Weekly Current Affairs (8th to 14th November 2024) Part - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

3rd Indian Space Conclave and India’s First Analog Mission

Why in news?

• The Indian Space Conclave held in New Delhi showcased India's growing capabilities in space exploration, particularly emphasizing Satellite Communication (Satcom) and partnerships with the Indo-European Union. Key discussions focused on the pivotal role of Satcom in progressing Digital India and the nation's ambitious space objectives. Additionally, India inaugurated its first Mars and Moon analog mission in Leh, Ladakh, orchestrated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aiming to simulate extraterrestrial conditions for habitat testing.

Key Highlights of the 3rd Indian Space Conclave:

• Satellite Communication (Satcom): The Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development emphasized the transformative impact of Satcom in advancing Digital India. Applications of Satcom are vital across various sectors, including telecommunications, disaster management, agriculture, healthcare, and education, particularly benefiting underserved areas.
• Policy reforms in 2022 aim to foster innovation and encourage public-private partnerships in the space technology sector.
• India’s Rise as a Global Space Leader: India's accomplishments, such as the Chandrayaan-3 and upcoming Gaganyaan missions, underscore its significant role in space exploration. India is establishing itself as a global partner in space, working towards a comprehensive network that enhances terrestrial infrastructure.
• Indo-EU Space Collaboration: The EU ambassador recognized India as a vibrant space power, highlighting mutual objectives in space exploration. Proposed initiatives include Earth observation, training, and space security.
• The anticipated 2025 EU-India Summit aims to bolster cooperation in space governance and peaceful utilization of space.
• India plans to launch the EU’s Proba-3 satellite, which will focus on solar observations, marking a significant achievement in Indo-EU collaboration. This mission follows India's previous Proba-1 and Proba-2 launches, enhancing ISRO's reputation as a reliable international partner.
• Space Startups: The emergence of space-focused startups has been acknowledged post the 2020 space sector reforms, with over 300 such startups now contributing to economic growth and innovation in India. This influx of startups has mitigated brain drain, attracting Indian professionals back from global space agencies like NASA.
• Ambitions of India’s Space Program: Key long-term goals include the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, a crewed lunar landing by 2040, and establishing an Indian space station by 2035. Plans for space tourism by 2040 further reflect India’s commitment to innovative and inclusive space exploration.

What is India’s First Mars and Moon Analog Mission?

• About: Analog missions are field tests conducted in environments that mimic extreme extraterrestrial conditions. These missions are essential for addressing challenges associated with spaceflight research. India’s inaugural Mars and Moon Analog Mission, led by ISRO in collaboration with AAKA Space Studio and the University of Ladakh, receives support from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.
• Objective: The mission aims to replicate life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle the challenges of establishing a sustainable base beyond Earth, thus supporting India’s broader space ambitions. It focuses on conditions required for habitation on Mars and the Moon, exploring sustainability, life support systems, and psychological well-being in isolation to understand human adaptation to extreme environments.
• Ladakh, Ideal for Space Testing: Ladakh was selected due to its unique environmental traits, closely resembling those of Mars and the Moon. The region's high altitude, arid climate, and significant temperature variations make it an optimal site for testing space habitat technologies.
• With temperatures fluctuating between 15°C and -10°C, the mission aims to simulate the thermal challenges faced in extraterrestrial environments. Additionally, oxygen levels in Ladakh are approximately 40% of those at sea level, providing an excellent opportunity to evaluate life support systems designed for low-pressure conditions akin to those on Mars.
• The region's rocky and sandy soil also resembles Martian and lunar regolith, making it suitable for research on rover mobility and in-situ resource utilization.

Technological Testing: Researchers will assess advanced technologies to support space habitats, including:

• Circadian Lighting: This technology simulates natural daylight cycles to help maintain sleep patterns and overall well-being.
• Hydroponics: A sustainable food growth system for space, ensuring adequate nutrition for astronauts.
• Standalone Solar Power System: This system provides renewable energy, promoting habitat independence.

Significance of Analog Mission: These missions enable scientists to observe the physical, mental, and operational conditions of space exploration while remaining on Earth. Analog missions are crucial for preparing astronauts for future explorations to asteroids, Mars, and the Moon.

Mains Question:

• How does India’s Mars and Moon analog mission contribute to the country’s space exploration goals?

GS3/Science and Technology

Nano Coated Fertilisers

Why in News?

• Recently, Indian scientists have pioneered the development of nano coated muriate of potash, known as nano fertilisers, which have the potential to significantly improve the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of fertilisers. The innovative coating is made from nanoclay-reinforced binary carbohydrates, which can lower the recommended dosage while ensuring higher crop yields. These nano fertilisers are characterized by their mechanical stability, biodegradability, and hydrophobic properties, facilitating a slow release of nutrients into the soil. NUE refers to how effectively a plant utilizes applied or naturally occurring nitrogen to produce biomass.

What are Key Facts About Nano Fertilisers?

• About Nanofertilisers: Fertilisers that are coated with nanomaterials, which are particles sized between 1-100 nanometers, are termed as nanofertilisers. These materials enable a controlled release of nutrients, optimizing their availability to plants over an extended period.

Nanomaterial Components
Inorganic Materials:

• Metal Oxides: Common examples include zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), magnesium oxide (MgO), and silver oxide (AgO).
• Silica Nanoparticles: These enhance crop quality and support sustainable agriculture, particularly under stress conditions like salinity, due to their high surface area, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity.
• Hydroxyapatite Nanohybrids: These are effective in delivering calcium and phosphorus to crops.

Organic Materials:

• Chitosan: A natural material that aids in the efficient delivery of nutrients.
• Carbon-based Nanomaterials: Such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and fullerenes, which can enhance germination rates, increase chlorophyll content, and boost protein levels.

Types of Nanofertilisers:

• Nanoscale Coating Fertilisers: These contain nutrients coated in nanoparticles that allow for a slow and controlled release.
• Nanoscale Additive Fertilisers: These include nutrients added to nano-sized adsorbents, ensuring stability and gradual availability to plants.
• Nanoporous Materials: Fertilisers made from nanoporous materials release nutrients slowly, allowing for complete absorption by plants.

Applications in Agriculture:

• Precision Agriculture: Nanotechnology contributes to precision agriculture by optimizing water and fertiliser usage, minimizing waste, and reducing energy consumption. This approach allows for precise input amounts, leading to increased average yields compared to traditional farming methods.
• Soil and Plant Health: Nanofertilisers improve seed germination, nitrogen metabolism, photosynthesis, and the production of proteins and carbohydrates, enhancing overall crop health.
• Long-Term Soil Fertility: With their slow release properties, nanofertilisers help maintain or enhance soil fertility, promoting sustainable crop production.

What are the Advantages of Nanofertilisers?

• Enhanced Nutrient Efficiency: They reduce nutrient loss from leaching and runoff, while also minimizing degradation and volatility, ensuring more effective nutrient delivery to plants.
• Improved Crop Productivity: The controlled release of nutrients can lead to higher crop yields, as plants are able to access necessary nutrients when required, promoting better growth.
• High Surface Area and Penetration Ability: Nanofertilisers possess a high surface area-to-volume ratio, facilitating improved nutrient uptake by plant roots and deeper penetration of nutrients into the soil.
• Biofortification: These fertilisers can enhance the nutritional content of crops by delivering essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and iodine through nano-based biofortification methods.
• Environmental Benefits: Nanofertilisers can help mitigate environmental issues associated with traditional fertilisers, such as runoff and soil contamination, thereby promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
• Cost Efficiency: Over time, nanofertilisers can lower costs by reducing the frequency of applications. For instance, while conventional urea has an efficiency of about 25%, liquid nano urea can achieve efficiencies of 85-90%.
• Compatibility with Biofertilisers: Nanofertilisers can work alongside biofertilisers to enhance the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms, supporting processes like nitrogen fixation by bacteria such as Rhizobium and Azotobacter.

What Challenges are Involved in Use of Nanofertilisers?

• Impact on Environment: There are potential ecotoxicity risks associated with nanofertilisers, which could affect soil, water, and non-target organisms.
• Toxicity to Humans: Nanoparticles can penetrate biological systems more readily than larger particles, raising concerns about potential risks to human health and the environment.
• Impact on Soil Microorganisms: The use of metal or metal oxide nanoparticles may disrupt soil ecosystems and harm beneficial microbes that are crucial for nutrient cycling and soil fertility.
• Lack of Legislation and Regulation: There is currently inadequate regulation regarding the use of nanofertilisers, which raises safety and effectiveness concerns.
• Bioaccumulation: The persistence of nanofertilisers in plant systems could result in the accumulation of nanoparticles in the food chain over time.
• Decline in Yield: Research has indicated a 21.6% decrease in wheat yield and a 13% drop in rice yields from the use of nano urea in India.

Way Forward

• Supporting Small-Scale Farmers: Utilizing abundant phosphate rock resources can make phosphate-based nanofertilisers more accessible and effective for small-scale farmers.
• Enhance Farmers’ Reach: Improving access to nano fertilisers that provide both micro and macro nutrients through initiatives like Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and farmer education campaigns.
• Standardisation and Regulation: Clear regulations and standards are necessary for the production, application, and safety of nanofertilisers to encourage widespread adoption.
• Invest in Fundamental Research: Ongoing research is crucial to understand how nanoparticles interact with plants, focusing on nano-toxicity and safety.
• Optimise Nanomaterials: The development of biodegradable nanomaterials, derived from plant-based sources or microorganisms, can help reduce potential toxicity and environmental hazards.

Mains Question:

• Nanotechnology holds immense potential for enhancing agricultural productivity, but its adoption raises several concerns regarding safety and environmental sustainability. Critically examine.

GS2/Polity

Inter-State Council

Why in News?

• The Indian government has reconstituted the Inter-State Council (ISC) after two years, with the last reconstitution occurring in 2022. The Prime Minister has been appointed as the chairman, highlighting a renewed commitment to cooperative federalism and Centre-State relations.

What is the Inter-State Council?

Establishment:

• The ISC was established to promote cooperation between the Centre and States and among States.
• It was created under Article 263 of the Constitution, which allows the President to set up an ISC for improved coordination.
• The Sarkaria Commission (1988) proposed that the ISC become a permanent body, leading to its formal establishment in 1990 via a Presidential Order.

Functions of the ISC:

• The ISC discusses topics of mutual interest to both states and the Union and makes recommendations for policy coordination.
• It also investigates issues impacting Centre-State and Inter-State relations to promote effective governance.

Composition of the Council:

• The Prime Minister serves as the Chairperson.
• Members include Chief Ministers of all States, Chief Ministers of Union Territories with a Legislative Assembly, and Administrators of Union Territories without a Legislative Assembly.
• Additionally, six Union Ministers of Cabinet rank, nominated by the Prime Minister, are part of the ISC.
• The 1990 Presidential Order has been amended twice, allowing the Governor of a State under President's rule to attend ISC meetings and enabling the Chairman to nominate permanent invitees from other Union Ministers.
• A Standing Committee for ongoing consultation was established in 1996 under the Chairmanship of the Home Minister.

Secretariat:

• The Inter-State Council Secretariat (ISCS) in New Delhi was established in 1991, headed by a Secretary to the Government of India.
• The secretarial functions of the Zonal Councils were transferred to the ISCS in 2011.

Benefits:

• Policies developed through ISC discussions gain greater social legitimacy, increasing acceptance among states and minimizing friction.
• The ISC helps maintain a balance of power between the Union and the states, preventing either side from dominating the other.
• It ensures that decisions made by the Union align with constitutional frameworks and federal principles, especially during reforms like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetization, which can strain Union-State relations.

What are the Challenges Regarding the Inter-State Council?

Infrequent Meetings:

• Despite its purpose, the ISC has faced criticism for holding irregular meetings, having convened only 11 times since its establishment in 1990.
• Although it is mandated to meet at least three times a year, the last meeting occurred in July 2016.

Non-Binding Recommendations:

• The ISC struggles with its advisory and non-binding nature, limiting its effectiveness in resolving disputes and fostering coordination between the Union and States.
• Its broad mandate lacks enforcement power, making it more of a forum for discussion than a decision-making body.
• There is often inadequate follow-up to ensure that recommendations are implemented, highlighting the need for a more structured approach to yield meaningful results.

Political Dynamics:

• The political environment can influence the functioning of the ISC.
• Differences in political ideologies between the central and state governments can affect the council's ability to reach consensus on various issues.

What Reforms are Needed for ISC to Function Effectively?

Amendment of Article 263:

• The Punchhi Commission (2010) suggested that the ISC should become a specialized body focused on intergovernmental relations and federal challenges.
• Amending Article 263 to bolster the ISC's mandate for addressing both inter-State and Union-State issues could enhance its consultative and decision-making role.

Regular and Timely Meetings:

• Reviving the requirement for regular meetings could ensure continuity in discussions and provide states with a consistent platform for policy input.

Clear Agenda and Priorities:

• Establishing a clear agenda and priorities for each meeting, focusing on urgent inter-State issues such as water disputes, infrastructure development, and economic cooperation, is essential.

Technology Integration:

• Incorporating digital tools and platforms can enhance communication, data sharing, and decision-making processes within the ISC, making it more efficient and responsive.

Conclusion

To genuinely strengthen India’s federal framework, the Inter-State Council must transform from a largely advisory body into a more proactive and empowered institution. Reforms that enhance its mandate and ensure regular, outcome-oriented meetings will be crucial in fostering deeper cooperation and addressing the complexities of Centre-State relations.

Mains Question:

• Discuss the role and significance of the Inter-State Council in maintaining cooperative federalism in India. How effective has it been in addressing Centre-State issues?

GS3/Defence & Security

Adaptive Defence for Emerging Security Challenges

Why in news?

• Recently, India’s Defence Minister emphasized the need to establish an adaptive defense strategy in the country to effectively tackle the new security challenges posed by the rapidly evolving global landscape. He indicated that India is actively developing emerging technologies to address these diverse challenges.

What is Adaptive Defence?

• Adaptive Defence refers to a strategic military approach where a nation's defense systems continuously adjust to counter evolving threats.
• This strategy emphasizes anticipating future dangers rather than simply reacting to existing issues.

Key Elements of Adaptive Defence:

• Situational Awareness: The capability to comprehend and react to changing environments effectively.
• Flexibility: Maintaining adaptability at both strategic and tactical levels for timely and effective responses.
• Resilience & Agility: The ability to recover and adapt swiftly to shifting circumstances.
• Integration with Emerging Technologies: Highlighting the necessity for adaptive defense systems to incorporate modern technological advancements.
• Joint Military Vision: The development of collaborative military strategies that not only involve national forces but also promote international cooperation.
• Evolution of Warfare: Understanding that traditional concepts of warfare are evolving due to new threats such as cyber warfare and terrorism.

Technological Transformation:

• Emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and swarm technology, are changing the landscape of warfare and defense strategies.
• Swarm technology enables coordinated operations among drones, satellites, or spacecraft through decentralized control and automation.

Psychological Warfare:

• Strategies that manipulate information to influence public opinion and disrupt decision-making processes within governments.

Government Initiatives for Adaptive Defence:

• Institutional Strengthening: Establishing the Chief of Defence Staff to enhance inter-service collaboration and reform training curricula.
• Focus on Self-Reliance: Initiatives like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat aim to boost India's defense capabilities.
• Drone Hub Vision: India’s goal to become a leading global hub for drone technology, supporting innovation in the domestic drone industry.
• Theaterisation of Armed Forces: Integrating the army, air force, and navy into a unified architecture to enhance tri-service collaboration.
• Positive Indigenisation List
• Increased FDI in Defence Sector
• Technology Development Fund (TDF)
• iDEX Scheme

What are New Security Challenges for India?

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI applications in the military can enhance early warning systems and lead to the development of advanced weaponry.
• Synthetic Biology: The fusion of biology and technology could result in the creation of biological weapons or harmful life forms.
• Cybersecurity: Cyberattacks pose threats to critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities and military networks.
• Autonomous Weapons: Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs) are capable of independently identifying and engaging targets using AI.
• Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs): These vehicles can conduct military surveillance and scientific research underwater.
• Hypersonic Missiles: These advanced weapons can evade radar detection and alter their trajectory, complicating defense efforts.
• Space Warfare: Militarization of space could threaten satellite operations and other vital space-based services.
• Terrorism: Drones can circumvent traditional defenses for surveillance and targeted attacks.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing tensions, such as those between China and the US or conflicts like the Ukraine War, pose significant regional stability threats.
• Environmental Security: Climate change and extreme weather events may lead to resource conflicts and population displacement.
• Global Security Architecture: The traditional dominance of the US is being challenged by the rise of China, creating potential power vacuums and instability.

Way Forward

• Technological Integration: Enhancing defense systems with AI and related technologies will improve India’s capacity to anticipate and respond to new threats effectively.
• Establishing a robust cyber defense framework, including regular drills and updates, is crucial to prevent cyberattacks.
• Creating a dedicated cyber force, similar to China’s Cyberspace Force, is necessary to address cyber threats.
• Resilience Against Hybrid Warfare: Public education on recognizing misinformation and propaganda is essential, especially during conflicts.
• Military units should be established to counter disinformation and promote factual information.
• Autonomous Systems: Increasing investments in anti-drone technologies and enhancing anti-satellite capabilities are critical.
• Establishment of a Space Force, akin to the US Space Force, will safeguard space-based infrastructure and assets.

Mains Question:

• With the rise of hybrid and grey zone warfare, how should India evolve its defense strategies to handle the convergence of cyber-attacks, misinformation, and traditional military threats?

GS3/Economy

Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation 2024

• Recently, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation 2024 report, which revealed that India effectively taxed its farmers to the tune of USD 120 billion in 2023, the highest amount among 54 countries assessed. This taxation is primarily a consequence of government policies such as export restrictions and duties that aim to maintain low food prices for consumers but impose severe financial burdens on the agricultural sector.

What are the Key Highlights of the OECD’s Report?

Financial Support to Agriculture:

• Total agricultural support across the 54 countries averaged USD 842 billion annually from 2021 to 2023.
• Although there was a decline in 2022 and 2023 compared to the peak in 2021, support levels remained significantly higher than pre-Covid-19 figures.
• Market Price Support (MPS) decreased by USD 28 billion between 2021-2023, yet it continues to be a substantial component of total sector support.
• MPS is a governmental measure aimed at ensuring that the domestic price of specific agricultural products remains at or above a set minimum, thus raising domestic prices above global market rates.

Agricultural Support in India:

• In 2023, India's restrictions on exports of products like sugar, onions, and de-oiled rice bran resulted in a negative MPS, leading to a USD 110 billion loss for farmers.
• This loss indicates that farmers received lower prices for their produce than they would have without such restrictive policies, severely impacting their income.
• India's overall market price support for 2023 was negative, with farmers facing a USD 110 billion loss, representing the highest negative price support globally, followed by Vietnam and Argentina.
• In 2023, India accounted for 62.5% of all global negative price support, a significant rise from 61% in the period of 2000-2002 to 75% during 2021-2023, emphasizing the escalating pressures on Indian farmers.
• Despite receiving a positive support of USD 10 billion through subsidies like the Minimum Support Price (MSP), these were overshadowed by the adverse effects of price-depressing policies.

Global Agricultural Challenges:

• Conflicts such as Russia's war against Ukraine and unrest in the Middle East have disrupted agricultural markets, adversely affecting trade and global supply chains.
• The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events pose ongoing challenges to agricultural production and productivity.
• Several countries have imposed export restrictions, which further distort the international trade of agricultural goods.
• Rising farmer protests worldwide highlight the economic and social difficulties farmers are facing, reflecting deep-rooted issues within agricultural systems.
• The slowdown in global agricultural productivity growth threatens the ability to satisfy increasing global food demands while ensuring sustainability.
• Governments are beginning to tie payments to farming practices that promote land health and biodiversity, even though Environmental Public Goods Payments (EPGP) constitute only 0.3% of total producer support.

Recommendations:

• Governments should set measurable goals for sustainable productivity and invest in monitoring systems like total factor productivity (TFP) and agri-environmental indicators (AEIs).
• TFP gauges the efficiency of agricultural inputs in generating outputs, showing how farmers can yield more with the same or fewer resources, making it a critical metric for sustainable agriculture.
• AEIs evaluate key environmental impacts and risks associated with agriculture and assess management practices of producers to elucidate agricultural performance and its underlying causes.
• The report advocates for innovation to enhance productivity and suggests that a greater portion of producer support should be linked to sustainable farming methods.

How do Indian Agricultural Policies Negatively Impact Farmers?

Negative Market Price Support:

• Indian policies have led to a negative market price support environment for farmers.
• From 2014 to 2016, the Producer Support Estimate (PSE) was around -6.2%, primarily influenced by negative market price support, which was reported at -13.1%.
• PSE is a measure that reflects the annual value of transfers from consumers and the government to agricultural producers.

Export Restrictions and Bans:

• Export bans and quotas on essential commodities like rice and sugar restrict market access for farmers, leading to reduced domestic prices.

Regulatory Constraints:

• Acts such as the Essential Commodities Act of 1955 and the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act of 2003 impose stringent regulations on the pricing, stocking, and trading of agricultural goods.
• While these Acts aim to ensure food security, they often result in lower prices paid to farmers due to price controls and procurement prices set by the government, which may fall below international market rates.

Low Minimum Support Prices (MSP):

• Although MSPs are intended to safeguard farmers, they have sometimes been set lower than international prices, resulting in farmers receiving less than they would in a competitive market.

Inefficiencies in Marketing:

• Lack of modern infrastructure and high transaction costs diminish the prices farmers receive for their products, contributing to price suppression.

Inefficient Resource Allocation:

• Subsidies for fertilizers, irrigation, and electricity may provide temporary relief but fail to tackle long-term challenges such as climate change, market access, and declining agricultural research.
• These shortcomings ultimately undermine sustainable growth and profitability for farmers.

Way Forward

Reform Export Policies:

• Gradually lift export bans and quotas, invest in infrastructure (such as cold storage, transportation, and processing), and align MSPs with international market prices to enhance competitiveness and ensure fair compensation for farmers.

Shift in Budgetary Priorities:

• Redirect financial resources towards enhancing resilience, sustainability, infrastructure, and minimizing inefficiencies in supply chains.

Better Market Functioning:

• Encourage greater integration between state and central policies to improve coordination, reduce fragmentation, and address challenges in the agricultural sector.

Promote Digital Platforms:

• Support direct marketing and e-commerce initiatives, such as the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), to connect farmers directly with consumers, thereby reducing dependence on traditional market structures.

Mains Question:

• Discuss the impact of India’s agricultural policies on its farmers. How do policies such as export bans and Minimum Support Prices affect the agricultural sector?

GS2/Governance

SC's Concerns Over Inaction on Sex Trafficking

Why in News?

• Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) of India expressed its disappointment with the Union government for failing to establish the promised new Organised Crime Investigative Agency (OCIA) or implement comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation, which was committed to in 2015. This inaction has raised serious concerns regarding the efficacy of the current systems in addressing the alarming issue of sex trafficking.

Why is the Supreme Court Concerned About Establishing OCIA?

• Inaction Despite Court Directives: The SC, in the Prajwala v. Union of India case in 2015, instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to create the OCIA to combat sex trafficking. However, the agency has not been formed even after the deadlines of September 30, 2016, and December 1, 2016, leading to delays in effective action against trafficking.

Importance of Addressing Trafficking:

• High Volume of Cases: Data from the MHA indicates that over 10,659 trafficking cases were reported between 2018 and 2022, demonstrating that trafficking is a persistent problem. The annual average of around 2,000 cases calls for enhanced policies, law enforcement efforts, and community awareness.
• Low Conviction Rates Despite High Arrests: Despite numerous arrests over the years, the conviction rates remain alarmingly low. This disparity suggests problems such as insufficient investigations and weak case presentations in court.
• Vulnerability of Victims: Many trafficking victims come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, often lacking adequate support. Issues with distributing compensation funds for victims exacerbate their vulnerabilities, sometimes causing them to become hostile in court due to financial pressures.
• Victim Support: Despite improvements in anti-trafficking units and intelligence gathering, low conviction rates highlight the need for enhanced law enforcement training, better victim support, and expedited compensation processes to improve case handling.

Government Response to SC Concerns:

• Pending Legislative Efforts: The government had drafted the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018, which was passed in the Lok Sabha but lapsed in 2019 without being introduced in the Rajya Sabha. This legislative gap has contributed to delays in the commitment to comprehensive anti-trafficking laws.
• NIA Assigned Role in Sex Trafficking Cases: The Union government informed the SC that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would take on the additional responsibility of handling sex trafficking cases instead of forming the OCIA. The SC questioned the effectiveness of this strategy, noting that the NIA may not have the necessary resources or mandate to provide adequate protection and rehabilitation for victims.
• Reference to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: The ASG informed the SC about provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (sections 111 and 112) that include measures for addressing organised crime, suggesting a partial framework for tackling sex trafficking.

How has Sex Trafficking Been Perpetuated in India?

• Exploitation Through Migration: Women and girls, especially from impoverished areas, are often lured by traffickers with promises of jobs in urban centers. Upon migration, they are frequently coerced into domestic work, spas, and beauty parlors, where they face sexual or labor trafficking. Major cities like Delhi and Mumbai are hotspots for such exploitation.
• Trafficking in Commercial Sex: The majority of trafficking victims are women and girls from marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes and Tribes. Traffickers have moved operations from traditional red-light districts to more hidden venues like dance bars and private homes, complicating enforcement efforts. Many in commercial sex work, including minors, become trapped in debt bondage.
• Cultural Exploitation: In some regions, practices like "devadasi" and "Jogini" lead to the exploitation of Dalit women and girls, who are ceremonially married to deities but coerced into sexual exploitation. Tourist and religious sites often become breeding grounds for trafficking, as traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals.
• Cross-Border Trafficking: Limited cooperation among Indian states and neighboring countries, such as Nepal and Bangladesh, hampers effective action against cross-border trafficking. Agreements to combat trafficking and facilitate victim repatriation remain incomplete. Traffickers target women and girls from Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Rohingya refugees, often under false employment promises.

What are the Measures Taken by India to Combat Human Trafficking?

Constitutional and Legislative Provisions:

• Article 23 (1) of the Constitution of India prohibits human trafficking and forced labor.
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) aims to prevent trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
• Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 addresses human trafficking for various forms of exploitation, including slavery and organ removal.
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 protects children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

Initiatives Taken:

• Anti-Trafficking Cell (ATC): Established by the MHA to coordinate and follow up on anti-trafficking actions.
• Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): Set up by the MHA to respond to trafficking in human beings, focusing on law enforcement, while welfare and promotional aspects are managed by the Department of Women & Child Development.
• Mission Vatsalya Program: Supports child victims of crime, including trafficking.
• Capacity Building and Awareness: Provides training for law enforcement and judicial officers on human trafficking through workshops and colloquiums to enhance sensitivity.

International Conventions on Trafficking:

• UN Convention: The United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime (UNCTOC) includes a protocol on preventing and punishing trafficking in persons, particularly women and children. India ratified this convention and implemented the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013 in line with the protocol. However, the UNCTOC lacks a clear definition of "organized crime," which may impede efforts against sex trafficking.
• SAARC Convention: India has ratified the SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution.

How an Agency like OCIA Can Help Combat Sex Trafficking in India?

• Specialised Investigative Units: OCIA could establish units aimed at targeting sex trafficking and other organized crimes in high-risk areas, deploying trained personnel for intelligence collection and rescues. Rapid response teams could facilitate quick rescues, collaborating with NGOs for victim rehabilitation.
• Data Collection and Intelligence Sharing: A centralized database could monitor trafficking cases and offenders, using predictive analytics for proactive interventions and enhanced information sharing.
• Collaboration with Law Enforcement: OCIA can train police and border forces on trafficking issues and coordinate joint operations for efficient rescues and raids.
• Cross-Border Operations: OCIA could collaborate with neighboring countries for joint operations, intelligence sharing, and legal support in cross-border trafficking cases.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: OCIA could initiate campaigns to educate at-risk populations and establish helplines for safe reporting of trafficking incidents.
• Policy Advocacy: OCIA could advocate for stronger anti-trafficking laws and monitor their implementation, ensuring better victim protection and stricter penalties for traffickers.
• Judicial Support: OCIA could assist courts by providing evidence and legal support for victims, ensuring their participation in prosecuting traffickers.

Conclusion

India has made some strides in combating sex trafficking; however, systemic challenges related to enforcement, victim protection, and legal frameworks persist. A comprehensive approach involving legislative reforms and consistent policy implementation is crucial for effectively tackling this issue. The government must prioritize these initiatives to significantly reduce and ultimately eliminate trafficking.

Mains Question:

• Discuss the need for an Organised Crime Investigative Agency to combat sex trafficking and other organised crimes in India, highlighting the role of specialised agencies in addressing such issues.