small, pre-announced adjustments based on defined indicators (such as inflation differentials), a crawl-like arrangement is classified by the IMF based on how the exchange rate actually behaves, even when no formal crawling policy has been declared. 
• IMF’s Articles of Agreement: Adopted at United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in 1944, they serve as the organization’s founding charter and have been ratified by 190 member countries, including India. 
  • They define the IMF’s purpose, governance structure, member obligations, and rules of operation, including those on Special Drawing Rights.  
  • The Articles mandate key IMF functions such as global monetary surveillance, lending to countries in need, and providing technical assistance. 

Read more: IMF Report on India's Financial System 

3rd India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue

Source: AIR

India’s Defence Minister co-chaired the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue with the Indonesian Defence Minister in New Delhi. The dialogue assessed regional security, addressed multilateral issues, and identified new defence cooperation avenues, highlighting the strengthening strategic commitment between India and Indonesia. 

• Key Outcomes: 
  • Indo-Pacific Cooperation: India and Indonesia reaffirmed commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, noting alignment between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.  
    • They agreed to deepen cooperation in maritime awareness, cyber resilience, and through multilateral bodies like the Indian Ocean Rim Association. 
  • Defence and Industry Collaboration: Indonesia welcomed India’s proposal to set up a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to strengthen technology transfer, joint research and development, certification harmonisation, and supply-chain linkages. 
  • Military-to-Military Engagements: India and Indonesia highlighted the progress in joint exercises across land, maritime, and air forces, including Super Garuda Shield, Ex Garuda Shakti, Ex Samudra Shakti, MILAN, and upcoming Air Manoeuvre Exercises. 
• India-Indonesia Relations:  
  • Indonesia’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, overseeing vital sea lanes like the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits, makes it an essential partner for maritime security and regional trade flow. 
  • Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia reached USD 38.8 billion in 2022–23, underscoring the depth of their economic engagement. 
  • Prospects such as the USD 450 million BrahMos missile deal and expanding defence collaboration further reflect the strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two countries. 

Read More: India-Indonesia