Supreme Court’s View on Paid Maternity Leave

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court has struck down a law which said a woman would be eligible for maternity leave if she legally adopts a child below the age of three months.

What was the recent SC’s ruling on paid maternity leave?

• SC ruling – The SC held that adoptive mothers should be entitled to maternity leave of 12 weeks, irrespective of the age of the adopted child.
• Equal Rights for Adoptive Mothers – The Court emphasized that maternity benefits cannot be confined by the child’s age & added that an adoptive mothers would have the same rights and obligations as biological mothers.
• Striking Down Section 60(4) – The ruling struck down Section 60(4) of the Social Security Code, 2020 (earlier Section 5(4) of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961).
• This section had limited maternity leave only to mothers who adopted children under the age of three months, the Court declared this restriction unconstitutional.
• Call for Paternity Leave – The SC also directed the Centre to introduce paternity leave as a social security benefit, recognizing the role of fathers in childcare.

What are the Constitutional Significance?

• Article 14 (Equality) – The Court ruled that limiting maternity leave to adoptees under three months was an artificial distinction without rational basis.
• Article 21 (Right to Life & Dignity) – Denying leave deprived both mother and child of dignity, care, and holistic development.
• Reproductive autonomy – Adoption is recognized as a legitimate exercise of reproductive choice.

What is the law on maternity leave in India?

• Colonial Beginnings –
• Bombay Maternity Benefit Act, 1929 – It covered women factory workers, marking the start of statutory maternity benefits in India..
• It was followed by similar laws in other parts of the country in the run-up to Independence.
• National Legislation – In 1961, Parliament passed the Maternity Benefit Act to provide paid maternity leave of 12 weeks to working women across the country.
• This was the first nationwide framework for maternity benefits.
• Major Amendment in 2017 – The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 expanded rights, such as
  • Extended the period of paid maternity leave for biological mothers to 26 weeks
  • Inserted a provision for extending maternity leave for the first time to adoptive mothers or surrogate mothers.
• Section 5(4) of the Act – Surrogate or adoptive mothers legally adopting a child below 3 months would be entitled to maternity leave for a period of 12 weeks from the date the child is handed over to the mother.

Why was this law considered inadequate?

• The Petitioner – This provision was challenged in 2021 by Hamsaanandini Nanduri, a lawyer who adopted siblings in 2017.
• Her Bengaluru law firm gave her only six weeks of paid maternity leave, which highlighted the lack of clear policy for adoptive mothers.
• Challenge to the Law – In 2021, she challenged the provision granting 12 weeks of maternity leave only to adoptive/surrogate mothers of children below three months.
• She argued this was “mere lip service” compared to the 26 weeks granted to biological mothers.
• The provision violated fundamental rights under the Constitution by treating adoptive mothers unequally.
• Key Arguments in Court – The 3-month limit was unjust to both children and parents, depriving older adoptees from receiving the maternal care they need for their development and integration into their adoptive families.
• Also pointed out that adoption procedures take much longer than three months in India.
• RTI Findings – Through an RTI filed with CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) that less than 5% of children adopted at that time were under the age of three months.
• This showed that the law excluded the majority of adoptive mothers from maternity benefits.

What did the Court say about motherhood?

• Motherhood Beyond Biology – The Court made it clear that motherhood cannot be seen through the “narrow lens of biology” alone.
• It referred to adoption as part of the “right to reproductive autonomy”.
• Importance of Leave – The period of leave plays a crucial role in fostering [an] emotional bond between the mother and the child, is essential for the child’s integration into the family.
• Psychological Well-being – The children raised in orphanages are often show higher stress hormone levels than those in children brought up in a familial environment, which pointed to a greater need for paid maternal leave for older adoptees.

How will the judgment help adoptees and their parents?

• Support for Adoptive Mothers – Adoptive mothers now have a statutory right to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, regardless of the child’s age, ensures they don’t have to rely solely on employer goodwill or sacrifice their careers.
• Emotional Security for Adoptees – Adopted children often face multiple transitions—from birth families to institutions, and then to adoptive families.
• Paid leave allows mothers to be present during this critical period, helping children feel secure and attached.
• Equality with Biological Mothers – The judgment removes the discrimination between biological and adoptive mothers.
• Both now have recognized rights to maternity leave, affirming that motherhood is not limited to biology.
• This strengthens the principle of reproductive autonomy and equal treatment under the law.
• Practical Impact – Adoptive mothers no longer need to quit jobs or take unpaid leave & older adoptees, who were previously excluded, now benefit from maternal care during their adjustment period.
• Adoption is acknowledged as a legitimate path to parenthood, with equal social security benefits.

What did the Court say about paternity leave?

• Call for Paternity Leave – The SC urged the Union government to examine the need for a formal law recognizing paternity leave for all fathers, adoptive or biological.
• Shared Parenting – The Court noted that India’s current legal framework does not adequately account for fathers’ role in childcare, it emphasized the importance of shared parenting.
• Current Situation
  • Government employees – As of now, only male government servants are entitled to 15 days’ paternity leave for the birth of a child or adoption.
  • Private sector – Leaves in the private sector are generally determined by company policies.

Reference

The Hindu | What did the SC say about paid maternity leave?

India’s Forests – The Roots of a Sustainable Bioeconomy

Why in News?

Forests are indispensable to India’s ecological stability, economic development, and social well-being.

What is the status of forests in India?

• The India State of Forest Report 2023 – Forest and tree cover together constitute 25.17% of India’s geographical area, reflecting their significant presence in the country’s landscape.
• Role – Beyond their environmental role, forests support millions of livelihoods, particularly among tribal and forest-dependent communities.
• In the context of rising climate challenges and resource constraints, India is increasingly moving towards a sustainable bioeconomy, which relies on renewable biological resources.
• Forests and tree-based systems are central to this transition.
• The theme of the International Day of Forests (March 21) — “Forests and Economies” — aptly underscores the need to integrate forest conservation with economic development.

How forests act as pillars of livelihood security?

• Livelihood – Forests serve as a critical source of livelihood for a large section of India’s population.
• They provide a wide range of timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as bamboo, honey, medicinal plants, gums, resins, tendu leaves, mahua flowers, and wild foods.
• These resources contribute to:
  • Income generation through local markets and value chains
  • Nutritional security via forest-based foods
  • Cultural and traditional practices, especially among tribal communities
• Particularly, bamboo—often referred to as “green gold”—has emerged as a key economic resource, supporting industries such as handicrafts, furniture, construction, and bio-based materials.
• Safety net – Forests also act as a safety net during agrarian distress, offering supplementary income during crop failures or economic shocks.
• Globally, forests support over 1.6 billion people, highlighting their immense socio-economic importance.

How forests contribute to ecosystem services and economic stability?

• Water regulation – Forests maintain watersheds, regulate river flows, and recharge groundwater aquifers, ensuring water availability across seasons.
• Soil conservation – Tree cover prevents soil erosion and enhances soil fertility, thereby improving agricultural productivity.
• Pollination and biodiversity support – Forest ecosystems sustain pollinators and biodiversity, which are essential for crop yields.
• Climate regulation – Forests act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change and reducing the frequency of extreme weather events.
• These services contribute to long-term economic stability and food security, especially in a country like India, where agriculture remains highly climate-dependent.
• Agroforestry – It is, defined as the integration of trees with crops and livestock, represents a viable pathway for enhancing both ecological sustainability and economic resilience.
• Key benefits of agroforestry include:
  • Diversification of income sources through timber, fruits, fodder, and biomass
  • Improved soil health and reduced dependence on chemical inputs
  • Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem resilience
  • Risk mitigation during crop failures
• India has a rich tradition of indigenous agroforestry systems, where communities have long practiced integrated land-use models.
• Strengthening these systems through scientific innovation, improved planting material, and better market linkages can unlock significant economic opportunities.
• Agroforestry is also aligned with India’s climate goals, as it contributes to carbon sequestration and land restoration.

What is the role of forests in the bioeconomy framework?

• Bioeconomy – It is an economic system based on the sustainable use of biological resources for producing food, energy, and industrial goods.
• Forests play a central role in this framework by providing:
  • Renewable raw materials for industries
  • Bio-based alternatives to fossil fuel-derived products
  • Sustainable inputs for construction, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectors
• For instance, bamboo and other forest resources are increasingly being used in eco-friendly construction, packaging, and biodegradable materials, supporting a shift towards a circular economy.
• By promoting sustainable forest-product value chains, India can generate employment, boost rural incomes, and reduce environmental degradation.

What are the Challenges in Harnessing Forest Potential?

• Deforestation and Degradation – Driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and unsustainable extraction.
• Climate Change – Increasing frequency of forest fires, droughts, and pest attacks.
• Biodiversity Loss – Habitat fragmentation threatens flora and fauna.
• Weak Market Linkages – Forest-dependent communities often lack access to fair markets and value addition opportunities.
• Policy and Governance Gaps – Inadequate implementation of forest rights and conservation policies.
• These challenges not only undermine ecological balance but also reduce the long-term economic benefits derived from forests.

What should be done?

• Institutional Support and Policy Interventions – Effective governance and institutional support are crucial for realizing the potential of forest-based economies.
• Key areas of intervention include:
  • Promotion of agroecology and community-based natural resource management
  • Development of region-specific agroforestry models
  • Support for small and marginal farmers, women, and tribal communities
  • Strengthening value chains and market access for forest products
• Other measures – Ensuring the availability of Quality Planting Material (QPM) and establishing certified nursery systems are essential for scaling agroforestry.
• Scientific planning, cost-benefit analysis, and value chain development can make tree-based farming economically viable and attractive.
• Scale up agroforestry through policy incentives and awareness programmes
• Strengthen forest-based value chains, including processing and branding of NTFPs
• Enhance community participation through decentralised forest governance and recognition of forest rights
• Promote sustainable harvesting practices and certification systems
• Invest in research, innovation, and digital technologies for forest management
• Integrate forests into national climate action plans and development strategies
• Public-private partnerships and international collaborations can further accelerate progress in this domain.

What lies ahead?

• Forests are not merely ecological assets but economic engines that support livelihoods, sustain agriculture, and enable sustainable industrial development.
• In the face of climate change and resource depletion, they offer a pathway towards a resilient and inclusive bioeconomy.
• For India, investing in forests means investing in climate resilience, rural prosperity, and long-term economic sustainability. Protecting and sustainably managing forests is therefore both an environmental responsibility and a strategic economic imperative.

Reference

The Hindu| State of Indian Forests

India’s Forests – The Roots of a Sustainable Bioeconomy

Why in News?

Forests are indispensable to India’s ecological stability, economic development, and social well-being.

What is the status of forests in India?

• The India State of Forest Report 2023 – Forest and tree cover together constitute 25.17% of India’s geographical area, reflecting their significant presence in the country’s landscape.
• Role – Beyond their environmental role, forests support millions of livelihoods, particularly among tribal and forest-dependent communities.
• In the context of rising climate challenges and resource constraints, India is increasingly moving towards a sustainable bioeconomy, which relies on renewable biological resources.
• Forests and tree-based systems are central to this transition.
• The theme of the International Day of Forests (March 21) — “Forests and Economies” — aptly underscores the need to integrate forest conservation with economic development.

How forests act as pillars of livelihood security?

• Livelihood – Forests serve as a critical source of livelihood for a large section of India’s population.
• They provide a wide range of timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as bamboo, honey, medicinal plants, gums, resins, tendu leaves, mahua flowers, and wild foods.
• These resources contribute to:
  • Income generation through local markets and value chains
  • Nutritional security via forest-based foods
  • Cultural and traditional practices, especially among tribal communities
• Particularly, bamboo—often referred to as “green gold”—has emerged as a key economic resource, supporting industries such as handicrafts, furniture, construction, and bio-based materials.
• Safety net – Forests also act as a safety net during agrarian distress, offering supplementary income during crop failures or economic shocks.
• Globally, forests support over 1.6 billion people, highlighting their immense socio-economic importance.

How forests contribute to ecosystem services and economic stability?

• Water regulation – Forests maintain watersheds, regulate river flows, and recharge groundwater aquifers, ensuring water availability across seasons.
• Soil conservation – Tree cover prevents soil erosion and enhances soil fertility, thereby improving agricultural productivity.
• Pollination and biodiversity support – Forest ecosystems sustain pollinators and biodiversity, which are essential for crop yields.
• Climate regulation – Forests act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change and reducing the frequency of extreme weather events.
• These services contribute to long-term economic stability and food security, especially in a country like India, where agriculture remains highly climate-dependent.
• Agroforestry – It is, defined as the integration of trees with crops and livestock, represents a viable pathway for enhancing both ecological sustainability and economic resilience.
• Key benefits of agroforestry include:
  • Diversification of income sources through timber, fruits, fodder, and biomass
  • Improved soil health and reduced dependence on chemical inputs
  • Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem resilience
  • Risk mitigation during crop failures
• India has a rich tradition of indigenous agroforestry systems, where communities have long practiced integrated land-use models.
• Strengthening these systems through scientific innovation, improved planting material, and better market linkages can unlock significant economic opportunities.
• Agroforestry is also aligned with India’s climate goals, as it contributes to carbon sequestration and land restoration.

What is the role of forests in the bioeconomy framework?

• Bioeconomy – It is an economic system based on the sustainable use of biological resources for producing food, energy, and industrial goods.
• Forests play a central role in this framework by providing:
  • Renewable raw materials for industries
  • Bio-based alternatives to fossil fuel-derived products
  • Sustainable inputs for construction, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectors
• For instance, bamboo and other forest resources are increasingly being used in eco-friendly construction, packaging, and biodegradable materials, supporting a shift towards a circular economy.
• By promoting sustainable forest-product value chains, India can generate employment, boost rural incomes, and reduce environmental degradation.

What are the Challenges in Harnessing Forest Potential?

• Deforestation and Degradation – Driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and unsustainable extraction.
• Climate Change – Increasing frequency of forest fires, droughts, and pest attacks.
• Biodiversity Loss – Habitat fragmentation threatens flora and fauna.
• Weak Market Linkages – Forest-dependent communities often lack access to fair markets and value addition opportunities.
• Policy and Governance Gaps – Inadequate implementation of forest rights and conservation policies.
• These challenges not only undermine ecological balance but also reduce the long-term economic benefits derived from forests.

What should be done?

• Institutional Support and Policy Interventions – Effective governance and institutional support are crucial for realizing the potential of forest-based economies.
• Key areas of intervention include:
  • Promotion of agroecology and community-based natural resource management
  • Development of region-specific agroforestry models
  • Support for small and marginal farmers, women, and tribal communities
  • Strengthening value chains and market access for forest products
• Other measures – Ensuring the availability of Quality Planting Material (QPM) and establishing certified nursery systems are essential for scaling agroforestry.
• Scientific planning, cost-benefit analysis, and value chain development can make tree-based farming economically viable and attractive.
• Scale up agroforestry through policy incentives and awareness programmes
• Strengthen forest-based value chains, including processing and branding of NTFPs
• Enhance community participation through decentralised forest governance and recognition of forest rights
• Promote sustainable harvesting practices and certification systems
• Invest in research, innovation, and digital technologies for forest management
• Integrate forests into national climate action plans and development strategies
• Public-private partnerships and international collaborations can further accelerate progress in this domain.

What lies ahead?

• Forests are not merely ecological assets but economic engines that support livelihoods, sustain agriculture, and enable sustainable industrial development.
• In the face of climate change and resource depletion, they offer a pathway towards a resilient and inclusive bioeconomy.
• For India, investing in forests means investing in climate resilience, rural prosperity, and long-term economic sustainability. Protecting and sustainably managing forests is therefore both an environmental responsibility and a strategic economic imperative.

Reference

The Hindu| State of Indian Forests

INS Taragiri

Why in News?

The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth frigate INS Taragiri (F41) at Visakhapatnam.

• It is an indigenously built stealth guided-missile frigate under Project 17A.
  • 4^th ship of the Project 17A class.

In F41, F represents frigate classification, and a frigate is generally a Medium-sized warship. 

• Built in – Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (Mumbai), a defense public sector unit.
• Supported by - 200+ MSMEs and private sector players to achieve over 75% indigenous content.
• Features –
  • Displacement – 6,670 tonnes.
  • Stealth Technology –
    • Advanced hull shaping + radar-absorbing materials
    • Low radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures
    • Reduced Radar Cross Section
    • Low radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures
  • Propulsion – CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) system
    • Diesel → fuel efficiency
    • Gas turbine → high speed
  • Automation – Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) that reduces crew workload.
  • Combat Capabilities – Missile Systems
    • Supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles
    • Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missiles
  • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) – Advanced sonar & torpedo systems
  • Combat Management – Integrated Combat Management System (CMS)
  • Network-Centric Warfare – Real-time data sharing with naval & air assets
  • Helicopter Capability – Operates multi-role helicopters (e.g., MH-60R).
• Operational Roles
  • Multi-dimensional warfare (air, surface, sub-surface).
  • Blue-water naval operations.
  • Sea control & sea denial strategies.
  • Maritime security & surveillance.
  • Fleet escort missions.
  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
• Strategic Significance –
  • Enhances India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Secures Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
  • Strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
  • Reflects expansion of India’s defence industrial ecosystem.
  • Supports India’s transition into a blue-water navy.

Quick Facts

• Project 17A (P17A) – It involves the construction of 7 advanced guided-missile stealth frigates for the Indian Navy.
• It is designed for superior combat capability and low detectability.
• It is designed by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND).
• Follow-on of Shivalik-class (Project 17).
• Ships named after Indian mountain ranges (Taragiri, Nilgiri, Himgiri).

References

1. PIB | INS TARAGIRI
2. TOI | INS TARAGIRI

World Water Day

Why in News?

On the occasion of World Water Day, emphasis was laid on spreading awareness about preserving natural water resources and making surroundings greener.

• Purpose – Highlight water scarcity crisis and need for sustainable water management of freshwater resources.
• Celebrated on – 22 March.
• Origin – Proposed at United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1993.
• Coordinating Body – UN-Water.
• Associated SDG – Sustainable Development Goal 6 to ensure availability & sustainable management of water.

Highlights, 2026

• Theme, 2026- "Water and Gender", under the campaign slogan "Where water flows, equality grows".
• This year’s focus addresses the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on women and girls
  • Women and girls spend approximately 250 million hours every day collecting water, often at the expense of education and income.
  • Despite being primary water managers in households, women are often excluded from formal water governance and decision-making.
  • Lack of safe water and sanitation facilities significantly impacts the health, dignity, and safety of women, particularly during puberty and childbirth.

India’s Water Governance Architecture

• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Created in - 2019 by merging: Ministry of Water Resources and Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation.
• NITI Aayog Index - Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) - Ranks states on water management performance.
• Water Stress Threshold – Occurs when Per capita availability < 1700 cubic meters/year.

Water is divided into Blue Water and Green water where Blue Water refers to the availability of water in Rivers, lakes, groundwater and Green Water refers to the Soil moisture (rain-fed agriculture).

Major Water Initiatives in India

India is among the largest users of groundwater globally.

India holds 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its freshwater.

References

1. PIB | World Water Day
2. PIB | JJM
3. UN Water | World Water Day
4. PIB | Per Capita Water Availability

Right to Vote & Compulsory Voting in India

Why in News?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the poll schedule for5 Assembly elections to be held in April–May 2026.

• Constitutional Provision - Article 326- Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies shall be based on adult suffrage.
• Every citizen ≥ 18 year, not otherwise disqualified, is entitled to be registered as a voter.
• Statutory Framework - Representation of the People Act, 1950 - Section 19 - Sets the eligibility to be an elector - Requires age ≥ 18 and ordinary residence in a constituency.
• Representation of the People Act, 1951 - Section 62: Grants right to vote to every person whose name is on the electoral roll.
• Judicial View - Supreme Court has held that the right to vote is a statutory right, not a fundamental right.
• Compulsory voting –Voting is neither a fundamental duty nor a legal duty in India as of now.
• Committees & Reports related to compulsory voting - Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) - Did not favour compulsory voting; recommended awareness campaigns.
• 255^th Law Commission Report, 2015 - Compulsory voting increases turnout (7%).
• Effectiveness depends on strict enforcement of penalties.
• Not desirable or feasible in India.
• Constitutional Concern - Compulsory voting may violate freedom of expression (Article 19(1)), as abstention is also a form of expression.
• Global Comparison
  • Australia, Argentina, Brazil - Compulsory voting; fines for non-voters.
  • Peru - Denial of certain public goods/services to non-voters.
• Solution - The solution lies in fostering enthusiasm amongst voters to exercise their right to vote through innovative campaigns, especially using social media.
• For migrant workers, stricter implementation of the statutory holiday on the day of polling, coupled with an increase in transport.
• With the advent of newer technologies, robust and secure methods acceptable to all stakeholders for remote voting should be considered.

References

1. The Hindu | Compulsory Voting
2. PRS India | Compulsory Voting

Guru Hargobind Ji

Why in News?

March 23, 2026, marks the Jyoti-Jyot Diwas of Guru Hargobind Ji, according to many traditional calendars.

• Jyoti-Jyot Diwas –Refers to the death anniversary of Sikh Gurus, symbolizing their union with the divine.

Key Contributions

• Miri-Piri Doctrine – He introduced the concept of combining Miri (temporal authority) and Piri (spiritual authority), symbolized by wearing two swords.
• Akal Takht - Established in 1606 at Amritsar by Hargobind Ji as the highest seat of Sikh temporal authority, complementing the spiritual authority of the Harmandir Sahib.
• Saint-Soldier Tradition - Transformed Sikhism into a force for defending justice and humanity, emphasizing courage alongside devotion.
• Release of Prisoners - Secured the release of 52 imprisoned kings from Gwalior Fort, remembered as Bandi Chhor Divas.
• Military Organization - Encouraged Sikhs to train in martial arts, horsemanship, and weaponry to resist oppression.
• Community Protection - Strengthened Sikh identity by balancing spirituality with self-defense.
• Promotion of Justice & Dignity - Advocated for protecting human rights and collective harmony.
• Significance of Guru Hargobind Ji’s Legacy - Institutional Strengthening - Consolidated Sikh practices by adding temporal authority to spiritual leadership.
• Defender of Faith - Ensured Sikhism could withstand persecution under Mughal rule.
• Model of Courage & Compassion - His life exemplified balance between devotion, justice, and protection of the oppressed.

Reference

India Education Diary | Guru Hargobind Ji